Hype doesn’t always translate to success, and in the NBA, some teams have learned that the hard way. Whether stacked with superstar talent, fresh off deep playoff runs, or bolstered by sky-high preseason expectations, these squads looked poised for greatness—only to stumble when it mattered most.
From chemistry issues to underwhelming performances, these teams serve as reminders that talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success. Here’s a look at some of the most overrated NBA teams in recent memory that failed to live up to the hype.
12. Milwaukee Bucks (2022-2023)
Despite a stellar 58-24 regular season record, the Bucks suffered a shocking first-round playoff exit. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, they dominated the Eastern Conference but faltered against the 8th-seeded Miami Heat, losing the series 4-1. This unexpected collapse highlighted the team’s playoff vulnerabilities, making them one of the most overrated teams in recent memory.
11. Toronto Raptors (2017-2018)
Despite a franchise-best 59-23 regular season record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the 2017-18 Raptors fell short in the playoffs. Led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, they were swept by LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the second round, exposing their postseason limitations and inability to overcome their nemesis.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-2018)
Despite adding Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to join Russell Westbrook, the Thunder underwhelmed with a 48-34 record. They finished 4th in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the first round by the Utah Jazz. The star-studded lineup failed to meet lofty expectations, proving that big names don’t always translate to playoff success.
9. Boston Celtics (2018-2019)
Despite high expectations following their 2018 playoff run, the Celtics underperformed in the 2018-2019 season. With a star-studded roster including Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Jayson Tatum, they finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record. Their playoff run ended disappointingly in the second round, losing 4-1 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (2019-2020)
Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the 2019-2020 Clippers fell short of expectations. They finished second in the Western Conference with a 49-23 record but suffered a shocking second-round playoff exit. Their inability to close out a 3-1 series lead against the Nuggets exposed their lack of chemistry and leadership.
7. Houston Rockets (2018-2019)
Despite a star-studded lineup led by James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets fell short of expectations. Their 53-29 regular season record belied their playoff struggles, losing to the Warriors in the Western Conference Semifinals. The team’s reliance on isolation plays and three-pointers proved ineffective when it mattered most.
6. Chicago Bulls (2011-2012)
Despite a league-best 50-16 record, the Bulls’ championship hopes were dashed when Derrick Rose tore his ACL in the playoffs. They became the fifth #1 seed to lose to a #8 seed, falling to the 76ers in six games. This team’s regular-season dominance ultimately proved misleading.
5. Brooklyn Nets (2021-2022)
The star-studded Nets, led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, entered the 2021-22 season as title favorites. Despite a promising 44-38 record, they struggled with injuries and off-court drama. Their playoff run ended abruptly in a first-round sweep by the Boston Celtics, falling far short of lofty expectations.
4. Phoenix Suns (2021-2022)
Despite a franchise-best 64-18 record, the Suns fell short in the playoffs. Led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, they dominated the regular season but were upset by the Mavericks in the conference semifinals. Their inability to translate regular-season success into a deep playoff run earns them a spot on this list.
3. New York Knicks (2010-2011)
The 2010-2011 Knicks generated significant hype but ultimately fell short. Despite acquiring Amar’e Stoudemire and midseason addition Carmelo Anthony, they finished with a mediocre 42-40 record. Their playoff run was brief, getting swept by the Celtics in the first round. The star-studded roster failed to live up to lofty expectations, making them one of the most overrated teams of the era.
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2. Golden State Warriors (2023-2024)
Despite high expectations following the acquisition of Chris Paul, the Warriors struggled to find consistency. Their aging core of Curry, Thompson, and Green showed signs of decline, while young talents like Kuminga and Moody failed to make significant impacts. The team’s inability to recapture their championship form led to a disappointing season.
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1. Los Angeles Lakers (2012-2013)
Despite assembling a star-studded lineup with Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Pau Gasol, the 2012-2013 Lakers fell far short of championship expectations. Plagued by injuries and chemistry issues, they barely made the playoffs with a 45-37 record and were swept in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
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