NBA Power Rankings 26-27

30. Brooklyn Nets

The Nets come in at No. 30 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Brooklyn went 20–62 last season, and while the organization made some meaningful moves this offseason, there is still a lot of development ahead for this young roster.

The biggest addition is Julius Randle, who arrives in a four-team trade after averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists last season. Randle gives Brooklyn a proven scorer and playmaker alongside Michael Porter Jr., who averaged 24.2 points last season.

Brooklyn also added Keon Ellis and Moritz Wagner, while retaining Josh Minott and Day'Ron Sharpe. The Nets also drafted Mikel Brown Jr. sixth overall, adding another intriguing young piece to a core that includes Noah Clowney, Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf.

The Nets should be more competitive with Randle and Porter Jr. leading the way, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions surrounding such a young roster. Brooklyn has some legitimate pieces to build around, but this team looks more like a rebuilding project than a playoff contender right now.

29. Sacramento Kings

The Kings come in at No. 29 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Sacramento went 22–60 last season, and the offseason has largely been about reshaping the roster around its young core rather than making a push toward immediate contention.

The biggest new addition is Ben Simmons, who signed a one-year deal with Sacramento after missing the entire 2025–26 season. Simmons gives the Kings another experienced ball-handler and playmaker, although exactly how much he can contribute after a year away remains a question.

Sacramento also selected Darius Acuff Jr. seventh overall in the draft, giving the Kings another young guard to develop alongside Zach Lavine, Keegan Murray, Maxime Raynaud and Domantas Sabonis. Precious Achiuwa also returned on a two-year deal after averaging a career-best 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. The Kings did lose DeMar DeRozan, who was waived, while Devin Carter was traded to Atlanta.

There are some intriguing pieces in Sacramento, especially with Acuff joining an established frontcourt led by Sabonis. But with so much uncertainty surrounding the roster and a lack of proven depth, the Kings still look like a team in the middle of a rebuild rather than one ready to climb the Western Conference standings.

28. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls come in at No. 28 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Chicago is entering a major transition period after finishing 31–51 last season, but there are some interesting pieces on the roster that could make this team more competitive than the ranking suggests.

The biggest addition is Norman Powell, who comes to Chicago after an All-Star season in Miami. Powell averaged 21.7 points per game last season and gives the Bulls a proven veteran scorer who can immediately step into a major offensive role. Chicago signed him to a two-year deal.

The Bulls also added Nic Claxton through a four-team trade with Brooklyn. Claxton gives Chicago a legitimate defensive presence in the frontcourt, while Zach Collins was brought back on a two-year deal. Chicago also used the No. 4 overall pick on Caleb Wilson, adding another young building block.

However, Chicago also lost Anfernee Simons to Philadelphia, while Collin Sexton left for the Lakers and Nick Richards signed with Miami. That leaves the Bulls with a young roster that still has plenty of questions surrounding it. Powell and Claxton give Chicago some much-needed veteran talent, but the Bulls are still clearly in the early stages of a rebuild. At No. 28, this feels like a team that could surprise if its young players develop quickly.

27. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers come in at No. 27 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Los Angeles is entering a completely new era after a 42–40 season that ended in the Play-In Tournament. The roster has undergone a major transformation, with the Clippers moving on from Kawhi Leonard and building around a much different core.

The centerpiece of that new group is Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in 2026, alongside Brandon Ingram, who arrived from Toronto in the Kawhi Leonard trade. Ingram is coming off an All-Star season in which he led the Raptors in scoring at 21.5 points per game, while Garland gives Los Angeles an established point guard capable of creating offense for himself and his teammates.

The Clippers also made several additions around their new stars. Max Strus brings proven three-point shooting, Rui Hachimura adds another versatile scoring option at forward, and Gradey Dick gives the team another young perimeter shooter. Los Angeles also added Johni Broome and selected Keaton Wagler fifth overall, giving the roster some intriguing young talent. Bradley Beal is another important piece after re-signing with the Clippers, while veterans like Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn provide experience around the revamped core.

There is certainly enough talent here to make some noise, but the Clippers are trying to establish an entirely new identity. At No. 27, I'm expecting Los Angeles to be competitive, but there are simply too many new pieces and unanswered questions to put them higher right now.

26. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks come in at No. 26 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings, and this is another team that looks dramatically different from a year ago. Milwaukee finished 32–50 last season, but the biggest story of the offseason was the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was traded to Miami in July.

In return, Milwaukee brought in Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware and Kasparas Jakučionis, giving the Bucks several younger pieces to build around. Herro immediately becomes one of the team's primary offensive options, while Ware gives Milwaukee an intriguing young center to develop.

The Bucks also brought back Gary Trent Jr. and Ousmane Dieng, while adding Nate Ament and Pete Nance.

There's plenty of young talent here, but replacing a player of Giannis' caliber is an enormous challenge. Milwaukee is essentially starting a new chapter, and Herro, Jaquez and Ware will have to take on much larger roles if this team is going to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

25. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies come in at No. 25 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Memphis is entering a major reset after trading Ja Morant to Portland, signaling that the organization is moving away from the core that carried the franchise for the past several seasons.

In return for Morant, Memphis received Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Grant immediately gives the Grizzlies a proven veteran scorer and two-way forward, while Murray adds another young piece to a roster that is increasingly focused on development.

The Grizzlies also acquired D'Angelo Russell, AJ Johnson and Isaiah Stewart in a six-team trade. Russell gives Memphis another experienced ball-handler, while Stewart provides some versatility and toughness in the frontcourt.

Then there's the young talent. Cameron Boozer was selected in the draft, while Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Walter Clayton Jr. and Cedric Coward give Memphis plenty of intriguing pieces to develop.

The biggest question is obviously what Memphis looks like without Morant. The Grizzlies have talent, but they're no longer built to win right now — they're building toward what comes next. That's why they land at No. 25 on this list.

24. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans come in at No. 24 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. New Orleans went 26–56 last season, so there is plenty of work to do if this team is going to climb the Western Conference standings.

The biggest offseason addition is Bennedict Mathurin, who signed a two-year deal with New Orleans. Mathurin gives the Pelicans another young scoring wing and should have an opportunity to take on a significant role alongside the team's existing core.

New Orleans also added AJ Johnson in a trade with Memphis and brought in Trendon Watford, while retaining Saddiq Bey on a three-year extension. Bey is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists, making his return an important part of the Pelicans' plans. The Pelicans did lose Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy in the trade for Johnson and veteran Taj Gibson, while Kevon Looney left for the Lakers.

There are some intriguing pieces in New Orleans, but the team still has to prove that its young talent can translate into consistent winning. Mathurin and Bey give the Pelicans more scoring on the wing, but until New Orleans shows it can turn that talent into wins, No. 24 feels like the right spot.

23. Phoenix Suns

The Suns come in at No. 23 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Phoenix went 45–37 last season, reaching the playoffs before being swept by Oklahoma City, and now the team is trying to take another step with a revamped supporting cast around Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.

Phoenix's biggest offseason addition is Miles Bridges, who was acquired from Charlotte in exchange for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. Bridges gives the Suns another proven scorer and adds some much-needed size and versatility to the frontcourt.

The Suns also brought in Luke Kennard, giving them another reliable perimeter shooter after losing Allen and O'Neale. Koa Peat, selected in the draft, adds another young piece to the roster, while Collin Gillespie returns after breaking out last season and signing a four-year deal.

The combination of Booker, Green and Brooks gives Phoenix plenty of offensive firepower, and adding Bridges could make the supporting cast more dangerous. The question is whether this group can turn last year's playoff appearance into a deeper run.

At No. 23, the Suns have enough talent to be competitive in the West, but there are still enough questions around the roster to keep them outside the top 20.

22. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors come in at No. 22 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Golden State finished 37–45 last season and made the Play-In Tournament, but the team is now trying to extend its window around Stephen Curry while adding more youth to the roster.

The biggest new addition is Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and the reigning Summer League MVP. He gives Golden State a young, versatile forward who could immediately compete for rotation minutes. The Warriors also re-signed De'Anthony Melton, who averaged a career-high 12.3 points and 1.6 steals last season. If he can stay healthy and regain his previous three-point efficiency, he gives Golden State another valuable two-way guard.

Of course, Curry remains the centerpiece, and Golden State still has Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The question is whether the veteran core can stay healthy while the younger players provide enough production to keep the Warriors competitive in a loaded Western Conference.

At No. 22, I'm expecting Golden State to remain dangerous when healthy, but the age of the veteran core and the depth of the West make it difficult to put the Warriors much higher right now.

21. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets come in at No. 21 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Charlotte went 44–38 last season, but the team has undergone a major transformation this offseason. The biggest move was sending LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and Miles Bridges to Phoenix, leaving Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel as two of the biggest pieces of the new-look roster.

Miller averaged 20.2 points per game last season, while Knueppel showed plenty of promise as a rookie. Charlotte also acquired Naz Reid, giving the team a versatile frontcourt scorer who can stretch the floor. But Charlotte wasn't done making moves. Just yesterday, the Hornets traded Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta for Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash. Hield brings one of the league's most recognizable three-point shots to Charlotte, while Nembhard gives the Hornets another young guard who showed plenty of playmaking ability during his rookie season.

Hield is especially interesting because Charlotte already has plenty of young talent that needs spacing around it.

Having a proven perimeter shooter alongside Miller, Knueppel and Naz Reid could open up the floor considerably.Nembhard, meanwhile, gives Charlotte another young ball-handler to develop. The Hornets also have Coby White, Dennis Schröder, Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, giving them a much deeper collection of veteran pieces than they had entering the offseason.

There are still plenty of questions after moving on from Ball and Bridges, but Charlotte has put together an intriguing mix of young talent and experienced players. At No. 21, I'm expecting the Hornets to be one of the more interesting teams to watch this season, especially if Miller and Knueppel take another step forward.

20. Orlando Magic

The Magic come in at No. 20 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Orlando went 45–37 last season, finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference, and enters this season with a young core that has already shown it can compete for a playoff spot.

The biggest addition is Nikola Vučević, who returns to Orlando after the Magic brought back their longtime center this offseason. Vučević gives Orlando another experienced scoring and rebounding option alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, while also providing a familiar presence for a team built around two young stars.

Orlando also added Malaki Branham and JD Davison, while Desmond Bane remains a major part of the team's core after arriving from Memphis previously. Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black give the Magic additional depth in the backcourt, with Black coming off a season in which he established himself as a valuable rotation player.

The foundation is clearly Banchero, Wagner and Bane, and there's still plenty of room for this group to improve. The biggest question is whether Orlando can take another step offensively while maintaining the defensive identity that helped it win 45 games last season.

At No. 20, the Magic are a young team with legitimate playoff-level talent, but they still have to prove they can consistently compete with the Eastern Conference's top teams.

19. Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers come in at No. 19 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Portland went 42–40 last season and reached the playoffs, and instead of standing pat, the Blazers made one of the biggest swings of the offseason by bringing in Ja Morant.

Morant gives Portland another dynamic offensive creator alongside Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson. He averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists in just 20 games last season, and if he can return to his All-Star-level form, Portland suddenly has another explosive scoring option to work with.

The Blazers did have to give up Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to get Morant, but they added Jeremy Sochan, Branden Carlson and Micah Potter during the offseason. Portland also re-signed Robert Williams III to a three-year deal, giving the frontcourt some additional stability.

The biggest question is how all of these guards fit together. Morant, Lillard and Henderson gives Portland a ton of ball-handling and scoring ability, but there are only so many possessions to go around. Meanwhile, Avdija is coming off a breakout season, so getting him enough opportunities alongside the new backcourt will be important. Still, there is plenty to like here. Portland already proved it can make the playoffs, and adding a former All-Star like Morant gives this young team another potential difference-maker.

18. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz come in at No. 18 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Utah went 22–60 last season and missed the postseason, but this is a team that could look very different this year after making several important moves during the offseason.

The biggest addition is Darryn Peterson, who Utah selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson gives the Jazz another explosive scoring option to pair with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George, giving Utah a young core with plenty of offensive potential. Utah also added Josh Green, Jaxson Hayes, Josh Okogie and Jusuf Nurkić this offseason. The Jazz lost Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Lakers and sent Cody Williams to Minnesota for Josh Green, but they brought in some experienced pieces to help support their young players.

The biggest question for Utah is going to be defense. The Jazz allowed 126.0 points per game last season and ranked 29th in defensive efficiency, while opponents took a league-high percentage of their shots from three-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr. should help, but Utah has a lot of work to do on that end of the floor.

Peterson gives Utah another potential franchise cornerstone, while Markkanen, Jackson and George give the Jazz an intriguing group of established and young talent. If those pieces develop quickly, Utah could be much more competitive than its record from last season suggests.

17. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks come in at No. 17 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Dallas went 30–52 last season, but the Mavericks are hoping a healthier roster and another year of development can help them climb back into the playoff picture.

The biggest storyline surrounding Dallas is Cooper Flagg. After an impressive rookie season, Flagg gives the Mavericks a legitimate franchise centerpiece to build around. He'll now have another full offseason to develop his game, and the Mavericks will need him to take another major step if they want to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

Dallas also made some interesting moves around Flagg. The Mavericks added Khris Middleton through a sign-and-trade with Washington, giving them a veteran scorer and playmaker with championship experience. They also brought back P.J. Washington and continued to build around Klay Thompson, while keeping Anthony Davis as one of the team's biggest frontcourt pieces.

The biggest question is whether Dallas can stay healthy. The Mavericks have plenty of talent on paper, but getting Flagg, Davis and the rest of the core on the floor consistently will be crucial. If that group can stay healthy, Dallas has enough size, scoring and experience to make things difficult for teams in the West.

Still, there are a lot of unknowns with this Mavericks team. They're coming off a 30-win season, and the Western Conference is extremely competitive. But with Flagg entering Year 2 and veterans like Davis, Thompson and Middleton surrounding him, Dallas has enough talent to make a jump.

16. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers come in at No. 16 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Los Angeles went 53–29 last season and reached the second round of the playoffs, but this team is entering a completely different era after one of the biggest offseason changes in the league.

The biggest storyline is obviously LeBron James leaving Los Angeles. With LeBron now in Philadelphia, the Lakers are officially Luka Dončić's team. Dončić averaged 33.5 points and 8.3 assists over 64 games last season, and everything about this roster now revolves around maximizing his impact.

The Lakers also made some significant additions around him. Walker Kessler comes over from Utah in a massive trade, giving Los Angeles a defensive-minded center and one of the league's better shot blockers. The Lakers also added Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili, giving them a much deeper supporting cast around Dončić and Austin Reaves.

The biggest question is how the Lakers replace LeBron's production and playmaking. There is no simply replacing one of the greatest players in NBA history, so Dončić and Reaves will have to carry much more of the offensive responsibility. The Lakers also have a lot of new faces who will need to quickly figure out how to play alongside Dončić.

Dončić gives the Lakers a superstar to build around, Kessler should provide a major defensive presence in the middle, and Reaves is coming off a season in which he continued to establish himself as one of the team's most important players.

15. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks come in at No. 16 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Atlanta went 46–36 last season and made the playoffs, and this is a team that quietly had one of the more interesting offseasons in the Eastern Conference. Instead of making one massive splash, the Hawks added several players who could make them deeper and more competitive.

The biggest addition is Luguentz Dort, who comes over from Oklahoma City after winning championships with the Thunder. Dort gives Atlanta another strong perimeter defender alongside Dyson Daniels, while Aaron Wiggins also arrives from Oklahoma City to add more depth on the wing.

Atlanta also brought back CJ McCollum, giving Jalen Johnson another experienced scorer and playmaker to work with. The Hawks also acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from Charlotte on Tuesday, adding another veteran forward who can defend and space the floor.

The biggest question is the frontcourt. Atlanta has a ton of depth on the perimeter, but losing Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher leaves the Hawks needing some young players to step up. Rookie center Henri Veesaar was also ruled out for the entire 2026–27 season after suffering a torn ACL, making the team's depth up front an even bigger concern.

Jalen Johnson is coming off his first All-Star season, and Atlanta now has a deep collection of defenders, shooters and veteran players around him. If Johnson takes another step forward, the Hawks could once again find themselves in the playoff picture.

14. Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards come in at No. 14 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Washington went just 17–65 last season, but this team is entering the season with a completely different level of talent. The Wizards have gone through a lengthy rebuild, and now they finally have a roster that should be expected to take a significant step forward.

The biggest addition is AJ Dybantsa, who Washington selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. Dybantsa joins a young core that already includes Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George, giving the Wizards plenty of developing talent around their veterans.

Washington also brought in Deandre Ayton through a trade with the Lakers and Khris Middleton through a sign-and-trade with Dallas. Ayton gives the Wizards another proven scorer and rebounder in the frontcourt, while Middleton brings championship experience and another veteran scorer to a very young roster.

The biggest question is how all of these pieces fit together. Trae Young, Anthony Davis and Middleton are all experienced veterans, while Dybantsa, Sarr, Johnson and George are still developing. Getting enough opportunities for the young players while competing now will be a major challenge for Washington.

A healthy Trae Young and Anthony Davis give Washington a completely different foundation, while Dybantsa could become the franchise's next superstar. If the young players develop quickly, the Wizards could be one of the biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference this season.

13. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons come in at No. 13 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Detroit went 60–22 last season and earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but their season ended in the conference semifinals against Cleveland. Now, the Pistons are trying to prove that last season wasn't a fluke.

The biggest piece remains Cade Cunningham, who is coming off an All-NBA season and has established himself as the engine of this team. Alongside him, Jalen Duren remains a major part of Detroit's plans, although his restricted free-agent situation is still unresolved heading into training camp.

Detroit also made some important additions this offseason. John Collins gives the Pistons another scoring option and more size in the frontcourt, while Isaiah Joe is arguably the most important addition from a roster-fit perspective. Joe has shot over 40% from three in each of the past four seasons and addresses one of Detroit's biggest weaknesses. The Pistons also added Gary Harris and Taurean Prince for additional veteran depth. The biggest question is whether Detroit can improve its shooting enough to take the next step. The Pistons ranked 28th in the NBA in total three-pointers made last season, so adding a proven shooter like Joe could be extremely important. Meanwhile, Ausar Thompson is coming off an All-Defensive First Team season and recently agreed to a five-year extension, giving Detroit another major piece alongside Cunningham.

Detroit already proved it can win at a high level, and the combination of Cunningham, Duren, Thompson and the team's new veteran additions gives the Pistons a strong foundation. If the shooting improves and Duren returns, Detroit has a chance to remain near the top of the East.

12. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics come in at No. 12 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Boston is entering a completely different era after trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George and draft picks. Brown spent 10 seasons in Boston and was a major part of the Celtics' 2024 championship, so replacing him will be one of the biggest storylines of the season.

The Celtics are hoping Paul George can become Jayson Tatum's new running mate. George averaged 17.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 37 games with Philadelphia last season, while Tatum is expected to return for his first full season since suffering an Achilles injury in 2025. Boston also added Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley, giving the roster more size, veteran leadership and experience.

The biggest question is how Boston replaces Brown's production and toughness. George brings plenty of experience and two-way ability, but he's 36 years old and has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. Robinson should help Boston become more physical around the rim, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard could take on larger offensive roles.

Tatum gives Boston a true superstar to build around, and the additions of George, Robinson and Conley give the Celtics a veteran-heavy group capable of competing in the East. This isn't the same championship roster we've seen in recent years, but Boston still has enough talent to make another run at the top half of the conference.

11. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets come in at No. 11 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Houston went 52–30 last season and finished second in the Western Conference, but their season ended in the first round. Now, the Rockets are looking to turn that regular-season success into a deeper playoff run with a talented young core that has another year of experience.

The biggest addition is Fred VanVleet, who returns after missing most of last season with an ACL injury. Houston also added Steven Adams and brought back Kevin Durant, who gives the Rockets another elite scoring option alongside Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson. The Rockets are hoping Durant's experience can help push this young team to another level.

The biggest question is how quickly VanVleet can get back to his old form. His leadership and ability to organize the offense were major parts of Houston's rise, and having him back alongside Durant, Şengün and Thompson gives the Rockets plenty of different ways to attack. Houston will also need its young players to continue developing if it wants to compete with the West's top teams.

Houston has size, defense, veteran experience and multiple players capable of creating offense, and Durant gives them a proven superstar who can take over games when needed. If the young core takes another step and VanVleet returns healthy, the Rockets have the pieces to make a serious push up the Western Conference standings.

10. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers come in at No. 10 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Indiana went 19–63 last season, but that record doesn't tell the whole story. The Pacers were essentially forced into a rebuilding year after Tyrese Haliburton missed the entire season with an Achilles injury, and now their star point guard is expected to return.

The biggest addition is Kelly Oubre Jr., who joins the Pacers after averaging 14.1 points and 5.0 rebounds for Philadelphia last season. Indiana also added Larry Nance Jr. and drafted Purdue guard Braden Smith, giving the team more depth around Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac.

The biggest question is how quickly Haliburton can get back to his old form. Before his injury, he was the engine behind an Indiana team that reached the 2025 NBA Finals, but an Achilles injury is a major hurdle to overcome. If Haliburton can return close to the player he was, the Pacers suddenly have a much different ceiling than their 19-win season suggests.

Haliburton, Siakam and Zubac give Indiana a strong foundation, while Oubre adds another athletic scorer on the wing. The Pacers don't need to completely reinvent themselves—they mainly need their star point guard back and their supporting cast to stay healthy. If that happens, Indiana could be one of the biggest bounce-back teams in the league.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves come in at No. 9 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Minnesota went 49–33 last season and reached the Western Conference semifinals, but the Wolves made a massive move this offseason to try to finally get over the hump.

The biggest addition is LaMelo Ball, who arrives from Charlotte in a blockbuster four-team trade. Ball gives Anthony Edwards something he hasn't really had in Minnesota: a legitimate high-level point guard who can take some of the playmaking pressure off him. The Wolves also added Jonathan Kuminga in free agency, giving them another athletic forward to pair with Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

The biggest question is whether Ball and Edwards can become a consistent backcourt duo. Minnesota gave up Julius Randle and Naz Reid to make the Ball trade happen, so there are some major pieces to replace. But if Ball stays healthy and fits next to Edwards, the Wolves could have one of the most dangerous young backcourts in the NBA.

Edwards, Ball, Kuminga, McDaniels and Gobert give Minnesota a talented and athletic starting group, and the team has already proven it can make deep playoff runs. At No. 9, I'm betting on the new-look backcourt taking Minnesota another step forward.

8. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors come in at No. 8 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Toronto went 46–36 last season and earned the No. 5 seed in the East, taking a major step forward after winning 16 more games than the year before. Now, the Raptors are adding a former Finals MVP to a team that already showed it can compete.

The biggest addition is obviously Kawhi Leonard, who returns to Toronto after being traded from the Clippers. Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season and finished seventh in MVP voting. He now joins Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray-Boyles, giving Toronto a much more experienced core.

The biggest question is how the Raptors manage Leonard's workload. Toronto already had a top-five defense last season, and Leonard should only make that unit tougher, but his availability has been an important factor throughout his career. The Raptors also gave up Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple future draft picks to bring him back, so they'll need the remaining core to make the move work.

Barnes and Leonard give Toronto a legitimate two-way 1-2 punch, while Murray-Boyles, Barrett and Quickley give them young talent and additional scoring. After making the playoffs last season, adding a player of Leonard's caliber gives the Raptors a completely different ceiling heading into 2026–27.

7. Miami Heat

The Miami Heat come in at No. 7 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Miami went 43–39 last season and finished 10th in the Eastern Conference, but the Heat completely changed the outlook of their team this offseason with one of the biggest moves in the league.

the biggest addition is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who Miami acquired from Milwaukee in a blockbuster trade. Giannis now joins Bam Adebayo, giving Miami two elite two-way bigs who can score, defend and create for others. The Heat also added Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobby Portis and Nick Richards, giving the roster more shooting, experience and frontcourt depth.

The biggest question is how all of that talent fits together offensively. Giannis and Bam will command plenty of attention inside, so Miami needed to surround them with shooters. Thompson, Hardaway Jr. and Andrew Wiggins give the Heat several players capable of spacing the floor, while Thompson shot 38.3% from three last season.

Giannis and Bam give Miami one of the most imposing frontcourts in the NBA, while Klay adds championship experience and another dangerous perimeter shooter. After finishing 10th in the East last season, the Heat have completely raised the ceiling of this roster, which is why I'm putting them at No. 7.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers come in at No. 7 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Cleveland went 52–30 last season and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, and instead of breaking up its core after falling to the Knicks, the Cavaliers decided to run it back and give this group another chance.

The biggest piece of that plan is James Harden, who re-signed with Cleveland on a three-year, $97 million deal. Harden averaged 23.6 points, 8.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds after joining the Cavs last season, and he'll now have a full offseason to build chemistry with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Cleveland did lose several important role players, including Max Strus, Dean Wade, Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis and Larry Nance Jr. But the Cavs added Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja, Khalifa Diop and Meleek Thomas, giving them some new options around their core four.

The biggest question is whether the Harden-Mitchell combination can take Cleveland all the way. The talent is certainly there, and having a full training camp together should help, but the Eastern Conference has gotten even tougher. Mitchell, Harden, Mobley and Allen give Cleveland one of the league's most talented cores, and if their new pieces fit, the Cavaliers should once again be right in the middle of the Eastern Conference race.

5. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets come in at No. 5 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings. Denver went 54–28 last season and finished third in the Western Conference, but another early playoff exit has put more pressure on this group to get back into championship contention. With Nikola Jokić still leading the way, the Nuggets remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

The biggest addition is DeMar DeRozan, who signed with Denver on a one-year deal after averaging 18.4 points per game last season. DeRozan gives Jokić and Jamal Murray another proven scorer who can create his own shot, while the Nuggets also added Marvin Bagley III, Alpha Diallo and Trevon Brazile this offseason.

The biggest question is whether Denver can improve defensively. The Nuggets lost Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas, and Watson in particular leaves a hole on the wing. Denver ranked 21st defensively last season, so finding ways to replace Watson's two-way impact will be extremely important.

Jokić, Murray and Aaron Gordon give Denver an established championship core, and adding DeRozan gives the offense another player who can create when Jokić is being heavily defended. If the Nuggets can tighten up defensively and stay healthy, I expect them to once again be right in the middle of the Western Conference race.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City went 64–18 last season, the best record in the NBA, before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the Western Conference Finals. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams all back, the Thunder still have one of the most talented young cores in the league and should once again be a major factor in the Western Conference.

The biggest change this offseason came through the Thunder's depth. Oklahoma City traded Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta and Isaiah Joe to Detroit, giving up three important rotation players while also creating more financial flexibility. Those departures definitely leave some holes, especially on the perimeter, but the Thunder were able to keep the most important pieces of their championship core together.

Oklahoma City also made sure to keep Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams, bringing both players back on new contracts. Hartenstein's return is especially important because his size and rebounding give the Thunder another reliable option in the frontcourt alongside Holmgren. With younger players such as Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Nikola Topić potentially taking on larger roles, Oklahoma City will have to replace the production it lost without sacrificing the depth that has been one of its biggest strengths.

Still, it's hard to count out a team with this much star power and continuity at the top. Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off another elite season, Holmgren remains one of the league's most versatile young bigs, and a healthy Jalen Williams could make a huge difference after dealing with injuries last season. The Thunder lost some valuable pieces this summer, but their championship-level core is still intact, which is why I'm keeping Oklahoma City at No. 4 heading into the new season.

San Antonio went 62–20 last season, finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference, before making it all the way to the NBA Finals. Even though the Spurs came up short against Oklahoma City, this team showed that it is already ready to compete at the highest level. With Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper leading the way, San Antonio has quickly become one of the most talented teams in the NBA.

3. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs did not make many major changes this offseason, and honestly, they did not have to. San Antonio kept its entire core together, re-signing Harrison Barnes, Julian Champagnie and Jordan McLaughlin while also giving Wembanyama a massive five-year extension. That kind of continuity is important for a team that was already good enough to reach the Finals last season.

The biggest addition was Tobias Harris, who signed a two-year, $31 million deal after spending the last two seasons with Detroit. Harris averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds last season and gives San Antonio another experienced veteran who can contribute on both ends of the floor. The continued development of Castle and Harper will also be huge, especially after both showed flashes of what they can become during last year's playoff run.

Still, this team is built around Wembanyama, and the ceiling is as high as any team in the league. Wembanyama is coming off a season where he continued to improve offensively while remaining one of the NBA's most dominant rim protectors. Add in Fox's experience, Castle's development, Harper's potential and a roster that largely stayed intact, and it's easy to see why I'm putting San Antonio at No. 3 heading into the 2026–27 season.

2. New York Knicks

New York comes in at No. 2 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings after finally ending a 53-year championship drought last season. The Knicks went 53–29 during the regular season before dominating the playoffs, going 16–3 on their way to the NBA title. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are all back, giving New York one of the most experienced and talented starting groups in the league.

The biggest storyline of the offseason was keeping the championship roster together while staying below the second apron. New York did lose Mitchell Robinson to Boston, but the Knicks quickly brought in Andre Drummond to take over as their backup center.

The team also re-signed key pieces including Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet, allowing most of last season's championship rotation to return.

New York also added Tyler Nickel through the offseason while continuing to develop younger players such as Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek. The Knicks don't need a major overhaul after winning the championship, but the loss of Robinson does leave them with a question in the frontcourt. Towns staying healthy and Drummond providing reliable minutes behind him could become especially important over an 82-game season and deep playoff run.

Still, it's hard to look past a team that just went 16–3 in the playoffs and brought back nearly its entire championship core. Brunson proved he can be the centerpiece of a championship team, while Bridges, Anunoby and Towns give him plenty of talent around him. The Knicks aren't coming into this season trying to prove they can win anymore — they've already done it. Now the challenge is trying to become the NBA's first repeat champion in nearly a decade, which is why I'm putting New York at No. 2 heading into 2026–27.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia comes in at No. 1 in my 2026–27 NBA Power Rankings, and there is no question that this is one of the most star-studded rosters in the league. The Sixers went 45–37 last season and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, but this offseason completely changed the ceiling of the team. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James now give Philadelphia an incredible collection of talent heading into the season.

The biggest move was obviously bringing in LeBron James, who signed with Philadelphia after leaving the Lakers. The Sixers also made a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown, giving up Paul George in the process. Brown is coming off an All-NBA season, while LeBron brings championship experience and another elite playmaker to a team that already has Embiid and Maxey.

Philadelphia also added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade, giving the team more shooting, scoring and veteran depth around its stars. Simons in particular could be an important piece coming off the bench, while KCP gives Philadelphia another proven perimeter defender. Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe enters his second season after an impressive rookie campaign and could take another major step forward alongside Maxey.

The biggest question is health and how all of these high-level players fit together. Embiid has played only 96 regular-season games over the last three seasons, so keeping him available will be critical. There will also be an adjustment period with four players who are accustomed to having the ball in their hands, but if Embiid stays healthy and Brown, LeBron and Maxey find the right balance, the Sixers have the talent to compete with anybody in the NBA. That's why I'm putting Philadelphia at No. 1 heading into the 2026–27 season.

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