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The 5 Most Improved Teams in the NBA

By Mike Ferguson

Apr 8, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) holds onto a rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) holds onto a rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who are the most improved teams in the NBA?

The 2014-15 NBA season is less than a month old, but the standings in each conference look much different than many anticipated. While both were playoff teams a season ago, few would have guessed that the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies would be topping each respective conference.

Injuries have killed some of the league’s powers over the last few years like Oklahoma City, who has been without Kevin Durant and the Indiana Pacers, who are desperately missing guard Paul George. While some of the league’s best teams over the last few seasons are struggling without their stars, cellar-dwellers from last season have potentially become playoff teams. Here’s a look at the five most improved teams in the NBA:

5. Orlando Magic

Last season: 23-59
This season: 5-8
Overview: One of the worst teams over the last two years, the Orlando Magic are 5-4 since an 0-4 start. Orlando could legitimately be playoff bound in what is still a very weak Eastern Conference.

Some have been critical of recent moves made by General Manager Rob Hennigan, but Orlando has a number of pieces in place for a long time. 22-year-old forward Tobias Harris and 24-year-old center Nikola Vucevic are each averaging close to 19 points-per-game while Vucevic ranks second in the league in rebounding. Orlando has gotten more than its money worth in the deal that sent Arron Afflalo to Denver as Evan Fournier has been a guard that can score and distribute the basketball. Orlando should also be greatly helped by the return of last year’s second overall pick, Victor Oladipo.

Nov 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last season: 33-49
This season: 5-5
Overview: The fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers are only fourth on this list is a bit disappointing, but that could drastically change by season’s end. In LeBron James’ first season in Miami, the Heat started just 9-10 and when all was said and done in James’ four years, Miami had won four conference championships and two NBA titles. As many would expect, it has taken time for the newly-formed “Big 3” of James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to mesh, but Cleveland’s biggest concerns have been on defense and on the glass as the Cavaliers rank just 23rd in rebounding and are giving up more than 103 points-per-game.

On the offensive end, Love has been Cleveland’s biggest disappointment. A dip in scoring was to be expected, but a field goal percentage of less than 40 is unacceptable for a proven superstar who was just given the luxury of playing next to LeBron James. Depth has also been an issue early on for Cleveland.

3. New Orleans Pelicans

Last season: 34-48
This season: 6-4
Overview: New Orleans’ early improvement doesn’t come as a huge surprise with all the talent that is there, but the Pelicans’ long-term potential is limitless. Second-year center Anthony Davis could perhaps make a case for MVP as the 6’10” 21-year-old is averaging better than 25 points and 11 rebounds each time out and leads the NBA in blocks and more remarkably, steals.

While Davis has wasted little time becoming the face of a franchise with a new identity, his supporting cast is very good. Tyreke Evans has always been able to score, but forward Ryan Anderson has really helped stretch the floor, shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. After playing in just 34 games last season, point guard Jrue Holiday is beginning to look like the player who was named an All-Star in Philadelphia.

2. Sacramento Kings

Last season: 28-54
This season: 7-5
Overview: For a franchise that hasn’t won 30 games in a season since finishing 38-44 during the 2007-08 campaign, a 7-5 start is amazing for the Sacramento Kings. 24-year-old center DeMarcus Cousins is putting up ridiculous numbers for a second straight season, but this year, he has help.

The offseason acquisition of Rudy Gay has given the Kings a proven player who can do a number of things as Gay averages more than 21 points and just under seven rebounds. A resurgent Darren Collison, who is with his fifth team in six years, has played like an All-Star through the early parts of the 2014-15 season. Rookie guard Ben McLemore is beginning to come into his own over the last five games as well.

Nov 16, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) reacts after making a three point shot against the Miami Heat in the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) reacts after making a three point shot against the Miami Heat in the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Milwaukee Bucks

Last season: 15-67
This season: 7-5
Overview: The biggest surprise to this point in the NBA season has without a doubt been the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee is off to a 7-5 start after winning just 15 games all of last season. The Bucks didn’t pick up their seventh win last season until New Year’s Eve.

Former Detroit guard Brandon Knight has been instrumental in Milwaukee’s turnaround as Knight averages nearly 18 points and seven assists per game, but it’s the defense led by Larry Sanders that has fueled the turnaround. Second overall pick Jabari Parker has been a player that can do a number of things for Milwaukee as has one of the league’s more athletic players, the 6’11”, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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