Just over four months ago, the Denver Nuggets hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy into the air, celebrating their first NBA championship in team history. Now, they begin their quest to win another title, as the other 29 teams around the league look to prove they have what it takes to dethrone the champs. The 2023-24 NBA season is set to begin tonight with four title-contending teams in action, which means there is no better time for a new 30-team power rankings.
From Damian Lillard joining the Milwaukee Bucks to Chris Paul becoming a member of the Golden State Warriors to the Boston Celtics reloading with Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, there truly is no clear-cut favorite in the NBA this year. Several teams have what it takes to win it all, which is why we are in store for one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
While many teams made it their goal to add championship value in the offseason, there were some teams that struggled to maintain their positioning. Then there are the Philadelphia 76ers, who continue to deal with drama surrounding former league MVP James Harden following his trade request over the summer.
The time has come for a new season to begin, as each team begins the race to the playoffs, which will take place over the next six months. Will anyone be able to dethrone Denver this year? Let's take a look at how these NBA Power Rankings have changed since last month.
30. Washington Wizards (No change)
2022-23 Record: 35-47, Result: Missed playoffs (12th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Tyus Jones, G Jordan Poole, F Deni Avdija, F Kyle Kuzma, C Daniel Gafford
The Washington Wizards are rebuilding. While they certainly have some talent on their roster with Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, and Kyle Kuzma, we shouldn't expect much from this youthful group. With that said, they will certainly be a fun team to watch, especially given the swag and confidence both Poole and Kumza play with. Not to mention, rookie Bilal Coulibaly has a chance to be a really special player on the wing. At 19 years old, the sky's the limit for him.
29. Charlotte Hornets (No change)
2022-23 Record: 27-55, Result: Missed playoffs (14th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G LaMelo Ball, G Terry Rozier, F Gordon Hayward, F P.J. Washington Jr., C Mark Williams
Another year, more disappointment for the Charlotte Hornets. This organization has not been able to get anything right the last few seasons other than drafting LaMelo Ball and dark clouds continue to loom large over this franchise. Miles Bridges is still dealing with legal problems, rookie Brandon Miller was recently hit with a wrongful death lawsuit, and the Hornets do not seem to have a sense of direction right now. It's hard to imagine Charlotte turning things around and becoming a group that the NBA takes seriously.
28. Detroit Pistons (-1)
2022-23 Record: 17-65, Result: Missed playoffs (15th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Cade Cunningham, G Jaden Ivey, G/F Ausar Thompson, F Isaiah Stewart, C Jalen Duren
On the rise in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have to be very pleased with the offseason they had. Cade Cunningham is returning and their young core continues to grow amongst one another. With the addition of rookie Ausar Thompson as a versatile, positionless-like player, the Pistons are poised to take a step forward during the 2023-24 season. The playoffs may still be out of reach, but this team could realistically come away with 30 wins during the regular season and finally put themselves back on the map, especially under the leadership of head coach Monty Williams. Expect to see the Pistons rise up the NBA Power Rankings as the season progresses.
27. San Antonio Spurs (-1)
2022-23 Record: 22-60, Result: Missed playoffs (14th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: F Jeremy Sochan, G/F Devin Vassell, F Keldon Johnson, F Victor Wembanyama, C Zach Collins
Victor Wembanyama is a stud. He left everyone shaking their heads during the preseason and as he gets ready to make his actual NBA debut, it's not hard to believe that Wemby could become the first rookie the make the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin did so in 2011. A true Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Wembanyama is going to help the Spurs win some of those games that they lost by one or two possessions a season ago. With a young group that continues to grow, it won't be long until San Antonio is back in the postseason. Look out, because the Spurs may just have their next championship core in development.
26. Orlando Magic (-1)
2022-23 Record: 34-48, Result: Missed playoffs (13th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Markelle Fultz, G Gary Harris, F Franz Wagner, F Paolo Banchero, C Wendell Carter Jr.
The 2023-24 season is an important one for the Orlando Magic, especially since they have invested so much time into their core group. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are obviously the faces of the franchise for many years to come, but can Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. prove their worth? The same questions can be asked about Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and especially Jonathan Isaac, who always seems to be dealing with injuries. The Magic have talent, but they've been unable to do anything with it through the years. Until that changes, they will sit at the bottom of the NBA Power Rankings.
25. Houston Rockets (No change)
2022-23 Record: 22-60, Result: Missed playoffs (14th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Fred VanVleet, G Jalen Green, F Dillon Brooks, F Jabari Smith Jr., C Alperen Sengun
Jalen Green has a chance to be one of the NBA's most improved players this year. Playing alongside veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, both of whom will put him in a position to succeed offensively, Green could really soar as a productive offensive weapon in his third season. Overall, there's a lot to like about this Houston Rockets team. Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun are going to continue to grow and they actually have a head coach who knows what it takes to win in Ime Udoka. Houston may wind up shocking everyone this year with where they ultimately finish in the standings.
24. Portland Trail Blazers (+4)
2022-23 Record: 33-49, Result: Missed playoffs (13th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Scoot Henderson, G Anfernee Simons, F Matisse Thybulle, F Jerami Grant, C Deandre Ayton
While many are not high on the Portland Trail Blazers, they did really well for themselves this offseason in the wake of trading Damian Lillard. As hard as it is to believe, they are in a better spot without Lillard than they were with him. Scoot Henderson is set to begin his rookie of the year campaign and he will not be alone on this team with Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Malcolm Brogdon all being proven offensive weapons. Portland is going to be playing with a chip on its shoulder, looking to prove everyone wrong. This is why they could possibly sneak their way into the play-in tournament.
23. Toronto Raptors (No change)
2022-23 Record: 41-41, Result: Lost in East play-in (9th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G/F Scottie Barnes, G Dennis Schroder, F OG Anunoby, F Pascal Siakam, C Jakob Poeltl
The Toronto Raptors continue to trend downwards in the Eastern Conference, as there is no sense of what is yet to come for this franchise. Pascal Siakam trade rumors will begin to pop up again near the trade deadline should he not come to terms on a new extension, and OG Anunoby's future continues to remain a question mark. The same can be said for Gary Trent Jr., who never did end up signing a new contract with the team during the summer. Without Fred VanVleet, the Raptors are primed to take another step backward.
22. Chicago Bulls (No change)
2022-23 Record: 40-42, Result: Lost in East play-in (10th in the Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Coby White, G Zach LaVine, F DeMar DeRozan, F Patrick Williams, C Nikola Vucevic
It is do-or-die time for the Chicago Bulls. This core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic must prove that they can compete at the highest level in the Eastern Conference, otherwise, the Bulls' front office will have no choice but to blow things up. Last season was a disappointment for the Bulls, and while they are missing Lonzo Ball, they do have more depth in their backcourt with the addition of Jevon Carter. The first few weeks of the new season will be very telling as to whether Chicago can regain relevance in the NBA Power Rankings.
21. Brooklyn Nets (No change)
2022-23 Record: 45-37, Result: Lost in first round (6th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G/F Ben Simmons, G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Mikal Bridges, F Cam Johnson, C Nicolas Claxton
Some nights the Brooklyn Nets will be a tough team to beat. Other nights they will get blown out. The Nets look like a very average team in the Eastern Conference right now, but that's not to say they cannot be a threat. Everything for this franchise revolves around not only whether or not Ben Simmons can stay healthy, but if he can be an All-Star talent once more. A tough-minded defensive team with plenty of depth on their bench, the Nets have a chance to get back to the playoffs and be a headache to deal with for 48 minutes.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (No change)
2022-23 Record: 42-40, Result: Lost in West play-in (9th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Mike Conley Jr., G Anthony Edwards, F Jaden McDaniels, F/C Karl-Anthony Towns, C Rudy Gobert
The Minnesota Timberwolves are perhaps the biggest question mark of the 2023-24 season. We know Anthony Edwards is going to play at an MVP-like level, but can Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert be a juggernaut in this team's frontcourt? Will Gobert actually be a factor offensively instead of a liability? Can Towns stay healthy? Until these questions are answered, the T-Wolves are nothing more than a fringe playoff team.
19. Indiana Pacers (No change)
2022-23 Record: 35-47, Result: Missed playoffs (11th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Tyrese Haliburton, G/F Bennedict Mathurin, G/F Bruce Brown, F Obi Toppin, C Myles Turner
They may be ranked No. 19 right now, but the Indiana Pacers are only going to move up in these rankings. This young team led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton had a terrific offseason, one in which they added Bruce Brown, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard. They have defensive stoppers, they have athleticism, and the Pacers have plenty of depth at every position. Rick Carlisle is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he is going to have this young group ready to play from the very first game of the year. The Pacers should be back in the playoffs during the 2023-24 season.
18. Dallas Mavericks (No change)
2022-23 Record: 38-44, Result: Missed playoffs (11th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Luka Doncic, G Kyrie Irving, G/F Josh Green, F Grant Williams, C Dereck Lively II
The Dallas Mavericks are only ranked this high because of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Without one of them, this team is going to struggle to score, much like what happened a season ago. Until others can prove their worth, especially on offense, it is tough to trust the Mavs. It's also worth mentioning that Doncic continues to deal with a nagging calf strain, which is definitely not good news for this franchise. This injury has been going on for months now, and with Luka already banged up entering the year, it's hard to imagine that he won't miss time over the course of the 82-game schedule. Dallas is right on the edge of being great while also possibly falling down the hill of these NBA Power Rankings.
17. Utah Jazz (No change)
2022-23 Record: 37-45, Result: Missed playoffs (12th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Jordan Clarkson, G Collin Sexton, F Lauri Markkanen, F Kelly Olynyk, C Walker Kessler
There is a lot to like about the Utah Jazz right now. They may not be the most athletic team, but they have a ton of high IQ players and they put themselves in positions to succeed offensively. Lauri Markkanen is only going to get better and rookie Keyonte George has a chance to be the next-best thing in Utah's backcourt, possibly filling the role Donovan Mitchell left behind last year. Look for this team to be aggressive at the trade deadline, as their only goal is to make it back to the playoffs.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (No change)
2022-23 Record: 40-42, Result: Lost in West play-in (10th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G/F Josh Giddey, G/F Jalen Williams, G/F Luguentz Dort, C Chet Holmgren
The Oklahoma City Thunder shocked everyone last season when they came within a couple of games of making the playoffs. Now, we should not be surprised to see them contend for a spot in the postseason, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's growth to becoming an All-NBA talent. Chet Holmgren is ready to make his NBA debut as well, giving this team the big man they have been searching for over the years. The Thunder continue to develop and they have the best young core in the league. Never doubt Sam Presti and this front office.
15. Atlanta Hawks (No change)
2022-23 Record: 41-41, Result: Lost in first round (8th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Trae Young, G Dejounte Murray, F De'Andre Hunter, F Saddiq Bey, C Clint Capela
Will the Atlanta Hawks make a big addition? Everyone has been wondering this through the years, especially with Pascal Siakam being connected to Atlanta. It still seems like the Hawks are one piece away from being a real threat in the East, as they have been searching for that third star alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Quin Snyder has had a full offseason to work with this young group and implement his system, so it will be interesting to see what the Hawks look like to begin the 2023-24 season compared to how they ended the 2022-23 season.
14. Memphis Grizzlies (-2)
2022-23 Record: 51-31, Result: Lost in first round (2nd in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Marcus Smart, G Desmond Bane, F Ziaire Williams, F Santi Aldama, C Jaren Jackson Jr.
Matters continue to get worse for the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only are they without Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the new campaign due to his suspension, but Steven Adams was recently ruled out for the entirety of the 2023-24 season due to ongoing knee problems. This is a massive loss for Memphis, and they will not be able to replicate Adams' production, especially seeing as he does so many little things to help this team win games. Memphis will still be a good team in the Western Conference, but they aren't going to be the great team we've become accustomed to seeing. It's not hard to imagine them taking a step back with other teams showing signs of improvement this offseason.
13. New Orleans Pelicans (+1)
2022-23 Record: 42-40, Result: Lost in West play-in (8h in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G CJ McCollum, G/F Herbert Jones, F Brandon Ingram, F Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciunas
If CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson can remain healthy, the New Orleans Pelicans can make it back to the postseason and actually compete with any other team in the West. Until we see Zion actually play a full season, though, it's hard to believe the team can reach its full potential. The Pels have everything they need and have built a strong roster, but health has stood in the way of their goals each season. Can they finally break the narrative and be a top team in the Western Conference?
12. Miami Heat (+1)
2022-23 Record: 44-38, Result: Lost in NBA Finals (8th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Kyle Lowry, G Tyler Herro, F Jimmy Butler, F Kevin Love, C Bam Adebayo
Losing Max Strus and Gabe Vincent is going to hurt the Miami Heat more than many would imagine. They are going to be a .500 team for most of the 2023-24 season, especially since new talents will need to emerge and step up alongside Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. Nonetheless, the Heat made it to the NBA Finals as the 8-seed last year, so we really cannot doubt their abilities to make the Finals any season. As long as Butler is healthy, they have a chance to win any game.
11. Philadelphia 76ers (-1)
2022-23 Record: 54-28, Result: Lost in East semis (3rd in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Tyrese Maxey, G De'Anthony Melton, F Tobias Harris, F P.J. Tucker, C Joel Embiid
Will the Sixers trade James Harden? This is what everyone wants to know regarding the Philadelphia 76ers. It does not appear as if Harden is going to show up and play in the team's first game after being absent from practices for the last week or so, and this puts a lot of stress on Joel Embiid early on in the year. Outside of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers just don't have enough firepower to win a championship. This is why the Harden situation looms large over Daryl Morey and this front office, resulting in the Sixers falling outside the top 10 in the NBA Power Rankings.
10. New York Knicks (+1)
2022-23 Record: 47-35, Result: Lost in East semis (5th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Jalen Brunson, G Quentin Grimes, F RJ Barrett, F Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks have the same starting group that made the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season and they will have a full season with Josh Hart. Not to mention, they have more depth with the addition of Donte DiVincenzo. The hype surrounding the Knicks is very real right now, as is a potential path for them to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. With a terrific fan base and a very poised roster, the Knicks are once again threats.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers (-1)
2022-23 Record: 51-31, Result: Lost in first round (4th in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Darius Garland, G Donovan Mitchell, G/F Max Strus, F Evan Mobley, C Jarrett Allen
Nobody is talking about the Cleveland Cavaliers entering the 2023-24 season, which is a little bit surprising seeing as they won 51 games last year. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have a really solid blend of primary and secondary scoring, plus they were one of the best defensive teams in the league last year. With Evan Mobley primed to take another leap forward and Max Strus supplying them with some much-needed 3-point shooting, the Cavs may once again finish with a top-4 record in the East.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (+1)
2022-23 Record: 44-38, Result: Lost in West semis (5th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Russell Westbrook, G/F Paul George, F Kawhi Leonard, F Terance Mann, C Ivica Zubac
The Los Angeles Clippers' chances of contending for a title depend on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing games. It's that simple. Load management can no longer dictate this franchise's nightly rotations, as their stars missing games and being “healthy scratches” for rest ultimately led to their downfall last year. Even though they've been interested in James Harden, the Clippers do not need any other players — if Leonard and George actually play — in order to be real title threats.
7. Golden State Warriors (No change)
2022-23 Record: 44-38, Result: Lost in West semis (6th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Chris Paul, G Stephen Curry, G/F Klay Thompson, F Andrew Wiggins, F/C Draymond Green
Everyone doubted the Golden State Warriors entering the 2021-22 season and they went on to win a championship. With the spotlight on them and the team dealing with some internal drama last year, the Warriors fell short of repeating as champions. Preparing for the 2023-24 season, Golden State has a new energy surrounding them, they have added depth, and are once again the hunters instead of the hunted. Chris Paul is going to help open up a new dynamic to this offense, one that should result in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson having the best shooting seasons of their respective careers. Don't sleep on the Warriors because they still have one of the best rosters in the league.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (No change)
2022-23 Record: 43-39, Result: Lost in West Finals (7th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G D'Angelo Russell, G Austin Reaves, F Taurean Prince, F LeBron James, C Anthony Davis
Making the Western Conference Finals seemed like a fairytale dream for the Los Angeles Lakers at one point during the 2022-23 season. Well, here we are entering the 2023-24 season after this team came within four games of making the NBA Finals. GM Rob Pelinka has continued to add depth to this roster and with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy, the Lakers can beat any team in this league. Even at 38 years old, LeBron is still one of the most dominant players in the NBA and can still will his team to a victory on any given night.
5. Sacramento Kings (No change)
2022-23 Record: 48-34, Result: Lost in first round (3rd in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G De'Aaron Fox, G/F Kevin Huerter, F Keegan Murray, F Harrison Barnes, C Domantas Sabonis
The Sacramento Kings' rise to glory last season was no fluke, as head coach Mike Brown has completely reinvented the image of this franchise. De'Aaron Fox is a stud and as long as this team's bench continues to grow, they will be unstoppable on the offensive side of things. Improving defensively will turn the Kings from a first-round playoff threat to real title contenders.
4. Phoenix Suns (-1)
2022-23 Record: 45-37, Result: Lost in West semis (4th in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Devin Booker, G Bradley Beal, F Josh Okogie, F Kevin Durant, C Jusuf Nurkic
Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. That is the best scoring trio in the league and the Phoenix Suns have surrounded their three superstars with an abundance of experienced depth. The Suns are favorites in the Western Conference for obvious reasons, but do they have the defensive skill to take down other juggernauts? The one thing we do know is that Phoenix expects to win it all this year and anything short of reaching the NBA Finals will be viewed as a major disappointment.
3. Boston Celtics (No change)
2022-23 Record: 57-25, Result: Lost in East Finals (2nd in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Jrue Holiday, G Derrick White, G/F Jaylen Brown, F Jayson Tatum, C Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics have been one of the league's best teams in recent years. Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Robert Williams III were all great players who helped lead the C's to the NBA Finals in 2022, but executive Brad Stevens is always looking for ways to improve his team. This is why all three players were moved for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason. Boston now has four legit All-Star talents and All-Defensive guard Derrick White remains in the backcourt. The Celtics have arguably the best starting group in the NBA and it would not be a surprise to see them finish with the best record during the regular-season. This is Boston's best chance to win a title in quite some time.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (No change)
2022-23 Record: 58-24, Result: Lost in first round (1st in Eastern Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Damian Lillard, G Malik Beasley, F Khris Middleton, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez
How do you stop pick-and-roll sets involving both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo? Well, teams are just going to have to pray that the Milwaukee Bucks miss shots when it matters most this year because there is no stopping either superstar. The Bucks have length, they have two of the best scorers in the NBA, and they still have plenty of depth with Pat Connaughton, Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis. There will be no first-round playoff exit for Milwaukee this year.
1. Denver Nuggets (No change)
2022-23 Record: 53-29, Result: NBA champions (1st in Western Conference)
Projected starting lineup: G Jamal Murray, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Michael Porter Jr., F Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic
At the end of the day, the Denver Nuggets are — and will be — the best team in the NBA until proven otherwise. This team winning the 2023 NBA Finals was no fluke, as Jamal Murray is an All-Star talent in this league and Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world right now. By the time he is ready to retire, we may be having conversations about Jokic being the best center in NBA history. The franchise's entire starting five from the championship run is back, and while Bruce Brown's departure definitely hurts, the Nuggets can replace his production with second-year swingman Christian Braun. The Nuggets will own one of the best records in the NBA once again, which is why they have a chance to repeat as championships.
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