NBA POWER RANKINGS: Where every team stands after a big offseason
The NBA has practically become a 12-month league, but it seems fair to say that the dust has finally settled.
This summer had a few huge moves, with LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard trading conferences, Carmelo Anthony changing teams, and the Warriors somehow landing the best center on the market.
Despite all of that, many teams stood pat, bracing for what should be a huge offseason next year, when the salary cap rises, and half the league will become free agents.
With training camp just weeks away (really!) we looked back at the summer and analyzed where each team stands heading into the 2018-19 season.
30. Atlanta Hawks
2017-18 record: 24-58, last in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Trae Young, traded for Jeremy Lin, hired head coach Lloyd Pierce
Biggest offseason losses: Dennis Schroeder, head coach Mike Budenholzer
One thing to know: The Hawks made the surprising move of the draft by trading Luka Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young while acquiring a 2019 first-round pick. A lot is now riding on Young, who many suspect GM Travis Schlenk took to be the next Stephen Curry. No pressure, Trae.
29. Sacramento Kings
2017-18 record: 27-55, 12th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Marvin Bagley III, traded for Ben McLemore, signed Nemanja Bjelica
Biggest offseason losses: Vince Carter, Garrett Temple
One thing to know: The Kings have a plethora of young, intriguing players. Now it's a matter of seeing which ones stick. Rookie big man Marvin Bagley III lost some luster heading into the draft, but he figures to help the Kings on the offensive end this season.
28. Brooklyn Nets
2017-18 record: 28-54, 12th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Traded for Kenneth Faried, traded for Jared Dudley, signed Ed Davis
Biggest offseason losses: Jeremy Lin, Timofey Mozgov
One thing to know: The disastrous Nets-Celtics trade is finally in their rearview mirror, and the Nets can reap the benefits of losing, now that they have their own draft pick. On the horizon is a large amount of cap space in a big free-agent class.
27. Orlando Magic
2017-18 record: 25-57, 14th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Mo Bamba, traded for Timofey Mozgov, signed Jerian Grant
Biggest offseason losses: Mario Hezonja, Bismack Biyombo
One thing to know: In Bamba, the Magic added another lengthy, athletic big man with high defensive upside, but with a questionable offensive fit. Aaron Gordon, second-year forward Jonathan Isaac, and Bamba provide length for days, but the spacing and ball-handling is still a major question for Orlando.
26. New York Knicks
2017-18 record: 29-53, 11th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Kevin Knox, signed Mario Hezonja and Noah Vonleh, hired head coach David Fizdale
Biggest offseason losses: Kyle O'Quinn, Jarrett Jack, Michael Beasley
One thing to know: 2018-19 will be another rebuilding year for the Knicks, particularly with Kristaps Porzingis recovering from a torn ACL. As they develop the intriguing young core they've built, all eyes will be on the 2019 offseason when they have cap space and figure to be major players in free agency. Could the end be near for the Knicks' woes?
25. Phoenix Suns
2017-18 record: 21-61, last in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges; signed Trevor Ariza; traded for Ryan Anderson, De'Anthony Melton
Biggest offseason losses: Marquese Chriss, Brandon Knight, Alex Len, Tyler Ulis, Elfrid Payton
One thing to know: The Suns have an intriguing young core with Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, and rookies Ayton and Bridges. They've added some veteran pieces, but are still reportedly in the market for a point guard. The Suns are in on the playoff chase, but it'll be an uphill climb.
24. Chicago Bulls
2017-18 record: 27-55, 13th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Wendell Carter Jr., signed Jabari Parker
Biggest offseason losses: Jerian Grant, David Nwaba
One thing to know: There's no doubting the talent in the Bulls' core of Carter, Parker, Lauri Markkanen, and Zach LaVine, but fit and defense will be a major issue. There's a sense that this may be a make-or-break season for head coach Fred Hoiberg.
23. Dallas Mavericks
2017-18 record: 24-58, 13th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Luka Doncic, signed DeAndre Jordan
Biggest offseason losses: Seth Curry, Yogi Ferrell
One thing to know: The Mavs were the big winners of the draft when they traded up to get Luka Doncic, the 19-year-old MVP of the Euroleague and No. 1 prospect in the minds of many. Adding Doncic to second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. and proven veterans like Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jordan should help the Mavs improve this year.
22. Detroit Pistons
2017-18 record: 39-43, 9th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Jose Calderon, Zaza Pachulia, hired Dwane Casey
Biggest offseason losses: Anthony Tolliver
One thing to know: On paper, the Pistons have the talent to compete for a playoff spot in the East, but over the last two years, the squad has underwhelmed. Will a full year with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond together, plus Dwane Casey, be enough to put them over the edge?
21. Miami Heat
2017-18 record: 44-38, 6th in East
Biggest offseason additions: none
Biggest offseason losses: none
One thing to know: It's fair to ask what, exactly, the Heat are doing. Miami stood pat on a roster rich in competent players, but no stars. Over the past two seasons, the Heat have a win percentage of .518, suggesting they're merely an average team. They'll compete, but at the moment, it doesn't seem as though there's much in the cards beyond a 40-44-win season.
20. Memphis Grizzlies
2017-18 record: 22-60, 14th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Jaren Jackson Jr., signed Kyle Anderson, Shelvin Mack, traded for Garrett Temple
Biggest offseason losses: Tyreke Evans, Ben McLemore
One thing to know: Though to be a playoff contender last year, the Grizzlies went into a nosedive after injuries to Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. They bottomed out, added a versatile big man in Jackson, and tinkered with edges. If Gasol and Conley are healthy, the Grizz will be in the playoff mix, but it's a big "if."
19. Cleveland Cavaliers
2017-18 record: 50-32, 4th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Collin Sexton, signed Sam Dekker, David Nwaba, Channing Frye
Biggest offseason losses: LeBron James
One thing to know: The Cavs suffered a pretty big loss this offseason. In the post-LeBron world, they re-signed Kevin Love to a huge extension and took some flyers on young players. If Love can assume the No. 1 scoring role, the Cavs might have enough to contend for a low playoff seed, but it will be difficult, given how much James did for them last year.
18. Charlotte Hornets
2017-18 record: 36-46, 10th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Miles Bridges, signed Tony Parker, hired James Borrego as head coach
Biggest offseason losses: Dwight Howard
One thing to know: After a disappointing 2017-18, the Hornets have essentially run it back. They hired head coach James Borrego, a former Spurs assistant who will look to push the pace. Bridges, Parker, second-year guard Malik Monk, and a healthy Nic Batum should help the Hornets with scoring and shot-creation, major problems for them in the past.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
2017-18 record: 47-35, 8th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Anthony Tolliver
Biggest offseason losses: Jamal Crawford, Nemanja Bjelica
One thing to know: The Wolves looked to be on pace for a 50-win season last year before Jimmy Butler got hurt. Butler's health, plus growth from Karl-Anthony Towns and (maybe?) Andrew Wiggins might help them this season. But rumors of discord on the Wolves, Butler's impending free agency, and a shallow bench make it tough to buy into this group heading into the season.
16. Los Angeles Clippers
2017-18 record: 42-40, 10th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, traded for Marcin Gortat, signed Luc Mbah a Moute
Biggest offseason losses: DeAndre Jordan, Austin Rivers, Sam Dekker
One thing to know: The Clippers have quietly positioned themselves for tons of cap space next year while building a talented team that could compete this year. Better health from Danilo Gallinari, Patrick Beverley, and Avery Bradley ought to help the team this year.
15. Washington Wizards
2017-18 record: 43-39, 8th in East
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Dwight Howard, traded for Austin Rivers, drafted Troy Brown Jr.
Biggest offseason losses: Marcin Gortat, Mike Scott, Jodie Meeks
One thing to know: The Wizards have yet to evolve into the true Eastern Conference contender that many expected when they paired John Wall and Bradley Beal together. Last year's team was plagued by locker room issues, but it's unclear if the additions of Howard and Rivers, two players who have had locker room issues themselves, will help.
14. San Antonio Spurs
2017-18 record: 47-35, 7th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Traded for DeMar DeRozan, drafted Lonnie Walker IV, signed Marco Belinelli, Dante Cunningham
Biggest offseason losses: Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Danny Green
One thing to know: The Spurs finally broke it off with Kawhi Leonard, dealing him to the Raptors after months of drama. In return, they got DeRozan, a high-scoring guard to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge and their cast of role players. With the departures of Ginobili and Parker, it's as different as we'll ever the Spurs under Gregg Popovich, but they have the talent to stay in the playoff picture.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
2017-18 record: 48-34, 6th seed
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, Jahlil Okafor
Biggest offseason losses: DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo
One thing to know: The Pelicans made an inspired run after DeMarcus Cousins' injury last season, even taking a game from the Warriors in the second round of the playoffs. On paper, they're worse without Cousins and Rondo, but Randle should thrive next to Anthony Davis, and if Jrue Holiday plays as he did in the playoffs, the Pelicans should be right back in the mix.
12. Portland Trail Blazers
2017-18 record: 49-33, 3rd in West
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Seth Curry, drafted Anfernee Simons
Biggest offseason losses: Ed Davis, Shabazz Napier
One thing to know: The Blazers flamed out of the playoffs in an embarrassing first-round sweep to the Pelicans. But they're counting on continuity, with two All-Star guards in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, and re-signed center Jusuf Nurkic. Look for second-year big man Zach Collins to take strides this season.
11. Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18 record: 44-38, 7th seed
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Brook Lopez, Ersan Ilyasova, drafted Donte DiVincenzo, hired head coach Mike Budenholzer
Biggest offseason losses: Jabari Parker, Greg Monroe
One thing to know: The Bucks never quite took off as expected after trading for Eric Bledsoe last year. The mid-season coaching switch didn't help things. They'll be hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo can continue his superstar development while hoping Budenholzer can get more out of the supporting cast.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
2017-18 record: 35-47, 11th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Signed LeBron James, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Michael Beasley
Biggest offseason losses: Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, Isaiah Thomas
One thing to know: No matter the puzzling moves they made afterward, the Lakers are winners of the offseason for landing LeBron James. The surrounding pieces may be odd, but James, coupled with internal improvement from an impressive young core, should be enough to add 10-15 more wins this season. Will that be enough to make the playoffs in the crowded West?
9. Indiana Pacers
2017-18 record: 48-34, 5th seed
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Tyreke Evans, Doug McDermott, drafted Aaron Holiday
Biggest offseason losses: Lance Stephenson
One thing to know: The Pacers were the surprise of the NBA last year, with Victor Oladipo making the leap to All-Star guard. This offseason, they retained their core while adding more playmaking and shooting. The team that nearly knocked out LeBron James and the Cavs in the first round should be improved this year.
8. Denver Nuggets
2017-18 record: 46-36, 9th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Isaiah Thomas, drafted Michael Porter Jr.
Biggest offseason losses: Wilson Chandler, Kenneth Faried
One thing to know: The Nuggets missed the playoffs but were just three games out of third place. Such is the competition in the West. This year, Paul Millsap, who played just 37 games last year, should provide help, while Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris should improve. Thomas and Porter were potentially big upgrades who came at a cheap cost. The Nuggets are one of a few Western teams who truly stand to improve this year.
7. Philadelphia 76ers
2017-18 record: 52-30, 3rd in East
Biggest offseason additions: Traded for Wilson Chandler, drafted Zhaire Smith
Biggest offseason losses: Ersan Ilyasova, Marco Belinelli
One thing to know: Plans for a big summer fell through for the 76ers, so they stood pat. While they didn't add much around them, the hope will be that Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid get even better and Markelle Fultz actually plays.
6. Utah Jazz
2017-18 record: 48-34, 5th seed in West
Biggest offseason additions: Drafted Grayson Allen
Biggest offseason losses: none
One thing to know: The Jazz were one of the better teams in the NBA in the second half of the season, and they had a strong showing in the playoffs. Continuity from last year, plus development from Donovan Mitchell, should make them one of the West's best teams this year.
5. Houston Rockets
2017-18 record: 65-17, 1st in Houston
Biggest offseason additions: Signed Carmelo Anthony, James Ennis, Michael Carter-Williams, traded for Marquese Chriss, Brandon Knight
Biggest offseason losses: Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute, Ryan Anderson
One thing to know: The Rockets were a few missed threes away from knocking off the Warriors and making the Finals. Their success last season makes their offseason all the more puzzling — they downgraded in perimeter defender and shooting, two things needed to beat the Warriors. Nonetheless, James Harden and Chris Paul will give them a shot against anyone, and there's a sense their offseason has set them up for a bigger move down the line.
4. Toronto Raptors
2017-18 record: 59-23, 1st in East
Biggest offseason additions: Traded for Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, signed Greg Monroe, hired head coach Nick Nurse
Biggest offseason losses: DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl
One thing to know: The Raptors took a big swing on Kawhi Leonard, hoping that in one year, they can convince the star forward to re-sign with them, rather than booking it for LA. It's a worthwhile risk after the Raptors flailed out of the playoffs and looked to be going nowhere. If Leonard is healthy and willing to play hard for them, this team has all the makings of a contender, particularly now that LeBron James is in the West.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
2017-18 record: 48-34, 4th in West
Biggest offseason additions: Traded for Dennis Schroeder, signed Nerlens Noel
Biggest offseason losses: Carmelo Anthony, Nick Collison, Kyle Singler
One thing to know: The Thunder are one of the big winners of the offseason for re-signing Paul George. Now they'll be hoping for addition by subtraction after trading Anthony, who wasn't a good fit last year. George and Russell Westbrook make the Thunder as dangerous as any team, and around them, they've added length and athleticism. Shooting is still a concern, but the Thunder should be more dangerous in Year 2.
2. Boston Celtics
2017-18 record: 55-27, 2nd in East
Biggest offseason additions: none
Biggest offseason losses: none
One thing to know: The Celtics decided to sit back and see what this deep roster can do together. Gordon Hayward, of course, went down in the first game of the season, and Kyrie Irving didn't play in the playoffs. That didn't stop a rag-tag Celtics squad from going to the Eastern Conference Finals and taking LeBron and the Cavs to the brink of elimination. Take their two star players, plus the development of young players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Terry Rozier, and oh boy, the Celtics might be special this year.
1. Golden State Warriors
2017-18 record: 58-24, 2nd in West
Biggest offseason additions: Signed DeMarcus Cousins, Jonas Jerebko
Biggest offseason losses: David West, Nick Young, JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia
One thing to know: The two-time reigning champions somehow added the best center in the league in DeMarcus Cousins to get even better this offseason. Depth and fatigue (mental and physical) may be an issue for these Warriors in Year 5 of their run, but really, nobody in the league even compares. Cousins will be an interesting curveball this season, but it sure feels as though, once again, it's the Warriors' season to lose.
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