With the 2023-2024 season in the books, our latest NBA power rankings take a look at all 30 teams ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft and free agency.
Along with the latest pecking order around the league, you can also check out the final NBA standings from this past season, and also get a look at the top 50 NBA players in the league today. Without further ado, here are our current NBA power rankings for all 30 teams in the top professional basketball league in the world.
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30. Detroit Pistons
The hope this season was that new head coach Monty Williams could bring the Detroit Pistons back to respectability like he did when he won a Coach of the Year award with the Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, the losing ways of 2022-23 continued this past season despite having Cade Cunningham available all year.
Nevertheless, it still came as a massive surprise when the team’s owner was willing to eat a huge some of still-owed money and fired Williams in June. They replaced him with former head coach JB Bickerstaff but the team unfortunately has struck out in adding star talent thus far in free agency — Tobias Harris doesn’t count — despite the most available money.
Also Read: 10 Detroit Pistons head coaching candidates after Monty Williams firing
29. Charlotte Hornets
After a disastrous season in 2022-23, the Charlotte Hornets made no progress this past season. And similar to his brother Lonzo, LaMelo Ball has been dogged by injuries for a second straight campaign. While it was another lost season in Charlotte, the one bright spot is that first-round pick Brandon Miller started to show signs late in the season that he could evolve into a building block for the future.
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28. Brooklyn Nets
Despite breaking away from the drama of the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era, the Brooklyn Nets were not able to be a respectable team in 2023-24. Even though they had a pair of 20-point per-game scorers — Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas — the Nets fell back into their traditional role of losing team and it cost head coach Jacque Vaughn another job.
The assumption was the Bridges were untouchable this summer. Well, that was quickly proven wrong when they shipped him off to in-city rivals the Knicks for a horde of draft picks to use in a deep rebuild in the years ahead.
Related: Brooklyn Nets ‘open’ to trade for Los Angeles Lakers guard, could lead to All-Star signing
27. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards should have been better considering the talent they have on the roster. But outside of Kyle Kuzma, the team again was a massive disappointment. None of their highly-touted offseason moves worked out and they ended up having one of the worst records in the league this season. Outside of adding an elite prospect in the draft, the Wizards don’t have the assets to make major changes this summer.
They will hope highly touted rookie French big man Alex Sarr can become a new anchor of an eventual turnaround in DC. But first, he will play the role of mentee to free-agent addition Jonas Valanciunas.
Also Read: 10 Most disappointing NBA players in 2024, including Jordan Poole and the Thompson Bros.
26. Toronto Raptors
While Scottie Barnes elevated his game and grew into the new face of the Toronto Raptors, the team went into rebuild mode last season after shipping off OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakim before the trade deadline. That will likely be the case next season as they look to find a new rising star to pair with Barnes after signing a huge extension this summer.
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25. Portland Trail Blazers
The first season of the post-Damian Lillard era for the Portland Trail Blazers was a disappointment as they had one of the worst records in the league despite some well-respected veterans on the roster. Head coach Chauncey Billups will be on the hot seat next season, but the one thing that could save him is further growth from Scoot Henderson, who has played well with an increased role in the final months.
In the NBA Draft, they added UConn star Donovan Clingan. A defensive ace with offensive upside. Could a Deandre Ayton trade be on the horizon this summer?
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24. San Antonio Spurs
In his first season in the league, French phenom Victor Wembanyama completely lived up to the hype. He led the San Antonio Spurs in many key statistical categories and showed he can not only be the face of the league but that it may happen sooner than some expected. However, he needs to get help because despite his best efforts the Spurs have remained one of the worst teams in the league all season.
There were various rumblings about San Antonio targeting a veteran guard to help further evolve Wembanyama’s game in 2024-25 and they did just that early in free agency by adding future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. If they can add DeMar DeRozan as well, this could be an under-the-radar force in the West next season.
23. Atlanta Hawks
Despite a bunch of trade rumors surrounding Dejounte Murray, the Atlanta Hawks stood pat with their roster for better or worse. While they reached the Play-In tournament, it was another lost season for the organization. Following the end of their campaign, various reports pointed to either Murray or Trae Young playing elsewhere next season.
That decision was made quickly when Atlanta sent Murray to New Orleans for several solid role players and picks. Could Young still be on the move this summer?
22. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz were one of the best stories in the NBA power rankings for much of the 2022-23 season. However, reality eventually set in and it has never let up ever since. This past season was another year in the top-to-bottom rebuild of the Jazz organization. However, new reports suggest their owner wants to see more results next season and the honus is now on Danny Ainge to improve the roster this summer.
Nevertheless, the approach could be addition by subtraction with rumors suggesting both Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler could be moved this offseason.
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21. Chicago Bulls
It was another lost season for the Chicago Bulls in 2023-24 after Lonzo Ball again missed the entire season due to a knee injury. Furthermore, they surprisingly did not move unhappy star Zach LaVine before the trade deadline. They enter the summer with a lot of questions, and the biggest will be on if DeMar DeRozan returns, and finding a long-term option at point guard.
Also Read: NBA Finals odds for 2023-2024 NBA season
20. Houston Rockets
After slumping midway through the season, the Houston Rockets made a late push for a Play-In Tournament spot to no avail. After spending a boatload of cash in the offseason it was not the results the organization was looking for. However, in what was a frustrating year, the rise of Alperen Sengun ended up being a major bright spot.
They need a big piece to take them to another level next season. While they will be in the hunt for a big trade, they are hoping top draft pick Reed Sheppard — the best shooter in this class — can forget a dynamic backcourt with Fred VanVleet in the years ahead.
19. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzles were always going to be behind the eight-ball when Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the season and starting center Steven Adams went down with a season-ending injury. Yet there was hope when he returned after his suspension. Then that was dashed with a season-ending injury to the young star and the Grizzlies became a bottom feeder for the remainder of the year.
With Morant back, they should be a force again, but they still need to add some pieces to contend with the elites out West truly. They will hope first-round pick and two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey will be a part of that turnaround.
Also Read: Memphis Grizzlies reportedly among teams interested in trading up for Donovan Clingan
18. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors took another big step closer toward the end of their dynasty when they could not make it passed the Play-In Tournament. This will be an interesting next few months as change seems to be coming for the franchise. That started with the Big Three era ending after Klay Thompson signed with the Mavericks in free agency.
A trade for Lauri Markkanen seems to be their next major focus in the weeks ahead.
Also Read: Golden State Warriors news: First domino of 2024 offseason drops
17. Miami Heat
After a rough finish to January, the Miami Heat played very well in February and slowly crept up to a top-four spot in the East. Unfortunately in March they fell back to Earth and ended up fighting to avoid being in the Play-In for a second straight year. This year instead of beating the Celtics they were ousted in the opening round of the playoffs.
The big question of the offseason is if Jimmy Butler forces a trade out of town over frustration from not getting a contract extension or if they can actually add some impact parts to the roster.
Also Read: NBA insider provides update on Jimmy Butler trade from the Miami Heat
16. Los Angeles Lakers
This past season was a disappointment for Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers, as the secondary players that were so impactful in 2023 regressed a little. However, they will certainly stay the course with James and Davis leading the way next season. They will again try to strengthen the pieces around them and hope that new head coach JJ Redick can do more than Davin Ham was able to in his two seasons.
Related: 5 moves the Los Angeles Lakers should make after hiring JJ Redick
15. New Orleans Pelicans
To the surprise of many fans and pundits, Zion Williamson stayed healthy for most of the season, and low and behold the New Orleans Pelicans were noise makers in the West. Unfortunately, his injury demon returned at the absolutely worst time and they were unable to get out of the Play-In Tournament. What will the Pelicans do to elevate this talented but underperforming squad?
Shipping Brandon Ingram out of town seems to be a top priority. Especially after adding Dejounte Murray in a blockbuster June trade.
14. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings were the biggest surprise in the 2022-23 NBA season. They had one of the best offenses in the league and De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis turned into a dynamic duo for the team. However, this past season showed that as good as the two young stars are, they still lack the pieces necessary to take them from a good to a great team.
Will they finally add a third impact player to the roster this summer? The organization has been linked to several big names in recent weeks, including DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Kuzma.
13. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic took the progress they made last season and evolved into a legitimate top-six club in the Eastern Conference this season. Some big moves at the trade deadline would have been a huge help but that has never been the Magic way. After a hard effort in their first-round elimination, they learned they were one big piece away from being a real threat in the East.
Can they land that player in a trade or signing this summer? They swung and missed on Klay Thompson, but the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is viewed by many around the league as a move that could bring big benefits.
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12. Los Angeles Clippers
For the first time in a while, both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard remained relatively healthy for much of a season together in LA. Then the playoffs came and it was same ole, same ole. Head coach Tyron Lue got an extension and the goal is to keep their quartet of aging greats together. Unfortunately, they were not able to hold on to George, and Russell Westbrook could be headed to Denver.
However, they were able to re-sign future Hall-of-Famer James Harden to a multi-year deal to keep them in contention for a playoff spot next season.
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11. Indiana Pacers
Early in the 2023-24 campaign, the Indiana Pacers were a legit top-five team. While they struggled to stay among the best in the East, landing Pascal Siakam at the trade deadline was the move they needed to make to take them to new heights. Which proved to be right in the playoffs when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Siakam has already re-signed and building around their two top stars will be the goal of the summer.
Related: 3 moves Indiana Pacers need to make after Pascal Siakam news
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10. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns were one of the most frustrating teams in the league this past season. They had an absurd amount of scoring talent but the issues of depth and health dogged them all year. The shame about it is Kevin Durant had one of the best all-around years of his career. They should try and break up their three-headed scoring monster and improve their depth. Instead, they will hope former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer can do what Frank Vogel couldn’t.
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9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite dealing with serious injuries to a pair of their best players, the Cleveland Cavaliers persevered and were one of the best teams in the East in 2023-24. But, they only have one superstar talent in Donovan Mitchell and it showed in being easily ousted by the eventual champion Celtics.
Despite rumblings that they could trade Mitchell, all signs pointed to him returning next season. That was guaranteed recently when the All-Star guard signed a new max extension with the team. Easing fears he could be moved in the next few months.
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8. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks were one of the most fascinating teams to watch in 2023-24. They had a pair of elite stars and a strong roster but they had to deal with the drama of firing a first-year head coach and then replacing him with an old-school bench leader in Doc Rivers. The goal of the summer will be to further install Rivers’ system so they can hit the ground running and be a force again in the East.
7. Denver Nuggets
While they were not a dominant force like other defending champions can be, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets were elite again in 2023-24. However, the playoffs showed they had serious competition when they were bounced by a fast-rising Timberwolves team. They still have a roster that makes them a contender and reigning MVP again, but they need to find ways to improve a roster that did not live up to expectations this season.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
The squad led by reigning league MVP Joel Embiid and new head coach Nick Nurse was very impressive over the first half of this season. And the best part of it was that Tyrese Maxey was playing at a superstar level in filling the void left by James Harden. Furthermore, they had one of the best offenses in the league and a rock-solid defense to back it up.
Unfortunately, Embiid’s continued injury woes again hampered them in the playoffs. They entered the summer with the second most money in free agency and they quickly used on the man they were long linked to, Paul George. They also locked up their future, Tyrese Maxey, to a new long-term and re-signed talented reserve Kelly Oubre Jr.
Also Read: Philadelphia 76ers rumors – Team reportedly eyeing big trade with conference rival
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were one of the big surprises in the league this season. Not because they were good, many expected that, but after a pair of big trades before the deadline, they had a team that seemed primed for a trip to the Conference Finals. But the injuries changed those projections.
Nevertheless, they quickly improved their team by not only re-signing OG Anunoby but also by scoring Nets star Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade. While they lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, they are now seen as a serious threat to the champion Celtics in the East.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
After a breakout performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2022-23, the Oklahoma City Thunder became one of the best stories in the league this past season. Without a doubt, SGA played a massive role with an MVP-level season, but the rise of Chet Holmgren and the strong play of their other young players was an impressive development.
OKC isn’t known for big and bold offseason moves, but that changed when they landed versatile Knicks big man Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. Bolstering their team for a title run in 2024-25.
2. Dallas Mavericks
There was a lot of pressure on the Dallas Mavericks after a horrid showing at the end of last season. They had a whole training camp and preseason to find chemistry between superstars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and the rest of the team. While it didn’t happen right away, it all came together just in time for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Irving emerged as a leader and Doncic had a legitimate MVP-level season. Improving the pieces around their two-star guards will be the focus in the offseason and they did that immediately by adding future Hall-of-Famer Klay Thompson in free agency. They should be the favorites in the West to start the new season.
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1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were one of the top teams in our NBA power rankings throughout last season. And that was again the case in 2023-24. The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were dynamite, and new additions like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holliday proved the be the final pieces in getting Boston their 18th NBA Championship. They are sure to remain in this spot well into next season.
Which team is best in NBA?
Heading into the new season, the Denver Nuggets were seen by many as the best team in the NBA. However, the Boston Celtics were the top team all season and showed it when they had the best record in the league and went on to win the 2024 NBA Finals.
Which NBA team has the brightest future?
Considering how good they have been this year, there are many around the league who believe the Oklahoma City Thunder have the brightest future in the NBA. Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are not even in their prime and they have evolved into a dynamic duo.
Another squad many see a huge upside in is the San Antonio Spurs due to the addition of super-prospect Victor Wembanyama. If they can get the French phenom some help, don’t be surprised if they become a scary team in the near future.
Who is the greatest team in NBA history?
Picking the greatest NBA team of all time is very subjective. However, if there were two popular options, it would be the Michael Jordan-led Bulls team from 1995-96 that won 73.
Another top choice would be the Warriors squad from 2015-16 which also won 73 games.
Who has the best longevity in NBA?
While Vince Carter and Udonis Haslem were some of the longest-tenured players in league history, when it comes to competing at a high level no player in NBA history has had better longevity than Lakers star Lebron James.