4 NBA Draft lottery teams that can make the playoffs in 2025 with the right picks, including the Rockets
These teams don't need much to get back to the playoffs.
If I’m being completely honest, it’s not likely any of the teams we’re about to discuss makes the playoffs solely because of who they select in the draft Wednesday night.
I picked six teams that could make the playoffs before the 2023 NBA Draft, and though four of those predictions ended up being correct — and a fifth made the play-in tournament — only one of those teams got significant production from their first-round rookie. That was my top pick, the Dallas Mavericks, who ended up landing Derrick Lively II in a draft-day trade.
So, the odds aren’t in my favor here.
Regardless, it’s still fun to take a look at the lottery teams best equipped to get back into the playoffs after missing the previous year’s postseason, and imagine which rookies might help them on that journey. So, I’m running it back ahead of the 2024 draft, with four teams that stand out among the 10 that missed the playoffs.
Related: Best team fits for the top 2024 NBA Draft prospects
4. Houston Rockets (No. 3 overall pick)
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The Rockets are last on this list, but that’s less about my confidence in their ability to make the playoffs and more about how much I doubt the player they draft contributes in year one. Houston still has to carve out defined roles for last year’s first-rounders.
Not to mention, the Rockets are reportedly interested in pursuing a big name like Kevin Durant. So, any rookie they potentially draft will likely have to grind for playing time. Regardless, the right player could have a chance to contribute to a winning situation right away. Houston made significant strides last season and appears ready to take the next step.
Related: FTW’s NBA Mock Draft 10.0
3. Memphis Grizzlies (No. 9 pick)
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Unlike in Houston, I do think there’s a path for the right young player to carve out an important role in Memphis. And with the return of Ja Morant and others who were lost to injury last season, this will be a team right back in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The Grizzlies could use some depth at every position, and they also need more three-point shooting. So look for whoever they take to be someone who can contribute immediately.
2. Sacramento Kings (No. 13 pick)
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Sacramento just missed out on the playoffs last season, getting bounced in the play-in tournament after injuries started piling up. But they have the foundation in place to get back to where they were two years ago.
More importantly, at the No. 13 pick, they won’t likely be in a position to draft a high-upside player with raw talent. Whoever they find will probably be a high-floor player who fills an area of need and potentially slots into the rotation sooner than later.
1. Atlanta Hawks (No. 1 pick)
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Related: The 5 best options for the Hawks with the No. 1 pick
This shouldn’t be much of a surprise, as the Hawks only landed the No. 1 pick through good lottery luck. Otherwise, they’re a play-in team only three years removed from the conference finals. And now they have their pick of any player in this draft. The right guy should give them a significant boost.
Now, the Hawks do have other things to figure out with this roster, which is why I don’t think they’re necessarily better than the other teams on this list. But playing in the East makes their path back to the playoffs a lot easier.