Rise up

We're looking at the worst 10 teams in the NBA to see which of them are best positioned to climb the standings in 2026-27.

Good morning. Lace up, the Play-In Tournament is here. Let's basketball.

Ten teams have been fully eliminated at this point. Eight or nine of them will add a lottery pick to their rosters, barring future trades. Most or all may be deterred from tanking again next year based on the league's threatened lottery reform. So which ones are most likely to be much more competitive next season based on what we know now?

Let's rank those teams from 1-10 in terms of the win total jump we'd expect as of right now.

1. Pacers

Obviously, this was a one-year sojourn to the bottom of the standings. They'll come back next season with Tyrese Haliburton, Ivica Zubac and maybe a top-4 pick. (Reminder: if their pick falls outside the top four, it goes to the Clippers.) Pascal Siakam was spectacular this season given the context, and both Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are good starters for a team built around Hali, Siakam and Zubac. Indiana should be well above 50 wins next season.

Let's hope Hali gets the shingles under control and gets back to playing weight.

2. Jazz

Utah ended up tied for the fourth worst record, but it took a lot of effort as even the middling prospects on the roster started playing well. The Jazz are ready: Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr. probably get you to the high 30s win total at minimum (given health), and they'll get contributions from Ace Bailey, Walker Kessler, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams (against all odds!) and perhaps their lottery pick. This (finally!) looks like a team ready to get back in the mix. I'm expecting a play-in type finish depending on what other wizardry the front office cooks up.