The Oklahoma City Thunder, if healthy, are positioned as the top team heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, according to The Post's Zach Braziller. The rankings place the reigning champion New York Knicks at second, with the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers rounding out the top four.
The Thunder's strong showing in the Western Conference Finals, despite limitations from guards Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams, suggests their potential as the league's best. A healthy Jalen Williams is expected to solidify their standing.
The Knicks are largely retaining their championship roster, with Andre Drummond stepping in as backup to Karl-Anthony Towns, replacing Mitchell Robinson. They are considered the benchmark in the Eastern Conference.
The Spurs are noted for their young core of Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, with additions of Tarris Reed Jr. and Jayden Quaintance bolstering their interior depth. The Pacers, after a strong 2025 Finals appearance, will see Ivica Zubac replace Myles Turner, while retaining their core led by Tyrese Haliburton.
Further down the rankings, the Toronto Raptors, contingent on a Kawhi Leonard trade, are seen as contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers feature a formidable quartet of Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, though depth and chemistry questions remain. The Minnesota Timberwolves made a significant move by acquiring LaMelo Ball in a trade that sent Naz Reid to the Hornets, creating a potentially explosive backcourt with Anthony Edwards.
The Boston Celtics have added Robinson to their interior but lost Brown. Jayson Tatum is expected to return to form after injury, but his wing support is now a question.
The Atlanta Hawks return their young core and made strong draft selections. The Denver Nuggets remain largely unchanged after a first-round exit, with limited depth beyond their star trio. The Houston Rockets possess a balanced mix of established and rising talent.
The Los Angeles Lakers are now Luka Doncic's team following LeBron James' departure. The team has invested in players like Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler but faces an uphill battle against top contenders.
In Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Bam Adebayo, though their supporting cast is seen as lacking. The Detroit Pistons, once projected contenders, may struggle to reach the top tier of the East. The Orlando Magic have hired Sean Sweeney as head coach and look to build on their previous season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason plans appear centered on LeBron James' potential return, having let Dean Wade depart. The Phoenix Suns aim to boost their offense with additions like Miles Bridges. The Portland Trail Blazers feature a potentially exciting backcourt with Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, and Shaedon Sharpe.
The Utah Jazz are looking to contend for a playoff spot with the addition of potential star Darryn Peterson and the frontcourt pairing of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. The Charlotte Hornets have improved their frontcourt with Naz Reid but lost LaMelo Ball, placing trust in Coby White to manage the point guard position.
The Washington Wizards will be a team to watch with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis joining No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.
The Golden State Warriors' outlook is dependent on LeBron James' decision, with Curry and Green aging. The Dallas Mavericks' major changes are off-court, with the hiring of Masai Ujiri as team president and Dusty May as head coach.
The New Orleans Pelicans' future is uncertain regarding Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, who could be valuable trade assets.
The Chicago Bulls are building around top draft pick Caleb Wilson and new coach Tiago Splitter. The Brooklyn Nets have assembled an intriguing starting lineup. The Sacramento Kings face continued struggles, having made the playoffs only once in two decades.
The Memphis Grizzlies are now centered around third overall pick Cameron Boozer. The Los Angeles Clippers are in a rebuilding phase. The Milwaukee Bucks are also rebuilding after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami.