NBA power rankings entering 2026 preseason: All 30 teams ranked worst to first
· Yahoo Sports
The NBA preseason is here, bringing renewed expectations across all 30 teams ahead of the 2026-27 season. With offseason moves, emerging stars, championship contenders, and rebuilding rosters all in the mix, here’s where every NBA team stands entering preseason, ranked from worst to first.
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MORE:NBA Western Conference power rankings: All 15 teams ranked worst to first entering preseason
Ranks 30-24
Sep 28, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer (27) speaks at media day at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)30. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies sit at the bottom of this list. A once-promising team in 2022 officially deconstructed when the last remaining player, Ja Morant, was traded to Portland. They officially enter a new era in Memphis, one centered around Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward.
29. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks traded away Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, gaining Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis and Jaime Jaquez, along with draft capital. The Bucks effectively accelerated their rebuild, drafting Brayden Burries and Nate Ament this year. They shouldn’t be too competitive, but they are going to be an interesting team to watch grow this season.
28. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are another team entering a rebuild this year after parting ways with Kawhi Leonard. Due to the offseason scandal regarding Kawhi’s contract, Los Angeles is expected to languish at the bottom of these rankings for the foreseeable future.
27. Sacramento Kings
The Kings drafted Darius Acuff this offseason to pair alongside Keegan Murray. Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis headline their veterans. They lack depth but possess enough talent to compete against lower-tier teams.
26. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets acquired Julius Randle this offseason to pair him alongside Michael Porter Jr., forming a fascinating tandem in Brooklyn. Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets’ lottery selection, along with Egor Demin, should form an entertaining young backcourt. A lack of talent and experience is expected to keep this team in the bottom half of the rankings.
25. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas returns Kyrie Irving from injury while also landing Morez Johnson in the lottery. The Mavericks are extremely young and unlikely to rack up many wins, yet Irving, Cooper Flagg and Derrick Lively II will ensure opposing teams have to earn a victory.
24. Chicago Bulls
Chicago acquired Norman Powell via free agency, Buddy Hield via trade and Caleb Wilson through the draft. Wilson looked like the steal of the draft in the Summer League, while Hield and Powell are already established. Chicago won’t be a threat, but don’t be surprised if they outperform expectations.
Ranks 23-17
Sep 28, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets player Naz Reid (0) poses for photos during media day at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)23. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte traded LaMelo Ball after six years with the franchise, receiving Naz Reid in return while preparing Coby White to take over Ball’s role. The Hornets took a step backward. They go from a play-in team to lottery contenders.
22. Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is in a strange situation this season. They return a majority of the same roster while bringing in Miles Bridges and a couple of other depth pieces. They improved a bit but aren’t contenders just yet.
21. Utah Jazz
Utah is filled with young, exhilarating talent throughout its roster. Their core consists of Darynn Peterson, the second pick in the 2026 Draft, Keyonte George, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Lauri Markkanen. Backed by impressive depth, they are only ranked this low because of their inexperience.
20. Orlando Magic
The Magic are essentially running it back with last season’s team. They added depth behind Wendell Carter Jr., bringing in Nikola Vucevic, but will continue to lean on their core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane.
19. Washington Wizards
Washington adds Anthony Davis and extends Trae Young, two established stars whose playstyles mesh perfectly, while also drafting AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick. Packed with young talent and elite depth, they are a dark horse favorite.
18. New Orleans Pelicans
AJ Johnson and Benedict Mathurin headline New Orleans’ offseason moves, adding firepower to an already impressive bench that features Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen and Yves Missi. With their depth secured, Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson should be New Orleans’ key contributors.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta made multiple moves in an effort to improve its roster. The Hawks brought in Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Kingston Flemings, addressing their depth issues and adding a talented defender to pair with Dyson Daniels.
Ranks 16-11
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images16. Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton returns from a year-long hiatus. The only issue is that the Pacers aren’t the same team they were two years ago. They brought in Kelly Oubre Jr. and Larry Nance Jr. this offseason, which likely won’t be enough for a serious postseason run.
15. Golden State Warriors
As long as Stephen Curry is playing, the Warriors have a chance at a championship. Golden State’s biggest offseason move was the selection of Yaxel Lendeborg in the lottery, and with Jimmy Butler returning from injury, their ceiling gets higher.
14. Portland Trail Blazers
The addition of Ja Morant alongside the return of Damian Lillard gives Portland a brand-new identity heading into this season. Coupled with Deni Avdija’s All-Star play, this roster is built to make noise. Shaedon Sharpe’s injury is the only thing keeping them out of contention.
13. Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard returns to the city that embraced him after bringing Toronto its first-ever title. Leonard joins Scottie Barnes to form a terrifying defensive duo, while Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett should hold down the frontcourt.
12. Houston Rockets
Lack of ball-handling was Houston’s biggest issue last season. Luckily for them, Fred VanVleet returns from an ACL and meniscus tear that sidelined him for all of the 2025-26 season. With no big changes to their roster, the Rockets hope VanVleet’s return propels them into contention.
11. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had an impressive regular season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference. They lost Tobias Harris and likely Jalen Duren as well. They brought in John Collins and Isaiah Joe, two productive bench players, but that won’t be enough to make noise in an improved Eastern Conference.
MORE: NBA Eastern Conference power rankings: All 15 teams ranked worst to first entering preseason
Top 10
Jul 16, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)10. Miami Heat
The Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade, though it cost them roster depth. They reloaded in free agency by adding Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. Miami has the best frontcourt in the league, but its thin supporting cast might prevent it from succeeding.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers lost LeBron but improved. That’s unheard of. The Lakers attacked the offseason, acquiring Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Matisse Thybulle, all via free agency. It was an impressive offseason that placed L.A. in championship conversations.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland enters this season with a similar roster, highlighted by the additions of Peyton Watson and second-round gem Meleek Thomas. After trading for James Harden last season, their championship window shrunk, leaving them with pressure to win now.
7. Boston Celtics
The Celtics restructured their entire roster this offseason by trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George. They weakened their roster at forward but addressed their biggest need at center by adding Mitchell Robinson. Jayson Tatum returns as well, so Boston is set to outperform expectations.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga joined the Timberwolves this offseason, addressing their holes at guard and forward. Ball and Anthony Edwards immediately became the most dynamic duo in the league.
5. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the world. As long as he’s on the court, Denver has a chance. Denver traded for Peyton Watson and recently signed veteran DeMar DeRozan, improving its depth. The Nuggets now have their best roster since their championship run in 2023.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are the new contender on the block. They made two of the biggest moves of the offseason, trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James. In one offseason, Philadelphia catapulted itself into championship conversations. They look to bring a championship to Philadelphia for the first time since 1983.
Top 3
May 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Plagued by significant injuries last season, the Thunder aspire to remain healthy and rally behind their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. The Thunder are hungry to reclaim the top of the West.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs relied heavily on a young core last season, which led them to the NBA Finals. San Antonio adds another year of experience to its roster while bringing in veteran Tobias Harris. They look to finish what they started.
1. New York Knicks
The reigning champions remain in the top spot. The Knicks retained most of their roster, making a minor change by replacing Mitchell Robinson with Andre Drummond. Fresh off an impressive championship run, New York looks to go back-to-back.
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