NBA Power Rankings: Who Challenges OKC? Knicks, Lakers Rise; Celtics, Pacers Fall.

Thunder
Impressive. The Thunder retain every significant component from a championship season where they also achieved the league’s best record. The plan is straightforward: Intense defense at one end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional play at the other. Moreover, with players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren still showing progress, OKC might perform even stronger during their championship defense. Best of luck to the rest of the NBA. — 68-14
2

Cavaliers
The Cavaliers maintained their composure following their unexpected elimination from the playoffs. The only significant adjustment during the offseason was the addition of Lonzo Ball from Chicago, who is set to replace backup guard Ty Jerome due to his increasing salary demands. There’s no reason to believe Cleveland won’t have a solid opportunity to secure the top seed in the East again, especially with Boston potentially facing difficulties. Kenny Atkinson has discovered a successful strategy, and the team could potentially improve further as Evan Mobley and Darius Garland continue their development. — 64-18
3

Knicks
Following a detailed and occasionally humorous coaching search, reports indicate that Mike Brown will be the new head coach in New York. He guided the Kings to the league’s best offensive record two seasons prior. As such, he is expected to enhance the team’s offensive strategies compared to his predecessor. The acquisition of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele should also provide the Knicks with increased depth behind the most frequently used lineup in basketball from the previous season. Considering the setbacks encountered by the Celtics, Pacers, and Bucks, the Knicks should be considered alongside the Cavaliers as contenders to win the East. 2 51-31
4

Rockets
The Rockets prioritized immediate impact over gradual progress, resulting in the acquisition of Kevin Durant, who now plays in Houston. They also enhanced their roster with experienced players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela, strengthening what was already a formidable team, despite losing Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. The Rockets’ potential will depend on Durant’s health and the ongoing development of rising stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. However, they now possess all the elements required to be a serious contender for the championship. — 52-30
5

Nuggets
After nearly upsetting the eventual champions, the Nuggets’ management appeared to be motivated, trading a potentially valuable 2032 first-round pick to reduce Michael Porter Jr.’s salary, while obtaining Cam Johnson as an excellent replacement. They then utilized their financial flexibility to re-sign Bruce Brown, acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Kings, and secure Tim Hardaway Jr. with a minimum contract. Additionally, DaRon Holmes II, their 2024 first-round pick who missed the previous season due to an Achilles injury, is set to return. Overcoming depth issues for the Nuggets, this appears to be addressed. Now it is time to watch Nikola Jokić’s performance with more support around him. 3 50-32
6

Timberwolves
After discussions that Minnesota might need to release either Naz Reid or Julius Randle during the offseason, they ultimately retained both, maintaining stability from the team that had recently made another conference finals run. They did, however, lose Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which will open up playing time for young players like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham. The Timberwolves achieved an 18-8 record after the All-Star break, boasting the league’s fifth-best net rating. They’ll be looking to sustain that momentum as they move into the 2025-26 season. 5 49-33
7

Clippers
The disappointing postseason exit should not discourage Clippers supporters, who will see another good product next season. James Harden is returning after a productive year, and Kawhi Leonard is looking forward to having a healthy offseason. They have also secured a dependable backup center for Ivica Zubac, signing Brook Lopez, addressing a significant need. Their roster seems promising, provided they avoid injuries, and under the guidance of Ty Lue, they are expected to contend near the top of the Western Conference. — 50-32
8

Lakers
There’s a possibility that LeBron James might be traded. The only important new winger during the offseason has been Jake LaRavia. Furthermore, their starting center is now Deandre Ayton, whom the Trail Blazers were willing to pay to remove from their organization. This offseason has not been ideal for what is expected to be one of the most dominant teams in the NBA, featuring James and Luka Doncic together. It is possible that Ayton may rediscover the form he displayed in 2021, which nearly led the Suns to a championship, but expecting that outcome at this stage may be unrealistic. Given the talent at the top of the Western Conference, it’s difficult to envision the Lakers reaching that level with their insufficient depth beyond the two stars and Austin Reaves. 2 50-32
9

Grizzlies
It’s hard not to appreciate what the Grizzlies accomplished during the offseason, even if it involved parting ways with Desmond Bane. They reacquired Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a suitable replacement for Bane, and crucially, Memphis secured Jaren Jackson Jr., whose impending free agency had been a concern for the organization. The Grizzlies also brought in Ty Jerome as a capable substitute, while also bringing back Santi Aldama. Overall, they are poised to contend next season, provided Ja Morant remains healthy. 3 48-34
10

Magic
The Magic noticed the challenges that the Celtics, Pacers, and Bucks were facing due to major injuries and thought, “Why not us?” They have now committed all their resources to acquiring Desmond Bane, giving Orlando the floor spacer and secondary creator it was in desperate need of. The Magic also added Tyus Jones, who avoids mistakes, to serve as an exceptional backup point guard, relieving some of the playmaking burden from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Last season, this team had the second-best defense in the NBA, and they now have an offense that ought to, at the very least, move out of the bottom five. 5 41-41
11

Warriors
Given Jonathan Kuminga’s status as a restricted free agent and reports suggesting that Al Horford is inclined to sign with them, the Warriors potentially have the most to gain during this offseason. There are reportedly options available for sign-and-trade involving Kuminga, which could bring in a player or two who are a better fit for Steve Kerr’s system. Horford, if he ends up signing, is an improvement over Kevon Looney, which will translate to fewer center minutes for Draymond Green. However, for the moment, everything is in a holding pattern until the Kuminga situation is settled. 1 48-34
12

Pistons
The federal investigation into Malik Beasley’s potential gambling violations greatly complicated the Pistons’ offseason plans. Consequently, they likely overpaid for Duncan Robinson in a desperate effort to secure another floor-spacer. However, the most significant addition to next season’s roster will be a healthy Jaden Ivey, who was enjoying a breakout season before fracturing his leg. Although the Pistons did not make as many significant moves as some other teams, they had a productive offseason and will bring back most of the players who made them the league’s most surprising team last year. 2 44-38
13

Celtics
It was anticipated that the Celtics might make one or two acquisitions before what many expect to be a “gap year,” during which Jayson Tatum recovers from Achilles surgery, but the changes were significant. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet are no longer with the team, and they’ve been replaced by Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, and Luka Garza. Despite having Jaylen Brown and Derrick White (for the time being), the Celtics are still talented enough to be a legitimate playoff team, but there’s a chance that additional moves could be made in the future, altering the composition of the roster. 10 61-21
14

Hawks
Well, well, well. Look who’s suddenly a contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference. The Hawks may have put together the best offseason in the entire NBA, adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard and rookie Asa Newell to a core of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu. By the way, they also picked up an UNPROTECTED 2026 pick that will be the better of New Orleans and Milwaukee — sheesh. Young has the pieces around him now, so there will be no more excuses should Atlanta post another .500-ish season. 5 40-42
15

76ers
Drafting VJ Edgecombe accomplished two goals: He should be able to contribute immediately for a team that hopes last season was an anomalously ugly gap year, but he is also an attractive asset if they decide they need more veteran help. Not much else to brag about this offseason, but (stop me if you’ve heard this one before), if Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George are all healthy and productive, the Sixers should have a legitimate shot to compete for one of the top Eastern Conference spots. 11 24-58
16

Pacers
All indications were that Myles Turner would return to the Pacers, but that was before Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles. As it turns out, the price simply got too high for Indy and Turner absconded to the hated Bucks, as Indiana was left without a replacement. Look, if any team showed the importance of depth and next-man-up, it was the Pacers, but it’s a lot to ask to remain competitive with Haliburton likely to miss the entire season. Andrew Nembhard will be given the leeway to cook, while guys like Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin will have to step up as playmakers. It’s a brutal reality after their magical postseason run, but even a playoff appearance might be a struggle for the Pacers as currently constructed. 7 50-32
17

Mavericks
Did the Mavericks … win the Luka Dončić trade? OK too early for such proclamations, but the future got megawatts brighter when Cooper Flagg walked across the Barclays Center stage and donned a Dallas Mavericks hat. Put him next to Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson (who still made 39% of his 3s last season) and eventually a healthy Kyrie Irving, and this team could do some serious damage. While Irving recovers, the Mavs picked up a reasonable facsimile in D’Angelo Russell to run the show, and Jason Kidd has already said he’s excited to see Flagg as the primary ballhandler. What a turnaround from where this franchise was just a few months ago. — 39-43
18

Bucks
The Bucks needed to show Giannis Antetokounmpo that they were committed to competing for titles, so they … waived Damian Lillard. The Greek Freak was reportedly not happy about dropping Dame, but it did allow Milwaukee to bring in Myles Turner from the hated Pacers to replace Brook Lopez, who signed with the Clippers. Turner is basically the only addition to the roster (they brought back guys like Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr.), so it’s hard to imagine the Bucks suddenly becoming contenders. The whole league will continue to be on Giannis Watch for the foreseeable future. 5 48-34
19

Spurs
Positional redundancy be damned, the Spurs could be on the verge of a massive leap after drafting Dylan Harper to place alongside De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. The offense should immediately improve from near the bottom 10 last season, while the addition of Luke Kornet should help keep the defense stout while Wembanyama rests. The Spurs will be a hot pick for “most improved team” next season, and it’s easy to see why. 4 34-48
20

Heat
Kasparas Jakucionis falling to the Heat at No. 20 has all the makings of highway robbery, and there’s a chance Miami could be square in the playoff mix next season. It may seem like they’re going through a rough patch after the Jimmy Butler trade, but then you look at the roster and see Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins and Kel’el Ware — definitely enough to get cautiously excited. More than likely, you’re looking at another competent Miami iteration that’s always a threat to go all-in for the next available superstar. — 37-45
21

Trail Blazers
After a surge to end last season, the Blazers picked up a necessary adult in the room in Jrue Holiday, parting ways with Anfernee Simons — who was in some ways redundant given the existence of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. The pieces are there for Portland to compete for a postseason spot, and they finally were able to part ways with Deandre Ayton, freeing up minutes in the middle for Donovan Clingan and (hold your breath) Robert Williams III. This team is going to be fun to watch. — 36-46
22

Bulls
Another offseason, another round of befuddling decisions by the Bulls. They traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, who struggled to get wing minutes on the Cavs due to his lack of shooting proficiency. It looks like Josh Giddey will be back eventually, which means he’ll once again share backcourt duties with Coby White — oh yeah and Nikola Vucevic is still on the team! Mediocrity appears to be the ceiling for this Bulls roster, and the floor is as low as any non-tanking team in the league. 4 39-43
23

Kings
Taking the 30,000-foot view, the Kings have lost both De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, and their starting point guard is now … Dennis Schröder? What a fall from where this franchise was just two seasons ago, when they earned the No. 3 seed and their first playoff berth in 16 years. Malik Monk could reportedly be on his way out, but that still leaves Schröder, LaVine and DeRozan all as players who need the ball in their hands to maximize effectiveness. In a juggernaut Western Conference, it’s just not going to be good enough. 7 40-42
24

Suns
You’d think any team offloading Kevin Durant would get significantly worse, but the Suns were, like, REALLY bad last season. The Devin Booker-Jalen Green fit seems atrocious, but stranger things have worked in this league. Phoenix also now has all the centers you could ask for, drafting Duke youngster Khaman Maluach at No. 10 and trading for former Hornets/Lakers (sort of)/back-to-Hornets big man Mark Williams to join with his former teammate, Nick Richards, in the middle. Look, it’s a hodgepodge that won’t likely produce a playoff team, but you can’t count out Devin Booker — he’s that good. 2 36-46
25

Pelicans
Nobody quite knows what the Pelicans were going for this offseason (perhaps Joe Dumars included), as superfluous (Kevon Looney) or redundant (Derik Queen) parts were added this offseason at great cost — goodbye New Orleans/Milwaukee 2026 first-round pick. Is a Jordan Poole-Trey Murphy III-Zion Williamson core leading you back to the postseason and beyond? I’d say we’ll soon find out, but history tells us not to expect Williamson to be on the court long enough to test the concept. 2 21-61
26

Raptors
Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley is a decent starting point for any roster, but there is probably a bit too much skill set overlap to expect a huge jump from Toronto this season. Lots of players will get the opportunity to join an unpredictable rotation, and there is enough talent to imagine the Raptors getting into the East playoff picture. 2 30-52
27

Hornets
Charlotte’s ceiling, as usual, depends on the health of LaMelo Ball. No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel should provide some much-needed shooting for Ball and Brandon Miller, but Charlotte lost significant vertical spacing by trading away Mark Williams. On paper, the Hornets could actually be decent in a wide-open Eastern Conference, but at this point the basement is a much more realistic destination than the Play-In. 1 19-63
28

Jazz
Austin Ainge declared that the Jazz are no longer in the tanking business, but that doesn’t mean they’re suddenly going to start winning. Lauri Markkanen took a step back last season, and the departure of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson means that a lot of responsibility and decision-making will be in the hands of players in their early 20s. We’ll see how the Ace Bailey gamble pays off, but either way it’s going to be a while before