The upcoming NBA season should be as entertaining as it always is and filled with surprise break out teams. However, we’re also going to have our fair share of teams that’ll disappoint their fans and city by underperforming. We’re going to have players that blow up and players that falter, just like any other season. Now that the NBA Draft, Free Agency, and Summer League is all in the books, we have a fresher perspective on which teams will succeed and which will fail next year. The following power ranking of the top 10 NBA teams are based on the moves they made (or didn’t make) in the offseason to this point. Of course the remaining roster and success they had last year will help us sort them but anything can change in just one summer.
10. Washington Wizards
Last Year’s Record: (46-36)
The Wizards were able to make the best out of a rough loss in Paul Pierce. They signed sharp shooters Gary Neal, Alan Anderson and locker room presence Jared Dudley. Drafting Kelly Oubre should also help ease the pain. They also boast one of the best back courts in the league in John Wall and Bradley Beal which should make them a legitimate threat yet again.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Last Year’s Record: (60-22)
The Atlanta Hawks great season last year was not a fluke. They retained most of their core other than DeMarre Carroll. They won’t have as much success as last season but they should still be a powerhouse in the East.
8. Memphis Grizzlies
Last Year’s Record: (55-27)
Here comes Memphis again. The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t make much noise this offseason outside of their Marc Gasol re-signing. But with the Grizz you know, you just know, when it’s all said and done, their defense and toughness is going to have them right up there with the rest of the West’s elite.
7. Chicago Bulls
Last Year’s Record: (50-32)
The Chicago Bulls accomplished what they set out for this offseason. They locked up Jimmy Butler long-term and got some new blood at head coach. Point guard Derrick Rose has a whole season to get better and Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah are still a more than formidable frontcourt. Draft pick Bobby Portis could also end up being the steal of the draft adding a scoring punch off the bench.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Year’s Record: (45-37)
Here comes the top of the big, bad West. The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming people. They have arguably two of the top five players in the league in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Combine that with bigs Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter and you have plenty of offensive firepower. If KD can come back and play at MVP form, the Thunder have a legitimate shot to be world champions at season’s end.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Last Year’s Record: (56-26)
The Los Angeles Clippers enjoyed an extremely fruitful offseason. They retained Austin Rivers and of course DeAndre Jordan. They also added forwards Josh Smith, Paul Pierce, and Lance Stephenson. The Clippers went deep in the playoffs last year, expect them to be even better this year.
4. Houston Rockets
Last Year’s Record: (56-26)
The Houston Rockets finally have what they’ve been after for years now: a true starting point guard. Ty Lawson will provide Houston with something they’re not used to. the core of James Harden and Dwight Howard is still intact along with role players Patrick Beverley and Trevor Ariza. Expect Harden to put up another MVP-caliber season and for the beard to carry them deep into the playoffs.
3. Golden State Warriors
Last Year’s Record: (67-15)
Last year’s champions Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason. They had a historic year and they did lock up Draymond Green but the loss of David Lee could end up hurting them. It’s not that they don’t have a great shot to repeat, it’s just that some teams have gotten substantially better and they haven’t.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Year’s Record: (53-29)
The Cleveland Cavaliers still have the best player on the planet and no one is doubting that. LeBron James is surrounded by talent. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving should be healthy to start next season. They re-signed wings Iman Shumpert and James Jones and also acquired Richard Jefferson in free agency. Expect the Cavs to be exactly where they were last year.
1. San Antonio Spurs
Last Year’s Record: (55-27)
The San Antonio Spurs should be considered title favorites next season. The re-signing of starting 2 and 3 Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard were huge. They also managed to keep the big three of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan intact. As if that wasn’t enough, they got the prize of free agency in LaMarcus Aldridge. Expect San Antonio to be right at the top again towards the end of Duncan’s career.
