Current 

ranking

Team

Why?

1

Portland Trailblazers

Portland won the title, didn�t celebrate, re-tooled and immediately began focusing on the next campaign. Rumour has It that LeBron may be a possibility? Big changes, big expectations. Top by default.

2

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are as good as any GM in the league and almost as successful as any. Somehow, they pried Giannis from the Clippers for a few high draft picks and some fodder. Those sweet Nelso whispers.

3

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are everyone�s second team, possessing a young roster that fits, is elite defensively and big and tough. They have a real shot at winning next season, but where is that upgrade?

4

New York Knicks

The Knicks are arguably the biggest climbers, coming from obscurity and a poor season to now possess arguably the best wing combination in the league and bigs, role players to complement.

5

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberpups were a Cinderella Story last season, smashing everyone�s expectations. They got better this season, adding Ingram, but won�t be able to sneak up on any teams in 2022-23.

6

Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee, in just one season under Daz, shed the loser tag and made the Eastern Conference Finals. A young team who are as hungry as their GM will get better. Will Zion deal haunt their future?

7

Detroit Pistons

Detroit have one of the highest floors of any team, and a lot of credit has to go to Sheed. Despite having Kyrie for about 40% of the season, Detroit were still an elite team. They will still be great next season.

8

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans have moved from ominous to dangerous; a player like Paul George is exactly what this team needed. The short backcourt is gone, and leeroy now has two 90+ athletic demons at his disposal.

9

Washington Wizards

The Wizards are considered a safe, talented team, but we are waiting for the �run� from Josh and his team. After falling a little short the last two campaigns, this Wizards team is the most talented to date. Go time?

10

Denver Nuggets

The Splash Family nursed poor little nephew Michael Porter Jr all season, keeping the band together and holding out hope of creating the greatest shooting team of all time. Full strength, they might lead the league in scoring.

11

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have made some big changes, adding Fred Vanvleet notably. However, there is a lot of talent in the league; can the Hornets rattle off another 60 wins? Luka may mean yes, but it will be tough.

12

Toronto Raptors

Dylan couldn�t wait to get into the brand new car and speed around the track. He wasted no time making big moves, adding Donovan Mitchell, making Zion the face (and body) of the team and adding a defensive anchor. Depending on Dyl�s ambition, the team could push higher.

13

Orlando Magic

Mailo rolls out a similar Magic outfit, besides adding Allen for Murray. I really like Orlando�s moves, but are they good enough to push into the top tier of East teams? Or does Trae being your best player have a 6-seed ceiling?

14

Houston Rockets

I think I have written a Power Ranking every off-season and Vitt has and his Rockets probably get the same write-up and ranking each year. What�s changed? Not much. The team continues to improve organically, and should be aiming for top 4 in Nikola�s prime.

15

Philadelphia 76ers

Maybe I am more bullish than most about Phila, but I feel no team made more critical and successful moves than the 76ers. Finally, an identity! They drafted the most ugly roster in 2020, traded Lebron for pennies and have recovered brilliantly. Kudos, Ben. I�m a fan.

16

Chicago Bulls

Is this the beginning of the end for the Bulls? Jury�s out. After suffering through a really tough season last season, they still were able to make the playoffs which is a testament to Merencio, his roster-building, coaching and grit. Only way is up! Right?

17

Boston Celtics

The team that everyone wants to start winning big games except for their coach/manager. A roster that oozes current and future value, the Celtics should be much higher on this ranking. However, I fear another wasted season is a real chance.

18

Golden State Warriors

A starting five of Lavine, Ayton, Bagley, Rose and Harris looks really nice on paper. The Warriors seem destined to be a play-in team, but if they can stay healthy, I think they are a legitimate playoff team.

19

Atlanta Hawks

Hawks at 19 might be rough, but this is more symbolic of just how much competition there will be in the East. If Lillard, Green and Siakam can help each other, the Hawks will be higher. But, there�s going to be plenty of hard-luck stories in the East.

20

Sacramento Kings

The People�s Team! My favourite GM, Klemmelo. Biggest heart in the NSL and biggest gambling debt. Finally the planets aligned and the wrecking ball Russell Westbrook is finally in the white and purple, and it�s playoffs or bust.

21

Miami Heat

Pistolpk, our NSL architect, is due for some luck for the first time in his NSL tenure. On paper, his team could be athletic, glitchy and really tall. That tends to equal success and wins. Is this the season it comes together?

22

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles have been shrewd at the trade table this off-season, adding two great forwards for an affordable price. If Cade has been upgraded in 2k, they have a chance to make the playoffs in the weakened West.

23

Cleveland Cavaliers

Shams steadied the ship after a perceived rocky start to his career as GM, but I loved the recovery with his latest trades. Murray, McCollum and Bridges is a terrific fit. Shams wants to win but his team may be another victim of conference-depth.

24

Brooklyn Nets

Ditto with the Nets � how does a team with talent like Jamal Murray, D�Angelo Russell, Jusuf Nurkic, Lauri Markannen and Herb Jones end up 24^th? Crazy.All the way from spots 15-thru-25, will depend on luck and who wins the games. Can Nets fans have some fun this season?

25

Indiana Pacers

I had the Pacers almost winning a playoff series before last year kicked off, and I was as wrong as I have ever been. What a basketcase, disaster of a season for Spud and his Pacers. He seemed pretty chill, though. They have a talented roster but Spud might tank for Victor.

26

Phoenix Suns

Laddas the Brave (and patient) has done really well recovering from his sudden �All-In, All-Out� turns and has opted for a team built on some talented youngsters and potential longshots. I am a fan, and with no incentive to tank, the Suns will be fighters.

27 

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC have cleaned house of veterans and officially bring a close to the glorious Porzingis era. They have elite youth and possess arguably the best under-21 player in the game in Edwards. Will be a big FA player, but can see a tank in their future.

28

Los Angeles Clippers

Andrew was sick of having the best player in the game and the world and rightfully dumped him. Good riddance, Giannis, you bum. Now, he possesses some blue-chip youngsters, a slew of lottery picks and lottery picked players and according to himself, a reason to be excited. Go Clips. Tank time.

29

Dallas Mavericks

I am not certain of this, but I think I worry for this team more than any other team. They traded Durant, traded Ingram, traded their 2023 first for Terence Davis, might lose Brunson, dumped Julius Randle and have 19 rostered players. Chaos.

30

Utah Jazz

Jason and his Jazz sits at the bottom of the ladder and at this stage, I don�t think he cares one bit. The Jazz will be really good one day. Jason peaks at draft time, flashes potential at trade deadline time and then shuts the blinds, locks the door and hits up scouting reports. Tank time. And that Dallas pick, bastard.