By AC Young

A trip to the lottery is sometimes the best thing for a team that isn't a champion contender. By just scraping into the playoffs you miss out on drafting a Tim Duncan or Allen Iverson. But high draft picks are not the only thing non-playoff teams have to look forward to. These teams have salary cap-space, young players improving or the depth to make a good trade and can be in the playoffs next year.

Milwaukee - To acquire talent it is often necessary to give some up. With three players who can score 20 a game, a young shotblocker and a late lottery pick the Bucks have assets to trade. The logical move is Glenn Robinson going, as Tim Thomas is ready to step in at small forward. The great play of Michael Redd gives them options too. They are not an old team and with the addition of some inside scoring will be in the playoffs next season.

LA Clippers - A team of young stars will be further improved by having two lottery picks, including Atlanta's pick from the Wright trade. Guard Keyon Dooling will be back next year too. While some players have expiring contracts, Olowokandi is a restricted free agent so the Clippers have the opportunity to match any offer.

Washington - Maybe they don't have the amount of young talent that the Clippers do but the Wizards also have a bright future. Hamilton and Alexander can both score while upfront all three rookies, Haywood, Brown and Thomas, contributed at times. If Jordan returns and the Wizards are healthy they will be competitive next year.

Phoenix - Marion, Joe Johnson and Jake Tsakalidis are the Suns future so Phoenix have to decide if Hardaway and Marbury stay. Either one of the veterans could be moved for an inside scorer, Hardaway being easier to replace with Joe Johnson ready to play. The Suns could also improve by trading their first round draft picks for a proven inside scorer. The Joe Johnson trade also brought in a first rounder from Boston.

Miami - The best news for Miami is that Alonzo Mourning was able to play for the entire season. This means he will be the core of the team next year, or he could bring in an impact player or two in a trade. While the additions of veterans Rod Strickland and Jim Jackson weren't enough to get Miami to the playoffs they both had double figures in scoring. For the first time in many years the Heat will actually have a good draft pick and will probably take a scoring small forward.

Atlanta - Possibly the best news for Atlanta is that Ratliff should be healthy next season. The improvement of DerMarr Johnson could mean a starting spot. With so many players hurt, it allowed Atlanta to give players like Dion Glover and Hanno Mottola extended playing time. If everyone is healthy next year Atlanta should be a big improver.

New York - If the Knicks finally decide to change their team they should be able to make a difference. Power forwards Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington could be moved for a first rounder and Latrell Sprewell could bring in a bigger scorer. Camby should be used at the 4 spot so the Knicks can either trade for or draft a center. The Knicks have a good draft choice and should be able to address one problem area with that pick.

Cleveland - Ricky Davis is both good news and bad news for Cleveland. Given time on the floor this year, the athletic Davis was often the best scoring option for the Cavs. The bad news is he is now a restricted free agent and may be hard to keep. Wesley Person had a much better season this year and his trade value will have gone up. Another positive this year was the health of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and he should be even better next year.

Houston - Next season they will have three power forwards who could start, with the return of Maurice Taylor. Eddie Griffin should eventually be the best of the three. With this depth Houston could look to trade or play a smaller lineup with Griffin getting a lot of time at center.

Denver - The Nuggets moved out all the bad contracts they had. Juwan Howard has only one year to go and will clear around $20million after the 2002/03 season. Denver have two first rounders this year and may have two more next year. They may trade McDyess for younger players or draft picks and this could open playing time for Donnell Harvey.

Memphis - Memphis had the two best performing rookies this year. By finishing low enough they should keep this years pick which would have gone to Detroit. They have depth at all positions except at center. With another big man, a healthy roster and continued improvement from their young players the Grizzlies could have their best season ever next year. Jerry West will also be in Memphis, and his skills for drafting and trading will be a welcome addition.

Chicago - It looks like the rebuilding plan in Chicago is actually going well. Jalen Rose is the veteran leader and Chandler, Curry and Crawford could be the Bulls' starters for many years. Cap-space will be available with Charles Oakley and Travis Best becoming free agents. With the addition of another young star through the draft the Bulls are on the way up.

Golden State - Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas had very good rookie years. There wasn't as much playing time available for forward Troy Murphy but he should contribute too in the future. The upcoming draft will add one more impact player to Golden State, and they will fill one need with either Jason Williams or Yao Ming. Larry Hughes is expected to leave as a free agent but expect the Warriors to get something in return through a sign-and-trade.