By ESPN | ESPN, 2025-06-23 10:50:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024-25赛季NBA已正式落下帷幕，俄克拉荷马城雷霆队在激动人心的七场系列赛中击败印第安纳步行者队，加冕联盟新科总冠军，并捧起队史首个NBA总冠军奖杯。
在时隔十余年再次闯入总决赛之后，雷霆队在我们的“为时尚早实力榜”中继续稳居榜首。但在一个变幻莫测的季后赛之后，当我们步入休赛期时，其他29支球队又将何去何从？
随着又一个精彩的NBA赛季落下帷幕，我们的撰稿人将展望今夏的休赛期，并为2025-26赛季——一个同样竞争激烈且充满变数的赛季——奠定基础。
*注： * 球队排名基于我们的专家组成员（ESPN的蒂姆·邦滕普斯 (Tim Bontemps)、贾马尔·科利尔 (Jamal Collier)、迈克尔·C·莱特 (Michael C. Wright)、蒂姆·麦克马洪 (Tim MacMahon)、戴夫·麦克梅纳明 (Dave McMenamin)、奥姆·杨米苏克 (Ohm Youngmisuk)、克里斯·赫林 (Chris Herring)、凯文·佩尔顿 (Kevin Pelton) 和扎克·克拉姆 (Zach Kram)）对2024-25赛季NBA结束后各支球队实力的评估。
跳转至球队：
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
- 俄克拉荷马城雷霆队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 68胜14负
- 此前排名： 第1
- 最终结果： NBA总冠军
- 2025年选秀权： 第15顺位（来自迈阿密）、第24顺位（来自快船）、第44顺位（来自亚特兰大）
我们可能需要习惯在六月份观看雷霆队的比赛了。俄克拉荷马城雷霆队凭借一支由冉冉升起的天赋球员组成的核心阵容赢得了总冠军。最有价值球员 (MVP) 萨博尼斯·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 现年26岁，正值生涯巅峰。24岁的最佳阵容搭档杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 和23岁有望成为未来全明星球员的切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren)，都还在兑现自身潜力的初期阶段。雷霆队这三名核心球员很可能在今年夏天签下利润丰厚的长期合同续约。下赛季，雷霆队还将迎来一名乐透秀加入阵容——后卫尼古拉·托皮奇 (Nikola Topic)，他在养伤期度过了自己的菜鸟赛季，正从膝伤中恢复。总经理萨姆·普雷斯蒂 (Sam Presti) 需要解决雷霆队在本届选秀中拥有的两个次轮选秀权，这只是俄克拉荷马城雷霆队未来几年丰富选秀资产储备的一部分。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪
- 明尼苏达森林狼队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 49胜33负
- 此前排名： 第11
- 最终结果： 西部决赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第17顺位（来自底特律）、第31顺位（来自犹他）
森林狼队此前一直表现得像一支总冠军竞争者，直到他们在西部决赛中遭遇了雷霆队这台“绞肉机”，最终以1比4的总比分被淘汰出局。
由于朱利叶斯·兰德尔 (Julius Randle) 和纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid) 都拥有下赛季的球员选项，而尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker) 则将在今年夏天成为自由球员，森林狼队面临着一些重大的阵容决定。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
- 丹佛掘金队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 50胜32负
- 此前排名： 第7
- 最终结果： 次轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 无
掘金队在常规赛结束前进行了最大的变动，他们解雇了主教练迈克尔·马龙 (Michael Malone) 和总经理卡尔文·布斯 (Calvin Booth)。这促使球队一路杀进第二轮，但在阿龙·戈登 (Aaron Gordon) 因腿筋伤势严重受限后，掘金队在七场大战中输给了俄克拉荷马城雷霆队。尽管掘金队可能会想，如果他们保持健康，本可以走多远，但他们也需要围绕尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 提升阵容。在大卫·阿德尔曼 (David Adelman) 正式被任命为主教练后，他表示掘金队需要提升体能状态，并继续专注于防守。
掘金队需要更强的板凳深度，尤其是在约基奇不在场的时段。随着拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook) 放弃球员选项并进入自由球员市场，掘金队可能不得不寻找另一位经验丰富的替补奇兵。考虑到他们只有2031年或2032年的一个首轮选秀权可以交易，如果他们决定在休赛期进行重磅交易，迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 可能是他们最好的交易选择。– 奥姆·杨米苏克
- 克利夫兰骑士队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 64胜18负
- 此前排名： 第2
- 最终结果： 次轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第49顺位（来自密尔沃基）、第58顺位
克利夫兰骑士队神奇的赛季在印第安纳步行者队手中戛然而止，步行者队在对阵纽约和克利夫兰的比赛中上演了奇迹般的逆转，震惊了篮球世界，并最终赢得了东部冠军。
骑士队提前出局的部分原因与后卫达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 有关，他在常规赛中场均得到20.6分，投篮命中率47.2%（三分命中率40.1%），但在季后赛中场均仅得18分，投篮命中率42%（三分命中率28.6%）。加兰的左脚大脚趾接受了手术，这限制了他在季后赛的表现，但骑士队表示他预计能为训练营做好准备。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
- 休斯顿火箭队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 52胜30负
- 此前排名： 第4
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第59顺位（来自俄克拉荷马城）
火箭队表明，他们距离在季后赛中走得更远，只差一个进攻核心。球队曾希望他们年轻有天赋的球员之一能够承担起这个角色。然而，休斯顿在NBA赛季的最后一天引进了凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant)，将杰伦·格林 (Jalen Green)、狄龙·布鲁克斯 (Dillon Brooks) 和选秀权——包括本周选秀的第10顺位——送回太阳队。杜兰特在布鲁克林篮网队时期曾与主教练伊梅·乌度卡 (Ime Udoka) 共事，这位15届全明星球员为这支年轻的球队增添了一位经验丰富的老将领袖，火箭队上赛季排名西部第二，但在首轮输给了经验丰富的勇士队。– 迈克尔·C·莱特
- 印第安纳步行者队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 50胜32负
- 此前排名： 第8
- 最终结果： NBA总决赛失利
- 2025年选秀权： 第54顺位
步行者队距离创造NBA总决赛历史上最不可思议的爆冷之一只差一场胜利，但泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿 (Tyrese Haliburton) 跟腱伤势的余波，让这支联盟最激动人心的球队之一未来充满了巨大的问号。哈利伯顿在总决赛第七场中因无对抗伤病倒地，并未能回归比赛，尽管球队尚未透露其伤势的严重性。步行者队通过东部季后赛进行了一段不可思议的旅程，时隔25年首次闯入总决赛，他们的年轻核心将使他们在未来几年都具备强大的竞争力，尽管哈利伯顿的2025-26赛季几乎可以肯定会受到影响。– 贾马尔·科利尔
- 纽约尼克斯队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 51胜31负
- 此前排名： 第5
- 最终结果： 东部决赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第50顺位（来自孟菲斯）
在宣布解雇主教练汤姆·锡伯杜 (Tom Thibodeau) 的声明中，尼克斯队总裁里昂·罗斯 (Leon Rose) 在开篇写道：“我们的球队唯一专注于为我们的球迷赢得总冠军。”这句话，以及在纽约尼克斯队25年来最深入的季后赛之旅结束三天后解雇锡伯杜的举动，告诉你关于球队未来期望的一切，无论他们将聘请谁来执教。尼克斯队凭借天赋异禀的首发五人组（尽管这个组合在赛季后半段和季后赛中攻防表现不及预期）和薄弱的替补阵容闯入了分区决赛。下一赛季，首发或替补，如果不是两者都需要，都将需要升级才能赢得总冠军。– 克里斯·赫林
- 金州勇士队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 48胜34负
- 此前排名： 第10
- 最终结果： 次轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第41顺位（来自迈阿密）
勇士队在进入休赛期时，都在想如果斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 的腿筋保持健康，他们本可以走多远。考虑到这一点，勇士队希望围绕库里、吉米·巴特勒三世 (Jimmy Butler III) 和德雷蒙德·格林 (Draymond Green) 进行补强。他们需要增加内线尺寸、更多能投篮的双能锋线以及更深的板凳深度。
乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga) 将成为一名受限制自由球员，总经理迈克·邓利维 (Mike Dunleavy Jr.) 表示勇士队希望库明加回归。但库明加的出場时间整个赛季都不稳定，尽管在对阵森林狼队的次轮系列赛中，他在库里缺阵的情况下打出了自己最好的表现——在第二到第五场比赛中场均得到24.2分。主教练史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 曾表示，如果库明加回归，他将致力于让库明加与库里、巴特勒和格林一同出场，看看在赛季初期能否更好地发挥作用。勇士队可以匹配报价，或者考虑进行先签后换。– 奥姆·杨米苏克
- 洛杉矶湖人队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 50胜32负
- 此前排名： 第6
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第55顺位
在首轮系列赛第五场输给森林狼队，贾克森·海耶斯 (Jaxson Hayes) 未获上场机会后，湖人队休赛期的首要任务仍然是寻找一名中锋。
他们将拥有迷你中产特例（约560万美元）来补强这个位置。八村垒 (Rui Hachimura)（1830万美元）、加布·文森特 (Gabe Vincent)（1150万美元）和马克西·克勒贝尔 (Maxi Kleber)（1100万美元）的合同都即将到期，这也为湖人队在交易市场中提供了操作薪资的空间。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
- 洛杉矶快船队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 50胜32负
- 此前排名： 第9
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第30顺位（来自俄克拉荷马城）、第51顺位（来自明尼苏达）
快船队上赛季在保罗·乔治 (Paul George) 自由球员离队后，表现超出了预期，他们组建了一支更加平衡且更注重防守的球队。詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden) 在科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 缺阵期间打出了最佳阵容三阵级别的表现。伊维察·祖巴茨 (Ivica Zubac) 在攻防两端都成为了内线的重要力量，诺曼·鲍威尔 (Norman Powell) 则在赛季前半段打出了全明星水准。哈登拥有球员选项，如果他成为自由球员，快船队可能会寻求以一份与伦纳德剩余两年合同期限对齐的合约来留下这位控球后卫。快船队将寻求提升实力并保持竞争力，他们将通过关注休赛期交易市场上的动态来做到这一点。– 奥姆·杨米苏克
- 底特律活塞队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 44胜38负
- 此前排名： 第14
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第37顺位（来自多伦多）
2024-25赛季对活塞队来说无疑是成功的：他们的胜场数增加了30场（从14场增至44场），在首轮季后赛惜败尼克斯队的比赛中给对手制造了巨大的麻烦，并且凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 职业生涯首次入选了最佳阵容。这支球队将依靠其年轻球员继续向前迈进。坎宁安需要减少失误并提高得分效率。杰登·艾维 (Jaden Ivey) 应该会从腿部骨折中恢复，杰伦·杜伦 (Jalen Duren) 将提升他的防守，而奥萨尔·汤普森 (Ausar Thompson) 则应发展成为一个更强的进攻点，就像他在休斯顿的孪生兄弟一样。– 扎克·克拉姆
- 波士顿凯尔特人队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 61胜21负
- 此前排名： 第3
- 最终结果： 次轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第28顺位、第32顺位（来自华盛顿）
在杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 跟腱撕裂之后，面临比波士顿凯尔特人队更具决定性休赛期的球队寥寥无几。目前的阵容使球队薪资超出了第二土豪线2300万美元，削减薪资可能会通过多次操作实现。凯尔特人队必须决定，他们将如何调整这支在2024年赢得总冠军的阵容，而这支球队在下赛季很可能将大不相同。– 蒂姆·邦滕普斯
- 奥兰多魔术队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 41胜41负
- 此前排名： 第15
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第25顺位（来自丹佛）、第46顺位、第57顺位（来自波士顿）
魔术队已经不再耐心等待在东部排名中缓慢爬升；他们已经准备好在积分榜上实现巨大飞跃。在伤病毁了他们的2024-25赛季之后，保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero)、弗朗茨·瓦格纳 (Franz Wagner) 和杰伦·萨格斯 (Jalen Suggs) 仅共同出场了六场比赛，他们随后交易了四个无保护首轮选秀权、一个轻微保护的互换选秀权以及两名角色球员，换来了德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane)。作为一名生涯三分命中率高达41%的射手，贝恩应该能够提升魔术队的进攻，该队在2024-25赛季的三分命中数和命中率都排名联盟第30位，同时他将与奥兰多现有核心球员分担组织任务。– 扎克·克拉姆
- 达拉斯独行侠队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 39胜43负
- 此前排名： 第17
- 最终结果： 附加赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 状元签
独行侠队围绕卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 交易后，长期存在的场上和财务担忧，因他们在乐透抽签中惊人的好运——抽中状元签并选中库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg)——而有所缓解。弗拉格将与安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis) 一同抵达NBA，并有望立即赢得胜利，而凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 在十字韧带撕裂恢复期间，将至少缺席下赛季2025年的比赛部分。
为欧文寻找一名替代者，并使其在欧文回归后能够转变为关键替补角色，将是独行侠队总经理尼科·哈里森 (Nico Harrison) 的首要任务之一。如果独行侠队通过自由球员市场填补这一空缺，丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schroder)、马尔科姆·布罗格登 (Malcolm Brogdon)、泰厄斯·琼斯 (Tyus Jones) 和克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul) 都在考虑之列。独行侠队还希望与欧文达成一份新合同，欧文需要就他4400万美元的球员选项做出决定。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪
- 孟菲斯灰熊队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 48胜34负
- 此前排名： 第12
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第16顺位（来自奥兰多）、第48顺位（来自金州）、第56顺位（来自休斯顿）
赛季末段的艰难时期导致了教练组的巨变，这改变了灰熊队在季后赛中的比赛风格。现在，随着球队去掉了图奥马斯·伊萨洛 (Tuomas Iisalo) 主教练头衔中的“临时”二字，这位主教练将有机会用整个休赛期来贯彻他的体系。总经理扎克·克莱曼 (Zach Kleiman) 对伊萨洛的未来充满信心。但贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 和小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 的核心二人组只赢下了一个季后赛系列赛。孟菲斯灰熊队最近将德斯蒙德·贝恩交易到奥兰多魔术队，换来了肯塔维厄斯·考德威尔-波普 (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope)、科尔·安东尼 (Cole Anthony)、四个选秀权和一个选秀权互换。随着灰熊队寻求调整重建，似乎会有更多交易发生。– 迈克尔·C·莱特
- 密尔沃基雄鹿队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 48胜34负
- 此前排名： 第13
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第47顺位（来自底特律）
扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 在密尔沃基雄鹿队的未来，可能是今年夏天联盟最大的悬念之一。雄鹿队连续第三个赛季在季后赛首轮被淘汰，他们以1比4的总比分被步行者队瓦解，这凸显了球队距离总冠军争夺者行列有多远。将这场失利与达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard) 的跟腱伤势结合起来看，雄鹿队在休赛期有很多问题需要解决，包括他们能组建一支什么样的球队来满足阿德托昆博在密尔沃基争夺总冠军的愿望，或者他为雄鹿队效力的时间是否即将结束。– 贾马尔·科利尔
- 圣安东尼奥马刺队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 34胜48负
- 此前排名： 第23
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 榜眼签、第14顺位（来自亚特兰大）、第38顺位
格雷格·波波维奇 (Gregg Popovich) 自称“El Jefe”（西班牙语：老板）。但随着米奇·约翰逊 (Mitch Johnson) 首次作为主帅迎来休赛期，波波维奇已不再担任主教练一职。随着维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 进入他的第三个赛季，斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 刚刚被选为年度最佳新秀，以及交易截止日前引进的达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)，马刺队进入了一个关键的休赛期，期待在2025-26赛季自2018-19赛季以来首次晋级季后赛。手握即将到来的选秀大会榜眼签，马刺队有望为这支天赋异禀的年轻阵容增添更多人才，例如潜力新秀迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)。– 迈克尔·C·莱特
- 迈阿密热火队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 37胜45负
- 此前排名： 第19
- 最终结果： 首轮被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第20顺位（来自金州）
在再次进入附加赛——却在首轮被骑士队淘汰——之后，热火队还有很多工作要做，才能恢复到过去30年来在帕特·莱利 (Pat Riley) 领导下习惯的竞争力水平。但是，考虑到目前球队看起来差距很大，迈阿密热火队可能需要远不止一个休赛期才能弥补这一差距。– 蒂姆·邦滕普斯
- 亚特兰大老鹰队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 40胜42负
- 此前排名： 第18
- 最终结果： 附加赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第13顺位（来自萨克拉门托）、第22顺位（来自洛杉矶湖人）
亚特兰大老鹰队刚刚经历管理层重组，球队高层就四届全明星特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 的问题面临一项重大决定，他今年夏天有资格续约。他刚刚结束了连续第三个场均得分25分加10次助攻以上的赛季。但球队在提供另一份顶薪合同前至少有所犹豫的原因很简单：自2020年球队意外闯入分区决赛以来，老鹰队——连续四个赛季参加附加赛——即使有杨的努力，也从未真正接近再次突破。
他在防守端不是最容易围绕建队的球员，他的交易价值可能也会反映出这一现实，这就引出了一个问题：是否值得与他达成一份更细致的协议，从而允许球队在寻找阵容平衡方面拥有更大的灵活性。在这方面，亚特兰大老鹰队已经有了一个不错的开端，那就是戴森·丹尼尔斯 (Dyson Daniels)，他在上赛季的抢断和拨球数据上遥遥领先全联盟。– 克里斯·赫林
- 萨克拉门托国王队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 40胜42负
- 此前排名： 第16
- 最终结果： 附加赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第42顺位（来自芝加哥）
国王队在交易截止日前用达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 交换扎克·拉文 (Zach LaVine)，重塑了他们的阵容，今年夏天他们将有更多时间进行重新调整平衡。新任总经理斯科特·佩里 (Scott Perry) 称缺乏一名真正的控球后卫是“显而易见的需要”。萨克拉门托如何得到一名这样的球员则不那么明朗。萨克拉门托为了完成凯文·赫尔特 (Kevin Huerter) 的交易，将一个乐透签送到了亚特兰大，并且可能无法完全动用非奢侈税中产特例。这将取决于替补球员基恩·埃利斯 (Keon Ellis)（如果国王队执行他的球队选项，他将在明年夏天成为非受限制自由球员）、杰克·拉拉维亚 (Jake LaRavia) 和特雷·莱尔斯 (Trey Lyles) 的新合同。– 凯文·佩尔顿
- 费城76人队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 24胜58负
- 此前排名： 第26
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 探花签、第35顺位
费城76人队在乐透抽签中运气不错，获得了探花签并保留了他们前六保护的选秀权。现在，因此，76人队的关注点不仅在于他们会用这个选秀权选择谁，还在于上赛季饱受伤病困扰的阵容能否强势反弹。明星球员乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 上赛季仅出战19场比赛，76人队还因赛季报销的伤病，缺少了泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey)、保罗·乔治和冉冉升起的新秀贾里德·麦凯恩 (Jared McCain)。– 蒂姆·邦滕普斯
- 波特兰开拓者队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 36胜46负
- 此前排名： 第22
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第11顺位
在延长了主教练昌西·比卢普斯 (Chauncey Billups) 和总经理乔·克罗宁 (Joe Cronin) 的合同后，开拓者队希望将他们下半赛季23胜18负的战绩转化为2025-26赛季的季后赛竞争力。波特兰开拓者队已经发展出了一支由前锋德尼·阿夫迪亚 (Deni Avdija) 和图马尼·卡马拉 (Toumani Camara) 领衔的、具有竞争力的年轻核心阵容。然而，开拓者队在该时间段内排名联盟前三的防守效率可能难以维持。对手在那段时间里三分球命中率仅为34%，位居联盟第二低，但这通常不会延续。丹佛掘金队、迈阿密热火队和华盛顿奇才队在2023-24赛季下半段的三分命中率最低，但2024-25赛季没有一支球队的防守效率排名高于第14位。– 凯文·佩尔顿
- 芝加哥公牛队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 39胜43负
- 此前排名： 第20
- 最终结果： 附加赛被淘汰
- 2025年选秀权： 第12顺位、第45顺位（来自萨克拉门托）
公牛队连续两年战绩相同，并且连续三年在附加赛中输给了热火队。但今年休赛期不要指望芝加哥公牛队会有大的变化。公牛队将寻求与约什·吉迪 (Josh Giddey) 续约，他将成为一名受限制自由球员，并希望围绕他以及包括去年的乐透秀马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 和今年选秀大会的12号秀在内的一批年轻球员，在最后两个月的强势表现基础上继续发展。– 贾马尔·科利尔
- 菲尼克斯太阳队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 36胜46负
- 此前排名： 第21
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第10顺位（来自休斯顿）、第29顺位（来自克利夫兰）、第52顺位（来自丹佛）
菲尼克斯太阳队全面深入的教练搜寻工作，最终以聘请40岁的乔丹·奥特 (Jordan Ott) 而告终，这是他首次担任主教练——也是球队过去四年来的第四位主教练。尽管奥特对骑士队2024-25赛季的出色表现至关重要，并被认为是这项运动中聪明的年轻才俊，但据ESPN的沙姆斯·查拉尼亚 (Shams Charania) 报道，在凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 被交易到休斯顿的一份以杰伦·格林 (Jalen Green) 为核心的方案中，他将不得不弄清楚如何平衡三名持球型后卫。格林将加入一支已经拥有德文·布克 (Devin Booker) 和布拉德利·比尔 (Bradley Beal) 的球队——我们已经看到了这个三人组与杜兰特（一个比格林更好的无球球员）的合作效果。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
- 新奥尔良鹈鹕队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 21胜61负
- 此前排名： 第27
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第7顺位、第23顺位（来自印第安纳）
乔·杜马斯 (Joe Dumars) 表示，他已与锡安·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson) 进行了广泛的交流，讨论作为球队门面所应承担的责任感和担当。出勤率也是其中一部分，因为威廉姆森在他的五个赛季中只出战过一次70场比赛。鹈鹕队拥有选秀资产和可控合同，足以完成一笔重磅交易。特雷·墨菲三世 (Trey Murphy III) 和赫伯特·琼斯 (Herbert Jones) 会在下赛季开始时回归吗？由于德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 预计将缺席到一月份，鹈鹕队很可能会在选秀或自由球员市场寻找一名主控后卫和一名内线球员。– 迈克尔·C·莱特
- 多伦多猛龙队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 30胜52负
- 此前排名： 第24
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第9顺位、第39顺位（来自波特兰）
过去18个月，猛龙队彻底重塑了他们的阵容。但随着OG·阿努诺比 (OG Anunoby)、帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆 (Pascal Siakam) 和弗雷德·范弗利特 (Fred VanVleet) 分别前往纽约、印第安纳和休斯顿的顶级球队，问题在于斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes)、布兰登·英格拉姆 (Brandon Ingram)、伊曼纽尔·奎克利 (Immanuel Quickley)、RJ·巴雷特 (RJ Barrett) 以及猛龙队阵容中的其他球员，能否将球队带回东部顶尖行列。或者，马赛·乌杰里 (Masai Ujiri) 和他的管理层是否会在今年夏天再次采取大动作。– 蒂姆·邦滕普斯
- 布鲁克林篮网队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 26胜56负
- 此前排名： 第25
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第8顺位、第19顺位（来自密尔沃基）、第26顺位（来自纽约尼克斯）、第27顺位（来自休斯顿）、第36顺位
篮网队可能会交易卡梅隆·约翰逊 (Cameron Johnson)，他是一名技术全面的攻防兼备型前锋，似乎能与任何争冠球队契合，以换取本届或未来选秀中额外的选秀资产。
他们需要决定的另一名球员是23岁的受限制自由球员卡姆·托马斯 (Cam Thomas)，他上赛季场均得到24分，是联盟中得分最轻松的球员之一，但他仍在努力提升自己的组织和防守能力。
如果扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 可以被交易，布鲁克林篮网队希望参与到任何未来关于他的讨论中。但由于流言表明他将留在原地，因此，篮网队的资产目前可能也将暂时按兵不动。– 克里斯·赫林
- 夏洛特黄蜂队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 19胜63负
- 此前排名： 第28
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 榜眼签、第33顺位、第34顺位（来自新奥尔良）
尽管这让人不舒服，但这场讨论是必须进行的：球队是否仍明确将23岁的拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 视为基石球员？上赛季是他连续第三个未能出战至少50场比赛的赛季。他的投篮命中率、三分命中率和有效命中率也均创下职业生涯新低。主教练查尔斯·李 (Charles Lee) 当然希望看到他的核心阵容更多地一同出场，因为上赛季他的首发五人组——鲍尔、约什·格林 (Josh Green)、布兰登·米勒 (Brandon Miller)、迈尔斯·布里奇斯 (Miles Bridges) 和马克·威廉姆斯 (Mark Williams)——仅共同出战了六场比赛。– 克里斯·赫林
- 犹他爵士队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 17胜65负
- 此前排名： 第30
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第5顺位、第21顺位（来自明尼苏达）、第43顺位（来自达拉斯）、第53顺位（来自洛杉矶快船）
新任篮球运营总裁奥斯汀·安吉 (Austin Ainge) 坚称，爵士队在上赛季取得联盟最差战绩后，获得了5号签，但他们不会通过操纵出场时间或在伤病报告上“自由发挥”来摆烂。但这并不意味着赢球将是犹他爵士队下赛季的首要任务。
爵士队在去年夏天与一次全明星前锋劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen) 签下一份五年2.38亿美元的续约合同之前，曾听取过关于他的报价。鉴于犹他爵士队正处于重建初期，这位28岁的球员是否能以合适的价格在交易市场被其他球队获得？爵士队预计将继续就老将科林·塞克斯顿 (Collin Sexton)、乔丹·克拉克森 (Jordan Clarkson) 和约翰·科林斯 (John Collins) 的交易可能性进行谈判。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪
- 华盛顿奇才队
- 2024-25赛季战绩： 18胜64负
- 此前排名： 第29
- 最终结果： 未进入季后赛
- 2025年选秀权： 第6顺位、第18顺位（来自孟菲斯）、第40顺位（来自菲尼克斯）
在NBA总决赛中观看俄克拉荷马城雷霆队的表现，为奇才队描绘了漫长而彻底的重建可能是什么样子。但上赛季18胜的战绩，作为联盟倒数第二差的球队，却未能为他们带来前三顺位选秀权，而是获得了6号签。
总经理威尔·道金斯 (Will Dawkins) 在俄克拉荷马城开启了他的职业生涯，他表示球队拥有亚历克斯·萨尔 (Alex Sarr)、比拉尔·库利巴利 (Bilal Coulibaly)、巴布·卡灵顿 (Bub Carrington) 和凯肖恩·乔治 (Kyshawn George) 等年轻球员作为建队基石。他们还拥有首轮的第6和第18号选秀权。根据奇才队想要做出的选择，他们有一些可能被交易的老将球员，例如乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole)、克里斯·米德尔顿 (Khris Middleton) 和马库斯·斯马特 (Marcus Smart)。但华盛顿奇才队也可以选择留下一些经验丰富的球员，以帮助指导他们的年轻人才，并帮助球队提升竞争力，以更好地应对可能又是一个漫长的赛季。
奇才队过去两个赛季分别输掉了67场和64场比赛。– 奥姆·杨米苏克
点击查看原文：Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings - A post-Finals look at all 30 teams for 2025-26
Way-Too-Early NBA Power Rankings - A post-Finals look at all 30 teams for 2025-26
The 2024-25 NBA season has officially come to a close as the Oklahoma City Thunder are crowned the new champions of the league and claim their first NBA title after defeating the Indiana Pacers in an exciting seven-game series.
After making their first Finals appearance in over 10 years, the Thunder retain the top spot in our Way-Too-Early rankings. But after an unpredictable postseason, where did the other 29 teams end up as we head into the summer?
As we close the door on another exciting NBA season, our writers reflect on what to expect this offseason, and put down the groundwork for what should be another competitive, unpredictable 2025-26 season.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael C. Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring, Kevin Pelton and Zach Kram) think teams belong after the 2024-25 NBA season.
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024-25 record: 68-14
- Previous rank: 1
- Result: NBA Finals champions
- 2025 draft picks: No. 15 (via MIA), No. 24 (via LAC), No. 44 (via ATL)
We might need to get used to watching the Thunder play in June. Oklahoma City won the championship with a core that consists of ascending talent. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is just entering his prime at 26. All-NBA sidekick Jalen Williams, 24, and likely future All-Star Chet Holmgren, 23, are still scratching the surface of their potential. All three of Oklahoma City’s foundational players will likely sign lucrative, long-term contract extensions this summer. The Thunder will add a lottery pick to the mix next season in guard Nikola Topic, who had a redshirt rookie season while recovering from a knee injury. GM Sam Presti has to figure out what to do with the two second-round picks the Thunder have in this draft, part of Oklahoma City’s deep trove of draft assets in the coming years. – Tim MacMahon
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2024-25 record: 49-33
- Previous rank: 11
- Result: Eliminated in Western Conference finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 17 (via DET), No. 31 (via UTAH)
The Wolves looked like a contender until they ran into the buzz saw that is the Thunder in the conference finals, losing in five games.
Because Julius Randle and Naz Reid both have player options for next season, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a free agent this summer, the Wolves have some major roster decisions to make. – Dave McMenamin
3. Denver Nuggets
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 7
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: None
The Nuggets made their biggest changes before the end of the regular season when they fired coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. That sparked a run to the second round where Denver lost in seven games to Oklahoma City after Aaron Gordon was severely limited by a hamstring injury. Though the Nuggets might wonder how far they could have gone had they been healthy, they also need to improve the roster around Nikola Jokic. After David Adelman was officially named head coach, he said the Nuggets needed to get in better shape and to continue to focus on defense.
Denver needs more depth, especially to help win the non-Jokic minutes. And with Russell Westbrook declining his player option and entering free agency, Denver might have to find another veteran sparkplug off the bench. With only a first-round pick in 2031 or 2032 available to trade, Michael Porter Jr. is probably their best trade option if they decide to make a splash in the offseason. – Ohm Youngmisuk
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2024-25 record: 64-18
- Previous rank: 2
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 49 (via MIL), No. 58
Cleveland’s magical season came to an abrupt halt at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, who went on to win the Eastern Conference crown after shocking the basketball world with miracle comebacks against New York and Cleveland.
Part of that early exit had to do with guard Darius Garland, who averaged 18 points on 42% shooting (28.6% from 3) in the playoffs after averaging 20.6 points on 47.2% (40.1% from 3) during the regular season. Garland underwent surgery on his left big toe, which limited him in the postseason, but the Cavs say he is expected to be ready for training camp. – McMenamin
5. Houston Rockets
- 2024-25 record: 52-30
- Previous rank: 4
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 59 (via OKC)
The Rockets showed they’re just an offensive engine away from making a deeper run in the postseason. The club had hoped one of its young, talented players would step into that role. Instead, Houston added Kevin Durant on the last day of the NBA season, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft picks – including No. 10 in this week’s draft – back to the Suns. Durant and coach Ime Udoka worked together while with the Brooklyn Nets, and the 15-time All-Star adds a veteran leader to a young team that finished No. 2 in the West but fell in the first round to the seasoned Warriors. – Michael C. Wright
6. Indiana Pacers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 8
- Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 54
The Pacers were one win away from one of the most unlikely upsets in NBA Finals history, but the aftermath of Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury puts a major question mark on one of the league’s most exciting teams. Haliburton went to the floor with a noncontact injury in Game 7 of the Finals and did not return, though the team has yet to reveal the severity of the injury. The Pacers made an improbable run through the Eastern Conference playoffs en route to their first Finals appearance in 25 years, and their young core will make them as well-positioned as anyone to compete for years to come, though Haliburton’s 2025-26 season is almost certainly in jeopardy. – Jamal Collier
7. New York Knicks
- 2024-25 record: 51-31
- Previous rank: 5
- Result: Eliminated in Eastern Conference finals
- 2025 draft picks: No. 50 (via MEM)
In his statement announcing the firing of coach Tom Thibodeau, Knicks president Leon Rose wrote in the opening sentence, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” That line, and the move to oust Thibodeau three days after New York’s deepest playoff run in 25 years, told you everything you need to know about the club’s expectations going forward, regardless of who it hires to take the coaching job. The Knicks reached the conference finals with a highly talented starting five – albeit one that was outscored during the second half of the season and in the playoffs – and a thin bench. One group or the other, if not both, will need an upgrade to win it all next season. – Chris Herring
8. Golden State Warriors
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 10
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 41 (via MIA)
The Warriors go into the offseason wondering how far they could have gone had Stephen Curry’s hamstring remained healthy. With that in mind, the Warriors want to add around Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green. They need more size, more two-way wings who can shoot and more depth.
Jonathan Kuminga will be a restricted free agent and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said the Warriors want Kuminga back. But Kuminga’s playing time was inconsistent all season, though he played some of his best basketball in the second-round series against Minnesota – he averaged 24.2 points in Games 2 through 5 with Curry out. Coach Steve Kerr has said that if Kuminga returns, he will commit to playing him with Curry, Butler and Green to see if it can work better early in the season. The Warriors can match offers or potentially work out a sign-and-trade. – Youngmisuk
9. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 6
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 55
After not playing Jaxson Hayes in their series-ending Game 5 loss to Minnesota in the first round, the offseason priority for L.A. remains finding a center.
They’ll have the taxpayer’s midlevel exception available (approximately $5.6 million) to fortify the position. Rui Hachimura ($18.3 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) are all on expiring contracts, as well, giving L.A. some salary to work with in the trade market. – McMenamin
10. LA Clippers
- 2024-25 record: 50-32
- Previous rank: 9
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 30 (via OKC), No. 51 (via MIN)
The Clippers exceeded expectations last season after letting Paul George walk in free agency and had a more balanced and better defense-minded team. James Harden produced at a third-team All-NBA level while Kawhi Leonard was out. Ivica Zubac emerged as a force inside at both ends and Norman Powell played like an All-Star in the first half of the season. Harden has a player option, and if he becomes a free agent, the Clippers probably will look to bring back the point guard with a deal aligned with the two years left on Leonard’s deal. The Clippers will look for ways to improve and remain competitive and will do that by seeing what transpires in the trade market this offseason. – Youngmisuk
11. Detroit Pistons
- 2024-25 record: 44-38
- Previous rank: 14
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 37 (via TOR)
The 2024-25 season was an unreserved success for the Pistons: They increased their win total by 30 (from 14 to 44), gave the Knicks all they could handle in a close first-round playoff loss and saw Cade Cunningham make the All-NBA team for the first time in his career. The franchise will rely on its young players to keep taking steps forward. Cunningham will need to reduce his turnovers and improve his scoring efficiency. Jaden Ivey should bounce back from a broken leg, Jalen Duren will improve his defense and Ausar Thompson should develop into more of an offensive force, like his twin brother in Houston.– Zach Kram
12. Boston Celtics
- 2024-25 record: 61-21
- Previous rank: 3
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 28, No. 32 (via WAS)
In the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, there are few teams with a more consequential offseason in front of them than Boston. The current roster puts the team $23 million over the second apron, and shedding salary could happen in multiple moves. The Celtics have to decide which direction they want to go with a roster that won a championship in 2024 and will most likely look different next season. – Tim Bontemps
13. Orlando Magic
- 2024-25 record: 41-41
- Previous rank: 15
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 25 (via DEN), No. 46, No. 57 (via BOS)
The Magic are done waiting patiently for a slow climb up the Eastern Conference hierarchy; they’re ready for a giant leap up the standings. After injuries ruined their 2024-25 season, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs sharing the court for only six games, they traded four unprotected first-round picks, a lightly protected swap and two role players for Desmond Bane. A career 41% 3-point shooter, Bane should boost an offense that ranked 30th in 3-point makes and accuracy in 2024-25, while splitting playmaking duties with Orlando’s incumbent stars. – Kram
14. Dallas Mavericks
- 2024-25 record: 39-43
- Previous rank: 17
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 1
The Mavs’ long-term concerns – on the court and financially – in the wake of the Luka Doncic deal were mitigated by their amazing lottery luck to land Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick. He will arrive in the NBA with a chance to win immediately alongside Anthony Davis and eventually Kyrie Irving, who will sit out at least the 2025 part of next season while recovering from a torn ACL.
Finding a replacement for Irving who can transition into a key reserve role upon his return will be one priority for Mavs GM Nico Harrison. Dennis Schroder, Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones and Chris Paul are among the possibilities if Dallas fills that void via free agency. The Mavs also hope to work out a new deal for Irving, who has a decision to make about his $44 million player option. – MacMahon
15. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 12
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 16 (via ORL), No. 48 (via GS), No. 56 (via HOU)
A tough stretch late led to upheaval on the coaching staff that changed Memphis’ style of play in the postseason. Now that the club has taken the interim tag off Tuomas Iisalo’s title, the coach has a chance to spend the entire offseason implementing his systems. General manager Zach Kleiman has expressed confidence in Iisalo moving forward. But the core duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. has won only one playoff series. Memphis recently traded Desmond Bane to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four picks and a pick swap. It appears more moves are on the way as the Grizzlies are looking to retool. – Wright
16. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2024-25 record: 48-34
- Previous rank: 13
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 47 (via DET)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee could be one of the biggest subplots in the league this summer. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season, a five-game dismantling by the Pacers that highlighted how far the team sits from championship contention. Combine that loss with an Achilles injury to Damian Lillard and the Bucks have a lot to figure out this offseason, including what kind of team they can build to fulfill Antetokounmpo’s desire to compete for championships in Milwaukee or whether his time with the Bucks is coming to an end. – Collier
17. San Antonio Spurs
- 2024-25 record: 34-48
- Previous rank: 23
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 2, No. 14 (via ATL), No. 38
Gregg Popovich calls himself El Jefe (the boss). But Popovich is no longer the coach as Mitch Johnson heads into his first offseason at the helm. With Victor Wembanyama entering his third season, Stephon Castle coming off being voted Rookie of the Year and the trade deadline addition of De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs enter a pivotal offseason with expectations in 2025-26 to advance to the postseason for the first time since 2018-19. Sitting with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, the Spurs are expected to add talent, such as prospect Dylan Harper, to an already talented young group. – Wright
18. Miami Heat
- 2024-25 record: 37-45
- Previous rank: 19
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2025 draft picks: No. 20 (via GS)
After again landing in the play-in tournament – only to be routed by the Cavaliers in the first round – the Heat have a lot of work to do to return to the level of competitiveness the franchise has been accustomed to over the past 30 years under Pat Riley’s leadership. But, it’s probably going to take a lot more than one offseason for Miami to close that gap, given how far away it looks. – Bontemps
19. Atlanta Hawks
- 2024-25 record: 40-42
- Previous rank: 18
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 13 (via SAC), No. 22 (via LAL)
Fresh off Atlanta’s front office shake-up, the team’s brass has a sizable decision on its plate regarding four-time All-Star Trae Young, who’s eligible for an extension this summer. He’s coming off a third consecutive season in which he averaged 25 points and 10 assists or better. But the reason there has to be at least some hesitation before offering another max deal is simple: Since the team’s 2020 surprise run to the conference finals, the Hawks – who’ve been in the play-in tournament four seasons in a row – haven’t been particularly close to breaking through again, even with Young’s efforts.
He’s not the easiest player to build around on defense, and his trade value probably would reflect that reality, which raises the question of whether it’s worth striking a more nuanced deal with him that allows more flexibility to find that roster balance. Atlanta has a decent start in that regard with Dyson Daniels, who led the NBA in steals and deflections by far last season. – Herring
20. Sacramento Kings
- 2024-25 record: 40-42
- Previous rank: 16
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 42 (via CHI)
The Kings will have more time to rebalance this summer after remaking their roster by swapping De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine just before the trade deadline. New GM Scott Perry called the lack of a true point guard an “obvious need.” How Sacramento gets one is less obvious. Sacramento sent a lottery pick to Atlanta to complete the Kevin Huerter trade and might not have access to the entire non-taxpayer midlevel exception. It’ll depend on new contracts for reserves Keon Ellis (who would be unrestricted next summer if the Kings exercise his team option), Jake LaRavia and Trey Lyles. – Kevin Pelton
21. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2024-25 record: 24-58
- Previous rank: 26
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 3, No. 35
Philadelphia got lucky in the lottery, landing the No. 3 pick and keeping its top-six protected selection. Now, as a result, the focus for the 76ers will not only be on whom they select with that pick, but whether a roster devastated by injury last season can bounce back. Star Joel Embiid played in only 19 games last season, and the 76ers also played without Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and rising rookie Jared McCain because of season-ending injuries. – Bontemps
22. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2024-25 record: 36-46
- Previous rank: 22
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 11
After extending the contracts of coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers are hoping to parlay their 23-18 second half into playoff contention in 2025-26. Portland has developed a competitive core of young talent led by forwards Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Still, the Blazers’ top-three defensive rating in that span might be tough to maintain. Opponents shot just 34% on 3s in those games, second lowest in the league, and that typically doesn’t carry over. Denver, Miami and Washington gave up the lowest 3-point percentages in the 2023-24 second half. None ranked better than 14th in 2024-25. – Pelton
23. Chicago Bulls
- 2024-25 record: 39-43
- Previous rank: 20
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2025 draft picks: No. 12, No. 45 (via SAC)
The Bulls have finished with the same record in consecutive years and have lost in the play-in tournament to the Heat in three straight years. But don’t expect big changes in Chicago this offseason. The Bulls will look to re-sign Josh Giddey, who will be a restricted free agent, and hope to build off a strong final two months with their collection of young players around him, including last year’s lottery pick, Matas Buzelis, and the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft. – Collier
24. Phoenix Suns
- 2024-25 record: 36-46
- Previous rank: 21
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 10 (via HOU), No. 29 (via CLE), No. 52 (via DEN)
Phoenix’s thorough coaching search concluded with the hiring of 40-year-old Jordan Ott, a first-time head coach – and the team’s fourth in the past four years. Though Ott was critical to the Cavaliers’ stellar 2024-25 season and is considered a bright young mind in the sport, he will have to figure out how to balance three ball-dominant guards after Kevin Durant was traded to Houston in a package centered on Jalen Green, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Green will be joining a team with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal already on the roster – and we already saw how that trio worked with Durant, a better off-ball player than Green is. – McMenamin
25. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2024-25 record: 21-61
- Previous rank: 27
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 7, No. 23 (via IND)
Joe Dumars said he has spoken extensively to Zion Williamson about accountability and the responsibility that comes with being the face of the franchise. Availability is a part of that, too, as Williamson has played in 70 games only once in his five seasons. The Pels have the draft assets and controllable contracts to swing a significant trade. Will Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones return by the start of next season? With Dejounte Murray expected to be out until January, the Pels probably will be looking in the draft or free agency to add a lead guard and a big man. – Wright
26. Toronto Raptors
- 2024-25 record: 30-52
- Previous rank: 24
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 9, No. 39 (via POR)
Over the past 18 months, the Raptors have completely reshaped their roster. But as OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have left to become part of elite teams in New York, Indiana and Houston, respectively, the question is whether Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and the rest of the Raptors on the roster can return the franchise to the top of the East. Or if Masai Ujiri and his front office will try to make another splash this summer. – Bontemps
27. Brooklyn Nets
- 2024-25 record: 26-56
- Previous rank: 25
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 8, No. 19 (via MIL), No. 26 (via NYK), No. 27 (via HOU), No. 36
The Nets could move Cameron Johnson, a skilled two-way forward who’d seemingly fit with any contender, for additional draft capital in this cycle or a future one.
The other player they’ll need to decide on is 23-year-old restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 points this past season as one of the league’s most effortless scorers but is still working to build out his playmaking and defensive skills.
Brooklyn would like to be involved in any future conversations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available. But with the chatter suggesting that he’s staying put, so, too, might the Nets’ assets – for now. – Herring
28. Charlotte Hornets
- 2024-25 record: 19-63
- Previous rank: 28
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 4, No. 33, No. 34 (via NO)
As uncomfortable as it is, the conversation has to be had: Is the franchise still clearly viewing 23-year-old LaMelo Ball as a cornerstone? This past season was the third straight in which he failed to appear in at least 50 games. He also logged career worsts in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage and effective field goal rate. Coach Charles Lee would certainly love to see his core together more often, as he got only six games with his starting five of Ball, Josh Green, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams this past season. – Herring
29. Utah Jazz
- 2024-25 record: 17-65
- Previous rank: 30
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 5, No. 21 (MIN), No. 43 (via DAL), No. 53 (via LAC)
New president of basketball operations Austin Ainge was adamant that the Jazz, who landed the No. 5 pick after having the league’s worst record last season, would not tank by manipulating minutes or using creative license with the injury report. That does not necessarily mean that winning will be Utah’s priority next season.
The Jazz listened to offers for Lauri Markkanen before signing the one-time All-Star forward to a five-year, $238 million extension last summer. With Utah early in a rebuild, could the 28-year-old be had for the right-priced deal in the trade market? The Jazz are expected to continue talking trade possibilities for veterans Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins. – MacMahon
30. Washington Wizards
- 2024-25 record: 18-64
- Previous rank: 29
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2025 draft picks: No. 6, No. 18 (via MEM), No. 40 (via PHX)
Watching Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals gives the Wizards the blueprint for what a long and complete rebuild can look like. But an 18-win season with the second-worst record in the league last season didn’t yield a top-three pick but rather the No. 6 pick.
GM Will Dawkins, who began his career in OKC, says the organization has building blocks in young players such as Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. And they have the sixth and 18th picks in the first round. Depending on what the Wizards want to do, they have some veteran players to possibly trade in Jordan Poole, Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart. But Washington also could opt to keep some experienced players to help mentor its young talent, and also help the team be a little more competitive to help stomach what could be another long season.
The Wizards have lost 67 and 64 games the past two seasons. – Youngmisuk
By ESPN | ESPN, via ESPN