It is incredibly hard to build a young team in the NBA. The worst teams are not guaranteed the top picks, and even the most surefire prospects can fail miserably once they reach the league. Even so, teams will always try to escape mediocrity, and this list is here to celebrate the teams that have done just that earlier than anticipated.

The teams on this list range from top-tier contenders to squads with one bright, emerging core, but every team mentioned has a realistic path out of the bottom of the league and into long-term relevance.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs made several moves last year to accelerate their timeline, most notably trading for De’Aaron Fox and drafting Dylan Harper. Even so, the consensus belief was that this team remained a year or two away from true contention. Instead, rapid development from Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, Fox’s immediate impact, and Harper’s seamless fit have combined to elevate a young San Antonio team into legitimate contention this season. Moves can still be made to bolster the roster, but they are no longer necessary for the Spurs’ success.

Portland Trail Blazers

Despite their recent history of draft misses, Portland struck gold in acquiring Deni Avdija from Washington. Avdija has blossomed into one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, serving as a do-it-all wing with a knack for drawing free throws. Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan have helped establish a defensive culture that now defines the team’s identity. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe have not yet lived up to their full potential, but they can still serve as impactful starters for this group. Unfortunately, certain decisions by head coach Chauncey Billups has hampered the team from fully realizing its upside this season.

Orlando Magic

Orlando has quietly nailed the draft over the past few years, selecting Franz Wagner eighth overall in 2021 and Paolo Banchero first overall in 2022. Both possess franchise cornerstone upside and, in a perfect world, could operate similarly to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as two star wings who complement one another and deliver a championship. While the talent is undeniable, the chemistry remains a work in progress. With Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and recently acquired Desmond Bane in the mix, this roster has contender potential if its two stars fully mesh.

Atlanta Hawks

The fourth-youngest team in the league, the Hawks are overflowing with young potential. Jalen Johnson has shattered expectations as a first option, while Onyeka Okongwu looks more like a franchise center with every passing game. The regression of Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher has been noticeable, but Atlanta earns its spot here thanks to the acquisition of New Orleans’ unprotected first-round pick this year, which currently holds top-three lottery odds. Landing one of the draft’s elite prospects within Atlanta’s infrastructure would make them immediate contenders.

Phoenix Suns

It has been a rough stretch since Phoenix reached the Finals in 2021. Multiple poor trades and failed superteam attempts cost the Suns valuable assets and squandered years of Devin Booker’s prime. The organization finally pivoted, trading Kevin Durant when it became clear the experiment had run its course. Phoenix should have been multiple years away from playoff relevance, yet young players like Colin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Ryan Dunn have emerged as solid rotation pieces keeping the team competitive. Jalen Green, acquired in the Durant deal, has flashed elite scoring ability when healthy.

Charlotte Hornets

At first glance, Charlotte appears cursed with permanent mediocrity, and that assessment feels fair without deeper inspection. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller have struggled with injuries and efficiency, but both still possess star upside, particularly the enigmatic Miller. Kon Knueppel is the reason the Hornets make this list. He is having the best rookie guard season since Luka Dončić and already looks like a franchise superstar, without many of the flaws that have plagued Ball and Miller. Charlotte also controls its own picks for the loaded 2026 draft class.

Chicago Bulls

After finally committing to a rebuild two years ago, Chicago has quietly accelerated its timeline faster than most struggling franchises. Matas Buzelis is a freak athlete whose skill level is beginning to match his physical tools, while Josh Giddey’s playmaking has introduced a new tempo to the offense. Coby White remains an explosive scorer, and the Bulls’ draft outlook is bright. The remnants of the old roster still linger, most notably Nikola Vučević, and moving on from him is the final step toward fully embracing the youth movement already underway.

Toronto Raptors

Toronto has become something special in year two of the Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram pairing. After early growing pains, the duo has seamlessly blended their games and propelled the Raptors into the East’s top tier this season. Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamaal Shead, and Ja’Kobi Walter all look like long-term pieces alongside the star duo. Toronto still needs to address its center depth and find new homes for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, but if the front office makes the right moves, this team has a legitimate shot at the No. 1 seed next year.

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