Summer Forecast: Team Turnaround

ByABC News
August 25, 2015, 3:13 PM

— -- Which team/franchise will make the most dramatic leap in the 2015-16 season?

We've already shared our projections for the East and West standings, as well as the Rookie of the Year, MVP and best and worst newcomers.

Now our panel weighs in on Team Turnaround, the franchise poised to make the biggest jump in the standings relative to the 2014-15 season.

We asked the ESPN Forecast team to rank its top three choices, with a first-place vote receiving five points, a second-place vote receiving three and a third-place vote receiving one.

To participate in the discussion and perhaps get your opinion published on this page, #ESPNForecast is the Twitter hashtag to use. Or you can just follow along @ESPNNBA.

Team Turnaround: 2015-16

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Total points: 81

2014-15 record: 45-37

The last season Durant and Westbrook were both entirely healthy for (2012-13) OKC won 60 games. Stay healthy, a big jump from 45 is a given.

? Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 25, 2015

OKC will be great, but still rely on Kanter and Waiters too much for a truly elite team #ESPNForecast

- Jolson (@thejolson) August 25, 2015

2. Miami Heat

Total points: 71

2014-15 record: 37-45

The Miami Heat are gonna do some damage this year. "Reloaded" not "Rebuilt." League better be on watch. #ESPNForecast

- Bryan Young (@BryanIsTheKing) August 25, 2015

3. Utah Jazz

Total points: 20

2014-15 record: 38-44

@espnnba #espnforecast Utah's potential to improve is legitimate, considering that Gobert and Burke will continue making strides.

- Zach (@zjl00) August 25, 2015

The @utahjazz will surprise NBA fans this year. Look for some big things from Hayward, Gobert, Favors and co. Easy 7th seed #ESPNForecast

- Tanner Croshaw (@TannerCroshaw) August 25, 2015

4. Milwaukee Bucks

Total points: 17

2014-15 record: 41-41

@ESPNNBA MIL will improve if Middleton continues to develop as a 3-and-D talent, and if Monroe finds his role in the offense. #ESPNForecast

- Jordan Loesl (@SleepyJordan) August 25, 2015

@Bucks have potential to get the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference with extremely versatile lineup. #espnforecast

- Tony Plush (@SoLowPro) August 25, 2015

Three reasons why @bucks could -- or even should -- be better than their summer forecast ( http://t.co/e14rg68e0E). (more)

- Bradford Doolittle (@bbdoolittle) August 17, 2015

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

Total points: 14

2014-15 record: 16-66

@ESPNNBA The Wolves have a nice blend of young talent and savvy veterans, but will the veterans stay healthy enough to help? #ESPNForecast

- Kyle Jameson (@seeyamonday) August 25, 2015

Also receiving votes: New Orleans Pelicans (12), Indiana Pacers (7), New York Knicks (7), Orlando Magic (7), Boston Celtics (6), Detroit Pistons (6), Charlotte Hornets (5), Los Angeles Lakers (3), Philadelphia 76ers (1), Phoenix Suns (1)


OKC will be great, but still rely on Kanter and Waiters too much for a truly elite team #ESPNForecast

- Jolson (@thejolson) August 25, 2015

2. Miami Heat
Total points: 71
2014-15 record: 37-45

The Miami Heat are gonna do some damage this year. \"Reloaded\" not \"Rebuilt.\" League better be on watch. #ESPNForecast

- Bryan Young (@BryanIsTheKing) August 25, 2015

3. Utah Jazz
Total points: 20
2014-15 record: 38-44

@espnnba #espnforecast Utah's potential to improve is legitimate, considering that Gobert and Burke will continue making strides.

- Zach (@zjl00) August 25, 2015

The @utahjazz will surprise NBA fans this year. Look for some big things from Hayward, Gobert, Favors and co. Easy 7th seed #ESPNForecast

- Tanner Croshaw (@TannerCroshaw) August 25, 2015

4. Milwaukee Bucks
Total points: 17
2014-15 record: 41-41

@ESPNNBA MIL will improve if Middleton continues to develop as a 3-and-D talent, and if Monroe finds his role in the offense. #ESPNForecast

- Jordan Loesl (@SleepyJordan) August 25, 2015

@Bucks have potential to get the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference with extremely versatile lineup. #espnforecast

- Tony Plush (@SoLowPro) August 25, 2015

Three reasons why @bucks could -- or even should -- be better than their summer forecast ( http://t.co/e14rg68e0E). (more)

- Bradford Doolittle (@bbdoolittle) August 17, 2015

5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Total points: 14
2014-15 record: 16-66

@ESPNNBA The Wolves have a nice blend of young talent and savvy veterans, but will the veterans stay healthy enough to help? #ESPNForecast

- Kyle Jameson (@seeyamonday) August 25, 2015

Also receiving votes: New Orleans Pelicans (12), Indiana Pacers (7), New York Knicks (7), Orlando Magic (7), Boston Celtics (6), Detroit Pistons (6), Charlotte Hornets (5), Los Angeles Lakers (3), Philadelphia 76ers (1), Phoenix Suns (1)

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