I prefer to begin my NBA previews from the bottom and work my way up. When it comes to struggling, no one does it better than the lottery teams in the Eastern Conference. Last season, four Eastern teams lost at least 57 games, and overall, the conference had seven of the league’s worst records.
The Detroit Pistons had a 28-game losing streak, but the Charlotte Hornets actually had the worst scoring margin in the league. The Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Pistons collectively won fewer games than five NBA teams.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, with a strong draft class led by Cooper Flagg from Duke, several teams have the motivation to tank for a high draft pick. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets have embraced this strategy, while the Chicago Bulls have also shifted slightly in the same direction. A highlight for tanking enthusiasts will be the game between Washington and Chicago on April 11.
There’s a possibility that a historically bad record could qualify for the Play-In, with the potential for five Eastern Conference teams to reach 55 losses despite frequently facing each other.
Now, let’s delve into the projected records, strategies, and future paths of the bottom seven teams in the East, with a discussion on the rest of the league coming later this week.
15. Washington Wizards (14-68)
Washington’s projected record shocked me as it appears that they may struggle to improve from last season. The roster lacks quality, having traded their best player and lost a key guard in free agency. With players like Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole leading the team, Washington is in for a challenging season.
The team underwent a rebuild, focusing on developing young talents acquired in the draft. Players like Alex Sarr show potential, but their offensive game needs work. The Wizards will face an uphill battle this season but are laying the groundwork for future success.
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The rookies will go through a learning curve while the Wizards try to avoid a historically bad season. It will be a season of player development, asset accumulation, and striving to avoid creating negative records.
Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons looks up court as he pushes the ball against Boston in February. (Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
14. Brooklyn Nets (21-61)
Following their post Kevin Durant–Kyrie Irving era, the Nets are expected to have a tough season. They are rebuilding by leveraging their draft picks and preparing for the future. The team has a mix of veteran talent and young players, with a focus on development and asset accumulation.
Re-signed center Nic Claxton is a key player, while other young talents like Cam Johnson and Noah Clowney will have opportunities to showcase their potential. The Nets are looking towards the future and aiming for improvement after a challenging season.
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