All 30 teams have now reported for training camps, the first preseason game will tip off Thursday, Oct. 2 between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi, and teams are starting their campaigns with the same objective in mind: hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season.
That, however, remains a long way off, as most teams will begin practices this week, looking to shake off summer rust and get into shape. In any case, everyone is chasing the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who have an excellent chance to become the first team to repeat in eight seasons.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings, with all 30 teams having reported for training camps:
NBA power rankings – training camp edition
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have a team built to win for years to come. Can they maintain their edge and focus over a grind of a season to become the first team to repeat as champions in eight years?
2. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets had a stellar offseason, and Cameron Johnson figures to add a new dimension to Denver’s offense.
3. Houston Rockets
Losing veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL shouldn’t dampen all the enthusiasm they generated from a busy offseason that included the Kevin Durant trade, but it is a significant blow.
4. New York Knicks
Expectations are sky-high for the Knicks, who have rounded out their roster and may depend more on their bench with new coach Mike Brown coming in.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. are solid additions, but the Cavaliers will need to stay healthy — and will need their stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley to take another step forward.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
This is very much a win-now roster, but with an inquiry surrounding Kawhi Leonard and owner Steve Ballmer about possible salary cap circumvention, can L.A. focus on basketball?
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Could an MVP-caliber season be incoming for Anthony Edwards? He spoke at media day on Monday, Sept. 29 and vowed to be fully engaged, even against weaker opponents.
8. Los Angeles Lakers
The vibes were high at media day, with LeBron James and a slimmed-down Luka Dončić seemingly focused on elevating the Lakers into a legitimate contender. They still need some depth in the frontcourt, and a lot will ride on DeAndre Ayton.
9. Boston Celtics
Videos of Jayson Tatum hitting the court just five months after his Achilles rupture have Boston faithful optimistic that a return could be in the cards later this year. But would Boston be better served to retool for next season?
10. Detroit Pistons
Not many people are talking about the Pistons, who are a threat to become powers in an Eastern Conference that is wide open. With Jaden Ivey returning, Cade Cunningham will not need to be on the ball as much. Might that slow Detroit’s offense?
11. Golden State Warriors
Golden State would do well to have a long-term plan for Jonathan Kuminga, because it’s becoming apparent that if he signs his qualifying offer, there’s a massive risk that he’ll be gone at the end of the season, with the Warriors getting nothing in return. And with an aging roster, a scoring presence like Kuminga could go a long way.
12. Indiana Pacers
Coach Rick Carlisle said Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury would be an opportunity for young players to step up. Look for Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin to try to fill that void.
13. Orlando Magic
The Magic should return a stingy defense that swarms opponents along the perimeter. As long as they stay healthy, and as long as Desmond Bane helps solve their 3-point shooting woes, they could break out.
14. San Antonio Spurs
Coach Mitch Johnson said Monday that Victor Wembanyama has no restrictions. That’s incredible news for San Antonio, which has a stellar core of playmakers in De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, who should ease things considerably for Wemby.
15. Memphis Grizzlies
Can they get a healthy Ja Morant? He remains one of the most explosive, dynamic players, and one who can ignite.
16. Milwaukee Bucks
There’s a weird vibe hanging around the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo essentially confirmed that he was considering his options over the summer and he’s not necessarily giving the Bucks a vote of confidence. If the wheels fall off, this could get messy.
17. Atlanta Hawks
Adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard was massive, but the continued progression of Jalen Johnson would be the thing that gets Atlanta closer to becoming a legitimate competitor.
18. Dallas Mavericks
Coach Jason Kidd tempered expectations Monday that Kyrie Irving would be able to return soon from his torn ACL. It’s tough to see the Mavs being legitimate threats in a crowded West without him.
19. Chicago Bulls
They locked up Josh Giddey and took care of him in the long-term. But this is a roster that still needs an infusion of star talent.
20. Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid was slimmed down at media day, but he made it clear that he would be limited to start training camp and would likely need load management throughout the season. The Sixers could be dangerous, but they’ll need him on the floor.
21. Miami Heat
Losing Tyler Herro for the first two months of the season, potentially, comes as a significant blow to a team that struggled to score — especially late in games — even when he was on the floor.
22. Toronto Raptors
This team will go as far as Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes take them.
23. Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis has made it clear he wishes he had a star point guard to play off of. It’s almost like they could use a guy … like De’Aaron Fox.
24. Phoenix Suns
Trading away Kevin Durant leaves Devin Booker as the unquestioned No. 1 option. He said during media day that he would use his voice as a leader. His biggest project should be getting fellow guard Jalen Green to play without hesitstion.
25. Washington Wizards
They’re still a couple of years away from competing, but Washington does have a nice collection of players, starting with their French connection in Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.
26. Portland Trail Blazers
With Damian Lillard (Achilles) and Scoot Henderson (hamstring) each missing extended time, Portland could have an unsettled start to the season. Rookie big Yang Hansen could be an intriguing player to watch early on.
27. New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson showed up rather slimmed down and appears to be in the best shape of his NBA career. It’s a great sign, as the Pelicans will need him to be on the floor.
28. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets, who might be forced to play their rookies — they drafted five in the first round alone — could be in for a long season.
29. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets quietly had a decent offseason and have more shooting. There will probably still be a steep learning curve, however.
30. Utah Jazz
The Jazz might be a team that continues to build for the future and sells ahead of the February trading deadline.
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