Nearly two weeks after Oklahoma City celebrated their NBA championship, several high-profile players have changed teams, reshaping the dynamic during the first week of free agency. This influx of movement has certainly altered the hierarchy of contenders in the league.
With the Knicks appointing Mike Brown as their new head coach, the coaching landscape is now settled, so it feels like the right moment to revisit the NBA power rankings. There’s a lot still unfolding this summer, so it’s definitely an interesting time.
A clear leader
1. Thunder
The Thunder showcased an impressive 68-win season, securing their first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. With stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (the league MVP), Jaylen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Lu Dort, they have a solid mix of young talent under 26.
Strong Finals candidates
2. Rockets
Houston finished their first two seasons under Ime Udoka with win totals of 22, 41, and 52. Now, they’re going all in to acquire Kevin Durant, looking to regain momentum in the West after a first-round exit against the Warriors.
3. Cavaliers
Kenny Atkinson led the Cavaliers to a remarkable 64-18 record, earning Coach of the Year honors. However, despite having Donovan Mitchell and Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, they’ve struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. This could be their time to shine, especially with many rival teams facing injuries.
4. Knicks
After reaching the conference finals for the first time since 2000, the Knicks have made significant changes. They parted ways with Tom Thibodeau and have secured key role players like Jordan Clarkson and Gershon Yabusele.
5. Nuggets
The Nuggets, led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, addressed depth issues by adding Cam Johnson via trade with the Nets and fighting through exhaustion to overcome the Thunder in a seven-game series last season.
Next tier
6. Magic
Orlando had a realistic shot at the playoffs and secured four first-round picks for Desmond Bain, even while coping with injuries to Paolo Banchero and the Wagner Brothers.
7. Timberwolves
Having reached the Western Conference finals in recent years, Minnesota re-signed key players Julius Randle and Naz Reid to support star guard Anthony Edwards.
8. Lakers
If LeBron James decides to pursue another championship elsewhere, everything changes. However, he managed to lead the Lakers to 50 wins last season, and the acquisition of Deandre Ayton adds more strength to their lineup.
9. Clippers
With James Harden seeking a comeback season and Kawhi Leonard appearing healthy, the question remains whether adding Brook Lopez will be enough to push the Clippers over the playoff hurdle after a series of early exits.
10. Pistons
JB Bickerstaff’s gritty team faced the Knicks in the first round and improved by 30 wins this past season. With a healthy Jaden Ivey alongside Cade Cunningham, they could form a dynamic backcourt duo.
Second 10
11. Grizzlies
Memphis retained Jaren Jackson and paired him with Ja Morant for the long haul, while replacing Desmond Bain with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ty Jerome.
12. Warriors
As long as Steph Curry is firing and Draymond Green is causing havoc, the Warriors will remain a relevant force.
13. Celtics
With Jason Tatum sidelined and Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday traded away, who will step up alongside Jalen Brown and Derrick White?
14. Spurs
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are set to make their moves in what could be an important third season for him.
15. 76ers
Health concerns around Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey persist, but this team still has potential to be a contender in the East if they can stay healthy.
16. Hawks
The addition of players like Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard to Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jalen Johnson creates an intriguing roster.
17. Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a force. Even with injury issues surrounding Lopez and the subtraction of Damian Lillard, the signing of Myles Turner offers some promise.
18. Mavericks
Everyone is particularly focused on how quickly Cooper Flagg can impact Anthony Davis, especially with Kyrie Irving alongside.
19. Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined with a torn Achilles, and Turner’s absence raised questions as they faced the Knicks and ended up in a tight seven-game NBA Finals.
20. Kings
The Kings still possess talent, especially with veteran point guard Dennis Schroeder joining a roster that includes Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
Play-in possibilities
21. Heat
Miami retains its core with Bam Adebayo, Tyler Hero, and savvy coach Eric Spoelstra.
22. Suns
Phoenix traded Kevin Durant for Jalen Green, but how will that meld with Devin Booker?
23. Trail Blazers
This is an exciting young team that features Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan.
24. Bulls
Honestly, there’s not much left aside from Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey, and Coby White.
Not quite there
25. Raptors
The core comprising Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley has room for improvement.
26. Pelicans
Zion Williamson’s availability has become a concern, as he played fewer than 30 games in four of his six seasons with New Orleans.
27. Hornets
Lamelo Ball has similarly struggled with injuries, appearing in just 105 games over the last three seasons.
28. Wizards
The Wizards added veterans CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, pairing them with Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton.
29. Nets
Brooklyn is undergoing a major rebuild, having traded away nearly everyone except for Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton while picking up five first-round draft picks.
30. Jazz
With Ace Bailey on the radar, there are questions about whether the team will need to go in a drastic direction or if they’ll find success down the line.
