NBA Playoffs 2012: 5 Playoff-Bound Teams That Will Do Poorly Next Season

The NBA playoffs not only spell the end of the regular season, but offer the last glimpse of competency from several teams around the league. 

While more than half of the NBA's franchises make the postseason, the Association is no stranger to unflattering fall-outs of postseason contenders the following year.

Fans revel in the opportunity to watch their favorite team in the postseason, but cringe at the thought of a potential early exit.

Even more painful than the prospect of a disappointing playoff run, however, is coming to terms with the reality that a presently playoff-bound team is on the cusp of irrelevancy. 

Atlanta Hawks

Proving they can win with two or three key pieces and an array of fill-ins, nothing but the utmost of respect should be had for what the Hawks have accomplished this season.

But there is cause for concern moving forward.

The Hawks have have roughly $60 million committed to five different players next year, restricting their ability to make any meaningful additions. Their greatest obstacle transitioning into next season, however, is Josh Smith.

Smith will be entering the final year of his contract, rendering an almost certain trade request that Atlanta's front office will have to consider.

Either way, Atlanta loses. It can either deal its most effective player or create a monstrous distraction by letting uncertainty run rampant.

And that's not even considering how effective a returning Al Horford will be.

The Hawks are as fragile a team as there is in the NBA, a reality that could ultimately result in their demise.

Philadelphia 76ers

After beginning the 2011-12 campaign with a 20-9 record, the Sixers have fizzled, posting a dismal 12-21 record since then.

Philadelphia will likely edge out the Bucks for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, but it's not looking too good beyond that.

With nearly $50 million in payroll committed to next season, Philadelphia doesn't have the ability to add any depth to the fold, especially if it wishes to retain big man Spencer Hawes.

Factor in the underwhelming contribution of Elton Brand—who is more than unlikely to exercise his early termination option—and you have a team laden with uncertainty in the low post.

While Brand's expiring deal will prove to be a valuable trade chip, the potential contracts the Sixers would have to accept in return is enough to make even the most ignorant of fans quiver.

Without any significant changes on the horizon, Philadelphia is liable to fall hard next season.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns are not necessarily playoff-bound, as they are still battling the Jazz and Rockets for the final Western Conference postseason slot. Their involvement in such a race, though, is nearly a playoff victory in and of itself.

That said, Phoenix shouldn't expect to play .500 basketball or even broach the postseason bubble next season.

Marcin Gortat is a stud, Markieff Morris has been a pleasant surprise and Channing Frye has his moments, but make no mistake, the Suns' success hinges on the presence of Steve Nash.

The 38-year-old Nash is an unrestricted free agent after this season and has already indicated that he is keeping his options wide open.

Assuming Phoenix doesn't go deep into the playoffs this season, the point guard is expected to seek out a contender that gives him an opportunity to chase an NBA title. 

Unless the Suns pull off a multitude of improbable trades or convince several big-name free agents to join their cause, they won't be contending for a championship next season. 

Subsequently, that means no Nash, which also means little to no success.

Orlando Magic

Even with Dwight Howard guaranteed to begin the season in an Orlando uniform, it's not looking good for the Magic next year.

Let's move past the obvious hypothesis that the star center could force Orlando to endure another half-season of uncertainty and focus on his health.

Howard will undergo season-ending—and likely playoff-ending—back surgery on Friday to repair a herniated disk. While the prolific big man vows to come back stronger, herniated disks are no joke—just ask Eastern Conference rivals Amar'e Stoudemire and Baron Davis.

Howard's superior fitness level bodes well for his rehabilitation, but it's far from a guarantee he will be able to bang in the low post as he always has out of the gate.

Factor in the aging bodies of Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu, the deteriorating effectiveness of Glen Davis and Chris Duhon, and the reality that Orlando has no cap space to spare, and you have a team far worse off next season than it was this year.

Howard may or may not demand a trade once again next season, but it doesn't matter—the Magic's record will leave no need for him to divulge his future plans. 

Dallas Mavericks

It has been extremely difficult to watch the defending champion Mavericks this season, but it will be an even tougher task to accomplish next year.

Dallas has put itself in a sound financial position, but should the Mavericks fail—and they will—to lure Deron Williams back to Texas, the immediate outlook is rather bleak.

Not only will Dirk Nowitzki be 34, but Dallas risks losing both Jason Kidd and Jason Terry to free agency. The team is also left with a decision of whether or not to pick up the option on the contract of 35-year-old Vince Carter. 

Needless to say, the Mavericks have the potential to be a mess. And that holds true even if this entire group were to remain intact, as Nowitzki isn't the only aging presence on the roster. 

In the span of less than a year, the Mavericks have gone from winning an NBA title to the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture.

Come next season, though, this year's performance will read like a dream scenario.

Follow @danfavale