Here’s a breakdown of 8 surprise “most improved” NBA teams to watch in 2025-26 — teams that either made key upgrades or entered new phases of growth. I’ll highlight what they did, why they’re improving (or can improve), and what to keep an eye on.
1. Orlando Magic
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Orlando went 41-41 in 2024-25 and looked like it has the young core (Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner) to take a step.
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They added a major piece in Desmond Bane — improving their shooting/spread-offense.
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With the Eastern Conference wide open (due to injuries to other teams), Orlando has a chance to rise.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Health: They need their young stars to stay healthy.
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Offensive rhythm: Upgrading creation and shooting (with Bane) must translate into more efficient scoring.
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Defense continuity: They’ve been strong on that end; improving offense without losing defensive identity will matter.
Verdict: This is a prime bounce-up candidate. If their core clicks and the upgrade works, they could break into the upper tier of the East.
2. Detroit Pistons
Why the improvement is real:
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Detroit went from worst in the league (14-68 in 2023-24) to 44-38 in 2024-25 — a remarkable turnaround.
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Their young star Cade Cunningham signed a contract extension and has shown All-Star caliber growth.
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They added veteran shooters and stabilizers (e.g., Duncan Robinson) to surround the young core.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Consistency: They rose fast; now the question is, can they sustain it?
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Injuries: Their guard Jaden Ivey is recovering from knee surgery and will miss early games.
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Role definition: How the veterans integrate and whether Detroit can close tight games.
Verdict: Detroit looks like a “next-wave” improved team — not just a flash, but possibly a rising force if things go right.
3. Houston Rockets
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The Rockets landed Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, signaling serious intent.
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They added depth and upgraded around their young core. The combination of star and youth gives upside.
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Some sources project them as dark-horse playoff team or better.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Health: Durant, and other key players, must stay healthy.
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Chemistry: Merging star and youth isn’t always seamless.
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Depth & ball-handling: Some media flagged concerns about depth and point-guard strength.
Verdict: If things click, Houston could exceed expectations — not just improved, but competitive for high seed in the West.
4. Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks made meaningful moves around star guard Trae Young to build a more rounded team. (E.g., adding Kristaps Porzingis)
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They have a young rising defensive contributor in Dyson Daniels (MIP winner) which signals growth.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Can they turn improvements into wins in the deep West?
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Injuries and consistency around the perimeter need to hold up.
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Role definition around Young must tighten — especially in crunch time.
Verdict: A team many might overlook, but the Hawks have a credible path to leap forward.
5. New York Knicks
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After a 51-31 season and a Conference Finals appearance, the Knicks bring in new coach Mike Brown to try and unlock more.
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With key pieces like Jalen Brunson and Karl‑Anthony Towns in place, the potential is there.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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The change in system/coaching could take time to settle in.
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Defense/offense balance: They must maintain efficiency.
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Pressure: Expectations are higher; they must deliver.
Verdict: Maybe less a surprise-team and more a “breakout” candidate. But when expectations rise, the upside (and risk) both go up.
6. Golden State Warriors
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The Warriors added Jimmy Butler, upgrading competitively and signaling they still believe in contending.
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Although aging, they’ve veteran spacing, championship DNA, and could surprise if health holds.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Age & workload: Key players are older; managing minutes and health will be critical.
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Depth: Might struggle if injuries stack up.
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Transition: Integrating new pieces could take time.
Verdict: Not a “young up-and-comer” surprise, but a veteran team that could outperform modest expectations. Don’t count them out.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
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They’ve had back-to-back deep playoff pushes and have continuity with their core (Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, etc.).
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The next leap could come if they figure out closing in big games and fully unlock their talent.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Closing capability: They’ve struggled to get over the hump.
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Health & consistency: Still matter.
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Defense vs offense balance: They’re built for defense; can they keep evolving offense?
Verdict: A “safe bet” improvement candidate — maybe not dramatic surprise, but upward trajectory.
8. Phoenix Suns
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The Suns moved star Kevin Durant (to Houston) in a youth-driven pivot.
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With young talent and a reset, there’s upside if they embrace a fresh identity and stay healthy.
Watch-points / potential obstacles:
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Rebuilding phase risk: With Durant gone, the ceiling may actually drop unless things go very well.
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Experience: Younger roster may make mistakes.
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Expectations: If they’re still expected to contend but aren’t ready, that could backfire.
Verdict: This is more of a “wild card” in the improvement category: big potential upside, but also riskier than some other teams listed.
Final Thoughts
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Improvement isn’t just about new free-agents or trades — it’s about coherence, health, fit, and development.
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All eight teams above have either upgraded their roster, matured their core, or entered favorable conditions (injuries to competitors, open conference).
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The big questions: Can they stay healthy? Will key players break out further? Do the new additions produce in real games?
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I’d keep an eye especially on Orlando and Detroit — if they hit, they could significantly reshape their conference picture.
