There’s an argument to be made that the previous season’s champion should always be given the honor of topping power rankings to begin the following season.
I love to argue, so I’ll take that debate.
Kudos to the New York Knicks for stunning the basketball world with an impressive run through the Eastern Conference playoffs and then a shocking upset over the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.
But, let’s be honest: the Knicks were not the best team in the NBA last season. Their triumph in the Finals was equal parts tired opponent and retired coach.
So, sorry Knicks, you start out at No. 3 this season, and even that is generous. By the way, season-opening Power Rankings are not a prediction of the eventual season outcome. I’m picking the 76ers to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Like the Indianapolis 500, where the car best equipped for the final laps doesn’t always start on the pole, here’s where I believe the league’s 30 teams tip off the 2026-27 campaign.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Let’s not forget they were one win away from being a heavy favorite in the Finals while playing without Jalen Williams. Sam Presti’s meticulously constructed roster is designed for long-term success.
2. San Antonio Spurs
When’s Game 6? I’m still picking the Spurs.
3. New York Knicks
LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard and Tyrese Haliburton are back. The road to the Eastern Conference finals is bumpier than ever.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
Enough with the concern over how many games LeBron James and Joel Embiid will play. Philly’s depth (Dean Wade, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anfernee Simons) is better than we can recall.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last year’s Eastern runner-up lost out on LeBron, but the Cavs did stumble upon the vastly underrated Peyton Watson. Let’s call that a push.
6. Boston Celtics
If Paul George can stay healthy … yeah, yeah, where have we heard that before?
7. Detroit Pistons
They finished first in the East last year during the regular season, but there’s something about the Jalen Duren situation that smells worse than Lake Erie.
8. Houston Rockets
Much of the NBA’s “new” look is actually an old look — as in key players returning from injury. The Rockets get back one of the best (Fred VanVleet).
9. Miami Heat
Imagine Wilt Chamberlain playing for Gregg Popovich. Giannis, meet Erik The Great.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Now imagine Dillon Brooks teaming up with Draymond Green. That’s a bit of what Minnesota has in new faces LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. You bring the firecrackers, I’ll bring the punk.
11. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic’s pending opt-out makes him this year’s Giannis … and look what that did to the Bucks last season.
12. Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard escaped the Clippers mess relatively unscathed, making it out of the country. The question now is: Will he be allowed back in?
13. Indiana Pacers
With the exception of Myles Turner, Caitlin Clark’s favorite team has gotten the band back together from the crowd-pleasing 2024-25 tour that played its final show in Game 7 of the Finals.
14. Los Angeles Lakers
Looking where to draw the line between contenders and when-does-baseball-season-start clubs? That said, maybe LA fans are in no hurry to talk baseball these days.
15. Atlanta Hawks
Entering the first full season of the post-Trae Young era, Atlanta hopes Jalen Johnson can fill the star void.
16. Charlotte Hornets
Sacrificing LaMelo Ball did not accomplish the goal of a Stephen Curry homecoming. That dream has died.
17. Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic or Kristaps Porzingis? You make the call on today’s greatest franchise destroyer.
18. Portland Trail Blazers
They’ve gone all-in (Chauncey Billups pun intended) on Ja-Ja (Ja Morant/Deni Avdija). Now, if only they could convince A’ja Wilson to change leagues.
19. Golden State Warriors
The last time this franchise imported a powerful Michigan big man, Chris Webber tried to overthrow Don Nelson. Be forewarned, Steve Kerr.
20. Phoenix Suns
If you love crashing the boards and forcing turnovers, this is your team. Either them or the Carolina Hurricanes.
21. Dallas Mavericks
This, Cooper Flagg, is why you didn’t take Notre Dame’s scholarship offer.
22. Washington Wizards
Anyone who thinks Anthony Davis and Trae Young will return the franchise to the glory days of Elvin Hayes and Phil Chenier is a reflecting fool.
23. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George … all with college eligibility remaining (George’s depends on the NCAA’s latest legal skirmish). Gotta believe this is Lane Kiffin’s favorite team.
24. Memphis Grizzlies
The Ja Morant-Jaren Jackson Jr. era didn’t exactly match that of Michael Conley-Marc Gasol, but what’s next could be a whole lot uglier. Good luck, Cam Boozer.
25. Los Angeles Clippers.
Poor Tyronn Lue. You telling me old pal LeBron couldn’t get him a job in Philly as a coach’s-challenge advisor or, at the very least, a caddie?
26. Chicago Bulls
They were the only team with serious money to spend in the offseason and the best they could do was Norman Powell. Seriously, the NBA thinks it has made progress on the tanking epidemic?
27. New Orleans Pelicans
Which team will finish the most spots ahead of their initial Power Ranking? That’s easy. The one that acquires Zion Williamson.
28. Milwaukee Bucks
Public perception says they belong down here. Maybe lower. My perception says: Take a look around. This year’s basement is littered with losers who’ll enjoy beating up on each other.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Yes, they avoid the distinction of being No. 30. Their first win of the season. It might be a while before they get a second.
30. Sacramento Kings
Popular exchange this winter … Kings diehard: There’s a purple light in the sky; we must have won. Former Kings diehard: That’s Hurricane Fisher, you idiot. Take cover!
–Dave Del Grande, Field Level Media
