4 Underrated NBA Teams Entering the 2019-2020 Season

We are now just eight days away from the 2019-2020 NBA season opener. This is the most balanced league the NBA has ever seen, so there are a few really good teams that are underrated and could make a push for a playoff spot. Here are some sleeper teams you should look out for this season.

Sleeper Teams

Dallas Mavericks:

This season we finally get to see Kristaps Porzingis in action for the Mavericks. The Mavs acquired Porzingis last season in a terrible trade that sent Dennis Smith Jr., Deandre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two future first-round picks to the Knicks in exchange for the all-star caliber big man. Pairing him up with Luka Doncic is a nightmare for the rest of the league. If Porzingis can play like he did before his ACL injury then the Mavericks will be serious contenders for the 8th seed in a deep western conference.

Chicago Bulls:

The Bulls finally got their point guard in Coby White, who they selected with the 7th pick in this year’s draft. I can’t wait to see how White plays with Lauri Markkanen and Wendel Carter Jr. Pick and rolls with those three players is going to be lethal. I’m most excited about Zach Lavine’s progression as the team’s leading scorer and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is named an all star for the first time. The offseason acquisitions of Thaddeus Young and Coby White are going to help this young Bulls team tremendously, but I worry about this team’s defense, which was one of the worst in the league last season. The Bulls just might secure the eighth seed this year.

Sacramento Kings:

De’Aaron Fox needs to play like an all-star for the Kings to make their push towards the playoffs. Marvin Bagley will also need to step up with Cauley-Stein now playing in Golden State. I like the move to bring in Dewayne Dedmon, who can spread the floor and protect the rim. Buddy Hield was one of the best shooters in the league last year, and I expect him to continue to have success as one of the King’s primary scoring options. I like their roster, but they’re really young and will compete against experienced teams like the Warriors, Spurs, and Trailblazers for a playoff spot. At the very least the Kings will a very fun team to watch and a must-see team for NBA League pass users.

New Orleans Pelicans:

The Pelicans have so much talent and a lot of young guys.. Jrue Holiday is a monster on both sides of the ball and is arguably a top 5 shooting guard. Lonzo Ball is a good point guard who, thanks to his reinvented shooting form, can become a decent scoring option. J.J Redick is a sub 40% three point shooter and will play a huge role on a young team that lacks three point shooting. Brandon Ingram is their #1 scoring option and can become an all-star if he improves his three point shooting. Zion Williamson highlights a good group of rookies including Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In the preseason Williamson has shown off his ability to dominate from the perimeter even though he is a below average shooter and shoots a majority of his shots inside the paint. My favorite thing about the Pelicans is their depth, which is something a lot of teams don’t have. The Pelicans have 10 guys on their roster that provide a lot of value and could possibly be reliable in a playoff game. That’s insane! The biggest issue with this team is their floor spacing, or lack thereof. They only have one player (Redick) who shoots near 40% from three on significant volume, and that’s scary. This is another team to keep your eye on.

If you were wondering who some underrated NBA teams are then here you go. I wanted to put five teams on the list, possibly the Spurs or Knicks, but the Spurs aren’t underrated enough for the list and I don’t really know what we have in the Knicks. I hope you enjoyed and look out for our playoff seeding predictions!