It’s that season once again.
Following a busy NBA offseason packed with major trades and player shifts, training camps have begun to open gradually. Teams involved in international preseason matches are already gathering for camp, with practices and preseason games soon to come, leading up to the regular season starting in about a month.
With the new season starting, it’s time to move on from last year’s outcomes. Although the New York Knicks hold the title of reigning NBA champions, every team now starts fresh, making past records less significant. The focus is on which teams are best positioned to win the 2027 NBA Finals.
As training camps open within the week, here are the USA TODAY Sports NBA preseason power rankings:
NBA Champions Over the Years Highlights:
- 2026: New York Knicks defeating the San Antonio Spurs in 5 games.
- 2025: Oklahoma City Thunder winning over the Indiana Pacers in 7 games.
- 2024: Boston Celtics beating the Dallas Mavericks in 5 games.
- 2023: Denver Nuggets triumphing over Miami Heat in 5 games.
- 2022: Golden State Warriors prevailing against the Boston Celtics in 6 games.
- 2021: Milwaukee Bucks overcoming the Phoenix Suns in 6 games.
- 2020: Los Angeles Lakers defeating Miami Heat in 6 games.
- 2019: Toronto Raptors winning against Golden State Warriors in 6 games.
- And many more, showcasing a rich history of championship teams.
Power Rankings: Nos. 30-21
- 30. Milwaukee Bucks (32-50): Facing the post-Giannis era, some challenges are expected as they determine their young core.
- 29. Sacramento Kings (22-60): Struggling to find direction, neither contending nor clearly rebuilding, with weak perimeter defense.
- 28. Brooklyn Nets (20-62): With veteran Julius Randle added, success depends on progress from promising young players.
- 27. New Orleans Pelicans (26-56): Potential to improve hinges on team health and chemistry.
- 26. Memphis Grizzlies (25-57): A cultural reset is underway; the youth movement needs time to develop.
- 25. Los Angeles Clippers (42-40): Moving on from Kawhi Leonard era but lacking draft picks, making a quick resurgence unlikely.
- 24. Washington Wizards (17-65): Dependent on star Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and rookies AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr.
- 23. Dallas Mavericks (26-56): Lead by Cooper Flagg, expecting growth especially with Kyrie Irving back.
- 22. Charlotte Hornets (44-38): After trading top players, focusing on shooting but facing potential setbacks if shots don’t fall.
- 21. Golden State Warriors (37-45): Stagnant offseason but still led by Stephen Curry, with Jimmy Butler’s return anticipated.
Power Rankings: Nos. 20-11
- 20. Chicago Bulls (31-51): New coach Tiago Splitter aims to bring speed; a balanced offense led by key players could surprise.
- 19. Portland Trail Blazers (42-40): Stability is key; rehab efforts ongoing for Ja Morant, supported by Damian Lillard.
- 18. Utah Jazz (22-60): Transitioning from tanking with a mix of youth and veterans; Darryn Peterson looks promising.
- 17. Phoenix Suns (45-37): Quietly building, hoping a healthy Devin Booker-Jalen Green duo will boost their performance.
- 16. Orlando Magic (45-37): New coach Sean Sweeney tasked with improving offensive cohesion and perimeter shooting.
- 15. Atlanta Hawks (46-36): Following last year’s breakthrough, enhanced perimeter scoring could take them further.
- 14. Indiana Pacers (19-63): Tyrese Haliburton returns; a motivated team aiming to increase pace and efficiency.
- 13. Detroit Pistons (60-22): Led the East regular season but lacked playoff support for Cade Cunningham; ongoing contract issues a concern.
- 12. Toronto Raptors (46-36): Could climb higher if Kawhi Leonard stays healthy, creating a strong duo with Scottie Barnes.
- 11. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30): Peyton Watson addition helps, but this might be the last chance to contend with pressure mounting on coach Kenny Atkinson.
Top 10 Power Rankings
- 10. Boston Celtics (56-26): Lost Jaylen Brown but banking on Derrick White’s rebound for success.
- 9. Denver Nuggets (54-28): Salary constraints and aging squad create challenges; Christian Braun and other young players must step up.
- 8. Miami Heat (43-39): Defense focused with fast-break offense; the arrival of a top-tier player sparks optimism.
- 7. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29): Under Luka Dončić’s leadership and support from Austin Reaves, role players’ impact is crucial.
- 6. Houston Rockets (52-30): Returns of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams provide stability, especially at point guard.
- 5. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33): Adding LaMelo Ball gives Anthony Edwards a reliable partner; solid defense with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
- 4. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37): The offseason’s big winners with an elite starting five; chemistry and player health top priorities.
- 3. San Antonio Spurs (62-20): Young stars like Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle give a promising future if previous Finals mistakes are addressed.
- 2. New York Knicks (53-29): The reigning champs face a deeper East but retain a strong core.
- 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18): A dominant Western Conference force, healthy and ready, known for developing young talent.
Fan Take:
This comprehensive ranking is essential for basketball fans to gauge which teams have the momentum and potential to contend this season, especially as training camps open and new rosters take shape. With a mix of veterans and young stars, the 2026-27 NBA season promises high drama and competition, highlighting how rapidly fortunes can change in professional basketball.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
