NBA Power Rankings, too early edition



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NBA free agency does not start before 6 pm ET on June 30, but that does not stop us from taking stock of the league immediately after the impressive Raptors race at the first NBA franchise championship.

It is too early, some may say too much soon, but our panel (a group of more than 40 journalists, insiders and editors) is already preparing for next season and will rank the 30 teams in a crucial offseason.

Note: These rankings are based on the teams that voters think have the best rank for the 2019-2020 season, taking into account the movement of potential players and the draft. Title ratings for 2019-20 have been provided by Caesars Sportsbook. Malika Andrews of ESPN.com, Kevin Arnovitz, Tim Bontemps, Tim Mac Mahon, Royce Young and Ohm Youngmisuk provided the following information.

1. Milwaukee Bucks
Record 2018-19: 60-22
Result: L, Conf. finals
2020 Title Rating: 6-1

TIC Tac. Even though the Bucks may be at the top of our list too early, Milwaukee is on the clock. The assessments began just days after being eliminated from the Eastern Conference final by the Raptors. Over the next two and a half months, the contracts of Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, Brook Lopez, George Hill and Nikola Mirotic will be taken into account. Re-signing Lopez is a priority, said league sources at ESPN. In the first week of June, the team agreed to extend General Manager Jon Horst's contract in Milwaukee for three years. Every move made by Milwaukee is accomplished with the ultimate goal of signing the contract of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo with a Supermax contract in 2020. – Andrews


2. Toronto Raptors
Registration 2018-19: 58-24
Result: W, NBA Finals
2020 Title Rating: 8-1

The champions at No. 2? Despite their unlikely course in one title, the Raptors are now facing one of the NBA's biggest issues in the off-season: Can they retain Kawhi Leonard? If they can, they will have a legitimate shot to repeat. If not? Well, they will switch to a new era. Toronto has several key players – Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet – who will be under contract expiring next season, allowing the president of the Masai Ujiri basketball team to have the opportunity to let their offers expire and have a ton of cap space next summer or turn them over for future assets and speed up the rebuilding. Leonard's imminent decision will of course influence the consequences of these decisions, with the general consensus being that he will stay in Toronto or sign with the Clippers next month. Ujiri will also have his own opportunities to take into account, as the Wizards prepare a massive bid, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. – Good time


3. Philadelphia 76ers
Registration 2018-19: 51-31
Result: L, Conf. semi final
2020 Title Rating: 12-1

The month was long in Philadelphia, where the Sixers could only watch the team on which they pushed up to the absolute limit in the Eastern Conference semifinal. – the Raptors – to win the NBA title. This shows how much the current group is in Philadelphia – and that makes the decisions that weigh on the Sixers in the coming weeks all the more fascinating. That starts with what Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris, the two Philadelphia stars exchanged for this season, will be unrestricted free agents on June 30th. Philadelphia has spent a lot of capital to acquire Butler and Harris, but now it will have to spend a huge amount of money to keep them both self-service. And even if the Sixers keep both of them, they'll have to spend more money to keep JJ Redick, another huge piece of what Philadelphia has done in the past two seasons, and fill the bench. – Good time


4. Denver Nuggets
Record 2018-19: 54-28
Result: L, Conf. semi final
2020 Title Rating: 20-1

After the resounding success of the 2018-2019 season, the Nuggets are entering the next phase of a developing competitor, and this is the hardest: expectations. The Nuggets seemed to come out of nowhere to finish second in the West, but they will now occupy a prominent place on all the preparatory lists and have the burden of expectations to achieve this ranking. They are still young and they still have to settle some important issues in the off season (the future of Paul Millsap being the main one), but if choosing the first round in 2018, Michael Porter Jr. can regain his health and respond to some of his expectations, it could be the biggest addition that the Nuggets can make this season off. — Young


5. THE Clippers
Registration 2018-19: 48-34
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 6-1

Who knew that the Clippers would be L.A.'s best team last season? After exchanging their top scorer and scorer for Tobias Harris, the Clippers qualified for the playoffs with a very demanding group of players and young hopefuls in what could have been Doc Rivers' best coaching job. Now, the Clippers are entering their biggest summer looking to add at least one self-service superstar, Kawhi Leonard having been tied to the Clippers all season. LA will also be looking forward to what's going on in the north with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and their respective injuries. The Clippers could add up to two players but should trade Danilo Gallinari to do it. The heart of their defense, Patrick Beverley, is a free agent, but they have a lot of hard pieces to surround a star. – Youngmisuk


6. Warriors of the state of the gold
Registration 2018-19: 57-25
Result: L, NBA Finals
2020 Title Rating: 3-1

The season of the warriors has ended in the worst case, with their dynasty collapsing. Kevin Durant's break with Achilles and Klay Thompson's torn LCA punctuated a painful end, and Golden State is now entering the most uncertain period. The devastating injuries to Durant and Thompson have potentially a major impact on free will. What will Durant do and what will be the impact of his Achilles injury on the balance of power in the NBA? If Durant withdraws from his contract, will the Warriors commit to a five-year, $ 221 million contract to keep Durant, or will he leave to say the Knicks, Nets or Clippers at $ 164? millions of dollars over four years? There is also Thompson, who was injured at the ACL just weeks before becoming one of the most coveted free agents. The Warriors have yet to make Thompson, who could sign again with the Warriors for $ 190 million, a priority on June 30. DeMarcus Cousins, Kevon Looney and Quinn Cook are also part of the Warriors' free agents. Even though the Warriors can keep Durant and Thompson, they will have to fortify the rest of their team with minimum contracts and a late pick in the first round. –– Youngmisuk


7. Houston Rockets
Record 2018-19: 53-29
Result: L, Conf. semi final
2020 Title Rating: 10-1

General Manager Daryl Morey launches every rock – and probably causes some pain – as he tries to find a way to get the Rockets over the huge bump of the Warriors. Houston will continue to aggressively explore the commercial market, but it is likely that the remaining five Rockets will remain intact. In this case, Morey must make good use of the mid-level exception and the $ 5.7 million minimum offers to build a bench of equivalent level. Owner Tilman Fertitta is committed to using the intermediate level after not having done it last summer. – MacMahon


8. Los Angeles Lakers
Registration 2018-19: 37-45
Result: Missed qualifiers
Rating 2020: 9-2

The off season had a tumultuous start with the resignation of Magic Johnson and the explanation of his feeling of betrayal by Rob Pelinka. The day after Magic, Pelinka is now in charge. Kurt and Linda Rambis also help make decisions about the Lakers with Frank Vogel, now head coach. The goal of the off season was clear: to acquire a superstar. Pelinka is already in pursuit of Anthony Davis. With a new advantage in the fourth final choice to include in any package that may include young prospects such as Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, Pelinka is doing his best to keep Davis safe now, even though The intentions of the great All Star player to sign with the Lakers as a free agent in the summer of 2020 have been clearly defined. If Davis can not be bought via the trade this summer, Pelinka will see if he can trade against another All-Star while suspending the potential combination of the lottery pick and a young key player. In free agency, the Lakers have a maximum place to find help for LeBron James. Max's free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker are on their radar. It remains to be seen how the injury to the LCA in Thompson affects free will and the chances of the Lakers. – Youngmisuk


9. Boston Celtics
Registration 2018-19: 49-33
Result: L, Conf. semi final
2020 Title Rating: 12-1

Six months ago, Boston seemed to have the most promising future of any team in the league. Now? This future is much more confusing, starting with Kyrie Irving's impending and free self-organization. His statement that he would be coming back to Boston, "If you have me myself," at a season-only subscriber event, seems to be a life before – just like his commercial saying that He hopes that no one else will ever wear. N ° 11 again for the Celtics. Irving's decision to stay also could have a considerable impact on Boston's pursuit of Anthony Davis, as it will be much more difficult to sell long-term assets to Davis if Irving retired. The Celtics also have three first-round picks in this year's draft, in addition to the risk that Al Horford will have to decide if he will choose his player choice for next season and Terry Rozier will qualify. in free mode. To say that it will be a hectic summer in Boston is a euphemism. – Good time


10. Portland Trail Blazers
Record 2018-19: 53-29
Result: L, Conf. finals
2020 Title Rating: 30-1

The Blazers exceeded expectations and finally broke through the wall to validate what they had built around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. And now, it's about taking advantage of that momentum. They are one of the most stable organizations in the last eight years and should remain so, with extensions for General Manager Neil Olshey and head coach Terry Stotts in place and the likely supermax for Lillard. The resumption of Jusuf Nurkic is crucial for the next steps of the 2019-2020 campaign, but fortunately the Blazers finally seem to breathe thanks to the money spent during the summer of 2016, which has been successful. — Young


11. Thunder of Oklahoma City
Registration 2018-19: 49-33
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 30-1

For the first time in nearly five years, the Thunder enters an offseason without questioning the superstar and without fear of losing a cornerstone. They are stable; they have their core in place. This is an advantage, of course, but despite this, the Thunder does not enjoy a deep disappointment for the summer. The Russell Westbrook / Paul George couple still has a lot of potential and potential, and there have been times when they shone brightly. But George and Westbrook spend their summers in good health, while the reception seals the financial burden of a hefty luxury tax bill for a squad that has won just four playoff games since 2016. — Young


12. Brooklyn nets
Registration 2018-19: 42-40
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Odds: 18-1

Brooklyn was already an intriguing team as the summer approached – and it was before The Nets have signed a big contract with the Hawks, sending Atlanta their first-round pick in 2019 and a protected first-round pick to knock Allen Crabbe out of action and create the opportunity to have two players play free agency next month. There are now rumors that Kyrie Irving may be heading to Brooklyn. This is the first time since the relocation of the franchise in Brooklyn that the Nets and Knicks meet face to face. Meanwhile, Dr. Angelo Russell will be one of the most interesting restricted free agents this summer. Russell was a star player this season, but he remains a polarizing player. Yet, he is a young goalkeeper who has demonstrated his ability to shoot at 3 points and create his own shot. – Good time


13. Utah Jazz
Registration 2018-19: 50-32
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 20-1

Opting for continuity a year ago did not pay off for the Jazz, which won 50 games but was eliminated in the first round, a disappointment after qualifying for the semi-finals West during each of the two previous postsecondary ones. Utah needs another offensive creator to ease the burden of Donovan Mitchell. That's why it's unlikely that leader Ricky Rubio will be back. Dr. Angelo Russell and Tobias Harris are potential targets for free agents, but Utah is expected to decline a $ 17.7 million option on Derrick Favors (center) forward / center to have this type of 39; space. The Jazz could also revive trade negotiations with Memphis Grizzlies' guard Mike Conley. – MacMahon


14. Indiana Pacers
Registration 2018-19: 48-34
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 75-1

The Pacers are determined to be more than a heartbreaking, resilient and comforting story next season. After losing his franchise player, star player Victor Oladipo, as a result of a quad injury in January, Indiana has pioneered a run to a playoff spot before being swept at first round by the Celtics. Domantas Sabonis has always been reliable for the Pacers, earning him a place as a finalist in the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Indiana has seven free agents on which to make decisions, including Thaddeus Young and Bojan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic's signature – which has emerged as a key element of the Pacers' offense – will be a priority for Indiana. They will also seek a wing to replace Tyreke Evans, who has been banned from the NBA for two years for violating the league's drug program. Regardless of the decisions made, Indiana must keep in mind that it may not start the 2019-20 season with Oladipo, as the team has still not provided the schedule for his return. – Andrews


15. San Antonio Spurs
Registration 2018-19: 48-34
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 50-1

The Spurs are just continuing on Spurs-ing, and even though they have many questions about how to recover space in the upper part of the West, they remain stable. They suffered significant injuries last season, but the core of coach Gregg Popovich, the great man LaMarcus Aldridge and goalkeeper DeMar DeRozan were enough to qualify for the playoffs. There is a clear need for more talent, but the biggest advances are to clean Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV and to foster the development of other talented young players on the team. — Young


16. Kings of Sacramento
Registration 2018-19: 39-43
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 75-1

GM Vlade Divac hired coach Luke Walton to help the young Kings take the next step. While an independent investigation into a sexual assault charge surrounds Walton, the Kings are entering a crucial period of offseason. As he had been commissioned to do before LeBron James's arrival in Los Angeles, Walton will seek to develop a promising young nucleus led by De'Arenon Fox and Marvin Bagley. The Kings will wait to see if Harrison Barnes opts for a $ 25 million player option. Willie Cauley-Stein can also become a restricted free agent. If Barnes chooses to participate, the Kings will have $ 21.3 million to play in free mode, and they could release up to $ 38.4 million to improve their list, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN . – Youngmisuk


17. Dallas Mavericks
Registration 2018-19: 33-49
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 35-1

The Mavs are optimistic that they will be able to end their drought in the playoffs after three seasons now that their period of rebuilding has produced a doubled duo that they can build around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis . Dallas plans to re-sign a contract with the limited Porlezis self-employed agent and to lock in the elastic center Dwight Powell for an extension this summer. Team members are wondering if it would be better to devote an important spot to Mavs to a star (Kemba Walker or Tobias Harris?) Or to two or three first-class players. – MacMahon


18. New York Knicks
Registration 2018-19: 17-65
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 12-1

No team outside the Warriors has been more affected by Kevin Durant's Achilles breakup than by the Knicks, who have seen the script of their dreams for 2019-20 break up even before the start of the off season. Now, instead of pairing KD with another free star agent – and then potentially trading an exchange with Anthony Davis to create the next NBA super-team – the Knicks could choose to play the game of expectation. They can still sign Durant, and then remain flexible with their cap-space while he returns for the 2020-21 season. Or, in a scenario that should frighten Knicks fans, New York could miss Durant and not trade against Davis, which means they eliminated former franchise player Kristaps Porzingis to create two max. Two to sign two very good – but not great – players. Meanwhile, the Knicks finished with the No. 3 draw of the NBA's draw last month, probably preparing them to take on Duke RJ Barrett's stunt – if they do not use this choice as a base for a contract with Davis. – Good time


19. Detroit Pistons
Registration 2018-19: 41-41
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 200-1

Dwane Casey, coach of the first-year Pistons after the playoffs, was taking the plunge to the Detroit stage and complimenting the Bucks – the first-round Pistons' opponent – and their depth. From Detroit lack Casey said the depth of his team was the cause of his depth. In the end, this contributed to the Pistons being swept in the first round of the playoffs. This summer, the priority of the Pistons will be to build their bench on a budget that remains lower than the luxury tax. – Andrews


20. Orlando Magic
Registration 2018-19: 42-40
Result: L, Round 1
2020 Title Rating: 75-1

The Magic surprised the East last season by reuniting an elite defense in the far right to propel themselves into the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons. The Magic will improve to the extent of their young talents, namely Jonathan Isaac, Aaron Gordon, Markelle Fultz and Mo Bamba. Although there is optimism about the future, its planning will not be without difficult choices. Their center of stars, Nikola Vucevic, who will be 29 shortly after the start of the new season, enters a free agency with the expectation of a payday. Should Orlando invest heavily in the area before, where they already have a wealth of talent and prospects? Orlando needs to improve his backyard, where D.J. Augustin, Evan Fournier and Fultz are on the books. – Arnovitz


21. Atlanta Hawks
Record 2018-19: 29-53
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 100-1

There are few teams in the league that are more optimistic about the future than Atlanta. With Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, the Hawks are a young and talented core group led by a Lloyd Pierce head coach, who has shown great keenness for player development. And there's more help on the way: the Hawks will pick three of the top 17 picks in the next release, have other first-round picks in the reserve, and have plenty of room to absorb the contracts. related to security. assets. Atlanta may still have some qualifying seasons for the playoffs, but there is a strong feeling that Atlanta is fortunate to assume its legitimate place on the road as a destination for NBA stars. – Arnovitz


22. Miami Heat
Registration 2018-19: 39-43
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 200-1

For the fifth consecutive season, the Heat has recorded 37 to 48 wins, which allows them to strengthen as a team with enough organizational skill and stability to be respectable, but not enough talent to really compete. Unfortunately, there is a lot of money in the books in Miami without a ton of benefits. With Jimmy Butler's pursuit last season, the Heat are aware of the need to add a young kernel to Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo. Goran Dragic reportedly told the Heat that he would exercise his option next season and Hassan Whiteside should do the same, an indication that the $ 46 million collectively owed to them is greater than their market value. In the same way, James Johnson, Kelly Olynyk and Dion Waiters are posted for two more seasons. – Arnovitz


23. Minnesota Timberwolves
Registration 2018-19: 36-46
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 100-1

This is a new start for the Wolves with a new front office and Ryan Saunders officially taking over. But there are still many questions to come – and few interesting options to answer them. On the surface, there is a youth foundation. But that comes with the complication of Andrew Wiggins' contract and the relationship between its value, as well as the supermax of Karl-Anthony Towns who has linked him to the Wolves over the next few years. What will be the approach of the chairman of the team, Gersson Rosas? Will he change his two young founding coins or opt for a full name change from the list? — Young


24. pelicans from New Orleans
Registration 2018-19: 33-49
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 60-1

Winning the lottery – and the right to write Zion Williamson – essentially ensured that the Pelicans would be relevant despite Anthony Davis' keen desire to be traded. New Orleans had already taken a significant step in the right direction by hiring David Griffin, the architect of the Cleveland title team, to head the front office. With Williamson and Jrue Holiday in the group, a return to the playoffs is a reasonable goal if Griffin gets a good value in a deal with Davis, assuming Griffin is unable to convince the All-Star to change his game. ; opinion. – MacMahon


25. Washington Wizards
Registration 2018-19: 32-50
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 200-1

Regarding the degree of difficulty, the current management of the capitalization of assistants is among the best in the NBA. The Wizards are a lottery team with an aging core and no prospect with potential near all-star potential, for the moment. To complicate matters, Washington owes John Wall $ 171 million over the next four seasons – but he will not return to court after a rupture of the Achilles tendon before the middle of next season. Wall may have the league's least portable contract, but Bradley Beal, with two years left, could be coveted by the contenders. Do sorcerers cut bait and move Beal? This is the most difficult question faced by a team of Wizards who still do not have a permanent senior basketball leader, although the Masai Ujiri of Toronto is in the crosshairs and still has little financial flexibility. – Arnovitz


26. Charlotte Hornets
Registration 2018-19: 39-43
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 200-1

A cloud of uncertainty and a complicated payroll sheet create a foggy future in Charlotte. The most crucial decision begins with the free agency of All-Star Kemba Walker. As a member of the NBA's third team, Walker is now eligible for a five-year contract worth $ 221 million from the Hornets. Yet investing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in a guard who will be 34 years old at the end of the term carries many risks. Unfortunately, this is not the only responsibility for Charlotte on the horizon. The Hornets are imprisoned in Nicolas Batum for another two years and up to $ 53 million. Heavy eight-figure pay stubs are planned for Bismack Biyombo, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller. Between the cost constraints and Walker's status, it's difficult for Charlotte to clearly define her vision. – Arnovitz


27. Memphis Grizzlies
Registration 2018-19: 33-49
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 100-1

It is time for the Grizzlies to bid farewell to the last piece of the Grit era. Grind by goalkeeper Mike Conley. Such an agreement should give Memphis financial relief and assets (preliminary selections and / or young players) to assist in its rebuilding process. Conley's replacement will arrive on the night of the repechage, assuming the Grizzlies use No. 2 pick from Ja Morant, a dynamic athlete who can be a mainstay of the franchise in the near future, as well as the Lotto's choice of lottery. 39; last year and All-Rookie selection, Jaren Jackson Jr.. – MacMahon


28. Phoenix Suns
Registration 2018-19: 19-63
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 200-1

Phoenix 's biggest offseason move has already occurred with the hiring of Monty Williams. Williams is the last head coach to have attempted to lead the Suns in the right direction, after Igor Kokoskov only lasted one season after a 19-63 campaign. The Suns will try to add help around Devin Booker by retaining or exchanging the sixth overall pick in the repechage. They need to upgrade at the guardhouse but do not have a lot of free space unless they trade or let the free agent restrict Kelly Oubre Jr. to leave. Williams will also look to continue developing the first choice of last year, Deandre Ayton. – Youngmisuk


29. Chicago Bulls
Registration 2018-19: 22-60
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 75-1

The Bulls must determine who are the key players who can be the cornerstones of rebuilding their franchise. The team decided to answer the same question during the 2018-2019 season. Instead, the wounds provided more puzzles than answers. The Bulls replaced head coach Fred Hoiberg by Jim Boylen and stumbled throughout the season. Now, Chicago is on the market for a leader. They could acquire a guard with their No. 7 draft pick, but it is likely that the Bulls will look for a more experienced free agent to help them lead their young core of players. Wendell Carter Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine. – Andrews


30. Cleveland Cavaliers
Registration 2018-19: 19-63
Result: Missed qualifiers
2020 Title Rating: 100-1

All of the Cavaliers 'fights in their first season after LeBron James' departure for Los Angeles were rewarded with a nice cash note in a lottery pick in the NBA draft in 2019. Unfortunately for Cleveland, this Only resulted in the # 5 selection of what is widely considered a two-player draft. The Cavaliers could dismiss Kevin Love, Cedi Osman, Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr., as well as second-year captain Collin Sexton, who improved dramatically in the second half of last season to win the All-Rookie title of the second team. Ils vont également avoir un nouvel entraîneur à John Beilein, qui vient de l'Université du Michigan pour un dernier défi d'entraîneur dans sa carrière. Le directeur général Koby Altman a prouvé qu'il était presque toujours disposé à faire un échange. Ne soyez donc pas surpris de voir le contrat de JR Smith déménagé ou qu'une autre composition se réorganise avant le début du camp d'entraînement de septembre. – Andrews

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