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On the heels of a memorable 2014-15 season and another wild free-agency period (although not quite as hectic as last year's), the balance of power in the league hasn't quite shifted. While there have been a few contenders—namely the Spurs and Clippers—to make notable additions, even more intriguing are those teams preparing to climb the ranks and threaten for a playoff spot.
More than one of those teams is out there, so let's take a look at three prime candidates after we break down a preseason version of the NBA power rankings.
[h=2]NBA Power Rankings[/h]
[h=2]Teams on the Rise[/h]Miami Heat (No. 9)
Relentless injuries and a year-long LeBron James hangover doomed the Miami Heat last season, but they appear locked and loaded to threaten the best of the East—which just so happens to include their former teammate.
Alas, there's no Eastern Conference squad more well-equipped to beat the mighty Cavaliers, assuming they stay healthy. Dwyane Wade is still a game-changer. Chris Bosh made his triumphant return from career-threatening blood clots, scoring a team-high 14 points in the Heat's preseason opener.
Oh, then throw in Hassan Whiteside finally coming into his own, a rich Goran Dragic along with Josh McRoberts and Justise Winslow on the wings. You have yourself a ball club.
Did I mention they nabbed Amar'e Stoudemire as well? The Heat's Twitter page showcased what he's doing so far:
Simply put, the organization put all their eggs into the LeBron basket last offseason and came up empty-handed. Adding on the injuries to that made it nearly impossible to muster up a run even into the postseason.
But this season promises to be different in South Beach, and their former hero is the main target.
Utah Jazz (No. 14)
The pieces are there for the Utah Jazz to build off a much-improved 2014-15 season and potentially squeak their way into the postseason—even in the brutal Western Conference.
Trading Enes Kanter to the Thunder last season stripped the Jazz of one of their young dynamic playmakers, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise. It allowed center Rudy Gobert to fully realize his potential as a dominating defensive presence and a future star in the league.
Playing alongside Derrick Favors, Utah suddenly has one of the most formidable young frontcourts in all of basketball. With Gordon Hayward an offensive magician who can rack up 30 points or dish the ball as the Jazz showed, Utah is in good shape:
A resurgent season won't happen for the Jazz, however, if a few other guys don't step up. An offseason injury to Dante Exum has the young guard out for the season, meaning Alec Burks and others will need to step up and come into their own.
When your strength is down low and on defense, though, you can overcome a lot.
Sacramento Kings (No. 20)
By the end of 2015-16, the Sacramento Kings will either be the definition of a preseason riser, or make this pick look beyond foolish.
In all reality, the Kings could blow up with victories—or just blow up altogether.
An offseason DeMarcus Cousins trade saga ended with ownership taking a firm stance on keeping him, but there's no telling how he'll work with head coach George Karl. A situation that didn't really need more combustability went out and signed Rajon Rondo, who just barked his way out of Dallas last postseason.
With that said, it sounds like Rondo is ready to turn a corner on his career, per the Kings' Twitter:a
At this point in the career of Rondo and the recent history of the Kings, the time for talking is over. It's now time to prove it, and Rondo will get his chance to do that in leading a roster ripe with talent.
If it all comes together properly, don't be surprised to see the Kings sneak their way into the postseason out West.
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