NBA POWER RANKINGS: Where every team stands heading into the season
- After a short offseason, the NBA is back, with training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday.
- A flurry of activity has shaken up the standings.
- The Lakers still top our power rankings as we head into the season.
The longest season in NBA history led to the shortest offseason in history.
The NBA is back, just two months removed from the bubble. The compressed offseason led to a flurry of activity, with the draft and free agency being held over about one week.
The pecking order hasn't drastically changed, though some big names moved, and there are some teams on the rise and some on moving in the other direction.
With training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday, here's a look at our NBA power rankings.
* = lottery-pick rookie
30. Detroit Pistons
2019-20 record: 20-46, 13th in East
Biggest additions: Jerami Grant (F), Delon Wright (G), Mason Plumlee (C), Killian Hayes (G*)
Biggest losses: Luke Kennard (G/F), Christian Wood (C)
2020-21 outlook: The Pistons were active this offseason in re-shaping their roster, but it looks like just the beginning of a rebuild for a team with many questions at a lot of positions.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
2019-20 record: 19-46, 15th in East
Biggest additions: Damyean Dotson (G/F), JaVale McGee (C), Isaac Okoro (G/F*)
Biggest losses: Tristan Thompson (F/C)
2020-21 outlook: The Cavs are in the midst of turning things over to the young core of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., and Isaac Okoro. Will a Kevin Love trade finally happen this season?
28. New York Knicks
2019-20 record: 21-45, 12th in East
Biggest additions: Austin Rivers (G), Nerlens Noel (C), Alec Burks (G/F), Obi Toppin (F*), Tom Thibodeau (coach)
Biggest losses: Bobby Portis (F/C), Taj Gibson (C), Damyean Dotson (G/F)
2020-21 outlook: The Knicks were patient and conservative this offseason, adding only cheap veterans to their young core. It's wise to continue a slow rebuild, but don't expect many more wins at MSG this season.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder
2019-20 record: 44-28, 5th in West
Biggest additions: Al Horford (F/C), George Hill (G), Trevor Ariza (F)
Biggest losses: Chris Paul (G), Steven Adams (C), Dennis Schröder (G)
2020-21 outlook: After wheeling-and-dealing through the offseason, the Thunder ultimately stripped away last year's surprising playoff roster for veterans and even more draft picks. OKC likely won't be an easy out, but it's hard to see them winning so many games again.
26. Sacramento Kings
2019-20 record: 31-41, 11th in West
Biggest additions: Hassan Whiteside (C), Frank Kaminsky (F/C), Tyrese Haliburton (G*)
Biggest losses: Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F)
2020-21 outlook: The 2019-20 season was a letdown after the Kings narrowly missed the playoffs the year before. Sacramento wants to get back in the mix, and they'll need big seasons from De'Aaron Fox (who just signed a $163 million extension) and Marvin Bagley.
25. Chicago Bulls
2019-20 record: 22-43, 11th in East
Biggest additions: Patrick Williams (F*), Billy Donovan (coach)
Biggest losses: Kris Dunn (G), Jim Boylen (coach)
2020-21 outlook: The Bulls should improve with their coaching change. Though they have some nice talent at the top of their roster, their team's depth and core pieces are still in flux.
24. Charlotte Hornets
2019-20 record: 23-42, 9th in East
Biggest additions: Gordon Hayward (G/F), LaMelo Ball (G*)
Biggest losses: Nic Batum (G/F)
23. San Antonio Spurs
2019-20 record: 32-39, 10th in West
Biggest additions: Devin Vassell (G/F*)
Biggest losses: Bryn Forbes (G)
2020-21 outlook: The Spurs are going through a slow rebuild, though they nearly made the playoffs last year, so it's not as if they're tanking. Development from young guards like Lonnie Walker or Dejounte Murray could push the Spurs up the standings.
22. Orlando Magic
2019-20 record: 33-40, 8th in East
Biggest additions: none
Biggest losses: D.J. Augustin (G)
2020-21 outlook The Magic have made the playoffs the last two years, but Augustin is quietly a big departure, versatile forward Jonathan Isaac will miss the season with a torn ACL, and the East has gotten better.
21. Washington Wizards
Biggest additions: Russell Westbrook (G), Robin Lopez (C), Deni Avdija (F*)
Biggest losses: John Wall (G)
2020-21 outlook: The Wizards swapped Westbrook and Wall, giving Bradley Beal another back-court scoring partner (one not coming off a major injury). The Wizards should benefit from an infusion of talent, especially on the wing, with second-year forward Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija, perhaps the steal of the draft.
20. Memphis Grizzlies
2019-20 record: 34-39, 9th in West
Biggest additions: Mario Hezonja (F)
Biggest losses: Josh Jackson (G/F)
2020-21 outlook: The surprise team of the 2019-20 season, the Grizzlies were on track to make the playoffs, though they benefited from an easy schedule before the league shut down. Perhaps we shouldn't write off Memphis again, but a step back from a young roster wouldn't be surprising, especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. recovering from a torn meniscus.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
2019-20 record: 19-45, 14th in West
Biggest additions: Ricky Rubio (G), Ed Davis (F/C), Anthony Edwards (G/F*)
Biggest losses: none
2020-21 outlook: It's unclear how the trio of Rubio, No. 1 pick Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell will fit together, but the Wolves have gone all-in on chasing a playoff spot around Karl-Anthony Towns. This could be a fun, dynamic offensive team, but they may also be awful defensively and a bit choppy on offense with so many mouths to feed.
18. Golden State Warriors
2019-20 record: 15-50, 15th in West
Biggest additions: Kelly Oubre Jr. (G/F), Kent Bazemore (G/F), James Wiseman (C*)
Biggest losses: none
2020-21 outlook: Klay Thompson's torn Achilles is a devastating blow for a franchise looking to compete for a top-four seed once again. Stephen Curry is back and ready to re-reestablish himself as an elite player, but who else on this roster can be relied upon, from night to night?
17. New Orleans Pelicans
Biggest additions: Steven Adams (C), Eric Bledsoe (G), Kira Lewis (G*)
Biggest losses: Jrue Holiday (G), Derrick Favors (C), E'Twaun Moore (G)
2020-21 outlook: The Pelicans were a winning team, by a healthy margin, in the 668 pre-bubble minutes Zion Williamson played last year. That's what they'll be counting on entering this season, as they surround the young core of Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball with capable veterans.
16. Houston Rockets
2019-20 record: 44-28, 4th in West
Biggest additions: John Wall (G), Christian Wood (C), Stephen Silas (coach)
Biggest losses: Russell Westbrook (G), Robert Covington Jr. (F), Austin Rivers (G), Jeff Green (F), Mike D'Antoni (coach)
2020-21 outlook: James Harden is a walking playoff appearance, and enough pieces are remaining in Houston to build a solid postseason contender. But will Harden's trade request erode team chemistry? Will the Rockets succumb and deal him to another team?
15. Indiana Pacers
2019-20 record: 45-28, 4th in East
Biggest additions: Nate Bjorkgren (coach)
Biggest losses: Nate McMillan (coach)
2020-21 outlook: The Pacers seem to be in flux. They've been a solid playoff team, albeit with a limited ceiling, but the futures of Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner seem to be in question.
14. Atlanta Hawks
Biggest additions: Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F), Danilo Gallinari (F), Rajon Rondo (G), Kris Dunn (G), Onyeka Okungwu (C*)
Biggest losses: Jeff Teague (G)
2020-21 outlook: The Hawks were the big spenders of the offseason. Some of the moves were questionable fits with their existing roster, but they are undoubtedly improved, and their offense should carry them to a playoff seed.
13. Toronto Raptors
2019-20 record: 53-19, 2nd in East
Biggest additions: Aron Baynes (C), Alex Len (C)
Biggest losses: Marc Gasol (C), Serge Ibaka (F/C)
2020-21 outlook: The Raptors retained Fred VanVleet to keep together the successful, talented core that includes Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. The bad news is they lost Ibaka and Gasol, two fulcrums on both ends, in free agency, hurting the Raptors' seamless chemistry. Toronto is in the midst of a tricky re-tooling.
12. Phoenix Suns
2019-20 record:34-39, 10th in West
Biggest additions: Chris Paul (G), Jae Crowder (F), Jalen Smith (F*)
Biggest losses: Ricky Rubio (G), Kelly Oubre (G/F), Frank Kaminsky (F)
2020-21 outlook: After going 8-0 in the bubble and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Suns swung a trade for Chris Paul to boost their back-court. With Devin Booker entering his prime as an elite offensive player and development from two-way stud Mikal Bridges and center Deandre Ayton, the Suns should reach the playoffs.
11. Dallas Mavericks
2019-20 record: 43-32, 7th in West
Biggest additions: Josh Richardson (G/F), James Johnson (F)
Biggest losses: Seth Curry (G)
2020-21 outlook: Richardson is an excellent two-way addition to a team historically good on offense and poor on offense last season. Now the Mavs need their front-court of Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell to get and stay healthy. In the meantime, Doncic is an early MVP favorite.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
2019-20 record: 43-40, 6th in East
Biggest additions: Danny Green (G/F), Seth Curry (G), Dwight Howard (C), Doc Rivers (coach)
Biggest losses: Josh Richardson (G/F), Al Horford (F/C), Alec Burks (G/F)
2020-21 outlook: New GM Daryl Morey immediately changed the Sixers' awkward construction and shipped out size for shooting. This roster makes more sense, and while Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid may continue to be an awkward fit, the pieces around them may make it a little less burdensome on offense.
9. Utah Jazz
2019-20 record: 44-28, 6th in West
Biggest additions: Derrick Favors (F/C)
Biggest losses: Ed Davis (F/C)
2020-21 outlook: The Jazz were one in-and-out, last-second three-pointer in a Game 7 from advancing past the first round of the playoffs. They'll welcome back second-leading scorer Bojan Bogdanovic (who missed the bubble), and with a leap from Donovan Mitchell, they'll be right back in the playoff mix this year.
8. Boston Celtics
2019-20 record: 48-24, 3rd in West
Biggest additions: Tristan Thompson (F/C), Jeff Teague (G), Aaron Nesmith (G*)
Biggest losses: Gordon Hayward (G/F), Enes Kanter (C), Brad Wanamaker (G)
2020-21 outlook: The Celtics will miss Hayward, but his absence will open up more opportunities for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Thompson adds some size and defense to one of the league's smallest teams. The big question is if Kemba Walker's knee will be healthy enough to be the second or third scorer the Celtics need to contend.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
Biggest additions: Robert Covington Jr. (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F), Harry Giles (F/C), Enes Kanter (C)
Biggest losses: Trevor Ariza (F)
2020-21 outlook: Arguably, no team had a better, cleaner offseason than the Blazers, who strengthened their wing and bigs rotations around Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum at a minimal cost. They made the Western Conference Finals in 2019; can they re-emerge as pseudo-contenders again?
6. Brooklyn Nets
2019-20 record: 35-37, 7th in East
Biggest additions: Landry Shamet (G), Jeff Green (F/C), Steve Nash (coach)
Biggest losses: Garrett Temple (G), Wilson Chandler (F)
2020-21 outlook: On paper, the Nets might boast the best roster in the league. Of course, they're relying on one star (Kevin Durant) coming back from an Achilles tear and another (Kyrie Irving) with a checkered injury history. We'll need to see they're healthy, but if they are, look out. Under first-time head coach Steve Nash, the Nets will be must-watch TV.
5. Denver Nuggets
2019-20 record: 46-27, 3rd in West
Biggest additions: JaMychal Green (F/C)
Biggest losses: Jerami Grant (F), Mason Plumlee (C)
2020-21 outlook: Denver's chemistry and grit wowed the NBA world as they fought to the Western Conference Finals last year. If Jamal Murray's star turn in the bubble and Michael Porter Jr.'s rapid development are real, Denver will be a contender this year.
4. Miami Heat
Biggest additions: Avery Bradley (G), Maurice Harkless (F)
Biggest losses: Jae Crowder (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F)
2020-21 outlook: Miami's impressive Finals run overshadowed a solid but unspectacular regular season. Not much has changed on the roster, though Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could make leaps this season. The Heat deserve respect as conference champions but don't expect them to run over the East as they did in the bubble.
3. LA Clippers
2019-20 record: 49-23, 2nd in West
Biggest additions: Serge Ibaka (F/C), Luke Kennard (F)
Biggest losses: Montrezl Harrell (F/C), JaMychal Green (F/C), Landry Shamet (G), Doc Rivers (coach)
2020-21 outlook: The Clippers' meltdown in the second round of the playoffs and reported chemistry issues have overshadowed what looked like the scariest team in the league for much of the regular season. They still have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and a deep, talented roster. If the locker-room issues sort themselves out, they can easily contend for a championship.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
2019-20 record: 56-17, 1st in East
Biggest additions: Jrue Holiday (G), Bobby Portis (F/C), D.J. Augustin (G)
Biggest losses: Eric Bledsoe (G), George Hill (G), Welsey Matthews (F), Robin Lopez (C)
2020-21 outlook: Sure, the Bucks flamed out of the second round of the playoffs, botched a trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic, and still don't have Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature on the supermax contract extension. But they still have the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, a talented roster that upgraded by acquiring Holiday, and a proven effective system in the regular season. But this season is all about what happens in the playoffs.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2019-20 record: 52-19, 1st in West
Biggest additions: Montrezl Harrel (F/C), Marc Gasol (C), Dennis Schroeder (G), Wesley Matthews (F)
Biggest losses: Danny Green (G/F), Dwight Howard (C), Avery Bradley (G), JaVale McGee (C)
2020-21 outlook: The Lakers were the best team from start to finish last season, and they look poised to repeat this year. They upgraded the talent on their roster and got younger, crucial with a shortened offseason. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are locked in for the long-term, too. No other team has the same balance of talent and chemistry as the Lakers.