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NBA free agency is winding down, and teams are taking shape with the 2026-27 season approaching.
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks will look to defend their title, but they're in an Eastern Conference that's filled with teams that have improved. There's LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat.
There's also no shortage of dangerous teams in the West. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are reigning conference champs, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder are looking to reclaim the throne.
There's still time for movement around the NBA. But for now, here are the top 10 teams in the league entering this season:
NBA rankings:30-21 | 20-11
Exclusive: Thunder GM Sam Presti talks about Lu Dort trade, OKC offseason moves
Here are the top remaining NBA free agents:
MUSSATTO: OKC Thunder ownership on watch after salary dumping Lu Dort
Losing Jaylen Brown is a tough pill to swallow, but I wouldn't sell all of my stock in Boston. This is a team that went 56-26 last season with only half of its superstar duo, after all.
Now it's Jayson Tatum's turn to lead the Celtics, who have a strong supporting cast of Derrick White, Paul George and Payton Pritchard. They even added some much-needed center depth with NBA champion Mitchell Robinson now in the mix, making this a team that shouldn't be overlooked.
More: How did OKC Thunder rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz grade in 2026 NBA Summer League?
James Harden hasn't inked a new deal with Cleveland just yet, but all reports point to that happening. He'll once again form a dynamic backcourt duo with Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavaliers also still have a strong frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. And while wing depth isn't too deep, they have a promising prospect in Jaylon Tyson. Adding LeBron James would've made Cleveland a legitimate title contender, but I still view this as a top-10 team in the NBA after tying for the eighth-best record last season.
Point guard play was a huge area of weakness last season for Houston, which had to lean heavily on second-year guard Reed Sheppard. But that shouldn't be an issue anymore now that Fred VanVleet is healthy and Marcus Smart is on the roster.
A healthy Steven Adams should also help the Rockets begin to dominate on the boards again, and maybe newly-acquired guard Bogdan Bogdanovic can help in the floor spacing department. The potential is there for this to be one of the top teams in the NBA.
LaMelo Ball is an elite playmaker who has never had as lethal of a scoring weapon as Anthony Edwards on his team. And Edwards has never played alongside someone with as much shooting gravity as Ball, which will give him better looks.
That duo will be must-watch TV, but I'm interested to see what the rest of the team looks like. Will Jaden McDaniels be less effective defensively as a four? Will the bench provide enough production? Only time will tell.
MUSSATTO'S MINUTES: Lu Dort leaves Thunder as best developmental success ever for OKC
Denver has yet to reach a new deal with Peyton Watson but did retain Spencer Jones, had had agreed to an offer sheet with the Thunder. And don't underestimate the loss of Tim Hardaway Jr., who was a key spark plug off the bench last season.
That all warrants some level of concern. But as long as the trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon can stay healthy, the Nuggets should still be viewed as one of the top teams in the league.
Detroit was the biggest breakout team in the NBA last season. It finished atop the East with a 60-22 record before falling in the second round of the playoffs.
The Pistons are more experienced now, though. And while Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart are no longer in the mix, John Collins and Isaiah Joe are two nice additions. As long as Detroit can re-sign Jalen Duren, who remains a restricted free agent, it should be in for another strong season.
Philadelphia arguably pulled off the two most stunning moves in the NBA this offseason. It traded for Jaylen Brown and landed LeBron James in free agency, giving it a starting five that's as good as it gets.
Joel Embiid is a massive X-Factor, per usual, especially with backup center Andre Drummond no longer around. Still, Philadelphia is undoubtedly a championship contender.
More: OKC Thunder assistant coach Chip Engelland joins Rockets staff, per report
New York won its first NBA championship since 1973 last season, and it brings back its entire starting five. It did lose Mitchell Robinson, but Andre Drummond is a more than serviceable backup center.
Placing the Knicks at No. 3 on this list doesn't mean they took a step backward. They're still my favorite to come out of the East. I just have New York in this spot because I think the trajectory of the next two teams will lead to it being overtaken.
You don't see young teams win a championship during their first playoff run. And after coming close to doing the unthinkable last season, it isn't hard to imagine a more experienced San Antonio team going all the way this time around.
Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper should only get better. And so should the Spurs' depth after adding veteran forward Tobias Harris. I think it's only a matter of time until this group wins a title. Maybe it'll happen this season.
Some people will focus on the fact that OKC lost Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins this summer. I'm more focused on the fact that it's getting back Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, two players it didn't have when it took San Antonio to seven games in the Western Conference Finals before falling short.
If the Thunder can stay healthy, it still has everything from shot creation to playmaking to floor spacing to perimeter defenders to rim protectors. It also still has an elite bench. And as of today, it's still my favorite to win the championship this upcoming season.
More: Lu Dort leaves lasting legacy with OKC Thunder after trade to Atlanta Hawks
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA power rankings: Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder reclaim the throne?
Continue reading...
Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks will look to defend their title, but they're in an Eastern Conference that's filled with teams that have improved. There's LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat.
There's also no shortage of dangerous teams in the West. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are reigning conference champs, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder are looking to reclaim the throne.
There's still time for movement around the NBA. But for now, here are the top 10 teams in the league entering this season:
NBA rankings:30-21 | 20-11
Exclusive: Thunder GM Sam Presti talks about Lu Dort trade, OKC offseason moves
Top available NBA free agents
Here are the top remaining NBA free agents:
- Guards: James Harden, Bennedict Mathurin (RFA), Bruce Brown Jr., Russell Westbrook, Gary Payton II, Brandon Williams and Gabe Vincent
- Forwards: Peyton Watson (RFA), Jonathan Kuminga, DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, Nicolas Batum, Ochai Agbaji and Jeremy Sochan
- Centers: Jalen Duren (RFA), Nick Richards, Drew Eubanks and Kelly Olynyk
MUSSATTO: OKC Thunder ownership on watch after salary dumping Lu Dort
NBA rankings after 2026 offseason: 10-1
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No. 10: Boston Celtics
- Added: Chris Cenac Jr., Mike Conley, Paul George, Dillon Mitchell and Mitchell Robinson
- Lost: Jaylen Brown and Nikola Vucevic
- Projected starting lineup: Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta
Losing Jaylen Brown is a tough pill to swallow, but I wouldn't sell all of my stock in Boston. This is a team that went 56-26 last season with only half of its superstar duo, after all.
Now it's Jayson Tatum's turn to lead the Celtics, who have a strong supporting cast of Derrick White, Paul George and Payton Pritchard. They even added some much-needed center depth with NBA champion Mitchell Robinson now in the mix, making this a team that shouldn't be overlooked.
More: How did OKC Thunder rookies Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz grade in 2026 NBA Summer League?
No. 9: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Added: Meleek Thomas
- Lost: Larry Nance Jr., Keon Ellis and Dean Wade
- Projected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen
James Harden hasn't inked a new deal with Cleveland just yet, but all reports point to that happening. He'll once again form a dynamic backcourt duo with Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavaliers also still have a strong frontcourt duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. And while wing depth isn't too deep, they have a promising prospect in Jaylon Tyson. Adding LeBron James would've made Cleveland a legitimate title contender, but I still view this as a top-10 team in the NBA after tying for the eighth-best record last season.
No. 8: Houston Rockets
- Added: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Marcus Smart and Bruce Thornton
- Lost: Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie
- Projected starting lineup: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun
Point guard play was a huge area of weakness last season for Houston, which had to lean heavily on second-year guard Reed Sheppard. But that shouldn't be an issue anymore now that Fred VanVleet is healthy and Marcus Smart is on the roster.
A healthy Steven Adams should also help the Rockets begin to dominate on the boards again, and maybe newly-acquired guard Bogdan Bogdanovic can help in the floor spacing department. The potential is there for this to be one of the top teams in the NBA.
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No. 7: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Added: LaMelo Ball, Isaiah Evans, Josh Green, Mouhadadou Gueye, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Trey Lyles
- Lost: Kyle Anderson, Mike Conley, Julius Randle and Naz Reid
- Projected starting lineup: LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert
LaMelo Ball is an elite playmaker who has never had as lethal of a scoring weapon as Anthony Edwards on his team. And Edwards has never played alongside someone with as much shooting gravity as Ball, which will give him better looks.
That duo will be must-watch TV, but I'm interested to see what the rest of the team looks like. Will Jaden McDaniels be less effective defensively as a four? Will the bench provide enough production? Only time will tell.
MUSSATTO'S MINUTES: Lu Dort leaves Thunder as best developmental success ever for OKC
No. 6: Denver Nuggets
- Added: Marvin Bagley III, Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins
- Lost: Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas
- Projected starting lineup: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic
Denver has yet to reach a new deal with Peyton Watson but did retain Spencer Jones, had had agreed to an offer sheet with the Thunder. And don't underestimate the loss of Tim Hardaway Jr., who was a key spark plug off the bench last season.
That all warrants some level of concern. But as long as the trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon can stay healthy, the Nuggets should still be viewed as one of the top teams in the league.
No. 5: Detroit Pistons
- Added: John Collins, Gary Harris, Isaiah Joe, Ebuka Okorie, Ugonna Onyenso and Taurean Prince
- Lost: Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart
- Projected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins and Jalen Duren
Detroit was the biggest breakout team in the NBA last season. It finished atop the East with a 60-22 record before falling in the second round of the playoffs.
The Pistons are more experienced now, though. And while Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart are no longer in the mix, John Collins and Isaiah Joe are two nice additions. As long as Detroit can re-sign Jalen Duren, who remains a restricted free agent, it should be in for another strong season.
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No. 4: Philadelphia 76ers
- Added: Anfernee Simons, Jaylen Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ariel Hukporti, LeBron James, Labaron Philon Jr. and Dean Wade
- Lost: Johni Broome, Paul George, Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond
- Projected starting lineup: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid
Philadelphia arguably pulled off the two most stunning moves in the NBA this offseason. It traded for Jaylen Brown and landed LeBron James in free agency, giving it a starting five that's as good as it gets.
Joel Embiid is a massive X-Factor, per usual, especially with backup center Andre Drummond no longer around. Still, Philadelphia is undoubtedly a championship contender.
More: OKC Thunder assistant coach Chip Engelland joins Rockets staff, per report
No. 3: New York Knicks
- Added: Andre Drummond, Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel
- Lost: Ariel Hukporti and Mitchell Robinson
- Projected starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns
New York won its first NBA championship since 1973 last season, and it brings back its entire starting five. It did lose Mitchell Robinson, but Andre Drummond is a more than serviceable backup center.
Placing the Knicks at No. 3 on this list doesn't mean they took a step backward. They're still my favorite to come out of the East. I just have New York in this spot because I think the trajectory of the next two teams will lead to it being overtaken.
No. 2: San Antonio Spurs
- Added: Maliq Brown, Tobias Harris, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr.
- Lost: None
- Projected starting lineup: De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama
You don't see young teams win a championship during their first playoff run. And after coming close to doing the unthinkable last season, it isn't hard to imagine a more experienced San Antonio team going all the way this time around.
Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper should only get better. And so should the Spurs' depth after adding veteran forward Tobias Harris. I think it's only a matter of time until this group wins a title. Maybe it'll happen this season.
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No. 1: OKC Thunder
- Added: Josh Dix, Aday Mara, Otega Oweh and Bennett Stirtz
- Lost: Branden Carlson, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins
- Projected starting lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein
Some people will focus on the fact that OKC lost Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins this summer. I'm more focused on the fact that it's getting back Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, two players it didn't have when it took San Antonio to seven games in the Western Conference Finals before falling short.
If the Thunder can stay healthy, it still has everything from shot creation to playmaking to floor spacing to perimeter defenders to rim protectors. It also still has an elite bench. And as of today, it's still my favorite to win the championship this upcoming season.
More: Lu Dort leaves lasting legacy with OKC Thunder after trade to Atlanta Hawks
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA power rankings: Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder reclaim the throne?
Continue reading...
