Every NBA season, a handful of teams take the next step from rebuilding franchises to legitimate championship contenders. This past season, the San Antonio Spurs were the perfect example. After winning just 34 games and finishing as the 13th seed in the Western Conference during the 2024-25 season, the Spurs completed a remarkable turnaround. They won 62 games, secured the No. 2 seed in the West, and made a surprising run all the way to the NBA Finals.
While San Antonio ultimately fell short of capturing the championship, the season was nothing short of a success. In many ways, the Spurs are ahead of schedule. Led by a young and talented core featuring Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, the franchise has positioned itself to compete at the highest level for years to come. The scary part for the rest of the league? They're only getting started. Seeing the Spurs' rapid rise raises an interesting question: who's next? Which team is poised to make a similar leap and shock the NBA world by emerging as a true contender next season? Here are three teams that can take that next step to become a true contender.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have made the playoffs in three straight seasons, but each run has ended with a first-round exit. Despite having a talented young core led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, Orlando has yet to establish itself as a true contender. The decision to move on from Jamahl Mosley and hire Sean Sweeney could be the spark the franchise needs. While Mosley helped build a winning culture, Magic fans are ready for more than just playoff appearances—they want deep postseason runs and championship aspirations. Without a first-round pick in this year's draft, Orlando will likely need to improve through free agency or trades. Adding another impact frontcourt player, such as Kristaps Porziņģis or Jalen Duren, could help take the Magic to the next level. If Orlando wants to become a serious threat in the Eastern Conference, it must be aggressive this offseason.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers exceeded expectations this season, making the playoffs despite not being widely projected to compete and eventually falling in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs. Still, the season gave them something real to build on. A major bright spot was Deni Avdija’s breakout, as he posted career highs in points and assists and earned his first All-Star selection. His development gives Portland a strong long-term piece alongside its core. Looking ahead, the return of Damian Lillard, combined with Jrue Holiday’s leadership and Scoot Henderson’s growth, gives the Blazers a much stronger backcourt. However, their biggest remaining need is a true rim-protecting center to anchor the defense. Without a first-round pick in 2026, Portland will need to improve through trades and free agency. The Western Conference is stacked, but the Blazers’ trajectory is clearly pointing upward if they make the right moves.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are on the rise, with their young core developing into real NBA talent. Jalen Johnson has emerged as the franchise centerpiece, earning his first All-Star selection and All-NBA Third Team honors while continuing to grow into one of the league’s top players at his position. Atlanta also showed promise in the playoffs, pushing the eventual NBA champions to six games in the first round and proving they can compete with elite teams. That run raised expectations for what this group could become moving forward. This offseason, the Hawks hold three 2026 draft picks, including No. 8 and No. 23, giving them multiple chances to improve. Their biggest need is in the frontcourt, where adding size and defensive presence would better balance the roster and support Jalen Johnson’s development. If they address that weakness, Atlanta has the potential to take a major step forward in the Eastern Conference.
