NBA Power Rankings

 

The NBA draft of 2022 is in the past, the summer league is over, and most free agents have signed new contracts. Prior to his fifth season with the team, which will be his longest stint with a single organization since he spent the first seven years of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James signed a two-year, $97.1 million agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

 

 

Along with Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers and Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards all signed extensions. Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, and MVP Nikola Jokic, all 2022 NBA All-Stars, each inked supermax deals to stay with their respective teams, the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, and Ja Morant all signed rookie contracts, which resulted in significant payoffs for the 2019 draft class.

 

The former Dallas Mavericks player Jalen Brunson chose to switch teams and accepted a four-year, $104 million contract with the New York Knicks. Furthermore, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year and big man Rudy Gobert was dealt by the Utah Jazz to Minnesota, shocking the whole league.

 

Will Donovan Mitchell, a former teammate of Gobert, go with Brunson to New York? What about the opposing New York team? After Kevin Durant withdrew his demand for a trade, are the Brooklyn Nets again in the title race?

 

Keynote: These rankings are based on where our panel, which includes Tim Bontemps, Andrew Lopez, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Kevin Pelton, and Kendra Andrews of ESPN, believes clubs should be coming into the 2019–20 season. Title odds from Caesars Sportsbook for 2023.

 

1. Golden State Warriors

Post-Finals ranking: 1

2023 title odds: +550

The Warriors lost Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II but added Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green, two players who appear to suit the Warriors’ scheme. In addition to their youth making progress and their core staying the same, the Warriors should be just as dangerous in 2022–23 if they appear as good with Golden State in practice as they do in theory.

 

2. Boston Celtics

Post-Finals ranking: 2

2023 title odds: +450

Boston acquired guard Malcolm Brogdon and center Danilo Gallinari without trading any of the eight players that helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals last season after their offense struggled during the playoffs. Boston will enter the next season as one of the NBA’s deepest teams, barring any significant moves.

 

3. Milwaukee Bucks

Post-Finals ranking: 3

2023 title odds: +800

If Khris Middleton had been fit for the Bucks’ series against the Celtics in the second round, would they have advanced farther into the NBA Finals? We’ll never know the answer, but the Bucks re-signed Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Wesley Matthews, and Jevon Carter; thus, Milwaukee is bringing back almost its entire roster. Joe Ingles, who will turn 35 in October and is recovering from an ACL rupture, was added by the Bucks, and if he can return to his pre-injury form, he might provide some much-needed wing depth. 

 

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Post-Finals ranking: 4

2023 title odds: +2000

The greatest off-season move for Memphis was signing a full five-year maximum deal with star guard Ja Morant; Tyus Jones, his backup, needed to be signed to a new contract, which was no easy task. Next season, keeping an eye on the effects of losing Kyle Anderson, a crucial component of their frontcourt rotation, will be essential. 

 

5. Phoenix Suns

Post-Finals ranking: 7

2023 title odds: +800

What takes place when Deandre Ayton arrives back at camp? During free agency, the big man agreed to a contract with the Indiana Pacers, but the Suns swiftly countered with a similar offer. Ayton averaged a double-double in his first four seasons in the NBA, including 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last year. He now has the chance to develop with the Suns, who finished with a league-best 64 victories. 

 

6. LA Clippers

Post-Finals ranking: 8

2023 title odds: +800

With Kawhi Leonard’s return, the Clippers have assembled one of the most expensive squads in NBA history by signing John Wall, extending Ivica Zubac with a raise, and re-signing Nicolas Batum and Amir Coffey. The Clippers still have one open slot for a training-camp competition, which may go to a replacement for the departing Isaiah Hartenstein as Zubac’s backup center.

 

7. Miami Heat

Post-Finals ranking: 6

2023 title odds: +1400

Losing P.J. Tucker was affected because he was well-liked in the locker room and a crucial team member that was only a few plays away from reaching the Finals. Victor Oladipo and Dewayne Dedmon were both re-signed by the Heat, but they still lack the last piece to make them the best team in the East. The rumor mill will keep linking them to Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant, but it is unclear whether they have the necessary components to make either move happen.

 

8. Dallas Mavericks

Post-Finals ranking: 5

2023 title odds: +2200

Although the Mavericks traded Christian Wood and signed JaVale McGee to alter the frontcourt’s face significantly, Jalen Brunson’s decision to join the Knicks will cast a shadow over Dallas going into the upcoming season. Dallas will only have two ball handlers on their roster heading into training camp. Still, they are two rather excellent ones in superstar Luka Doncic and midseason trade addition Spencer Dinwiddie for 2021–2022.

 

9. Denver Nuggets

Post-Finals ranking: 9

2023 title odds: +2000

With the return of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets will finally be healthy next season, which should help Denver advance. Although losing Monte Morris hurts, getting Ish Smith as a backup point guard is beneficial. With the addition of Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP, is surrounded by additional impact players.

 

10. Philadelphia 76ers

Post-Finals ranking: 11

2023 title odds: +1600

The 76ers knew they needed to improve their athleticism, rebounding, and toughness this off-season. By including P.J., Danuel House Jr., De’Anthony Melton, and Philadelphia did just that, Tucker. James Harden was taking a salary cut and signaling that everyone in the club was pushing in the same direction, allowing for those moves, which were essentially made possible.

 

11. Brooklyn Nets

Post-Finals ranking: 10

2023 title odds: +750

Durant will therefore remain. Until now. Let’s wait and watch what transpires when drama affects this team again. The Nets have dynamic players who can win many games KD, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, all of whom are healthy and committed. But for how long will that beat continue? After being out for more than a year due to back and mental health issues, what type of player will Simmons be? Will Irving be a devoted player for the group? The Nets now have much more problems than answers, but at least one of the best players in the league is still on the roster. 

 

12. Minnesota Timberwolves

Post-Finals ranking: 12

2023 title odds: +3500

When the Timberwolves traded away numerous draft selections to sign Rudy Gobert, regarded as the NBA’s finest defender, to team up with Karl-Anthony Towns, another All-NBA center, it was the most surprising move of the summer. There will be few more exciting teams to watch next season than Minnesota, a statement that hasn’t often been said in the franchise’s more than 30 years of existence. That depends on how well those two connect and how rising star Anthony Edwards develops. 

 

13. Toronto Raptors

Post-Finals ranking: 15

2023 title odds: +2800

The Raptors didn’t cause a stir this summer, keeping Thaddeus Young and Chris Boucher to maintain their roster of versatile 6-foot-8 players, the most of any NBA club. Additionally, it has been made evident that They won’t include Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in any prospective deal. However, the continuing issue involving Durant still hangs over the team.

14. Chicago Bulls

Post-Finals ranking: 13

2023 title odds: +5000

Even though seasoned players Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic joined Chicago in free agency, Lonzo Ball’s health will likely be their greatest narrative going into training camp. Ball made the Bulls a different squad while he was on the court, but the franchise has been elusive over his progress in recovering from a season-ending left knee injury sustained in January. He could be prepared when training camp opens, according to the Bulls. 

 

15. Atlanta Hawks

Post-Finals ranking: 19

2023 title odds: +5500

In late June, the Hawks made one of the greatest offseason moves when they acquired All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in exchange for three first-round selections (two unprotected). The Hawks are now moving ahead with Murray and Trae Young in the backcourt. In separate transactions, Atlanta also acquired Frank Kaminsky and Justin Holiday, reuniting two of the league’s three Holiday brothers. But once training camp starts, all eyes will be on Young and Murray’s connection.

 

16. New Orleans Pelicans

Post-Finals ranking: 16

2023 title odds: +3500

Aside from Zion Williamson signing a five-year, designated rookie maximum agreement, the offseason in New Orleans has been relatively quiet. But that happens when you have 14 guaranteed contracts and a first-round pick going into the offseason. In exchange for Anthony Davis, they obtained the No. 8 overall pick from the Lakers; the Pelicans chose Dyson Daniels. After missing the 2021–22 season, Williamson will now be the center of attention as he catches up. 

17. Cleveland Cavaliers

Post-Finals ranking: 18

2023 title odds: +12500

The Cavaliers checked off a few items on their offseason to-do list, including extending Darius Garland’s contract for a maximum of five years, getting Ricky Rubio back after tearing his ACL in December and acquiring backup center Robin Lopez. Collin Sexton was a restricted free agent because Cleveland offered a qualifying offer to him before the beginning of free agency, but he is currently unsigned.

 

18. Los Angeles Lakers

Post-Finals ranking: 17

2023 title odds: +950

The Lakers prioritized youth in free agency, bolstering their bench with the additions of Troy Brown Jr., Thomas Bryant, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and Lonnie Walker IV. After inking LeBron James to a two-year agreement, the franchise’s biggest concern is determining how Westbrook fits.

 

19. Portland Trail Blazers

Post-Finals ranking: 23

2023 title odds: +12500

The Blazers are hopeful that Damian Lillard’s abdominal surgery caused last year’s lottery trip to be a gap year. Before adding Gary Payton II to bolster the bench, they extended Lillard, acquired starting forward Jerami Grant through a trade, and re-signed Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons. In the long run, No. 7 selection Shaedon Sharpe, who was injured minutes into Portland’s NBA Summer League championship run, has potential. Still, Portland’s veterans will be expected to lead the team to a better season. 

 

20. New York Knicks

Post-Finals ranking: 22

2023 title odds: +7500

With the signing of Jalen Brunson as a free agent, the Knicks now have a point guard for the present and the future, providing them with a much-needed floor general. Will the Westchester native be acquired by the Knicks, who have the most to give in a Donovan Mitchell trade?

 

21. Charlotte Hornets

Post-Finals ranking: 20

2023 title odds: +25000

The Hornets re-signed Cody Martin for a four-year contract and selected Duke big man Mark Williams, but Miles Bridges remains the center of attention. At best, the restricted free agent’s future in the NBA is uncertain since he is now charged with three felonies for domestic abuse. 

22. Washington Wizards

Post-Finals ranking: 24

2023 title odds: +50000

The Wizards re-signed Bradley Beal to a max contract, and he will continue to be the focus of all their efforts. Additionally, Washington selected Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis with the tenth overall choice in the draft, which could relieve some of Beal’s offensive load. Taj Gibson, a big player who will fit in well as a seasoned presence in the locker room, was signed by them.

 

23. Sacramento Kings

Post-Finals ranking: 25

2023 title odds: +35000

The rallying cry of Sacramento supporters hoping to reach the postseason for the first time since 2006 is, “We’re getting 40 wins this year.” After No. 4 selection Keegan Murray excelled as MVP of the NBA Summer League and the Kings added Kevin Huerter (by trade) and Malik Monk (through free agency), there is reason to believe that the play-in, at the very least, is conceivable. For Mike Brown’s first season as coach, optimism is justified. 

24. Detroit Pistons

Post-Finals ranking: 27

2023 title odds: +50000

With the selections of center Jalen Duren at number 13 and guard Jaden Ivey at number 5, the Pistons felt like one of the greatest victors in the NBA after draft night. They provide Detroit’s foundation with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart. 

 

25. Utah Jazz

Post-Finals ranking: 14

2023 title odds: +30000

After dealing Rudy Gobert to Minnesota for many draft selections and primarily expired contracts, it’s a new era in Salt Lake City. The only remaining issue is how long Donovan Mitchell will stay there and how much money the Jazz will receive from selling him when he is relocated.

26. San Antonio Spurs

Post-Finals ranking: 21

2023 title odds: +100000

San Antonio’s reconstruction is fully operational. Dejounte Murray was traded, Lonnie Walker IV was allowed to leave, and Danilo Gallinari, the player acquired in the Murray transaction, was unconditionally released by the Spurs. The Spurs grabbed Jeremy Sochan of Baylor, Malaki Branham of Ohio State, and Blake Wesley of Notre Dame with their three first-round choices. When the season begins, all three players will be 19 years old. Future draft success is something the Spurs are hoping for, especially after obtaining three first-round picks from Atlanta in the Murray trade. 

 

27. Indiana Pacers

Post-Finals ranking: 26

2023 title odds: +50000

In their most recent attempt to collect assets, the Pacers moved deeper into full rebuild mode by sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics. In addition to talented young guard Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers now have additional fascinating young players thanks to the addition of Jalen Smith and Benedict Mathurin.

 

28. Orlando Magic

Post-Finals ranking: 30

2023 title odds: +100000

Orlando made a significant choice on a dramatic draft night when it chose Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick. Since Dwight Howard left the franchise, it is hoped that Banchero can grow into the star’s face. The Magic re-signed Gary Harris and Mo Bamba; now they must hope Jonathan Isaac can still make an impact when he returns after being sidelined for more than two years due to a knee injury. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder

Post-Finals ranking: 28

2023 title odds: +50000

On draft night, the Thunder were active, selecting three players out of the top 12. Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 pick, demonstrated his potential during the summer league and quickly joined guards Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the core of Oklahoma City. At the same time, Ousmane Dieng and Jalen Williams added two more intriguing wings to the Thunder. 

 

30. Houston Rockets

Post-Finals ranking: 29

2023 title odds: +100000

In the June draft, the Rockets added two forwards to their roster by selecting Jabari Smith Jr. third overall and Tari Eason seventeenth overall. The Rockets will have a relatively young but exciting roster to follow, and Smith and Jalen Green will serve as the cornerstones of Houston’s reconstruction in the post-James Harden era.

 

[NBA October 19, 2022] Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors