The Grizzlies and Timberwolves are just two of the NBA playoffs teams that took major leaps this season. Which teams can follow next year? Chris Mannix and Howard Beck weigh in.
Mannix: All right, Beck, one of the most compelling series this postseason is Grizzlies-Wolves. And neither team made the playoffs last season? Putting aside the Clippers—because at full strength we both know they are a title contender—which team outside the conference’s top eight do you like to take a Grizz-Wolves–like leap next season?
Beck: It’s gotta be the Pelicans, right? Zion Williamson will presumably be healthy and in uniform. C.J. McCollum will be running the point from Day 1. Brandon Ingram will keep doing Brandon Ingram things. They might have a Big 3 in the Big Easy! And the supporting cast is looking stout, with Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance Jr., Jaxson Hayes and rookie defensive ace Herb Jones. We’ve seen how tough this group is in their first-round series against the Suns. Give them a little time—and, you know, a full season of Zion—and the Pelicans could be a problem, as the kids say.
