Johnathan Walker:Four NBA teams that could jump back into playoffs this season

Last season,Johnathan Walker five NBA teams made the playoffs that did not in 2022.

In 2022, five teams made the playoffs that did not in 2021.

It’s not the same 16 teams in the playoffs year after year. Cleveland’s acquisition of Donovan Mitchell before the 2022-23 season propelled it into the playoffs last season, and New York benefitted from the addition of Jalen Brunson to get back into the playoffs. Sacramento’s emergence behind the play of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox and the coaching of Mike Brown put the Kings in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

For multiple reasons, teams rise and fall.

Who is ready to make the jump into the playoffs this season? Here are four teams on the rise:

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City made the play-in game last season with a 40-42 record, a significant improvement over its 24-58 mark in 2021-22. A season ago, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned into an All-NBA guard (31.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals per game), Josh Giddey emerged as a strong scoring, passing and rebounding guard (16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists per game), Lu Dort can defend and Jalen Williams (14.1 points per game, 52.1 FG%) was an All-Rookie selection. And, Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, will be on the court after missing last season with an injury. Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti has amassed talent, the Thunder are on the rise and just how rapidly they ascend is a major storyline in the West.

Orlando Magic

The Magic were 34-48 last season and were a postseason contender up until late. Forward Paolo Banchero earned Rookie of the Year; Franz Wagner improved from his rookie to second season and could be a 20-points-per-game scorer in his third season; and the Magic drafted well in June, taking Arkansas’ Anthony Black at No. 6 and Michigan’s Jett Howard at No. 11. Cole Anthony, Mo Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Joe Ingles and Gary Harris round out a squad with depth and veterans. Health will play a significant role in Orlando’s success.

More:Counting down the NBA's top 30 players for 2023-24 season: Nos. 30-16

Indiana Pacers

A patient rebuild turned into an accelerated rebuild. Guard Tyrese Haliburton was named an All-Star and Benedict Mathurin, a potential All-Star, was named an All-Rookie selection, giving the Pacers a strong backcourt. In free agency, Indiana signed Bruce Brown, who is coming off a significant role in Denver’s title run, and acquired Obi Toppin from New York. The Pacers selected Houston’s Jarace Walker with the No. 8 pick and Belmont’s Ben Sheppard with the No. 26 pick in June. They still have Myles Turner and could trade Buddy Hield for players and/or draft pick. The Pacers were 35-47 and five games behind Chicago for the final play-in game spot. They should be on the verge of the postseason come April.

Utah Jazz

After trading Donovan Mitchell before the 2022-23 season, the Jazz were another team expected to tank. Instead, Utah started 10-3. Yes, the Jazz missed the playoffs, but they were just three games from the final play-in spot in the West. They revealed their talent with the play of 2022-23 Most Improved Player Lauri Markkenen, former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, 2022-23 All-Rookie selection Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk and Talen Horton-Tucker. Utah used its three first-round picks on UCF’s Taylor Hendricks at No. 9, Baylor’s Keyonte George at No. 16 and Ohio State’s Brice Sensabaugh at No. 28. The Jazz also traded for John Collins, putting together a promising mix of talent, depth, youth and veterans.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on X @JeffZillgitt