NBA-ийн улирлын өмнөх чансаа: Леброн Жэймс, Яннис Антетокунмпо болон ЛаМело Болл нарын шинэ багуудын байрлал

Last month, when we did the jump-ball version of the offseason NBA Power Rankings that some people needed to see after the league’s oldest player made a free-agency decision, I hinted we would soon do a real one. Well, here we are — in the absolute valley of the offseason.

Much has happened in the last few weeks. We tried to wait on some other moves to happen, but the theme of this offseason is that things take longer than expected.

Hall of Famer David Aldridge shared his offseason rankings this month, which, he clarified to spare him the wrath of the avatars, were for grading teams’ offseasons.

Well, these rankings are for those looking to discharge that wrath! In fact, I encourage it. Just keep in mind that how you feel about your team right now will become material for me to reflect onto you throughout the season. Nothing feeds this column more than misplaced optimism!

Since we’re still a ways away from teams winning or losing games of consequence, the thermal reading on these takes will not rise above room temperature. We’re ranking paper in a time of repose. For context, previous rankings refer to the June Power Rankings after the NBA Finals — essentially, the Power Rankings I would have done last month if I’d slept on it. Personnel transactions are a summary rather than an exhaustive list, with plenty of time left before rosters are finalized.

We have tiers for these rankings:

• Top Contenders — Locked at five, these teams are the class of the league
• In a Good Place —Could be one team, could be seven teams
• The Bubble — The middle of the pack, and not to be confused with Walt Disney World
• Not the Tier to Fear — Not playing the worst ball in the league but with a lot of work to do
• Basement Floor —Bringing up the rear

When I return in October just ahead of the first week of the 2026-27 NBA season, it will be for the rankings you’ll save to your phones like wallpaper. For now, here’s where we are with about five weeks before camps open.

Tier 1: Top Contenders

1. New York Knicks

Last ranking: 1
Free agency: SF Landry Shamet (re-signed), PF Mohamed Diawara (re-signed), SG Jordan Clarkson (re-signed), PG Jose Alvarado (re-signed)
Additions: C Andre Drummond
Departures: C Mitchell Robinson, C Ariel Hukporti, PF Jeremy Sochan

It’s easy to put the Knicks at No. 1 after their dominant postseason run. Ten of their top 12 players return, though NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has to recover from wrist surgery on his shooting hand. Drummond replaces Robinson, but the team still doesn’t have a replacement for Hukporti. We know the Knicks want to replace Hukporti, because they signed center Moussa Cissé to an offer sheet that the Dallas Mavericks matched.

The regular season will be interesting for the defending champs. There hasn’t been a dominant regular-season Knicks team in the 21st century, as the Knicks haven’t won at least 55 games since 1996-97. Will that matter? How many regular-season losses would it take before we start to believe the Knicks might not be a repeat threat come April? Those are the real questions.

2. San Antonio Spurs

Last ranking: 2
Free agency: SF Julian Champagnie (re-signed), PF Harrison Barnes (re-signed), PF Kelly Olynyk (unrestricted), SG Lindy Waters III (unrestricted), C Mason Plumlee (unrestricted), PG Jordan McLaughlin (re-signed), C Bismack Biyombo (unrestricted)
Additions: PF Tobias Harris, PF Jayden Quaintance (draft), C Tarris Reed Jr. (draft)
Departures: TBD

The neophyte Spurs went through last season like a hot knife through butter, until they met the Knicks in the NBA Finals. Even then, the Spurs led by double-digits in every game. San Antonio found the one team capable of consistently fighting back, and the Knicks embarrassed the Spurs in the process.

But now the Spurs have some usable experience. The roster is even better, with the top 10 players back and Tobias Harris essentially replaceing Kelly Olynyk. Victor Wembanyama enters his prime with a team that knows it can play with or without him.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last ranking: 3
Free agency: C Isaiah Hartenstein (re-signed), PF Kenrich Williams (re-signed)
Additions: C Aday Mara (draft), SG Bennett Stirtz (draft)
Departures: SG Luguentz Dort (trade), SF Aaron Wiggins (trade), SG Isaiah Joe (trade)

I did not see a scenario in which Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort both returned. Hartenstein will be back, but the Thunder traded Dort after picking up his team option. Oklahoma City also dealt Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. Expect Cason Wallace to step into a starter role (and get paid), while Jared McCain should team up with Ajay Mitchell to lead the second-unit offense. Oklahoma City signaled its need for another wing by signing Spencer Jones to an offer sheet that the Denver Nuggets ultimately matched. Lottery-pick center Aday Mara and fellow first-round rookie Bennett Stirtz are more likely to challenge recent first-rounders Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topić than to break into the rotation.

Overall, it’s not complicated. The Thunder were the NBA’s best team last season, especially when they weren’t playing the Spurs, and they can reasonably expect better health from Jalen Williams while returning 10 of their top 13 players.

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Last ranking: 8
Free agency: PF Dominick Barlow (option exercised)
Additions: SF Jaylen Brown (trade), PF LeBron James, SF Dean Wade, PG Anfernee Simons, C Ariel Hukporti, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, PG Labaron Philon (draft)
Departures: SF Paul George (trade), SF Kelly Oubre Jr., C Andre Drummond, SG Quentin Grimes, PF Trendon Watford, SG Dalen Terry (waived), PG Kyle Lowry (retired), PF Johni Broome (trade)

Although I anticipate a slow start for the 76ers, like all LeBron James teams, I am already doing what I said I would not do last month: raising expectations for Philly. Why? If nothing else, because they have their team in place.

While James was the player the broadcast partners wanted, Brown was an All-NBA selection last season. It’s Brown replacing George in the salary bracket, and it’s Brown who must show he can defend at the level that helped him earn the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. James should be the kind of connector who makes Philadelphia’s offense easy for everyone else, especially Tyrese Maxey. More succinctly, James replaces Kelly Oubre Jr.

The bench ensures Philadelphia’s depth will be strong. Wade replaces Watford, Simons supplants Grimes, Caldwell-Pope is in for Terry and Philon is an upgrade for the recently retired Lowry. Philadelphia still has significant vulnerabilities, and many of them trace back to whether Joel Embiid is playing and how often he is available. Head coach Nick Nurse has some things to figure out. But the 76ers have more talent, and that’s after being good enough to win a playoff series last spring.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last ranking: 4
Free agency: PG James Harden (re-signed), C Thomas Bryant (re-signed), PG Craig Porter Jr. (option exercised)
Additions: SF Peyton Watson (trade), SF Mario Hezonja, PF Cam Whitmore (trade)
Departures: PF Dean Wade, SF Keon Ellis, PG Dennis Schröder (trade), PF Larry Nance Jr.

The Cavaliers have four straight years of uninspiring postseason exits, two at the hands of the Knicks. The hope was that LeBron James could finish his career in Ohio. Instead, Cleveland got Watson, who has the potential to be one of the most impactful last options in basketball this season. Harden has a track record of helping his teams more when he gets a full training camp — see the 2021-22 Nets without Kyrie Irving, the 2022-23 76ers with eventual MVP Embiid and the 2024-25 Clippers without Kawhi Leonard. The Cavs also got Mario Hezonja, who just spent the latter half of his 20s overseas. Cleveland no longer gets the benefit of the doubt as an exciting contender, but should be fine once real basketball returns.

Tier 2: In a Good Place

6. Detroit Pistons

Last ranking: 5
Free agency: C Jalen Duren (restricted), PG Daniss Jenkins (option exercised), SF Kevin Huerter (re-signed), SF Javonte Green (re-signed), C Tolu Smith (option exercised)
Additions: PF John Collins (sign/trade), SG Isaiah Joe (trade), PF Taurean Prince (trade), PG Ebuka Okorie (draft), SG Gary Harris (trade)
Departures: PF Tobias Harris, C Isaiah Stewart (trade), SG Caris LeVert (trade), PG Marcus Sasser (trade)

Welcome to restricted free-agent hell!

A year after none of the “Medium at Best Four” — Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Jonathan Kuminga or Cam Thomas — resolved their restricted free agencies before September, Detroit is waiting it out with All-NBA center Jalen Duren. He followed an All-Star regular season with a haggard postseason that probably validated the Pistons’ pause on an extension. I’d expect Duren back, but how this gets resolved bears watching.

Stewart is also gone, with no new big replacing him. That makes John Collins a critical addition. He’ll replace Tobias Harris while helping the center rotation alongside Paul Reed. Joe, Prince and Gary Harris should improve the shooting, though Detroit might need to let Prince or Gary Harris go. Okorie replaces Sasser as the new developmental first-round guard. The Pistons should be fine, but they remain overly reliant on Cade Cunningham for shot creation and are a safe bet to regress from last season’s 60 wins.

7. Boston Celtics

Last ranking: 9
Free agency: C Neemias Queta (re-signed), PF Jordan Walsh (extended), SF Ron Harper Jr. (re-signed), PG Max Shulga (unrestricted)
Additions: SF Paul George (trade), C Mitchell Robinson, PG Mike Conley, PF Chris Cenac Jr. (draft)
Departures: SG Jaylen Brown (trade), C Nikola Vučević, SG Dalano Banton (waived)

It’s the Celtics, the only team to win 70 percent of its games in the four years since reigning Coach of the Year Joe Mazzulla became head coach. I’m fine having them in the top 10 after how last season played out. Chances are they’ll be great in the regular season and save their fraudulent tendencies for the playoffs.

George will miss a lot of games, but he will play more than Jayson Tatum did last season. Tatum, meanwhile, will get a chance to have the kind of season Brown just did. Other than that, the Celtics look about the same. Robinson replaces Vučević, while Conley replaces Shulga. Boston has about as high a floor as any team in the league, and they have a lot to prove after deciding to quit on Brown.

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Last ranking: 6
Free agency: SG Austin Reaves (re-signed), C Maxi Kleber (unrestricted), SG Nick Smith Jr. (unrestricted)
Additions: C Walker Kessler (sign/trade), SF Quentin Grimes, PF Sandro Mamukelashvili, PG Collin Sexton, SF Ziaire Williams, C Kevon Looney, SG Matisse Thybulle, SG Cameron Carr (draft), PG Jaden Hardy (trade)
Departures: PF LeBron James, SF Marcus Smart, C Deandre Ayton (trade), PF Rui Hachimura, PG Luke Kennard, C Jaxson Hayes

When the Lakers won Game 3 in overtime at Houston to take a 3-0 series lead, the starters were LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard. They’re all gone now. Maybe their controlling governor will be, too, but let’s stick to players here.

Reaves was re-signed, so he and Luka Dončić will indisputably lead the offense. Kessler replaces Ayton, giving the Lakers a big three that will need to prove its durability. The Lakers should be strong in the regular season as long as Dončić, Reaves and Kessler are available. The floor, if any of those three misses multiple weeks, is a major concern.

Looney replaces Hayes as the backup center, which should improve the offensive rebounding, though it’s hard to imagine Looney holding up in extended minutes. Mamukelashvili replaces Hachimura and should be in line to start alongside Kessler. Grimes is in for Smart, and is probably the safest bet to round out the starting lineup given the multi-year financial commitment and his tertiary shot-creation skill.

The bench has even more options, though that also means that someone won’t play. Sexton, who already has chemistry with Kessler from their time with the Utah Jazz, swaps in for Kennard. First-round pick Cameron Carr has to compete with Williams and Thybulle on the wings. Hardy replaces Nick Smith Jr. It seems likely that one of Dalton Knecht, Bronny James or Adou Thiero won’t make it to the season opener.

It’s a completely new era of Lakers basketball that should show what the most focused version of Dončić looks like.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last ranking: 7
Free agency: SG Ayo Dosunmu (re-signed), PG Bones Hyland (re-signed), SF Jaylen Clark (re-signed)
Additions: PG LaMelo Ball (trade), SF Josh Green (trade), PF Trey Lyles
Departures: PF Julius Randle (trade), C Naz Reid (trade), PG Mike Conley, PF Kyle Anderson, PF Julian Phillips, SF Joe Ingles

The Timberwolves will try crafting their third Western Conference finalist while using a third different sidekick for Anthony Edwards. They had Karl-Anthony Towns, now an NBA champion. Then, they had Julius Randle, who had some solid playoff series in Minnesota before regressing in the West semifinals against the Spurs. Now they have LaMelo Ball, whose next playoff series will be his first.

In replacing Conley, Ball should enable the Timberwolves to have more dynamic offense. That could lead to a powerful season from Edwards, who shouldn’t be the primary playmaker anymore.

Minnesota’s biggest concern is its lack of depth at forward with Randle and Naz Reid gone. The Wolves simply aren’t as physically imposing. Jaden McDaniels shouldn’t be guarding power forwards; that’s not the best use of his defensive skill set. I’d rather start Josh Green than Ayo Dosunmu, but Minnesota will yield bulk either way. Trey Lyles is back in the league after a year overseas, and he replaces Anderson. Minnesota will need some real contributions from Hyland, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark and Joan Beringer.

Putting two Leos on the same team will lead to some extraordinary results, and both Edwards and Ball got low cuts as well. It’ll be exciting to watch the Timberwolves, but taking them seriously may require a legitimate MVP-candidate campaign from Edwards.

10. Houston Rockets

Last ranking: 11
Free agency: SF Tari Eason (re-signed), PG Aaron Holiday (unrestricted), PF Jae’Sean Tate (re-signed), PF Jeff Green (unrestricted), PG Fred VanVleet (re-signed), SF Isaiah Crawford (re-signed)
Additions: SG Marcus Smart, SG Bogdan Bogdanović
Departures: SF Josh Okogie, PF Dorian Finney-Smith (trade), PG JD Davison (waived)

There will be more adults in the room, so that should keep Kevin Durant from feeling like Carmelo Anthony on the 2016 Team USA bus (one Durant rode). VanVleet’s return from an ACL tear should steady Houston’s ball control. Smart is a major upgrade on Josh Okogie, and Bogdan Bogdanović is worth a flier as a big guard and respected teammate.

But none of those additions matter if the Rockets don’t get a leap from one of three top-five picks from their rebuild: Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson or Reed Sheppard. Thompson is the safest bet to reach All-Star status, since VanVleet and Smart should free Thompson up from point-guard duties. That’s the Rockets’ best chance to improve on last season’s results.

Tier 3: The Bubble

11. Denver Nuggets

Last ranking: 10
Free agency: PG Bruce Brown (unrestricted), PF Spencer Jones (offer sheet matched), PG Tyus Jones (re-signed)
Additions: SF DeMar DeRozan,C Marvin Bagley III, SG Lonnie Walker IV
Departures: SG Tim Hardaway Jr., PF Peyton Watson (trade), C Jonas Valančiūnas (waived), SG Jalen Pickett

Denver’s starting lineup of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun is still intact. That group was very good together last year. Injuries, especially to Gordon, limited how much Denver could flex with that lineup during the season. Gordon wasn’t healthy in the playoffs. And last season’s Nuggets were supposed to be deep after trading Michael Porter Jr.

A year later, the Nuggets resemble the post-Bud Bucks, especially with Peyton Watson’s departure. DeRozan hasn’t come off the bench since he was taken out of the starting lineup at the end of his rookie season with the Raptors, but he would represent the only semblance of reliable shot creation among the current crop of Nuggets reserves if he doesn’t start. And make no mistake, it’s not the Denver first unit that needs one of the heaviest on-ball players in the league.

Denver is another team good enough to thrive in the regular season because of chemistry. Bagley replaces Valančiūnas, while Lonnie Walker IV is back from overseas to step in for Bruce Brown. Perhaps the best thing that happened to Denver is the Timberwolves trading their power forwards.

12. Toronto Raptors

Last ranking: 12
Free agency: PG Jamal Shead (option exercised), C Trayce Jackson-Davis (option exercised), SG Alijah Martin (promoted)
Additions: PF Kyle Anderson, PF Allen Graves (draft), SF Andre Jackson Jr.
Departures: PF Sandro Mamukelashvili, PF Jonathan Mogbo, SG AJ Lawson, SF Garrett Temple (retired)

Notice I’m not placing Kawhi Leonard here. Although Leonard has been hanging around Toronto (while Brandon Ingram has been around LA), I’m not acknowledging the trade the Raptors and Clippers agreed to until the two teams feel comfortable unpausing it.

I can see this not working out for the Raptors. If it does, we can revisit. For now, I’m treating Ingram and Gradey Dick as if they’re Raptors — and like players Toronto tried to trade.

Now, that’s still a damn good team up north. Keeping Ingram would mean eight of Toronto’s top nine are back, with Anderson replacing Mamukelashvili. That’s a downgrade, but the Raptors feel they upgraded on Jonathan Mogbo by going back to the West Coast Conference and drafting Allen Graves. Toronto would certainly be imposing with Leonard, but until/unless that happens, it’s just another middling, decent team in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

13. Atlanta Hawks

Last ranking: 13
Free agency: PG CJ McCollum (extended), C Jock Landale (re-signed), SF Jonathan Kuminga (unrestricted), PF Mouhamed Gueye (option exercised), SG Gabe Vincent (unrestricted), PG Keaton Wallace (unrestricted), C Tony Bradley (unrestricted)
Additions: SG Luguentz Dort (trade), PG Kingston Flemings (draft), C Zuby Ejiofor (draft), SF Aaron Wiggins (trade), PG Devin Carter (trade)
Departures: SF Zaccharie Risacher (trade)

Pretty much everything about the post-Trae Young era seemed liberating for the Hawks. They were outstanding after the All-Star break, didn’t force it with Zaccharie Risacher, wound up being the only team to lead the Knicks in a playoff series and got a top-10 pick courtesy of New Orleans. They were able to retain McCollum, locking in a five-man starting lineup that outscored foes by 20.3 points per 100 possessions in 391 minutes. The Hawks used the free lottery pick from New Orleans on Kingston Flemings, who replaced Vincent. They traded Risacher for Dort, an upgrade in the short term. Ejiofor replaces Bradley. They also snagged Aaron Wiggins and Devin Carter, who are replacing Jonathan Kuminga and Keaton Wallace, respectively.

There’s plenty for the Hawks to look forward to, even without an All-NBA player on the roster.

14. Miami Heat

Last ranking: 19
Free agency: SG Pelle Larsson (option exercised), SF Andrew Wiggins (re-signed), PF Simone Fontecchio (re-signed), PF Keshad Johnson (unrestricted), PG Jahmir Young (unrestricted)
Additions: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade), C Bobby Portis (trade), SF Klay Thompson
Departures: SG Norman Powell, SG Tyler Herro (trade), C Kel’el Ware (trade), SF Jaime Jaquez Jr. (trade), PG Kasparas Jakučionis (trade)

The last two times Giannis Antetokounmpo was on a top-seeded Bucks team, the Heat upset Milwaukee in the playoffs (2020, 2023). So, of course, Antetokounmpo winds up in South Beach, where Miami built much of its recent playoff reputation by getting past him. Individually, watching Antetokounmpo play for his second NBA team will be exciting, especially after the Bucks mothballed him. Defensively, pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo should be imposing.

No one should be upset about Miami offloading the players, prospects and picks they had; again, see Miami’s permanent residence in the Play-In Tournament. Bobby Portis steps in for the mercurial Kel’el Ware. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson are in for Norman Powell, who seemed to have been the rare All-Star getting phased out after the All-Star break, and Tyler Herro.

Needless to say, Miami needs more players to fill out its depth chart, especially guards. There’s a real need for dribbling and passing even if Antetokounmpo stays healthy.

15. Indiana Pacers

Last ranking: 21
Free agency: None
Additions: SG Kelly Oubre Jr., C Larry Nance Jr.
Departures: C Micah Potter (waived), PG Kam Jones (trade/waived)

The NBA schedule came out, and Tyrese Haliburton is upset that his return game is hidden in Louisiana. This is the surest sign the Pacers are indeed back!

And with that, may we remind you the Pacers aren’t exactly the fastest starters even when they’re good, which they were for Haliburton two full seasons in Indiana. The Pacers were 14-14 in 2023-24 and 16-18 in 2024-25. Both of those seasons ended in the Eastern Conference finals. They started 6-31 last season, when the expectation wasn’t for them to fall off the face of the earth. Let the Pacers get their mojo back in familiar fashion: slowly.

With that said, it’s been a quiet offseason for a team that didn’t get a top-five pick from last season’s disaster. Kelly Oubre Jr. is here to restore what the Pacers gave up when they dealt Bennedict Mathurin at last year’s trade deadline. Other than that, it’s basically the Game 7 NBA Finals Pacers from 2025, but with Ivica Zubac at center instead of Myles Turner. Hopefully for the Pacers, Haliburton can be close to pre-injury form sooner than later. The league is willing to wait on that, and you should too.

16. Orlando Magic

Last ranking: 14
Free agency: PG Jevon Carter (re-signed), SF Jamal Cain (option exercised), PF Jonathan Isaac (re-signed)
Additions: C Nikola Vučević
Departures: C Moritz Wagner, SG Jett Howard

This is quite an aggressive version of “run it back.” Same starting lineup. Same second unit, unless Nikola Vučević supplants Goga Bitadze while replacing Moritz Wagner. Vučević being the lone veteran acquisition is a little too on the nose, along with Jonathan Isaac returning, albeit at a reduced number. They’re really just going to ask new coach Sean Sweeney to figure it all out, which must include the seemingly inevitable extended in-season swaths of Orlando missing one of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner or Jalen Suggs.

The Magic are a good team with an untrustworthy offense and a defense that slipped from its 2025 standing. They blamed the coach and fired Jamahl Mosley. Now it’s on the personnel to deliver a belated next step.

17. Portland Trail Blazers

Last ranking: 15
Free agency: C Robert Williams III (re-signed), PG Blake Wesley (unrestricted)
Additions: PG Ja Morant (trade), PF Micah Potter
Departures: SF Jerami Grant (trade), PF Kris Murray (trade), SG Matisse Thybulle

I don’t want to get in the habit of commenting on ownership groups here. Let that stand as my Tom Dundon commentary for the rest of the summer.

Instead, let’s focus on just how many point guards this team has. Ja Morant is here! Damian Lillard is returning! Scoot Henderson is extension eligible! Jrue Holiday remains! Shaedon Sharpe is under contract for the rest of the 2020s! And then there’s Deni Avdija. You know, the All-Star that makes less than all of them, yet is clearly at his best with the ball in his hands.

Making this quagmire all work is Micah Nori, the affable former Timberwolves assistant who doesn’t have a guaranteed contract beyond next season. I would start Morant (because you have to) and Holiday, showcase Sharpe and Henderson in the second unit and play Lillard spot minutes. Morant basically replaces Blake Wesley, while Micah Potter supplants Kris Murray.

The reality is that we look at guard minutes in the offseason as if everyone will be healthy for 70 games. In practice, Portland has a collection of guards who are unlikely to be healthy all year. And if they are, someone’s probably getting traded by midseason anyway to better balance out a roster that has yet to replace Jerami Grant or Matisse Thybulle, neither of whom was exactly known for his availability.

18. Phoenix Suns

Last ranking: 16
Free agency: PG Collin Gillespie (re-signed), C Mark Williams (re-signed), SF Jordan Goodwin (re-signed), PG Jamaree Bouyea (option exercised), SF Haywood Highsmith (re-signed)
Additions: PF Miles Bridges (trade), SG Luke Kennard, PF Koa Peat (draft)
Departures: PF Royce O’Neale (trade), PG Grayson Allen (trade), SF Amir Coffey

The Suns exceeded expectations because they played harder than their opponents most of last season, with a Dillon Brooks-sized chip on their shoulder. They got zero playoff wins out of it. They’re the most vulnerable of last season’s playoff teams, though they’re in the right conference to see how that works out.

Phoenix upgraded by acquiring Miles Bridges in exchange for Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen. Kennard conveniently replaces Allen, but this deal only works if Bridges makes his 3s (he’s a worse shooter than O’Neale) and soaks up enough touches to allow Brooks to focus more energy on defending at a higher level with fewer touches (good luck with that). Drafting Koa Peat also gives Phoenix a size upgrade on Coffey.

There are many ways the Suns could play, but many of them seem to lack efficiency offensively.

Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear

19. Charlotte Hornets

Last ranking: 17
Free agency: PG Coby White (re-signed), SG Pat Connaughton (option exercised), C Xavier Tillman Sr. (unrestricted)
Additions: PF Naz Reid (trade), SG Grayson Allen (trade), SF Royce O’Neale (trade), PF Hannes Steinbach (draft), PG Dennis Schröder (trade), PG Christian Anderson (draft), PF Dorian Finney-Smith (trade)
Departures: PG LaMelo Ball (trade), PF Miles Bridges (trade), SF Josh Green (trade), PG Tre Mann (trade)

The Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics dealt Jaylen Brown and the Hornets shipped LaMelo Ball. Now, one of those three is not like the others. Antetokounmpo and Brown are NBA Finals MVPs, while Ball couldn’t help snap the Hornets’ 10-year postseason drought. But Hornets head coach Charles Lee was with all three players along his coaching journey. He should know the value of a player who commands significant attention and makes the game easier for teammates. Lee must find a way to account for that.

Grayson Allen replaces Ball, while Schröder replaces Tre Mann. Naz Reid is in for Miles Bridges, while Royce O’Neale steps in for Josh Green. Hannes Steinbach supplants Xavier Tillman Sr., and Christian Anderson seems destined to spend most of his rookie season in Greensboro.

Depth is not a problem in Charlotte. Coby White is the new starting point guard, and Brandon Miller will get to show he can be at the top of the food chain. The Ball era appeared to have hit its ceiling. Now, the Hornets have to show they can carry over the same success they had in the second half of last season without Ball.

20. Golden State Warriors

Last ranking: 18
Free agency: PF Draymond Green (re-signed), C Kristaps Porziņģis (re-signed), C Al Horford (re-signed), SG De’Anthony Melton (re-signed), SF Gary Payton II (re-signed), C Charles Bassey (re-signed), SG Seth Curry (unrestricted)
Additions: PF Yaxel Lendeborg (draft)
Departures: C Quinten Post, PG Pat Spencer

The NBA loves its sheep, so putting as many Stephen Curry games on national television as possible is just what you do. Never mind the fact that the Warriors have missed the playoffs four times in the last seven years and are coming off a 37-45 season in which two starters suffered severe knee injuries that will likely delay their 2026-27 season debuts (Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody). There are old veterans, and there are new contracts, but there are no new veterans.

The only addition to the rotation is Yaxel Lendeborg, who basically replaces Quinten Post. It’s an upgrade, but certainly not enough.

Golden State needs more help at guard, especially since the one generating all of these national television spots played only 43 games last season because of chronic knee pain while turning 38 years old.

21. LA Clippers

Last ranking: 20
Free agency: C Brook Lopez (option exercised), SG Bennedict Mathurin (restricted), SF Jordan Miller (re-signed), PF Kobe Sanders (re-signed), PF Nicolas Batum (unrestricted), SG Bradley Beal (re-signed)
Additions: PF Rui Hachimura, PG Keaton Wagler (draft), SF Max Strus (trade), PF Johni Broome (trade)
Departures: PF John Collins (trade), SG Bogdan Bogdanović

For those of you who skipped to the LA Clippers, I explained my stance on the frozen Kawhi Leonard trade in the Raptors section. But unlike the Raptors, the Clippers have much bigger problems than just a trade being held up. They’re the teamstill under investigation. Leonard is a Clipper until further notice, meaning everyone should pause on Brandon Ingram or Gradey Dick being discussed as Clippers. If the Raptors choose to back out of the trade, then the Clippers will have Leonard in the final year of his contract, assuming that the contract is upheld.

Beyond that, the Clippers have plenty of leverage with the still-unsigned Mathurin from a depth-chart standpoint, especially after selecting Keaton Wagler fifth, trading for Max Strus and re-signing the rehabbing Bradley Beal. Wagler essentially replaces Bogdan Bogdanović. Rui Hachimura really wanted to stay in LA, so he’s in for John Collins. That’s a downgrade in the area that was already the Clippers’ biggest weakness from last season: rebounding. On that note, the Clippers have one of the NBA’s least inspiring center rotations. There’s not much the Clippers can do about that, or anything else, except wait.

22. Utah Jazz

Last ranking: 22
Free agency: C Jusuf Nurkić (re-signed), SG Bez Mbeng (unrestricted), PF Kevin Love (unrestricted), PG Hayden Gray (unrestricted)
Additions: SG Darryn Peterson (draft), C Jaxson Hayes, SG Josh Okogie
Departures: C Walker Kessler (trade)

For the first time in five years, the Jazz will try and win for a full season with head coach Will Hardy. It’s going to feel like Brett Brown’s 2017-18 76ers — a team Jazz fans hated because Donovan Mitchell wanted Rookie of the Year, and it went to Ben Simmons instead.

The Jazz now have another highly touted young guard in Darryn Peterson, who basically replaces Bez Mbeng. That’s a free talent upgrade. Josh Okogie is swapped in for Hayden Gray.

The one major concern for Utah’s hopes of actually challenging for a playoff spot is Walker Kessler being traded and getting replaced by former Lakers backup Jaxson Hayes. That possibly leaves Jusuf Nurkić as the starter again. Utah will be huge, and Hardy has many options with which to create offense. But this looks like a bad passing team prone to widespread defensive issues.

23. Dallas Mavericks

Last ranking: 23
Free agency: PG Brandon Williams (unrestricted), C Dwight Powell (unrestricted), C Moussa Cissé (offer sheet matched)
Additions: PF Santi Aldama (trade), C Morez Johnson Jr. (draft), SF Zaccharie Risacher (trade), SG Marcus Sasser (trade), SG Sergio De Larrea (draft)
Departures: SF Klay Thompson (waived), PF Khris Middleton (trade), C Marvin Bagley III, PG Ryan Nembhard (trade), SG AJ Johnson (trade)

This is another team the league’s broadcast partners hope will be good. Cooper Flagg gets a whole new group of support around him to begin his second NBA season. Instead of Anthony Davis as a co-star, he gets the returning Kyrie Irving. Instead of Jason Kidd as a head coach, it’s former Michigan champion Dusty May. Instead of Nico Harrison, it’s Masai Ujiri as the basketball president.

What hasn’t changed is the imbalance of bigs populating the roster, exacerbated by Ujiri selecting Johnson, May’s power forward on Michigan last season. Dallas then acquired Santi Aldama from Memphis. Aldama replaces Khris Middleton, while Johnson swaps in for Marvin Bagley III (also traded for Davis!). Dallas actually subtracted a guard from last season by trading Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta and getting back Zaccharie Risacher, who is the Anthony Bennett to Flagg’s Andrew Wiggins now. AJ Johnson was replaced by first-round pick Sergio De Larrea.

I still have the newly extended Naji Marshall as a backup point guard on this roster, unless you think Brandon Williams replacement Marcus Sasser should fill that role. Klay Thompson has been bought out, while no one is sure what to make of injured center Dereck Lively II.

None of this should slow Flagg’s ascent. But it’s easy to see how Dallas might struggle improving its offense, especially when you remember Irving hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season since leaving Boston in 2019 — well before tearing his ACL and turning 34.

24. Washington Wizards

Last ranking: 24
Free agency: PG Trae Young (re-signed), PF Anthony Gill (unrestricted)
Additions: SF AJ Dybantsa (draft), C Deandre Ayton (trade), SF Khris Middleton (sign/trade), PG Tre Mann (trade)
Departures: PG D’Angelo Russell (trade), SG Jaden Hardy (trade), PF Cam Whitmore (trade)

What a strange trip for Anthony Davis. Lottery talent follows him around. Davis goes from one No. 1 pick centerpiece in Dallas (Flagg) to another in the nation’s capital (Dybantsa). He also goes from Kyrie Irving (injured) to Trae Young (not as injured, but still making a comeback from a lost season). And we can’t forget Davis upgrading from Dereck Lively II to Alex Sarr (unfortunately, dealing with a right foot surgery like Lively). Davis even gets to play with Deandre Ayton this season, ensuring the 33-year-old a chance to start at power forward.

That all of this is happening in Washington is interesting, as there’s nothing close to the pressure Davis faced when he arrived in Los Angeles or Dallas. This is a low-stakes environment where simply winning 20 games would count as improvement compared to the previous three years. Dybantsa basically takes Jamir Watkins’ spot on the roster, while Ayton replaces Anthony Gill. Middleton was used to help Washington get Davis, and then Middleton chose to return and take Russell’s roster spot. Between Young’s presence, Davis’ motivation and Dybantsa’s arrival, the floor is much higher in Washington, even if we have no reason to believe the pieces fit or will play much together (ask Davis about last season’s Mavericks).

25. Brooklyn Nets

Last ranking: 30
Free agency: C Day’Ron Sharpe (re-signed), PF Josh Minott (re-signed), SF Ochai Agbaji (unrestricted)
Additions: PG Mikel Brown Jr. (draft), PF Julius Randle (trade), SG Keon Ellis, C Moritz Wagner, PF Joshua Jefferson (draft)
Departures: C Nic Claxton (trade), SF Ziaire Williams, PF Jalen Wilson, PG Malachi Smith (waived)

I have the Nets out of the basement because they have no incentive to be bad, besides the new tanking rules. The Rockets can swap their pick, courtesy of the 80 games James Harden played in Brooklyn. The Nets made moves accordingly, trading Nic Claxton for Julius Randle. Keon Ellis replaces Ziaire Williams, Mikel Brown Jr. is in for Malachi Smith, Joshua Jefferson is swapped in for Ochai Agbaji and Moritz Wagner supplants Jalen Wilson.

Watching Randle and Michael Porter Jr. attempt to share the ball will be an acquired taste. But if nothing else, the Nets should have a significant size advantage.

Tier 5: Basement Floor

26. Memphis Grizzlies

Last ranking: 27
Free agency: PF GG Jackson II (option exercised), PF Olivier-Maxence Prosper (option exercised)
Additions: SF Jerami Grant (trade), PF Cameron Boozer (draft), C Isaiah Stewart (trade), C Quinten Post, SF Karim López (draft)
Departures: PG Ja Morant (trade), PF Santi Aldama (trade), SF Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, C Brandon Clarke (deceased)

I’m obviously not high on the Grizzlies but they will be another team with a significant size advantage to wield.

It all starts with Cameron Boozer, who is currently my Rookie of the Year favorite. His competition for touches and shots are Ty Jerome and Jerami Grant, two players who don’t have the best track record of playing full seasons. Boozer is an upgrade over Aldama, while Grant was acquired using Morant’s contract. Stewart and Post are the new centers, with starter Zach Edey needing to show he is healthy after his ankle and elbow surgeries. López replaces Caldwell-Pope.

Memphis could use one more blue-chip swing, so it will be interesting to see how many of the veterans will still be on the team by the end of February.

27. Sacramento Kings

Last ranking: 29
Free agency: SG Zach LaVine (option exercised), PF Precious Achiuwa (re-signed), PG Killian Hayes (unrestricted), SF Doug McDermott (unrestricted), C Drew Eubanks (unrestricted), SG Daeqwon Plowden (promoted)
Additions: PG Darius Acuff Jr. (draft), PF Alex Karaban (draft)
Departures: PG Russell Westbrook (retired), SF DeMar DeRozan (waived)

The Kings were Westbrook’s final NBA team, and he’s been replaced by Acuff Jr., who is the fifth point guard selected by the Kings in the lottery in the last decade. Maybe Acuff sticks around for a decade, unlike De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Davion Mitchell or Devin Carter. Sacramento used its other first-round pick on Alex Karaban, who swaps in for Doug McDermott.

Other than that, the Kings have a surplus of veterans returning from zombie seasons; possible starters Zach LaVine, De’Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis combined to play just 83 games for the Kings last season. DeRozan was waived, which should open up necessary touches. There’s at least a clear need for another point guard to complement Acuff, as Malik Monk is the de-facto backup at this moment. Perhaps there was a spot for Westbrook to return and be that player, but that option is off the table now.

28. New Orleans Pelicans

Last ranking: 26
Free agency: C DeAndre Jordan (re-signed), PF Karlo Matković (option exercised)
Additions: PF Trendon Watford
Departures: C Kevon Looney

The most egregious of the run-it-backs this offseason. There’s nothing to really say here. The only standard contract that won’t be back as of now is Looney, who played only 308 minutes last season. Former LSU product Trendon Watford replaces him.

Surely, new head coach Jamahl Mosley will be given a chance to use the players in New Orleans differently than Willie Green or James Borrego did. Perhaps Mosley gets better health from Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray. Last year’s lottery picks, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, will be counted on to improve after playing plenty of harmful but exciting minutes as rookies. Certainly, the size options must be better optimized.

But when it comes down to it, this is a 56-loss team that did not have a first-round pick, make a trade or add a new veteran other than Watford.

29. Chicago Bulls

Last ranking: 28
Free agency: PF Leonard Miller (option exercised), C Nick Richards (unrestricted), C Zach Collins (re-signed)
Additions: SG Norman Powell, PF Caleb Wilson (draft), C Nic Claxton (trade), SF Dailyn Swain (draft)
Departures: PG Anfernee Simons, C Guerschon Yabusele, SG Collin Sexton, PF Mo Gueye (trade/waived)

There’s enough change around the Bulls to suggest they might have a slow start. Then again, I expect this team to play fast, because that might be the only way some of these players get open and easy shots. All-Star Norman Powell replaces Anfernee Simons, and he should get a ton of shots. Caleb Wilson was the fourth pick of the draft, and he should start alongside Matas Buzelis. Chicago also drafted Dailyn Swain in the first round, so he takes Sexton’s roster spot. Claxton is the new starting center, replacing Guerschon Yabusele. Tiago Splitter is the new head coach, while Bryson Graham is the new lead personnel executive.

I’d expect there to be a lot of points in Bulls games, especially for the opponents.

30. Milwaukee Bucks

Last ranking: 25
Free agency: PG Kevin Porter Jr. (option exercised), PF Ousmane Dieng (re-signed), SG Gary Trent Jr. (re-signed), C Jericho Sims (option exercised), PF Pete Nance (re-signed), PF Thanasis Antetokounmpo (unrestricted)
Additions: SG Tyler Herro (trade), SF Jaime Jaquez Jr. (trade), C Kel’el Ware (trade), SG Brayden Burries (draft), SF Nate Ament (draft), PG Kasparas Jakučionis (trade), SG Caris LeVert (trade)
Departures: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade), SF Taurean Prince (trade), C Bobby Portis (trade), SG Gary Harris (trade), SF Andre Jackson Jr.

In the year 2033, the Milwaukee Bucks will get the Heat first-round pick. This will be after Antetokounmpo’s age-38 season. Milwaukee bottomed out last season with Antetokounmpo. Now, they could have a starting five of Miami’s assets next season between Herro, recent first-round picks Jakučionis, Jaquez Jr., and Ware, and 2026 lottery pick Nate Ament. Jaquez replaces Antetokounmpo and should probably start next to Herro, who replaces Andre Jackson Jr. Ware is in for Portis, who was also sent to Miami. Burries and Ament replaced Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, who both were traded in a deal that brought in Caris LeVert.

Why Milwaukee acquired all of these guards, and still found a roster spot, years and money ($64 million) for Gary Trent Jr.’s four-year deal, is beyond me. To be fair, though, Trent was the best shooting guard on the Bucks last season named Gary. Head coach Taylor Jenkins replaces Doc Rivers, and he has much to figure out for a team with way too many guards that wasn’t good on either end of the floor on the way to 50 losses last season.

Some team has to be last, and I’m comfortable with the Bucks being here for at least a couple of months.