By ESPN, 2026-06-14 11:00:00
在五场大战中击败圣安东尼奥马刺后，纽约尼克斯加冕为2025-26赛季NBA总冠军，夺得了队史53年来的首个冠军。
随着拉里·奥布莱恩杯被正式举起，这个充满戏剧性的赛季也画上了句号。马刺在总决赛遭遇尼克斯之前，亲手淘汰了他们处于上升期的宿敌——卫冕冠军俄克拉荷马城雷霆；谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 蝉联了他的第二座常规赛MVP奖杯；而密尔沃基雄鹿的明星前锋扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 则决定在这个休赛期将天赋带到其他地方。
现在是时候展望2026-27赛季以及未来可能发生的事情了。我们的NBA内幕专家对下赛季开始前全部30支球队的战力进行了预测排行，并探讨了他们的未来是光明、黯淡，还是终将归于平庸。
注： 球队排名基于我们专家团成员（ESPN的蒂姆·邦唐 (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·永米苏克 (Ohm Youngmisuk)、文森特·古德威尔 (Vincent Goodwill)、安东尼·斯莱特 (Anthony Slater)、本·戈利弗 (Ben Golliver) 和扎克·克拉姆 (Zach Kram)）对各支球队在2026-27赛季结束后所处位置的预测。
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 | UTAH | WAS
1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 64胜18负
- 此前排名： 1
- 季后赛结果： 止步西部决赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第12顺位（来自快船）、第17顺位（来自76人）、第37顺位（来自独行侠）
下赛季这套阵容的造价将变得更加高昂。
杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 和切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 的提前续约合同开始生效，这将使球队的总薪资从略低于奢侈税线的1.867亿美元，直接飙升至2.5亿美元左右，深陷第二土豪线之中。
虽然有一些细微的方法可以削减这笔开支，但雷霆总经理萨姆·普雷斯蒂 (Sam Presti) 已经为这支常青争冠球队步入奢侈税生活的新阶段做好了规划和准备。
尽管球队第二核心威廉姆斯缺席了常规赛的大部分时间以及对阵马刺的系列赛，但雷霆依然拿下了64胜，并在西决中将马刺逼入了绝境。预计他们将保留这支核心阵容的绝大部分成员。 —— 安东尼·斯莱特
ESPN
2. 圣安东尼奥马刺
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 62胜20负
- 此前排名： 2
- 季后赛结果： 总决赛失利
- 2026年选秀权： 第20顺位（来自老鹰）、第35顺位（来自爵士）、第42顺位（来自开拓者）、第44顺位（来自热火）
这支在2025-26赛季前被预测只能争夺附加赛席位的球队，直接一脚油门踩到底，完成了向争冠强队的跃升。在经历了艰难的总决赛洗礼并收获宝贵经验后，他们下赛季应该会更加出色。
由年度最佳防守球员维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama)、斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 和迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper) 组成的年轻核心将继续成长，同时达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)、朱利安·尚帕尼 (Julian Champagnie) 和德文·瓦塞尔 (Devin Vassell) 等中坚力量也将持续进步。文班亚马现在有资格谈判一份为期五年、价值2.51亿美元的新秀顶薪提前续约合同，这将是队史最大的一笔合同。
圣安东尼奥还将寻求通过选秀和自由市场来增加前场深度。新秀卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant) 在他的首个赛季令人眼前一亮，下赛季他完全有能力承担更重要的角色。 —— 迈克尔·C·莱特
3. 纽约尼克斯
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 53胜29负
- 此前排名： 6
- 季后赛结果： 夺得总决赛冠军
- 2026年选秀权： 第24顺位、第31顺位（来自奇才）、第55顺位
本就昂贵的阵容将变得更加昂贵，尼克斯必须对替补席上的自由球员做出一些抉择。
米切尔·罗宾逊 (Mitchell Robinson) 在证明了自己能够出战足够数量的比赛（60场）后，将会吸引追求者的兴趣。他的年薪有望超过今年的1200万美元。同样面临续约问题的还有麦尔斯·麦克布莱德 (Miles McBride)，他的情况可能更难琢磨。在接受核心肌群手术后，他仅出战了41场比赛，但三分球命中率创下了职业生涯新高。
尼克斯此前已经极其接近惩罚性的奢侈税线，仅差20万美元，因此除了在交易截止日得到何塞·阿尔瓦拉多 (Jose Alvarado) 之外，他们进行人员调整的空间非常有限。尼克斯会续约OG·阿奴诺比 (OG·Anunoby) 和卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns) 吗？他们又将如何管理本就微乎其微的薪资空间？ —— 文森特·古德威尔
4. 波士顿凯尔特人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 56-26
- 此前排名： 4
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第27顺位、第40顺位（来自雄鹿）
在上赛季通过相当复杂的薪资腾挪成功避开奢侈税后，波士顿在这个夏天将致力于提升其阵容实力。
在赛季结束的新闻发布会上，篮球运营总裁布拉德·史蒂文斯 (Brad Stevens) 提到波士顿对阵联盟顶尖球队时表现不佳，这表明凯尔特人需要进行升级。
他们首先必须决定如何处理首发中锋尼米亚斯·克塔 (Neemias Queta) 的合同，他下赛季拥有球队选项，并且在上赛季取得重大飞跃后已成为球队的关键一员。 —— 蒂姆·邦唐
5. 底特律活塞
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 60-22
- 此前排名： 3
- 季后赛结果： 止步次轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第21顺位（来自森林狼）
除非活塞今年夏天在交易市场上掀起惊天波澜，否则很难指望他们下赛季能再次拿到60胜。
东部整体实力正在提升，这意味着想在东部底层球队身上轻松刷分将不再那么容易，而为凯德·康宁汉姆 (Cade Cunningham) 寻找一位具备自主创造投篮能力的搭档是他们的首要任务。
不过，在经历了两次抢七大战的洗礼后，活塞明年的重点很可能会更多地放在为季后赛做好准备上。
留住受限制自由球员中锋杰伦·杜伦 (Jalen Duren) 以及提前续约年度最佳防守球员候选人奥萨尔·汤普森 (Ausar Thompson) 将占据他们的大部分精力，但已有传言称，活塞正在物色能够带领他们提升到新高度的成名老将。 —— 文森特·古德威尔
6. 丹佛掘金
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 54-28
- 此前排名： 5
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第26顺位、第49顺位（来自老鹰）
在首轮出局后，掘金阵容中唯一可以确定的就是三届MVP尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 依然会在阵中。
掘金目前处于两难境地：他们需要升级阵容以与圣安东尼奥和俄克拉荷马城抗衡，但由于此前已经交易了多个未来的首轮选秀权（包括欠雷霆的两个首轮签），他们几乎没有可行的操作路径。
如果掘金重新签下受限制自由球员佩顿·沃森 (Peyton Watson)，外界预计卡梅隆·约翰逊 (Cameron Johnson) 或克里斯蒂安·布劳恩 (Christian Braun) 之中将有一人被交易，以减轻球队的奢侈税负担。 —— 蒂姆·麦克马洪
7. 克利夫兰骑士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 52-30
- 此前排名： 8
- 季后赛结果： 止步东部决赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第29顺位（来自马刺）
一方面，打进东部决赛对克利夫兰来说无疑是成功的，因为尽管在交易截止日经历了重大阵容调整，他们依然走得比2018年以来的任何时候都要远。
但另一方面，骑士本赛季以被尼克斯横扫的尴尬方式收尾，也引发了人们对这套阵容距离真正的争冠级别还有多远的质疑。
骑士总裁科比·奥尔特曼 (Koby Altman) 在赛季结束的新闻发布会上表示，没有必要对阵容进行大换血，但骑士在今年夏天依然是一支值得关注的球队，因为他们正在寻找一名球员——或许是另一位球星——来帮助球队迈出最关键的一步。 —— 贾马尔·科利尔
8. 明尼苏达森林狼
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 49-33
- 此前排名： 11
- 季后赛结果： 止步次轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第28顺位（来自活塞）、第59顺位（来自马刺）
森林狼篮球运营总裁蒂姆·康奈利 (Tim Connelly) 在球队止步次轮后明确表示，球队必须变得更好。
“我们必须现实地看待我们所拥有的东西，”他说，“虽然好的方面远多于坏的方面，但我们知道我们现在还不够好。”
考虑到追赶俄克拉荷马城雷霆和圣安东尼奥马刺的挑战，预计康奈利今年夏天在寻求阵容升级时会再次表现得极具侵略性。 —— 蒂姆·邦唐
9. 洛杉矶湖人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 53-29
- 此前排名： 10
- 季后赛结果： 止步次轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第25顺位
自从一个半赛季前通过交易得到卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic) 以来，湖人仅赢下了一场季后赛。
只要有一点运气，再加上他对自己身体的持续保养，人们希望东契奇在关键时刻能够登场，此前他因腿筋伤势缺席了整个2026年季后赛。
仅仅是他保持健康，就能让洛杉矶在下赛季有更大的机会取得成功。但在勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 和奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves) 的合同问题尘埃落定之前，以及如何围绕东契奇的惊人天赋来填补阵容其他位置之前，现在断言湖人能达到什么高度还为时过早。 —— 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
10. 休斯顿火箭
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 52-30
- 此前排名： 8
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第39顺位（来自公牛）、第53顺位
年轻后卫阿门·汤普森 (Amen Thompson) 和里德·谢泼德 (Reed Sheppard) 在上赛季被委以重任后积累了宝贵的经验，而老将控卫弗雷德·范弗利特 (Fred VanVleet) 也将从前交叉韧带（ACL）撕裂的伤势中复出，为这支在比赛收尾阶段表现挣扎的火箭队梳理进攻。
再加上中锋史蒂文·亚当斯 (Steven Adams) 应该能恢复健康，从而提升休斯顿的篮板球，尤其是二次进攻得分能力，火箭真正争冠的窗口期根本没有关闭。
甚至可以说，随着未来的名人堂成员凯文·杜兰特 (Kevin Durant) 完全融入新队友，这个窗口现在可能开得更大了。 —— 莱特
11. 印第安纳步行者
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 19-63
- 此前排名： 28
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 无
印第安纳的“过渡年”已经结束，步行者已准备好重新向东部积分榜的前列发起冲击。
随着泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿 (Tyrese Haliburton) 和伊维察·祖巴茨 (Ivica Zubac)（希望如此）能够出战完整赛季，再加上安德鲁·内姆哈德 (Andrew Nembhard)、亚伦·内史密斯 (Aaron Nesmith) 和帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆 (Pascal Siakam) 在侧翼的回归，印第安纳下赛季应该会拥有联盟最顶尖的首发五人组之一。
在2026-27赛季，印第安纳夺得东部冠军的概率，要远大于再次吞下60多场败仗。 —— 扎克·克拉姆
12. 费城76人
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 45-37
- 此前排名： 14
- 季后赛结果： 止步次轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第22顺位（来自火箭）
新任篮球运营总裁迈克·甘西 (Mike Gansey) 在费城面临着棘手的任务，76人刚刚在次轮被尼克斯淘汰出局。
随着账面上躺着三份顶薪合同，76人的薪资灵活性非常有限。如果他们今年夏天仅仅是留住凯利·乌布雷 (Kelly Oubre) 和昆汀·格莱姆斯 (Quentin Grimes) 这两名完全自由球员，就几乎肯定会触发奢侈税。 —— 蒂姆·邦唐
13. 亚特兰大老鹰
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 46-36
- 此前排名： 9
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第8顺位（来自鹈鹕）、第23顺位（来自骑士）、第57顺位（来自凯尔特人）
亚特兰大已经通过与篮球运营总裁昂西·萨利赫 (Onsi Saleh) 和主教练奎因·斯奈德 (Quin Snyder) 续约，稳固了管理层和教练组。
现在，老鹰将寻求进一步提升这支在特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 交易后展现出潜力的球队。在常规赛尾声阶段，他们曾打出一波20战18胜的狂飙，并在季后赛首轮一度以2比1领先尼克斯。
杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson) 已经具备了成为球星的潜质，如果萨利赫想在今年夏天引入另一位强援，或者通过手握的第8和第23顺位选秀权继续构建和培养年轻阵容，他手里有足够的筹码。
老鹰还必须决定如何处理完全自由球员CJ·麦科勒姆 (CJ McCollum)（他在首轮对阵尼克斯时投中过关键球帮助球队取得领先）以及乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga)（他的合同中包含2430万美元的球队选项）。 —— 奥姆·永米苏克
14. 多伦多猛龙
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 46-36
- 此前排名： 13
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第19顺位、第50顺位
在本赛季至少出场100分钟的15名猛龙球员中，雅各布·珀尔特尔 (Jakob Poeltl) 年纪最大，而他也只有30岁。
对于力求在东部积分榜上继续攀升的猛龙来说，这无疑是一个积极的信号。
尤其是斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes) 与二年级新星科林·默里-博伊尔斯 (Collin Murray-Boyles) 的组合，展现出了令人垂涎的上限。本赛季当他们两人同时在场时，多伦多的防守效率达到了104.5，这一数据甚至优于联盟防守第一的俄克拉荷马城。 —— 扎克·克拉姆
15. 奥兰多魔术
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 45-37
- 此前排名： 17
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第46顺位
肖恩·斯威尼 (Sean Sweeney) 终于迎来了担任主教练的机会，他接手了一支简直是为他量身定制的球队。
斯威尼的专长在于防守和人才培养——就像他当年在密尔沃基协助培养阿德托昆博那样。他需要与保罗·班凯罗 (Paolo Banchero)、弗朗茨·瓦格纳 (Franz Wagner) 以及德斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane) 建立起良好的关系，他的任务是让这支本就处于联盟顶尖水平的防守更进一步。
同时，斯威尼还必须升级停滞不前的进攻。在季后赛中，尤其是在瓦格纳受伤后，魔术的进攻挣扎无比，并在首轮对阵活塞时痛失3比1的领先优势，最终崩盘。 —— 奥姆·永米苏克
16. 金州勇士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 37-45
- 此前排名： 20
- 季后赛结果： 止步附加赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第11顺位、第54顺位（来自湖人）
史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 在考虑是否回归继续执教时，透露了他在与大老板乔·拉科布 (Joe Lacob) 的多次会面中谈到的这一点：
“我们必须在更基于现实的基础上，就‘成功对我们而言意味着什么’达成共识。我们到底想实现什么目标？因为自我们饱受伤病困扰的那个赛季（2019-20赛季）以来，我们第一次没有坐在这里说：‘嘿，我们能夺冠。’”
这是金州勇士这个休赛期隐藏在表面之下的残酷现实。
他们会在交易市场上四处打探，但到慢为止，他们并没有表现出要通过透支未来去完成一笔重磅交易的激进态度。
种种迹象表明，他们仍倾向于使用第11顺位选秀权，为这支老龄化的阵容注入一些年轻血液，同时陪伴斯蒂芬·库里 (Steph Curry) 时代缓缓走向终点。 —— 安东尼·斯莱特
17. 夏洛特黄蜂
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 44-38
- 此前排名： 12
- 季后赛结果： 止步附加赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第14顺位、第18顺位（来自魔术）
拥有三名25岁以下全明星候选人的球队并不多，但夏洛特就是其中之一。拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball)、布兰登·米勒 (Brandon Miller) 和孔·克纽佩尔 (Kon Knueppel) 带领球队在赛季末段打出了强劲的势头，这表明在经历了本赛季末段的附加赛冲刺后，夏洛特下赛季有望自2016年以来首次杀入季后赛。
强大的进攻火力和干净的薪资空间是乐观的主要原因：黄蜂令人兴奋的年轻核心在全明星赛后打出了联盟第二高的进攻效率，管理层应该能够在今年夏天补场前场。 —— 本·戈利弗
18. 洛杉矶快船
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 42-40
- 此前排名： 16
- 季后赛结果： 止步附加赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第5顺位（来自步行者）、第36顺位（来自灰熊）、第52顺位（来自骑士）
在联盟针对快船涉嫌通过科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 与Aspiration的代言合同规避工资帽的调查结案并落实任何潜在处罚之前，根本无法预测洛杉矶快船下赛季会是什么样子。
唯一可以确定的是，无论谁穿上这身球衣，主教练泰伦·卢 (Tyronn Lue) 都会竭尽全力为这支队伍找到取胜之匙。而在交易截止日通过詹姆斯·哈登 (James Harden) 的交易从克利夫兰换来的26岁后卫达里乌斯·加兰 (Darius Garland)，将成为球队本赛季及未来的重要组成部分。
除此之外，还有一堆阵容决策需要做出——其中与贝内迪克特·马瑟林 (Bennedict Mathurin) 达成提前续约协议是重中之重。 —— 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
19. 波特兰开拓者
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 42-40
- 此前排名： 19
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 无
开拓者是今年夏天最大的未知数之一，这要归功于新老板汤姆·邓顿 (Tom Dundon)。他在5月份进行了大刀阔斧的裁员，在有关其削减成本举措的报道浮出水面后陷入了一个又一个公关泥潭，并且至今还没有任命主教练。
邓顿是会追求一笔引人注目的强援，还是会采取更稳健的做法？
好消息是：刚刚终结了四年季后赛荒的开拓者，其最核心的球员在2026-27赛季都处于合同期内，并且他们将迎来从跟腱伤势中复出的队史标志性球星达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard)。
虽然重返季后赛是他们的目标，但波特兰仍需要更多的投射能力才能与西部顶尖强队抗衡。 —— 本·戈利弗
20. 迈阿密热火
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 43-39
- 此前排名： 18
- 季后赛结果： 止步附加赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第13顺位、第41顺位（来自勇士）
对于帕特·莱利 (Pat Riley) 掌舵的热火来说，这是一个关键的夏天，关于阿德托昆博加盟迈阿密的流言正满天飞。莱利在赛季结束的新闻发布会上明确表示，他不会偏离自己一贯的“不夺冠便算失败”的信条。他还表示，除非是极其重磅的交易，否则热火唯一不会考虑交易的球员就是巴姆·阿德巴约 (Bam Adebayo)。
无论如何，迈阿密都将处于一些可能改变联盟格局的交易讨论的中心。如果热火最终得到了他们的下一位超级巨星，这可能会彻底改变球队的现在和未来。这就是今年夏天的赌注所在。 —— 奥姆·永米苏克
21. 菲尼克斯太阳
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 45-37
- 此前排名： 15
- 季后赛结果： 止步首轮
- 2026年选秀权： 第47顺位（来自76人）
在主教练乔丹·奥特 (Jordan Ott) 执教的首个赛季取得45胜37负的战绩后，太阳准备在下赛季以此为基础再接再厉。
他们的核心阵容——德文·布克 (Devin Booker)、狄龙·布鲁克斯 (Dillon Brooks)、杰伦·格林 (Jalen Green)、格雷森·阿伦 (Grayson Allen) 和罗伊斯·奥尼尔 (Royce O’Neale) 都处于合同期内。在饱受了整个赛季的腿筋伤势困扰后，格林下赛季应该还有很大的提升空间。
他们将拥有一定的薪资空间灵活性，从而能够留住科林·吉莱斯皮 (Collin Gillespie) 和乔丹·古德温 (Jordan Goodwin)，这两名球员今年都打出了职业生涯代表作，部分原因在于他们需要填补格林受伤留下的空缺。尽管西部竞争依然会像以往一样惨烈，但太阳预计仍将是不可忽视的力量。 —— 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
22. 犹他爵士
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 22-60
- 此前排名： 27
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第2
在经历了痛苦的推倒重建后，盐湖城对于爵士重新具备竞争力感到兴奋。
犹他在交易截止日大展拳脚，得到了2023年年度最佳防守球员杰伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.)，他将与劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen) 和基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George) 一起组成爵士的核心。球队希望去年的5号秀艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey) 以及今年的榜眼秀能够迅速成长为建队基石。
在上赛季仅取得22胜60负的战绩后，爵士下赛季的胜场数有望接近翻倍，并去争夺一个西部附加赛的席位。 —— 蒂姆·麦克马洪
23. 达拉斯独行侠
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 26-56
- 此前排名： 22
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第9顺位、第30顺位（来自雷霆）、第48顺位（来自太阳）
独行侠的主要目标是围绕新科年度最佳新秀库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 打造一支可持续的争冠球队，但他们也有尽快赢球的动力——在本次选秀之后，达拉斯直到2031年才重新拥有自己首轮选秀权的控制权。
这一努力应当将凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 纳入其中。新任总裁马赛·乌杰里 (Masai Ujiri) 表示，他对于这位九届全明星后卫如何与19岁的弗拉格搭档有着极大的“好奇心”。
随着乌杰里着手打造他认为最适合弗拉格的阵容，独行侠可能会在今年夏天的交易市场上送走多名老将。目前，34岁的欧文依然是独行侠近期计划中的重要组成部分。 —— 蒂姆·麦克马洪
24. 新奥尔良鹈鹕
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 26-56
- 此前排名： 24
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第58顺位（来自活塞）
新任主教练贾马尔·莫斯利 (Jamahl Mosley) 能否从这套不尽如人意的阵容中压榨出更好的战绩，还是说现在已经到了彻底大换血的时候？这是鹈鹕必须解决的首要问题。
老将蔡恩·威廉森 (Zion Williamson)、乔丹·普尔 (Jordan Poole)、德章泰·默里 (Dejounte Murray) 和赫伯·琼斯 (Herb Jones) 在2026-27赛季都处于合同期内，但这样的天赋储备还不足以让他们在西部并驾齐驱。
尽管杰里迈亚·菲尔斯 (Jeremiah Fears) 和德里克·奎因 (Derik Queen) 在进入职业生涯第二年时应该会有所进步，但鹈鹕缺少2026年首轮选秀权，这给可能到来的青年风暴泼了一盆冷水。 —— 本·戈利弗
25. 芝加哥公牛
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 31-51
- 此前排名： 23
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第4顺位、第15顺位（来自开拓者）、第38顺位（来自鹈鹕）、第56顺位（来自掘金）
公牛的管理层迎来了迫切需要的更新，他们聘请了前亚特兰大老鹰高管布赖森·格雷厄姆 (Bryson Graham) 来掌管球队的篮球运营。
格雷厄姆在任职新闻发布会上透露，球队将进行重建，距离在东部具备竞争力“绝非一两步之遥”。
首先，芝加哥手握今年选秀大会的4号签，并且将由一位新任主教练执掌教鞭，但明年几乎可以肯定将是公牛重返真正争冠行列的漫长旅程的起点。 —— 贾马尔·科利尔
26. 孟菲斯灰熊
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 25-57
- 此前排名： 25
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第3顺位、第16顺位（来自太阳）、第32顺位（来自步行者）
很难想象一支球队在失去明星后卫贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 的情况下还能取得进步。但这正是孟菲斯的预期，该俱乐部正在经历又一次人员重组，同时寻求交易走这位26岁的球星。
手握首轮第3和第16顺位选秀权，灰熊希望至少能摘下一名未来的全明星，与塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward)、杰伦·威尔斯 (Jaylen Wells) 和扎克·伊迪 (Zach Edey) 等前途无量的年轻人搭档。
总经理扎克·克莱曼 (Zach Kleiman) 自2025年4月以来已经进行了两次重组，他能够认清形势并果断求变，这一点值得称赞。 —— 莱特
27. 密尔沃基雄鹿
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 32-50
- 此前排名： 21
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第10顺位
阿德托昆博的未来依然是这支陷入低谷的雄鹿最大的未决问题。随着流言四起，严峻的问题依然摆在面前：
雄鹿在潜在的交易中能换回什么筹码？如果他表态愿意签下提前续约合同，球队是否会尝试留住他并围绕他重新建队？球队是否应该将选秀资产置于成名球员之上？
雄鹿确实拥有今年选秀大会的10号签，并聘请了新任主教练泰勒·詹金斯 (Taylor Jenkins) 来执掌大局，但阵容的其他部分仍是一个巨大的问号，这将决定密尔沃基重回正轨的速度。 —— 贾马尔·科利尔
28. 华盛顿奇才
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 17-65
- 此前排名： 30
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第1顺位、第51顺位（来自森林狼）、第60顺位（来自雷霆）
自2022-23赛季以来，华盛顿单赛季的胜场数从未超过18场，但下赛季这一基准应该很容易被超越。在季中交易加盟后，特雷·杨仅为奇才出战了5场比赛，而安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis) 则完全没有出场。将他们两人加上状元签，奇才未来的下限应该会远高于18胜的水平。
亚历克斯·萨尔 (Alex Sarr)、特雷·约翰逊 (Tre Johnson) 和威尔·莱利 (Will Riley) 的持续成长——以及戴维斯的健康状况——将决定2026-27赛季的奇才是一支季后赛竞争者，还仅仅是一支有所进步的乐透区球队。 —— 扎克·克拉姆
29. 布鲁克林篮网
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 20-62
- 此前排名： 29
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第6顺位、第33顺位、第43顺位（来自快船）
乐透签改革将在下赛季生效，因此篮网有极大的动力去尝试一些新举措，而不是继续重复过去三个赛季那样的摆烂行径。
考虑到他们将在即将到来的选秀大年中手握6号签，并且根据ESPN的鲍比·马克斯 (Bobby Marks) 报道，他们拥有超过8000万美元的薪资空间，篮网至少会在2026-2027赛季尝试在场上呈现出一套具备竞争力的阵容。
他们的三名新秀在上赛季还未满20岁，因此球队内部的成长也同样值得期待。 —— 文森特·古德威尔
30. 萨克拉门托国王
- 2025-26赛季战绩： 22-60
- 此前排名： 26
- 季后赛结果： 无缘季后赛
- 2026年选秀权： 第7顺位、第34顺位、第45顺位（来自黄蜂）
随着总经理斯科特·佩里 (Scott Perry) 的任期步入第二年，他上任以来最关键的决定将在本月晚些时候到来。
国王手握7号签——这在乐透抽签之夜是一个令人失望的结果——而在这个顺位区间，有一批颇具吸引力的后卫新秀。在NBA，佩里对阿肯色大学极具得分潜力的控卫达里乌斯·阿卡夫 (Darius Acuff) 印象深刻并深感兴趣，这早已是公开的秘密。他们还对休斯顿大学的金斯顿·弗莱明斯 (Kingston Flemings) 进行了大量的选秀前背景调查。无论国王最终选中谁，都将立即成为他们深度重建初期的最核心球员。
想要摆脱目前的困境需要足够的耐心，但如果佩里能用好这个选秀权，对于球迷群体和管理层来说，这段重建期显然会好过得多。 —— 安东尼·斯莱特
由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：Post-Finals NBA Power Rankings: Stacking 30 teams for 2026-27 season
Post-Finals NBA Power Rankings: Stacking 30 teams for 2026-27 season
The New York Knicks are your 2025-26 NBA champions after they defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to claim the franchise’s first title in 53 years.
With the Larry O’Brien Trophy officially hoisted, the end of the campaign is here after a drama-filled season. The Spurs knocked out their budding rival, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, before running into the Knicks in the Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home his second straight MVP award, and Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo decided it might be best to take his talents elsewhere this offseason.
It’s now time to look ahead to the 2026-27 season and what could be in store. Our NBA Insiders projected where all 30 NBA teams rank heading into next season and discuss whether their futures are bright, dim or ultimately forgettable.
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, Vincent Goodwill, Anthony Slater, Ben Golliver and Zach Kram) think teams belong after the 2026-27 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 | UTAH | WAS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2025-26 record: 64-18
- Previous ranking: 1
- Result: Eliminated in the Western Conference finals
- 2026 draft picks: No. 12 (via LAC), No. 17 (via PHI), No. 37 (via DAL)
This roster gets even more expensive next season.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren step into extensions that push the team’s overall salary cap number from $186.7 million, just below the luxury tax, toward the $250 million range, which is deep into the second apron.
There are subtle ways to shave down that money, but Thunder general manager Sam Presti has planned and prepped this perennial contender for this next stage of luxury tax living.
Expect them to bring back a majority of the nucleus that won 64 games and stretched the Spurs to the brink in the conference finals despite missing Williams, their second-best player, for a majority of the season and that San Antonio series. – Anthony Slater
ESPN
2. San Antonio Spurs
- 2025-26 record: 62-20
- Previous ranking: 2
- Result: Lost in the NBA Finals
- 2026 draft picks: No. 20 (via ATL), No. 35 (via UTAH), No. 42 (via POR), No. 44 (via MIA)
The team projected to compete for a spot in the play-in tournament in 2025-26 smashed the gas on its ascension to championship contention and should be even better next season having gained valuable experience from a tough run in the NBA Finals.
The young core of Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper will continue to improve along with veterans De’Aaron Fox, Julian Champagnie, and Devin Vassell. Wembanyama is now able to negotiate a five-year, $251 million rookie extension, which would be the largest in franchise history.
San Antonio will also look to add depth in the frontcourt through the draft and free agency. Rookie Carter Bryant was a revelation in his first season and is well-positioned next season to take on a more significant role. – Michael C. Wright
3. New York Knicks
- 2025-26 record: 53-29
- Previous ranking: 6
- Result: NBA Finals champions
- 2026 draft picks: No. 24, No. 31 (via WAS), No. 55
An expensive roster will become more expensive and the Knicks have some decisions to make with free agents off the bench.
Mitchell Robinson will draw interest from suitors after proving he could play a decent amount of games (60). He could stand to make more than the $12 million he’s earning this year, along with Miles McBride, who could be a little trickier to peg. Following core surgery, he only played 41 games but shot a career high from 3-point range.
The Knicks were already right up against the punitive luxury tax threshold, just $200,000 away, so they were limited in their ability to make personnel moves aside from picking up Jose Alvarado at the deadline. Will the Knicks extend OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns? And how will they manage very slight cap space to begin with? – Vincent Goodwill
4. Boston Celtics
- 2025-26 record: 56-26
- Previous ranking: 4
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 27, No. 40 (via MIL)
After doing some considerable salary gymnastics to get out of the luxury tax this past season, Boston enters this summer looking to improve its roster.
At his end-of-season availability, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens referred to Boston’s subpar record against the top teams in the NBA as a sign the Celtics need to upgrade.
They first have to figure out what to do with starting center Neemias Queta, who has a team option for next season and is a key player after making a significant leap this past season. – Tim Bontemps
5. Detroit Pistons
- 2025-26 record: 60-22
- Previous ranking: 3
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 21 (via MIN)
It’s hard to expect another 60-win campaign from the Pistons next season unless they make a huge splash this summer in the trade market.
The East is getting better, which means feasting off the bottom of the conference won’t be so easy, and getting Cade Cunningham a shot-creating running mate is their No. 1 priority.
But it’s likely that next year’s focus will be more about preparing themselves for the playoffs after the struggle of two seven-game series.
Locking up restricted free agent center Jalen Duren and extending Defensive Player of the Year candidate Ausar Thompson will take up most of their activity, but there are already whispers that the Pistons are looking at proven veterans who could take them to the next level. – Goodwill
6. Denver Nuggets
- 2025-26 record: 54-28
- Previous ranking: 5
- Result: Eliminated first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 26, No. 49 (via ATL)
After a first-round elimination, the only certainty with the Nuggets’ roster is that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic will be on it.
Denver is in the difficult position of needing to upgrade the roster to contend with San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but with little paths with which to do so, having already traded multiple future first-round picks, including a pair owed to the Thunder.
If Denver re-signs restricted free agent Peyton Watson, the anticipation is that either Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun will be traded to lighten their luxury tax bill. – Tim MacMahon
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2025-26 record: 52-30
- Previous ranking: 8
- Result: Eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals
- 2026 draft picks: No. 29 (via SAS)
On one hand, reaching the Eastern Conference finals was undoubtedly a success for Cleveland, as it advanced further than it has since 2018, despite a major roster shake-up at the trade deadline.
But on the other, the way the Cavs’ season ended, with an embarrassing sweep by the Knicks, has raised questions about how close this roster is to true contention.
Cavs president Koby Altman said at his end-of-the-season news conference that a major roster overhaul wasn’t necessary, but the Cavs are still a team to watch this offseason as they look for a player – perhaps another star – to take the most crucial step forward. – Jamal Collier
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2025-26 record: 49-33
- Previous ranking: 11
- Result: Eliminated in second round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 28 (via DET), No. 59 (via SAS)
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly made it clear after Minnesota lost in the second round that the team has to get better.
“We have to be realistic about what we have,” he said, “which is way more good than bad, but we know that we’re not good enough right now.”
Given the challenge of trying to chase down both the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, expect Connelly to once again be very aggressive in looking for upgrades this summer. – Bontemps
9. Los Angeles Lakers
- 2025-26 record: 53-29
- Previous ranking: 10
- Result: Eliminated second round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 25
The Lakers have won just one playoff game with Luka Doncic since they traded for him a season and a half ago.
With some semblance of luck and continued dedication to his body, the hope is that Doncic will be available when it counts after missing the entire 2026 postseason with a hamstring injury.
His healthy presence alone gives L.A. a chance at more success next season, but it’s too early to tell just how good the Lakers can be until the contracts of LeBron James and Austin Reaves are figured out – and how the rest of the roster can be filled out to complement Doncic’s tremendous talents. – Dave McMenamin
10. Houston Rockets
- 2025-26 record: 52-30
- Previous ranking: 8
- Result: Eliminated first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 39 (via CHI), No. 53
Young guards Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard gained valuable experience last season after being thrust into larger roles, and veteran point guard Fred VanVleet will be back from his torn ACL to set the table for a Rockets team that struggled closing games.
Throw in the fact that center Steven Adams should be healthy to ramp up Houston’s rebounding and, most importantly, its second-chance scoring, and the Rockets’ window for real contention hasn’t closed at all.
It’s easy to argue that it could be open even wider now, with future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant fully acclimated to his new teammates. – Wright
11. Indiana Pacers
- 2025-26 record: 19-63
- Previous ranking: 28
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: None
Indiana’s gap year is complete, and the Pacers are prepared to race back to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
With (hopefully) full seasons of Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac, as well as Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam returning on the wings, Indiana should boast one of the league’s best starting fives next season.
In 2026-27, Indiana is more likely to win the East than finish with 60-plus losses again. – Zach Kram
12. Philadelphia 76ers
- 2025-26 record: 45-37
- Previous ranking: 14
- Result: Eliminated second round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 22 (via HOU)
New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey has his hands full in Philadelphia, where the 76ers are coming off a second-round exit at the hands of the Knicks.
With three max contracts on the books, the 76ers only have so much flexibility and will all but certainly be into the luxury tax if they just retain Kelly Oubre and Quentin Grimes, both unrestricted free agents, this summer. – Bontemps
13. Atlanta Hawks
- 2025-26 record: 46-36
- Previous ranking: 9
- Result: Eliminated first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 8 (via NO), No. 23 (via CLE), No. 57 (via BOS)
Atlanta has locked up its leadership with extensions for president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh and head coach Quin Snyder.
Now, the Hawks will look to improve on a team that showed promise after the Trae Young trade, winning 18 of 20 games during one torrid late season stretch before taking a 2-1 lead over the Knicks in the first round.
Jalen Johnson is primed to be a star and Saleh has assets if he wants to add another contributor this offseason or continue to build and develop a young roster by adding the eighth and 23rd overall picks in the draft.
The Hawks will have to decide what to do with unrestricted free agent CJ McCollum, who hit big shots to get that first-round lead over the Knicks, and Jonathan Kuminga, whose contract has a $24.3 million team option. – Ohm Youngmisuk
14. Toronto Raptors
- 2025-26 record: 46-36
- Previous ranking: 13
- Result: Eliminated first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 19, No. 50
Out of the 15 Raptors who played at least 100 minutes this season, Jakob Poeltl was the oldest, and he is only 30.
That’s a promising sign for the Raptors’ chances next season as they seek to keep climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
In particular, the pairing of Scottie Barnes and rising sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles offers tantalizing upside. Toronto had a 104.5 defensive rating with that duo on the floor this season, which was better than Oklahoma City’s league-best mark. – Kram
15. Orlando Magic
- 2025-26 record: 45-37
- Previous ranking: 17
- Result: Eliminated first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 46
Sean Sweeney finally gets his shot as head coach and takes over a team that could be tailored for him.
Sweeney’s expertise is defense and developing talent – like he did with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. He will have to establish a relationship with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane, and he will be tasked with elevating an already top defense.
Sweeney, too, will have to upgrade a stagnant offense that struggled badly, especially after Wagner got hurt in the playoffs, and collapsed in blowing a 3-1 lead against Detroit in the first round. – Youngmisuk
16. Golden State Warriors
- 2025-26 record: 37-45
- Previous ranking: 20
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2026 draft picks: No. 11, No. 54 (via LAL)
Steve Kerr revealed this about his numerous meetings with controlling owner Joe Lacob as he contemplated whether to return as head coach:
“We had to come to a much more reality-based shared vision on what success looks like for us. What are we trying to accomplish? Because for the first time since our injury-plagued year (2019-20), we aren’t sitting here saying, ‘Hey, we can win a championship.’”
It’s a harsh truth that sits below the surface of this Golden State offseason.
They will sniff around the trade market, but so far they aren’t signaling an aggressive tone about swinging a blockbuster that mortgages the future.
Signs continue to point to them using the 11th overall pick in the draft to inject some youth into an aging roster as they slowly ride the Steph Curry era to the finish line. – Slater
17. Charlotte Hornets
- 2025-26 record: 44-38
- Previous ranking: 12
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2026 draft picks: No. 14, No. 18 (via ORL)
There aren’t many teams with three All-Star candidates under 25 years old, but Charlotte is one of them. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel led a strong late-season push that suggests Charlotte can reach the playoffs next season for the first time since 2016 after a late play-in push this season.
A potent offense and clean cap sheet are leading causes for optimism: The Hornets’ exciting young core posted the NBA’s second-best offensive rating after the All-Star break, and the front office should be able to fortify the frontcourt this summer. – Ben Golliver
18. LA Clippers
- 2025-26 record: 42-40
- Previous ranking: 16
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2026 draft picks: No. 5 (via IND), No. 36 (via MEM), No. 52 (via CLE)
Until the league’s investigation into the Clippers’ alleged salary cap circumvention through the Kawhi Leonard endorsement deal with Aspiration is closed and any potential penalties are levied, it’s impossible to predict what next season will look like for LA.
The only certainty is that no matter who is in uniform, coach Tyronn Lue will do everything he can to find a winning formula for the group. And 26-year-old Darius Garland will be a big part of the team’s season and future after he was acquired from Cleveland in the James Harden deal at the deadline.
Beyond that, there are a bevy of roster decisions to make – with agreeing to an extension with Bennedict Mathurin near the top of the list. – McMenamin
19. Portland Trail Blazers
- 2025-26 record: 42-40
- Previous ranking: 19
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2026 draft picks: None
The Blazers are one of this summer’s biggest wild cards thanks to new owner Tom Dundon, who executed sweeping layoffs in May, was embroiled in PR mess after PR mess after reports surfaced about his cost-cutting measures, and has yet to name a coach.
Will Dundon pursue a splashy addition or take a more deliberate approach?
The good news: The Blazers, who just snapped a four-year playoff drought, have their most important players under contract for 2026-27 and will welcome back franchise icon Damian Lillard from an Achilles injury.
While a return trip to the playoffs will be the goal, Portland still needs more shooting to compete with the West’s best. – Golliver
20. Miami Heat
- 2025-26 record: 43-39
- Previous ranking: 18
- Result: Eliminated in play-in tournament
- 2026 draft picks: No. 13, No. 41 (via GS)
It’s a pivotal summer for Pat Riley’s Heat, and the rumor mill is flying with Giannis Antetokounmpo-to-Miami chatter. Riley made it clear in his season-ending presser that he is not deviating from his usual title-or-bust mandate. He also said the only Heat player he won’t consider trading, unless it’s a whopper of a deal, is Bam Adebayo.
In any case, Miami will be in the middle of some of the most landscape-shifting conversations across the league. If the Heat ultimately land their next superstar, it could change the present and future of the franchise. Those are the stakes this summer. – Youngmisuk
21. Phoenix Suns
- 2025-26 record: 45-37
- Previous ranking: 15
- Result: Eliminated in first round
- 2026 draft picks: No. 47 (via PHI)
After going 45-37 in Jordan Ott’s maiden voyage on the sideline, the Suns are primed to build on that success next season.
Their core of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are all under contract, and there should be room for Green to grow after hamstring issues persisted all season.
They will have some salary cap maneuverability to be able to retain both Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, both of whom had career years in part because of the need to fill in for the injured Green. While the West will still be as tough as ever, the Suns figure to be a factor again. – McMenamin
22. Utah Jazz
- 2025-26 record: 22-60
- Previous ranking: 27
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 2
After a painful teardown and rebuild, there’s an excitement in Salt Lake City about the Jazz becoming competitive again.
Utah took a big swing at the trade deadline to acquire 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., who joins Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George as the Jazz’s core, with the hope that last year’s fifth pick Ace Bailey and this year’s second overall pick will quickly develop into foundational pieces.
After a 22-60 record last season, the Jazz could come close to doubling their win total and competing for a spot in the West’s play-in bracket. – MacMahon
23. Dallas Mavericks
- 2025-26 record: 26-56
- Previous ranking: 22
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 9, No. 30 (via OKC), No. 48 (via PHX)
The Mavs’ main goal is to build a sustainable contender around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, but there’s also motivation to win as soon as possible – Dallas doesn’t have control of its first-round pick after this draft again until 2031.
The effort should include Kyrie Irving. New president Masai Ujiri said that he has a great “curiosity” about how nine-time All-Star guard can fit alongside the 19-year-old Flagg.
The Mavs could move multiple veterans in the trade market this summer as Ujiri builds the kind of roster he believes best suits Flagg. For now, Irving, 34, remains a significant part of the Mavs’ immediate plans. – MacMahon
24. New Orleans Pelicans
- 2025-26 record: 26-56
- Previous ranking: 24
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 58 (via DET)
Can new coach Jamahl Mosley squeeze better results out of an underwhelming roster, or is it time for a real shake-up? That’s the primary question the Pelicans must address.
Veterans Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones are all under contract for the 2026-27 season, but that’s not enough talent to keep pace in the West.
While Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen should show progress as they enter their second seasons, the Pelicans’ lack of a 2026 first-round pick dampens the excitement around a possible youth movement. – Golliver
25. Chicago Bulls
- 2025-26 record: 31-51
- Previous ranking: 23
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 4, No. 15 (via POR), No. 38 (via NO), No. 56 (via DEN)
The Bulls are getting a much-needed refresh at the top of the organization, bringing in former Atlanta Hawks executive Bryson Graham to head the team’s basketball operations.
Graham signaled at his introductory news conference that the team is in for a rebuild and “not one or two steps away” from competing in the Eastern Conference.
To start, Chicago is armed with the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft and will have a new head coach at the helm, but next year will almost certainly be the start of a lengthy journey to bring the Bulls back to real contention. – Collier
26. Memphis Grizzlies
- 2025-26 record: 25-57
- Previous ranking: 25
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 3, No. 16 (via PHX), No. 32 (via IND)
It’s hard to imagine a team improving without the services of star guard Ja Morant. But that’s the expectation in Memphis, with the club undergoing another personnel reset while looking to trade the 26-year-old.
Armed with the third and 16th picks in the first round, the Grizzlies are hoping to grab at least one future All-Star to team with promising youngsters Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey.
General manager Zach Kleiman has conducted two resets since April 2025 and deserves credit for recognizing that they were needed. – Wright
27. Milwaukee Bucks
- 2025-26 record: 32-50
- Previous ranking: 21
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 10
The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the biggest unresolved issue for the downtrodden Bucks. With rumors already swirling, serious questions remain:
What will the Bucks get in a potential trade return? Will the team attempt to keep him and retool around him if he signals that he is willing to sign an extension? Should the team prioritize draft assets over proven players?
The Bucks do have the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft and hired new coach Taylor Jenkins to run the show, but the rest of the roster is a major question mark that will determine how quickly Milwaukee will move forward. – Collier
28. Washington Wizards
- 2025-26 record: 17-65
- Previous ranking: 30
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 1, No. 51 (via MIN), No. 60 (via OKC)
Washington hasn’t won more than 18 games in a season since 2022-23, but that benchmark should be easy to surpass next season. Trae Young played just five games for the Wizards after a midseason trade, and Anthony Davis didn’t play at all; add them plus the first overall pick, and the Wizards’ floor should be much higher than the 18-win range moving forward.
Continued development for Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson and Will Riley – as well as Davis’ health – could dictate whether the 2026-27 Wizards are a playoff contender or merely an improved lottery team. – Kram
29. Brooklyn Nets
- 2025-26 record: 20-62
- Previous ranking: 29
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 6, No. 33, No. 43 (via LAC)
Lottery reform will be in place next season, so the Nets are highly incentivized to do something other than the tankathon exercise they’ve deployed for the past three seasons.
Considering they’ll have the No. 6 pick in this upcoming strong draft and more than $80 million in salary cap space according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Nets will at least make an attempt at putting out a competent product on the floor in the 2026-2027 season.
Three of their rookies were teenagers last season, so internal growth should occur as well. – Goodwill
30. Sacramento Kings
- 2025-26 record: 22-60
- Previous ranking: 26
- Result: Missed postseason
- 2026 draft picks: No. 7, No. 34, No. 45 (via CHA)
As general manager Scott Perry’s tenure stretches into its second season, the most pivotal decision to date arrives later this month.
The Kings have the seventh pick – a disappointing lottery night outcome – and a group of intriguing guard prospects expected to land in their range. It’s an open secret in the NBA that Perry is impressed and interested in Darius Acuff, the Arkansas point guard with scoring upside. They’ve also done plenty of predraft background work on Houston’s Kingston Flemings. Whomever the Kings land will immediately become the most important player in the early stages of a deep rebuild.
Patience will be needed to dig out of their current situation, but it’ll become a whole lot easier for the fanbase and ownership to stomach if Perry nails this pick. – Slater
By ESPN, via ESPN