NBA Draft 2012: 4 Teams That Must Use the Draft to Get Back into the Playoffs

The NBA playoffs are now in full swing and, while there are 16 teams currently battling for a chance at the championship, there are 14 other teams that are left on the sidelines.

The NBA draft is one of the easiest ways a team can improve from one year to the next and build a solid foundation.

Multiple teams in the league just barely missed the playoffs either due to injury of a key player or players or to a late-season skid which kept them out. Teams will be back for revenge next year and looking to capture a playoff spot after failing this year.

Which teams can do it?

Let's find out.

Houston Rockets

The Rockers finished the season with a 34-32 record and missed the playoffs by just two games. They suffered injuries to key players throughout the season, including their best scorer Kevin Martin and point guard Kyle Lowry.

Houston has a good unit and a decent supporting group coming off the bench.

All the Rockets need is another scorer.

If the draft goes right, the team has a chance to get a scorer or just another good player and the playoffs should be realistic.

Houston just barely missed the cut this year, but should come back strong next year.

Phoenix Suns

This entirely depends on whether or not Steve Nash returns next season. I personally want him to go out and look for a ring while the Suns rebuild, but you never know.

The unit currently in Phoenix is one of the worst in the league when Nash is not at point guard.

However, if Nash returns, an addition of one more good player could be enough. The Suns desperately need scoring and that's what they should be looking for in the draft.

When the starting unit is comprised of bench players, there's a real problem and the Suns could be the Bobcats version 2.0 if they are not careful.

If all Phoenix wants is a playoff berth, they need to keep Nash and draft a scorer.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are better than the 26-40 record would make you think. Their team is full of young players who are either under performing or asked to do too much.

Early in the season, the duo of Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio were getting it done and the Wolves were going to make the playoffs.

Rubio went down with a torn ACL and then the season spiraled out of control.

Minnesota has an opportunity to pick up another good player in the draft and, if Rubio returns to form next year, will definitely be in the playoffs.

A defender would be very nice and hopefully Kevin Love can use the offseason to work on his defensive play.

Minnesota fans should be looking forward to next season.

Milwaukee Bucks

I'm not yet sold on the duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, but you never know with these player combinations these days. The Bucks just so happen to have a decent supporting cast around the two guards, as well.

Milwaukee has a very young group of players and are hopefully looking for some improvement from their young talent. Ersan Ilyasova took a big step forward this year and should continue his momentum going forward.

The biggest improvement for the Bucks would also be on the defensive end as well as improving their consistency.

This team has a bright future—assuming they draft right.

The Rest

The picture above is actually of the Charlotte Bobcats, but this is about the only type of highlight I could find for them (sorry fans).

The Bobcats are one of the teams that need to use the draft, sign free agents, trade and get rid of the players they don't need in order to become semi-relevant again.

The same can go for a team like the Wizards and New Orleans, too.

Simply put, the draft can boost certain teams into the playoffs because they are only missing one piece.

Other teams are missing a whole assortment of pieces.

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment below and follow me on twitter @DannyDukker