We’re already a month into the 2023-2024 season but we’re already seeing a lot of shocking and surprising teams. These teams have managed to overachieve and have exceeded expectations. Here’s a list of 5 sleeper teams that have turned things around this season.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Since “The Process” began in Philadelphia, the 76ers have been a team to beat in the East. They’ve been a championship contender in the last five years but haven’t even reached the Finals, even with Joel Embiid. They had a chance to win it all with the James Harden and Embiid project, but everything went downhill this summer.
Fortunately, Tyrese Maxey was able to blossom after Harden’s departure. What’s surprising here is that the Sixers may have become a better team without The Beard.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have two quintessential superstars – Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. But, last season, their performance fell horribly in the last 10 games or so, leading to them missing the 2023 playoffs.
But now, it seems that everyone is meshing well together. Luka is playing like an MVP and Kyrie is back in his usual self. Also, one of their better moves in the offseason was drafting Dereck Lively II and signing Grant Williams. It’s turning out great in Dallas and surprisingly, they’re looking like a contender again.
3. Houston Rockets
Thanks to the great mind of head coach Ime Udoka added with the break out of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, and with some key pieces, the Houston Rockets are actually doing pretty well in the West.
Many viewed the signing of Dillon Brooks as extremely ridiculous. There’s some point to that, but it turns out the villain Brooks could be an integral part of the growth of this young team.
2. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic may finally be getting to the end of the rebuilding tunnel as their homegrown players are slowly developing into stars. Just like the Sixers, Orlando depended on rebuilding from within. There were some bad choices along the way, but it may be worth it if their young core evolves into legit cornerstone guys.
The Orlando Magic have won 7 straight games. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/igskTkIR6N
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 27, 2023
This season, the Magic have surpassed expectations with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Cole Anthony leading the way. Right now, they’re the No.2 seed in the East, a stacked conference that has Milwaukee, Boston, and Philadelphia all rooting to become 2024 champions. Obviously, they aren’t a contender yet, but this team is doing pretty well this season and has surprised many NBA fans.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
What a turn of events! The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently the best team in the West as they get to the No.1 seed in the NBA standings. Well, it might be because Anthony Edwards is finally breaking out as a true superstar. It also helps that Karl-Anthony Towns has recovered well from his injuries while Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley are still exceptional contributors. Can they overcome the odds and win it all for Minnesota? Well, it just goes to show that the Wolves have been overachieving thus far.
