Way-too-early 2024-25 NBA Power Rankings: Celtics in position to repeat

The final chapter of the 2023-24 NBA season has been written. It was only fitting that the Boston Celtics were the ones to hoist the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy into the air at TD Garden on the 16-year anniversary of their previous championship, especially since they were the best team in the league since the season began on October 24. After nearly eight months of action, the Celtics are finally back on top of the NBA, which is why it should not be a surprise to see them lead these power rankings.

This is a moment the city of Boston will cherish all throughout the summer. Even the players won't stop celebrating until they get closer to training camp. However, Brad Stevens and his front office can't take any days off at the moment, as the NBA Draft and free agency right around the corner set the stage for a very important offseason around the league.

The 29 other teams in the NBA are now chasing the Celtics and looking for ways to improve their own championship outlook, with the 2024-25 NBA season on the verge of starting this offseason. Will Boston be able to defend their title, or will the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, or another Western Conference powerhouse dethrone them? Is there any team in the Eastern Conference that can stack up against the Celtics?

Here is an early look and breakdown at where each team stands in the NBA power rankings entering an offseason that will be full of movement.

1. Boston Celtics

2023-24 Record: 64-18, Result: NBA champions

Key free agents: C Luke Kornet (UFA), C Xavier Tillman Sr. (UFA)

Draft picks: 30, 54

Fresh off their 18th championship in team history, the Celtics flew down to Miami to celebrate for a few days. However, members of the front office have remained in Boston for draft workouts that they had scheduled for Tuesday. Brad Stevens is addicted to winning, and he is going to do everything in his power to run things back with this roster that no other team in the league had a way to stop. Jayson Tatum is going to receive a $315 million extension soon, and Derrick White is also going to be in line to get paid. The Celtics are set up in the perfect financial spot to be the league's next dynasty, hence their spot at the top of the NBA power rankings.

2. Dallas Mavericks

2023-24 Record: 50-32, Result: Lost in NBA Finals

Key free agents: F Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA)

Draft picks: 58

This will not be the first and only time we see Luka Doncic in the NBA Finals. In fact, some of the greatest champions in NBA history had to fail at first before they achieved basketball immortality. The Mavs are a well-formed team with balance across their rotations. The key question for them is whether they will be able to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr., who certainly increased his upcoming contract figures with the way he played down the stretch. Do not be shocked if GM Nico Harrison and the Mavericks go out and be aggressive on the trade front, with Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, and Maxi Kleber all owning movable contracts.

3. Denver Nuggets

2023-24 Record: 57-25, Result: Lost in West semis

Key free agents: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (player option), G Justin Holiday (UFA), C DeAndre Jordan (UFA)

Draft picks: 28, 56

If the Denver Nuggets are going to want to remain in the championship equation, they are going to have to do everything they can do to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He may not be their most important player, but Caldwell-Pope is one of the best shooting guards in the league when it comes to playing his role on the perimeter and defensively. There will be plenty of interest in KCP once free agency begins, which is why the Nuggets should take advantage of their early negotiating window right now. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon will both be eligible for extensions in the offseason. Expect Denver to be a second apron team with Caldwell-Pope on the verge of securing a raise.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

2023-24 Record: 57-25, Result: Lost in West semis

Key free agents: F Gordon Hayward (UFA), C Bismack Biyombo (UFA), C Mike Muscala (C)

Draft picks: 12

This young Oklahoma City Thunder team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved to be well ahead of schedule this past season when they claimed the top spot in the Western Conference. Now, it is up to Sam Presti to be aggressive and add the necessary talent around his young core in order for the Thunder to truly take that next step as championship threats in the West and sit at the top of the NBA power rankings. Addressing their frontcourt situation next to Chet Holmgren will be a priority for the Thunder, which is why it is possible that they could draft a big man, as well as add one in free agency. Isaiah Hartenstein is the top name being linked to OKC right now, as they can open up about $33 million in cap space to pursue anyone on the open market.

5. New York Knicks

2023-24 Record: 50-32, Result: Lost in East semis

Key free agents: F OG Anunoby (player option), C Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), F/C Precious Achiuwa (RFA), G Alec Burks (UFA)

Draft picks: 24, 25, 38

The New York Knicks' only concern entering the offseason should be retaining both OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. Replacing either player would be detrimental to their potential success. With their current roster, the Knicks will enter the 2024-25 season looking like the second-best team in the East behind the Celtics. Jalen Brunson is a real MVP candidate, and Julius Randle should be good to go for the start of the year after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. This is an offseason of extensions and new contracts for the Knicks, as Tom Thibodeau and Randle will also be seeking new deals from the front office.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves

2023-24 Record: 56-26, Result: Lost in West Finals

Key free agents: F Kyle Anderson (UFA), G Monte Morris (UFA)

Draft picks: 27, 37

A run to the Western Conference Finals seems a bit premature for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although they rightfully earned their spot there and Anthony Edwards became one of the young faces of the league, there are still a bunch of questions about how effective this team can be. Is Karl-Anthony Towns worth the high tax bill for Minnesota? Can Rudy Gobert be an impactful player when he is outside of the paint? What does the future of this backcourt look like with Mike Conley not getting any younger? As ownership disputes continue with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez vs. Glen Taylor, there is still a level of uncertainty about if the Timberwolves will look to cut costs or go all-in after getting a taste of the conference finals.

7. Milwaukee Bucks

2023-24 Record: 49-33, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: G Malik Beasley (UFA), G Patrick Beverley (UFA), F Jae Crowder (UFA)

Draft picks: 23, 33

With a full offseason to implement his system, head coach Doc Rivers is going to have Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Milwaukee Bucks on the right path to success. Whether or not this team has enough to get past the Celtics in the East is the question at hand. Khris Middleton has been plagued by injuries, and the Bucks don't have any cap space to try and fill out their roster with. Milwaukee also runs the risk of losing Malik Beasley in free agency. As Dame and Giannis continue to work together, this duo will only get better, but the Bucks remain one of those “believe it when we see it” types of contenders. They are a fringe top-10 team in the NBA Power Rankings because of this.

8. Los Angeles Clippers

2023-24 Record: 51-31, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: G/F Paul George (player option), G James Harden (UFA), G Russell Westbrook (UFA), C Mason Plumlee

Draft picks: 46

Early indications point towards the Los Angeles Clippers giving into Paul George's demands for a max-level contract in order to keep their championship hopes alive. The Clippers will transition from downtown Los Angeles to their new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, to begin the 2024-25 season. No longer having to live in the Los Angeles Lakers' shadows, the Clippers can now be their own team for once. Still, injuries remain this organization's downfall, as they haven't had their full core healthy for a playoff run in quite some time. Aside from George likely opting out to become a free agent, LA will need to come to terms on a new deal with James Harden.

9. Phoenix Suns

2023-24 Record: 49-33, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: F Royce O'Neale (UFA), G Eric Gordon (player option), C Bol Bol (UFA)

Draft picks: 22

It is too early to write off the star trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker pertaining to being one of the best teams in the NBA power rankings. The Phoenix Suns are too talented of a team to claim this won't work after they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Timberwolves. Mike Budenholzer is now the head coach, Royce O'Neale should be coming back on a new contract, and the Suns still have the capability to trade Nassir Little for a better secondary fit. The Suns still need help in their secondary unit and will need to add some depth in their backcourt, specifically a point guard who can take stress off of Booker and Beal.

10. Indiana Pacers

2023-24 Record: 47-35, Result: Lost in East Finals

Key free agents: F Pascal Siakam (UFA), F Obi Toppin (RFA), F Jalen Smith (player option)

Draft picks: 36, 49, 50

Pascal Siakam is currently negotiating a new long-term deal with the Indiana Pacers. Once this deal is finalized and agreed upon, the Pacers will turn their attention to retaining TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard on new contracts. The 2023-24 season was a major success for the Pacers as a whole. Not only did Indiana make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they also made an appearance in the championship game of the first NBA In-Season Tournament. While they may be young, the Pacers have already started gaining valuable experience that will set them up for success, especially against the Celtics. It will be interesting to see how Indiana goes about filling out their frontcourt once Siakam signs, especially with Obi Toppin being a restricted free agent as well.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers

2023-24 Record: 48-34, Result: Lost in East semis

Key free agents: F Isaac Okoro (RFA)

Draft picks: 20

All indications point in the direction of Donovan Mitchell signing a long-term extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mitchell has remained happy in Cleveland and the direction of the franchise, which is why all the rumors of him requesting a trade this offseason were nothing but headlines for the national media to talk about when they had nothing else to talk about. Now, the question becomes whether the smoke surrounding Darius Garland not wanting to play next to Mitchell is real. As is, the Cavs have a strong core with Mitchell, Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. This team is more than capable of winning, yet it's hard to project what they will look like until they hire a new head coach, who will likely be either James Borrego or Kenny Atkinson.

12. Philadelphia 76ers

2023-24 Record: 47-35, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: G Tyrese Maxey (RFA), F Tobias Harris (UFA), G Buddy Hield (UFA), F Nic Batum (UFA), G De'Anthony Melton (UFA), G Kyle Lowry (UFA), G Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA)

Draft picks: 16, 41

Joel Embiid, Paul Reed, and Ricky Council IV are the only players under contract for the Philadelphia 76ers entering the offseason. The Sixers are about to go through a complete roster flip once free agency begins, as they search for winning talents next to Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who is about to secure a massive raise. Tobias Harris very likely won't be back in Philly, and it seems reasonable to believe that both De'Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr. could move on as well. The good news is that the 76ers are going to be aggressive in their pursuit of more talent. The bad news is that many of the big names on the market may end up returning to their current teams as soon as free agency begins due to the new negotiation rules.

13. Orlando Magic

2023-24 Record: 47-35, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: G Markelle Fultz (UFA), G Gary Harris (UFA), F Chuma Okeke (RFA), C Goga Bitadze (UFA)

Draft picks: 18, 47

Keep a close eye on the Orlando Magic rising up the Eastern Conference this offseason. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have proven to be an All-Star-like duo in Orlando, and Jalen Suggs continues to be one of the more underappreciated two-way guards in the league. The Magic simply need a veteran leader who can bring playoff experience with him to Orlando. Could Paul George or Klay Thompson be the answer for this franchise? This offseason is going to be an important time for the Magic to add experience and depth to their roster. The addition of one or two viable three-point shooters could instantly make them a threat to reach the conference finals and a top-10 team in the NBA power rankings.

14. Miami Heat

2023-24 Record: 46-36, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: F Caleb Martin (player option), F Kevin Love (player option), F Haywood Highsmith (UFA)

Draft picks: 15, 43

The main reason why the Miami Heat struggled so much this past year is because they were never healthy. Jimmy Butler was constantly out of the lineup, Tyler Herro spent a vast majority of the season on the injury report, and Terry Rozier was unavailable in the playoffs. The Heat no doubt have talent, but they will need to be healthy late in the year to have a shot at getting back to the NBA Finals. The financial situation Miami will deal with this offseason could be detrimental to their potential success. Caleb Martin could opt out of his contract and leave in free agency, plus Butler is wanting a new extension worth over $50 million annually. The cost of winning for years is finally catching up to the Heat.

15. New Orleans Pelicans

2023-24 Record: 49-33, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: C Jonas Valanciunas (UFA), F Naji Marshall (UFA)

Draft picks: 21

It is beginning to look very likely that the New Orleans Pelicans will move on from Brandon Ingram in the offseason in favor of giving Trey Murphy II a larger role next to Zion Williamson. With Jonas Valanciunas being a free agent, it is also likely that New Orleans will move on from the veteran big man. The Pelicans' main goal is to become a more diverse and athletic team, hence wanting to give Murphy a larger role. Improving defensively, especially in their frontcourt, should be the main goal of this franchise. Until they can grow on that end of the court, it is hard to call the Pelicans real threats.

16. Los Angeles Lakers

2023-24 Record: 47-35, Result: Lost in first round

Key free agents: F LeBron James (player option), G D'Angelo Russell (player option), F Taurean Prince (UFA), G Max Christie (RFA)

Draft picks: 17, 55

The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be on the verge of hiring JJ Redick as their next head coach. We are supposed to believe LeBron James didn't have any involvement in the coaching search, yet the team is hiring his podcast co-host to coach the team? Yeah, that makes sense. Anyways, the Lakers run the risk of losing D'Angelo Russell this offseason, which could be big seeing as he is their best trade asset salary-wise. The fixation of needing a third star has blinded the Lakers from the truth the last couple of seasons. This organization simply needs players who give it their all defensively and can knock down shots from the perimeter. Every LeBron-led team that has won a championship has had those kinds of players, which is why adding two or three key secondary talents would be better than adding a third All-Star in Los Angeles.

17. Sacramento Kings

2023-24 Record: 46-36, Result: Lost in West play-in

Key free agents: G Malik Monk (UFA), C Alex Len (UFA)

Draft picks: 13, 45

After giving Mike Brown a new contract, the Sacramento Kings can move forward and begin building their roster around De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. However, they are left with little resources to do so since Malik Monk is a free agent that the organization wants to bring back. If Monk goes elsewhere, the Kings will need to scramble to find an immediate source of scoring for their second unit. Overall, the Kings' roster will likely look similar to how it looked when they were eliminated from the play-in tournament. Right now, they are a middle-of-the-pack team in the NBA power rankings.

18. Golden State Warriors

2023-24 Record: 46-36, Result: Lost in West play-in

Key free agents: G Klay Thompson (UFA), G Gary Payton II (player option), F/C Dario Saric (UFA)

Draft picks: 52

For the first time in over a decade, there is real reason to worry about the direction the Golden State Warriors are trending in. This team is severely limited in terms of their financial situation, and worst of all, it could wind up costing them Klay Thompson. Should Klay leave in free agency, the Warriors will be left with the question of whether they will keep Chris Paul and attempt to flip him for a different All-Star talent next to Stephen Curry. How the Warriors approach free agency with Thompson being available and clearly needing more talent will answer the question of whether this organization has what it takes to win at least one more title before Curry and Draymond Green retire.

19. Memphis Grizzlies

2023-24 Record: 27-55, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: G Luke Kennard (team option), F Lamar Stevens (UFA)

Draft picks: 9, 39, 57

Sleep on the Memphis Grizzlies at your own risk because this is going to be a much different team during the 2024-25 season than we just saw. Honestly, Taylor Jenkins deserved to be the NBA's Coach of the Year for being forced to coach two or three different G League-level squads throughout the year while still remaining somewhat competitive. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard are all returning from injury, and GM Zach Kleiman is going to be aggressive in his pursuit of more frontcourt help. This Grizzlies team is one that can easily get back to winning 50 games during the regular season if they remain healthy and can add one more impactful big man next to Jaren Jackson Jr.

20. Houston Rockets

2023-24 Record: 41-41, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: F Jeff Green (team option), F Jae'Sean Tate (team option), G Aaron Holiday (UFA)

Draft picks: 4, 44

Rafael Stone and the Houston Rockets front office have done a terrific job of assembling valuable pieces through the years. Houston not only has Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr., but they have impactful youth in Amen Thompson and Tari Eason as well. With the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and a plethora of future first-round picks, the Rockets can be aggressive in their pursuit of star-level talents. This is a team primed for immediate growth in the NBA power rankings.

21. Atlanta Hawks

2023-24 Record: 36-46, Result: Lost in East play-in

Key free agents: F Saddiq Bey (RFA), F Dylan Windler (RFA)

Draft picks: 1

Is the first pick in the draft good enough to help the Atlanta Hawks get out of the mud in the Eastern Conference? Whether they take Donovan Clingan, Alex Sarr, or Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks still have work to do with Clint Capela, De'Andre Hunter, and Dejounte Murray all being on the trade block. Worst of all, this is a team that will have to shed salary unless they want to pay luxury taxes for a roster that didn't even make the playoffs. Landry Fields has some massive decisions to make regarding the direction of the franchise this summer.

22. Chicago Bulls

2023-24 Record: 39-43, Result: Lost in East play-in

Key free agents: F DeMar DeRozan (UFA), F Patrick Williams (RFA), C Andre Drummond (UFA), F Torrey Craig (player option) 

Draft picks: 11

What are the Chicago Bulls doing? This roster is in no shape to contend in the East, yet the Bulls refuse to blow things up and start over. DeMar DeRozan will likely be back on a new contract that hurts the team financially, and Zach LaVine continues to be the elephant in the room after the Bulls tried to trade him with no takers. At this point, it is clear to see why Bulls fans have suffered since The Last Dance season. Until management proves there is a sense of direction, belief in this team will remain low pertaining to the NBA power rankings.

23. Utah Jazz

2023-24 Record: 31-51, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: G Talen Horton-Tucker (UFA), G Kris Dunn (UFA)

Draft picks: 10, 29, 32

The Utah Jazz are going to be exploring options to add an All-Star next to Lauri Markkanen this offseason. Quite honestly, the Jazz have a really strong roster. Unfortunately, all they are missing is a top-tier offensive weapon to pair with Markkaken. With two first-round picks in this year's draft, including the 10th overall selection, the Jazz will have the opportunity to continue building one of the better young cores in the league. If they can find an experienced star to add to their roster this summer, the Jazz can easily soar up the NBA power rankings and make the playoffs.

24. San Antonio Spurs

2023-24 Record: 22-60, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: F Cedi Osman (UFA), F Sandro Mamukelashvili (RFA)

Draft picks: 4, 8, 35, 48

Victor Wembanyama. That is all that we need to say about the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama is the reason why the Spurs are primed for growth and why they have a chance to exit the offseason making the most improvements out of any team in the league. Two top-10 picks allow the Spurs to be aggressive on draft night, possibly adding two dynamic and versatile prospects to pair with Wemby long-term. This organization can also open up enough cap space to bring in an experienced veteran like Tobias Harris or someone else as a key secondary weapon. Prepare to see a lot of growth for the Spurs during the 2024-25 season.

25. Charlotte Hornets

2023-24 Record: 21-61, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: F Miles Bridges (UFA)

Draft picks: 6, 42

Charles Lee just won a championship with the Celtics, and now he gets to run things for the Charlotte Hornets. Overall, the Hornets don't have bad players, but there is work to be done in order to turn around this roster. LaMelo Ball's health is certainly a concern, as is the fact that this team doesn't have steady guard play next to or behind their star point guard. That is where the No. 6 pick in this year's draft could come in handy, especially with there being numerous guards available in the top 10. The Hornets are also going to be tasked with making a decision on Miles Bridges' future with the organization since he is an unrestricted free agent. It is going to take time for the Hornets to get back on the right track.

26. Portland Trail Blazers

2023-24 Record: 21-61, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: NONE

Draft picks: 7, 14, 34, 40

The Portland Trail Blazers have a logjam of talent in their backcourt with Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Shaedon Sharpe. It is possible that yet another guard could be joining this group since the Blazers own two lottery picks in this year's draft. The thing about Portland is that they're not a bad team from a talent perspective. What is weird is that this roster just seems like a grouping of players that were either traded recently or that the Blazers drafted. At some point, they will need to split with some of their young talents, as the Trail Blazers won't be able to keep everyone. Should they end up with Donovan Clingan from UConn in this year's draft, either Deandre Ayton or Robert Williams III could be on the move.

27. Brooklyn Nets

2023-24 Record: 32-50, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: C Nic Claxton (UFA), F Trendon Watford (RFA), G Lonnie Walker IV (UFA), G Dennis Smith Jr. (UFA)

Draft picks: NONE

Mikal Bridges is not on the trade block, nor have the Brooklyn Nets held any interest in trading him. After hiring Jordi Fernandez as their new head coach, the Nets are not looking to go through any sort of rebuild. Instead, Brooklyn is wanting to figure out a path to land another star player to elevate their outlook. Unfortunately for them, the Nets don't stack up well with the rest of the East right now in terms of overall talent. Bringing back Nic Claxton as an unrestricted free agent is their main priority, which is why his deal could be one of the first announced on June 30. Still, it is hard to look at the Nets and think this is a team that doesn't deserve to be at the bottom of the NBA power rankings.

28. Toronto Raptors

2023-24 Record: 25-57, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: G Bruce Brown Jr. (team option), Gary Trent Jr. (UFA), G Immanuel Quickley (RFA), F Jordan Nwora (UFA)

Draft picks: 19, 31

The Toronto Raptors went through a soft reset during the 2023-24 season when they traded OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam ahead of the trade deadline. Now, their focus is on RJ Barrett and retaining Immanuel Quickley, who is a restricted free agent. There are also conversations being had about what they will do with Bruce Brown Jr., who could be utilized for his salary in a bigger trade. Masai Ujiri is never one to give up hope in Toronto, which is why the Raptors won't sit back and remain at the bottom of the East for too long. The Raptors have the capability to pull off a big move at some point this offseason if they want to, which could lead to them rising up the NBA power rankings.

29. Detroit Pistons

2023-24 Record: 14-68, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: G Evan Fournier (team option), C James Wiseman (RFA), G Malachi Flynn (RFA), F Simone Fontecchio (RFA)

Draft picks: 5, 53

Trajan Langdon is taking over the Detroit Pistons' front office. His first task will be figuring out what direction to go with the No. 5 pick in order to surround Cade Cunningham with winning talents so they can rise up the NBA power rankings. The good news for the Pistons and their fans is that the organization has cap space and immediate paths to improve their roster. Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren all hold trade value and could potentially be moved for more established players next to Cunningham. Detroit can also open up upwards of $60 million in cap space this summer, the most out of any team in the league.

30. Washington Wizards

2023-24 Record: 15-67, Result: Missed playoffs

Key free agents: G Tyus Jones (UFA), C Richaun Holmes (player option)

Draft picks: 2, 26, 51

The Washington Wizards are looking for Bilal Coulibaly to take on a larger role in his second season with the organization, as well as find another long-term core piece of their puzzle with the No. 2 overall pick. The questions for Washington revolve around whether they will trade Kyle Kuzma and if Tyus Jones will sign a new contract with the team. There does appear to be mutual interest regarding Jones being the team's lead point guard. Still, it is going to be a while until the Wizards can be a threat in the East, hence why they remain at the bottom of the NBA power rankings.