The Top 5 Teams We Need To Watch In 2010-11

We all know about the upcoming Summer for LeBron. Most of us are so excited about the next Kingdom for King James, that we overlook some young exciting new teams that have just made their first Playoff berth, and those with much potential. We overlook the potential of those who have been unfortunate enough to have huge injuries on their rosters. Well, I list them from 5 to 1 in this article.

Number 5: The Portland Trailblazers

The Portland Trailblazers, were one of the elite teams of the NBA coming into the 2009-2010 season. The thing is, injuries plagued the Blazers and forced them to trade for a shot at the Playoffs. With injuries to Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, Joel Pryzibilla, and more, it's a wonderful tale on how Portland got into the Playoffs. Next year, we hope they aren't as injury-prone and will develop their young stars. Did I mention Brandon Roy hasn't even reached peak age yet? This exciting Portland Team looks pretty good right now.

Number 4: Charlotte Bobcats

The Charlotte Jordancats have made the best signings in the NBA this season. They've signed Stephen Jackson, which helped catapult this lottery team into a playoff team. The thing with Charlotte is they have no real superstar. As great as Stephen and Gerald are, they have already reached peak age and have no potential to grow like the other teams on the list. It's up to the young guns of Charlotte AKA Felton, Henderson, and Tyrus to name a few. If this kind of management and growth keeps going, expect the Bobcats to be a threat next year.

Number 3: Milwaukee Bucks

The sensational rookie Brandon Jennings aka "Young Buck" and John Salmons have made this team better than before. Expect Andrew Bogut to be back better than ever. Michael Redd won't be in top form, but I have a feeling he will still contribute. Milwaukee will probably get a handy ballplayer out of college, drafting 15th (from Chicago) and 17th in the NBA draft. With Jennings, Salmon, Redd, and Bogut on the floor, expect this to be a threat. There is a reason to Fear the Deer.

Number 2: New Jersey Nets

Why is the team with the worst record in an NBA season since the 76ers number three? Simply because of the man above. Freshman sensation John Wall looks like a carbon-copy of Derrick Rose. With New Jersey's youthful core, (Wall-Lopez-Harris-Lee) and perhaps a big name coming into the Garden State (or Brooklyn). The Nets can bury the shame of the 2009-2010 season by being a serious team for several years.

Number 1: Oklahoma City Thunders

Who else could be at number 1 but the Oklahoma City Thunders? Kevin Durant has already became a franchise player, and Russel Westbrook continues to grow as well. James Harden and Jeff Green are also two guys with All-Star caliber potential in the future. Young shot-blocker Serge Ibaka looks to have a great defensive future as well. The Thunder have one of the loudest crowds, devout new fans, and many years of greatness ahead of them. To really solidify Oklahoma, they need a solid big man. With continuing growth and a solid big-man, I think Oklahoma will be a top tier team.