Category: NBA

Is Western Conference superiority over in the NBA? For the first time in two decades, there’s an argument to be made that the Eastern Conference is stronger 1-10 heading into the season. The bottom end of the West playoff picture feels a little softer than normal, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that the top-6 of the conference is absolutely loaded, led by perhaps the two best teams in the NBA.

The West has some upstart contenders this season who didn’t feel like threats at this time last year. The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers are coming off overachieving seasons, and will be looking to make the next step. The Utah Jazz are finally done tanking, and they want to start winning right now with star rookie Darryn Peterson on board. The Golden State Warriors may or may not have one more run left in them. If any of these teams can breakup the conference’s top-six teams from last year, it would be a major accomplishment.

Let’s rank every team in the Western Conference heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. These projections are for the regular season only. For more NBA preview content, check out my list of the 25 most explosive athletes in the league today.

1. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs arrived ahead of schedule last year to jump from 34 to 62 wins, but they’re not catching anyone by surprise going forward. San Antonio should be well positioned to be one of the best teams in the league for the next decade around 7’5 superstar Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama is by far the best defensive player in the game, and there’s not many offensive players better than him, either. I still think Wemby needs a mid-range game, but he might be the best player in the league regardless. I’m fascinated to see how the Spurs will manage the De’Aaron Fox/Dylan Harper situation. Harper feels like he should be ready for primetime entering his second season, but Fox can still be a very good player when he’s not hampered by a sprained ankle like he was in the NBA Finals. While Wemby will get all of the attention, I really like the Spurs’ collection of role players too, led by Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell, and the newly signed Tobias Harris. Harper’s ascent will only make the Spurs more terrifying. If Wembanyama stays healthy, there’s no way this team finishes below the No. 2 seed.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

I still think the Thunder probably would have gone back-to-back if Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell weren’t hurt in the playoffs. There’s a ton of pressure on Williams in particular to regain his top form as he starts a new max contract, and coming back from a hamstring strain is always tricky. The Thunder lost some key pieces over the offseason including Lu Dort, but the formula for this team remains unchanged with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s on-ball creation brilliance plus an elite defense. Assuming Chet Holmgren’s Western Conference Finals yips only come out in the matchup with Victor Wembanyama, OKC should be a monster regular season team once again.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have won 103 regular season games in their two seasons under JJ Redick, and while this year’s team loses LeBron James, it also significantly upgrades its rim protection. While I don’t think Walker Kessler is worth what the Lakers gave up for him, he does give LA a starting center who can cover up for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ defensive deficiencies a bit while also providing extra possessions on the offensive glass. Los Angeles’ forward room is potentially pretty bad, I can talk myself into one or two of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Chris Mannon suddenly becoming a key piece for their defense and play-finishing. Ultimately, the case for the Lakers starts and ends with Luka Doncic’s ability to be one of the five best players in the league, and I feel comfortable taking that bet. Luka + a good coach + better rim protection has me believing in the Lakers’ floor if not their ceiling.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

I’ve talked myself in the Wolves’ potential playoff ceiling with Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball providing a degree of pull-up shooting significant enough to add variance into a potential matchup with the Spurs or Thunder. The regular season might be a different story. The Wolves are heavily banking on Rudy Gobert to stay healthy and effective at age-34, but it does seem like he keeps himself in great shape. The trio of Gobert, Edwards, and Jaden McDaniels has consistently produced winning basketball for Minnesota, and the addition of Ball could take them to the next level. If Ball’s ankles can stay in one piece, he’s one of the league’s best handlers and passers who can also take over a game as a scorer when he has it going. I kind of like the addition of Jonathan Kuminga even if I should know better, and I feel like the bench will be pretty solid with Ayo Dosunmu, Jaylen Clark, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Joan Beringer. There’s definitely some risk in being high on the Wolves this year, but their potential upside is still too sweet to ignore.

5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets didn’t just miss Fred VanVleet last season, they also didn’t have Steven Adams for the stretch run. Adams’ injury took away Houston’s greatest strength (offensive rebounding), and returning both players should make this team a lot stronger than it was during their first-round playoff loss to the Lakers last season. Houston is full of young players who could take another step forward this year, with Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard all 24 years old or younger. Ime Udoka has proven to be a high floor coach throughout his time in the NBA. Oh yeah, Kevin Durant is here too, and he’s still really good. Houston could get as high as the No. 3 seed and it wouldn’t surprise me.

6. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets had a terrible and frustrating offseason, but their core is still rock solid. Nikoka Jokic still has a case as the best player in the world, and his offensive creation and defensive rebounding will give this team a high floor as long he’s healthy. Jokic has special chemistry with Jamal Murray, who was really good last year in finally making his first All-Star team. Aaron Gordon is quietly one of the league’s most important injury stories this year. It felt like Gordon was still peaking as a player with his recent three-point shooting improvements, but he just can’t stay healthy. If Gordon is fully available, the Nuggets will still be really good. The issue for Denver is everyone else. Christian Braun has one of the worst contracts in the league if he keeps playing like he did last year, and the bold trade for Cameron Johnson immediately backfired. DeMar DeRoza can probably still eat some innings off the bench, but he’s a weird fit with Jokic and won’t factor into the team’s best lineups. The backup center behind Jokic is .. Marvin Bagley III, which feels troubling. I’m always waiting for a Julian Strawther breakthrough that never comes, and it’s hard to keep holding onto my DaRon Holmes’ stock after a quiet year coming off a torn ACL. The Nuggets could be in big trouble, but they still have Jokic, so they probably won’t be.

7. Phoenix Suns

I thought the Suns were pretty screwed after they traded Kevin Durant, but they nailed multiple margin moves to become a legitimate playoff threat at the bottom end of the Western Conference. I’m buying Jordan Ott as a good head coach after a 45-win debut a year ago fueled by aggressive schemes to force turnovers defensively and crash the offensive glass. Devin Booker is surrounded by some pretty solid role players now, and a few of them should have even more to offer. I was sky high on Khaman Maluach coming out of Duke, and my optimism remains despite essentially getting redshirted as a rookie after a strong summer league showing. Collin Gillespie is one of the league’s great hidden gem findings, and I fully expect him to out-play the $48 million deal he’s starting this season. I hated the Miles Bridges trade, but I liked drafting Koa Peat and bringing back Jordan Goodwin to add toughness. Phoenix is going to play really hard every night and give their fanbase a team it can be proud of. That feels like the best they could have done climbing out of the Durant and Bradley Beal era.

8. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers feel like they’re in a turbulent place as new governor Tom Dundan gains contract for his first full season. Dundon’s cost-cutting moves were alarming as soon as he got power, and it’s no surprise he pushed out head coach Tiago Splitter after making the playoffs under tough circumstances because he didn’t to pay him. Micah Nori might actually be an upgrade on the bench, but it’s not right that he’s working with a one-year deal to start the year. The on-court product is every bit as fascinating. Damian Lillard is back off a torn Achilles at age-36, and his backcourt mate is suddenly Ja Morant. Both former stars need to learn how to play off Deni Avdija, who emerged as the best player on the team last year by being an on-ball battering ram who consistently got to the foul line. Donovan Clingan is one of the best young defensive bigs in the game, but does he have another step offensively? Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara provide a strong defensive foundation next to Clingan, which could turn this into a top-10 unit despite Lillard and Morant being clear negatives on that end. Where does Scoot Henderson fit in entering his third season after missing much of last year with injury? I think the Blazers are going to struggle to put out lineups that can compete on both ends, but there’s enough of a foundation here that the bottom shouldn’t totally drop out.

9. Utah Jazz

The Jazz are finally exiting their tanking strategy, but it’s still hard to know what to make of their roster. Utah definitely has a lot of talent with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen in their prime joined by young players with varying degrees of upside in Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. There are a lot of bucket-getters here, but the playmaking and defense remains a question. I have always thought Will Hardy was a good coach who couldn’t show the full scope of his abilities during the tanking years, and that makes this season a big test for him. The Jazz don’t have to be a finished product yet after a great heist in the Walker Kessler trade, but the overall roster improvement is admirable and could land them in the playoffs.

10. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies turned one promising young core into another totally new one in the matter of just a few years. I think Memphis landed the best player in the draft with the third overall pick, and fully expect Cameron Boozer to be really good from day one. I love the potential pairing of Boozer’s high IQ passing and shooting alongside 300 pounds of Zach Edey bully ball at the rim, provided the 7’3 center can finally stay healthy. Cedric Coward could be in for a sophomore leap, and the backcourt has tons of interesting upside candidates even without an established headline name. Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cam Spencer are all underrated players with room to keep getting better, while the trade for Isaiah Stewart will raise the team’s level of competitiveness for just a couple second round picks. If Edey stays healthy, I could see Memphis getting into the top-8, even if their best player is literally the youngest guy in the league this year.

11. Golden State Warriors

Hope for the Warriors took a huge hit when Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January, dooming Golden State’s bid for relevance last season and probably this season, too. Butler will push himself to come back quick, but at age-37 without a reliable outside jumper to fall back on, a speedy return to form feels like a lot to ask. The downfall of the Warriors is a bit depressing if only because Stephen Curry is still good enough to compete for championships in his golden years. Curry turns 39 at the end of this season, and while he can still be a top-5 player alive in short bursts, it’s hard to count on him to make it through a long regular season physically. I like some of the Warriors’ role players. I really believe Brandin Podziemski is underrated as a good three-point shooter who always seems to know where to be on both ends of the floor. Gui Santos is a legitimate diamond-in-the-rough find for this franchise as a 3-and-D wing, and I love Yaxel Lendeborg, who I had as a top-5 prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft. This team is just really old, and pretty unreliable injury-wise. I would have them way higher if Butler was totally healthy to start the season, but I just can’t get there for now.

12. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs put Masai Uriji and Mike Schmitz in charge this past summer, and they immediately made some big changes. The Mavs shocked the world by pulling Dusty May from Michigan, and then they took his former player Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick. The front office also traded for Santi Aldama and former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. The aggressive mindset makes this year even more intriguing given all of the big questions tied to the roster. Kyrie Irving is back after missing last season with a torn ACL: what does he look like coming off major surgery at age-34? Dereck Lively II looked like one of the West’s best young centers, but he had foot injury in Dec. and still hasn’t been cleared to run. Cooper Flagg was pretty damn good for being the youngest player in the league last year, but he still has plenty of room to grow on both ends of the court before he fulfills his considerable expectations. The Mavs are in a tough place because they traded all of their future first-round picks to build around Luka Doncic, which leaves the cupboard bare for the start of the Flagg era. Their best move is feels like fully orienting around Flagg’s timeline, and that means trading Kyrie, as well as veterans like P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall. It’s hard to see a ton of upside in this Mavs season unless Flagg somehow morphs into an All-NBA player at age-19. He’ll get there eventually, and I can’t wait to see what the team around him looks like then.

13. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have threaded the needle between having some actual talent and lacking any sensible direction. New Orleans brings in Jamahl Mosley from Orlando to take over at head coach, and he’ll have some interesting pieces to work with. Herb Jones is one of the NBA’s best defensive forwards, Trey Murphy III is one of the league’s best big shooters, and Zion Williamson finally played a decent amount of games (62) while averaging 21 points on +6.7% rTS (true shooting percentage over league average). The Pelicans also have two 2025 lottery picks in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen entering their second season, and they can tell themselves their bold trade for Queen didn’t burn them as badly as it could have. I’m just not sure how the Pelicans can put out lineups that are competitive on both ends, especially in the always unforgiving West. New Orleans got killed on the defensive glass last season, they were among the lowest-volume three-point shooting teams in the league, and they were below-average at forcing turnovers. These are things that tend to lose basketball games, and I don’t see them completely flipping with a similar roster this year. A Zion trade feels inevitable, and at this point it would be nice to see him get a change of scenery.

14. Los Angeles Clippers

The bad news for the Clippers is their future has been totally decimated. The good news (?) is that most of the pain will take place beyond this season. The Clippers still have a decent collection of talent, and I’m interested to see what a very good head coach in Ty Lue can do with it. Kawhi Leonard is out (did you hear about this?), and Keaton Wagler, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, and Rui Hachimura are in. Darius Garland is starting his first full year with the keys to the offense, and could be in for a huge season with so much offensive freedom. Garland’s pairing with No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler will be fascinating to watch. Wagler is about as low on athleticism as possible for a guard picked in the top-5, but his deadly off-the-dribble shooting and solid feel for the game gives him enticing upside. Brook Lopez is still here at age-38. That’s cool. Why the hell is Bradley Beal still on this roster? More cap circumvention? The Clippers owe their 2027 draft pick to the Thunder of all teams, and then the real pain begins. I’m sorry, Clippers fans. Please make the tickets really cheap, Ballmer.

15. Sacramento Kings

It’s easy to overlook all the misfortune that was cast upon the Sacramento Kings last season, because this franchise permanently exists in an unfortunate state. Domantas Sabonis (19 games), Keegan Murray (23 games), and Zach LaVine (39 games) all played less than half the season. If those guys stay healthy this year, the Kings can’t be so bad again, right? I’m not sure. Sacramento still feels like it’s stuck between two eras, but at least the rebuild got a promising young piece in Darius Acuff in this year’s draft. I have some skepticism about how Acuff’s game translates to the league, but he was such a warrior last year at Arkansas, and the Kings badly need someone like that who the fanbase can rally behind. I like Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell as young bigs with polar opposite skill sets, and I’m interested to see what Nique Clifford can do in year two. It just feels like the Kings are biding their time to blow up this roster, and I just don’t think it’s going anywhere before that happens.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a vacancy in their depth chart, and Tyrese Proctor might develop into the backup point guard they need to address it.

Given Cleveland’s offseason moves, which include trading both Max Strus and Dennis Schroder, the team will need someone who can handle the ball off the bench. As of now, Proctor is one of a few young guards jockeying for the position.

Craig Porter Jr. and rookie Meleek Thomas are his (friendly) competition. We’ll talk more about them as our season previews continue. For now, we’re all about Proctor.

Proctor was drafted 49th in the 2025 NBA Draft and enters his sophomore season with Cleveland. He played 50 games last year, averaging 5.4 points on 41.3% shooting from the floor. Nothing overly impressive, but he showed enough to make you wonder what might come next.

This leads us to our big question:

What would it take for Proctor to cement himself as Cleveland’s backup point guard?

A perfect fit, on paper

Proctor theoretically has all of the skills you’d want from a modern combo guard.

He has positional size at 6’4” and is comfortable playing with or without the ball. He’s got solid jump-shot mechanics and the physical tools to become a quality team defender. All of which makes him comfortable playing alongside anyone.

Yall don’t wanna see sophomore year Tyrese Proctor. pic.twitter.com/g5bh8iuNvh

— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) February 5, 2026

Versatility is a good skill to have. But it’s even more important in Cleveland, where the star-studded backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell will bury anyone who can’t play alongside them.

Proctor’s game pairs well next to either Harden or Mitchell.

With Harden, you need to space the floor and serve as a threat to knockdown jumpers. Proctor can check that box. He has experience playing without the rock and projects to be someone who can eventually nail jumpers at a high clip.

If paired with Mitchell, then Proctor has to lean into being a floor general. This means running the offense and being a creator. This skill is less refined, as of now, but something that’s still potentially in the cards for Proctor.

Above all else, Proctor has to put the full package together by being a stout defender at the point of attack. Covering for Harden and Mitchell defensively is arguably more important than coexisting with them offensively.

Proctor again seems to be the type of player who can accomplish this.

Doing so would not only make Proctor a contributor throughout the regular season, but also someone who can help stagger lineups in the playoffs.

Of course, this all has to be proven first.

Hurdles to clear

Proctor has shown flashes of everything that I listed above. But the full picture remains unclear. He’ll have to clear a few hurdles before officially being in the rotation.

So what’s holding him back?

For starters, his inexperience. Proctor is only 22 years old and hasn’t had much time in the league. Many of his minutes came in garbage time last season, and his most valuable reps were short-lived. That doesn’t give us a lot to work with.

Even with the limited sample size, it’s clear that Proctor has room to grow. All of his most exciting skills remain as untapped potential.

His jumper looks sweet, but he only shot 35% from deep last season. That won’t be good enough. Proctor will need to be closer to 40% for this to be the skill that he hangs his hat on.

On defense, Proctor seems like he can develop into a productive player. But how impactful can he be on a nightly basis? Can he fortify the point of attack? And can he make the correct rotations to fit into a team system? Consistency will be key.

Finally, what more can Proctor give as a creator?

He isn’t an elite dribbler or passer. Those skills feel tertiary right now — they aren’t at the core of his game. Creating advantages and causing defensive breakdowns will be the skill that ultimately determines Proctor’s ceiling.

Proctor’s sophomore season shouldn’t be sink or swim. He still has years of development on the table. But piecing some things together and being part of Cleveland’s rotation should be a serious goal for him. He might not get a clearer path towards playing time than this current season.

It’s that time of the year.

A hectic NBA offseason full of blockbuster trades and player movement has concluded as training camps have started to slowly open. Teams playing international preseason games are already reporting to camps. Practices will soon follow, and then preseason games, and soon enough we will be tipping off the regular season openers in a month.

This also means that it’s time to turn the page on last season. So while the New York Knicks are indeed the reigning NBA champions, every team is starting with a clean slate, and last year’s results really don’t matter all that much. It’s all about who is set up to win the 2027 NBA Finals.

With NBA training camps opening within the next week, here are the USA TODY Sports NBA preseason power rankings:

NBA offseason power rankings: Nos. 30-21

30. Milwaukee Bucks, 32-50 (regular-season record in 2025-26)

What will life look like post-Giannis? Probably some early pain, but Milwaukee will need to see which of its young players are pieces for the long haul.

29. Sacramento Kings, 22-60

Sacramento still seemingly lacks a clear direction. It's not quite building for the future or in position to compete. And perimeter defense is still projected to be a nightmare.

28. Brooklyn Nets, 20-62

Julius Randle adds another veteran presence to a roster that badly needs it, but the Nets won’t compete unless young, recent draft picks take serious steps forward.

27. New Orleans Pelicans, 26-56

Another team that doubled down on its current roster construction, the Pels could take a jump … but they need health and cohesion to do so. And those, right now, are big ifs.

26. Memphis Grizzlies, 25-57

It’s a new day in Memphis, with culture-shifting moves now complete. This youth movement may take some time.

25. Los Angeles Clippers, 42-40

Now with the Kawhi Leonard drama behind them, the Clippers can move forward. But because they’ve been stripped of draft picks, it could be years before this team seriously competes in a tough Western Conference.

24. Washington Wizards, 17-65

The Wizards could see a bump this season, but they’re unconventionally constructed. A lot will depend on Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and whether they can complement the rising stars on the roster, namely No. 1 overall selection AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr.

23. Dallas Mavericks, 26-56

It’s Cooper Flagg’s team, and a full season of growth and stability at point guard with Kyrie Irving returning should elevate his game even further.

22. Charlotte Hornets, 44-38

The Hornets are a little tricky to interpret and project. They posted something of a breakout season last year, but traded away two of their top performers, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, in culture-shifting moves. They’re all-in on shooting, but they could potentially see a regression if attempts don’t drop.

21. Golden State Warriors, 37-45

The Warriors had a stagnant offseason, but they still have Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler should eventually return from his torn anterior cruciate ligament. Load management will be crucial for this team full of aging vets.

NBA offseason power rankings: Nos. 20-11

20.  Chicago Bulls, 31-51

This is a team that could surprise. New coach Tiago Splitter should inject plenty of speed and versatility into Chicago’s offense, which is suddenly balanced with Norman Powell offering some scoring punch, Josh Giddey anchoring creation and No. 4 overall rookie Caleb Wilson potentially emerging as a star.

19. Portland Trail Blazers, 42-40

What this team needs is stability. Three different coaches since the start of last season is not a recipe for success. But the Blazers are looking to revive the career of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard is a veteran presence.

18. Utah Jazz, 22-60

The Jazz are no longer in tank formation and have an intriguing blend of young talent and veteran leadership. Utah is a candidate to post the biggest differential in wins this year versus last, and No. 2 overall selection Darryn Peterson should bring plenty of play-making.

17. Phoenix Suns, 45-37

The Suns are flying under the radar and will hope to see the full benefits of a Devin Booker-Jalen Green backcourt, now that Green is once again healthy.

16. Orlando Magic, 45-37

New coach Sean Sweeney’s main task will be to revitalize an offense that struggled at times to cohere with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as its stars. Consistency with perimeter shooting is also paramount.

15. Atlanta Hawks, 46-36

Atlanta was the biggest surprise in the East last season. Now with an identity and core in place, a bump in perimeter scoring could be the key to go even further.

14. Indiana Pacers, 19-63

The team to watch here is the Pacers. They’re returning Tyrese Haliburton, will have Ivica Zubac anchoring the middle and should be plenty motivated. They could even rise to the top of the conference if coach Rick Carlisle allows the offense to flow with pace and efficiency.

13. Detroit Pistons, 60-22

They led the East in the regular season but collapsed in the playoffs because Cade Cunningham simply didn’t have help on offense. It doesn’t help that Jalen Duren’s contract dispute is stretching this deep into the offseason.

12. Toronto Raptors, 46-36

Toronto feels like a team that could creep into the top third of the East if Kawhi Leonard stays healthy. He and Scottie Barnes create an intriguing duo that excel on both offense and defense.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers, 52-30

The Cavaliers’ addition of Peyton Watson boosts their chances, but this feels like the last shot for this build to prove it can compete for a championship. The Cavs finally got out of the second round of the postseason but were swept in the conference finals. With jobs on the line, perhaps even including coach Kenny Atkinson’s, that alone won’t be enough.

NBA offseason power rankings: Top 10

10. Boston Celtics, 56-26

The Celtics took a calculated gamble. But there’s no way to spin that Jaylen Brown is a massive loss, even if Boston didn’t want to pay him long-term. Either way, the Celtics need Derrick White to bounce back from his down season.

9. Denver Nuggets, 54-28

Strapped for salary cap space, the Nuggets had to make some difficult choices. Losing Peyton Watson will sting, but Denver looked slow and old during the playoffs, when it was bounced in the first round. The Nuggets absolutely need Christian Braun to bounce back and players like Spencer Jones and Cameron Johnson to develop further. This is a window to win that may be shrinking — and quickly.

8. Miami Heat, 43-39

The defense will be the identity and the Heat should continue their emphasis of fast-break offense. But any time you add a top-10 player (top-5?) there are plenty of reasons to be excited. No team has been better at reinventing itself on the fly than the Heat, who have one of the game’s premier tacticians in Erik Spoelstra.

7. Los Angeles Lakers, 53-29

It’s now Luka Dončić’s team, and Austin Reaves will be the clear No. 2. But can the role players provide enough of a spark to keep the Lakers competitive?

6. Houston Rockets, 52-30

The Rockets are an interesting case; they’re getting Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams back from injury, and VanVleet is the key piece. Houston could not find consistent play at point guard, and he should fill that void instantly.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves, 49-33

Credit the Timberwolves for understanding that running it back simply wasn’t going to get it done. Now, Anthony Edwards has a sidekick who can create his own offense in LaMelo Ball. And with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota has enough to mask Ball’s defensive deficiencies.

4. Philadelphia 76ers, 45-37

The clear winners of the offseason, the 76ers suddenly have the best starting five in all of basketball. Getting LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to assimilate and the health of Joel Embiid will be the big priorities in training camp and beyond.

3. San Antonio Spurs, 62-20

They have all the talent in the world and are young enough to keep improving, provided they learn from their mistakes in the NBA Finals. Mistakes like relying far too much on the perimeter shot and taking their foot off the gas. But with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all 22 years old or younger, the future is incredibly bright in San Antonio.

2. New York Knicks, 53-29

The Knicks are the kings of the NBA, but recent history shows how challenging it is to repeat; the last team to do so was the Warriors in 2018. New York does have its core in place, but the East got much deeper.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder, 64-18

Out West, the conference does feel top-heavy, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio as the clear, established threats. But the Thunder are entering the season healthy, after injuries derailed them in the Western Conference finals. While key role players like Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins have moved on, no team has been better than the Thunder at getting young players to step up.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA power rankings as training camps open for 2026-27 season: Who will compete for Finals?

David Robinson was never supposed to be a star. A high school nerd, Robinson was one of the last great sleepers. His college coach, Paul Evans, recruited him to Navy because he was 6-6 and had big feet.

Seriously. He thought Robinson’s feet suggested that he was going to grow some more, and at the time, Navy had a height limit. Getting a taller player in would have been a real coup.

He never expected to get a 7-1 Hall of Famer, but that’s what Robinson turned into.

He soon emerged as a surprise talent at Navy, and in 1986, only Duke kept the Middies from the Final Four, knocking Navy out in the Elite Eight.

In the NBA, he went toe-to-toe with players like Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Ultimately, he also played on the Dream Team and won two NBA championships before having his #50 retired by the San Antonio Spurs.

Later, his son Justin became a preferred walk-on at Duke, where he was a fan favorite and was emerging as a critical player for the Blue Devils just as Covid hit.

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Do you have to play sports to understand them?

It’s a question at the center of too many bad internet debates. “I bet you don’t even play ball.”

Does that matter?

Where is the line? Is the worth of an opinion weighed by the level of basketball? A D1 rec league player is allowed to comment on the NBA, but D3 is out?

It’s an ad hominem. The opinion is independent of the opinion holder. Still, we plebeians ought to remember that we don’t always know. There’s something strange, optically, about a high school social studies teacher publicly declaring that an NBA head coach ought to have one more season to prove his worth. Yet, here goes:

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka should only have one more season to prove his worth.

Rockets’ Ime Udoka has been a strong coach

It won’t be an unpopular opinion in these quarters!

You guys really, really don’t like Udoka. Opinions vary, yes, but the consensus leans heavily in one direction.

Perhaps my eyes don’t work so well. I’m not as low on Udoka. I think he’s, at a minimum, a top-15 coach in the NBA:

But creeping into the upper half isn’t a sound approach to job security as an NBA head coach.

We should all agree that Udoka is a strong defensive coach. There’s been some dispute over the extent to which he relies on lineups to bolster that defense. It’s been argued that if he can’t scheme around Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard, his defensive success is less about acumen and more about putting good defenders on the floor.

It could also be argued that God his -or-her self could not design a scheme that protects Sengun and Sheppard at the same time. Udoka has proven his ability to maximize Sengun on that end of the floor. His inability to draw blood from a stone should not discredit his ability to smelt iron from one.

It’s Udoka’s offensive know-how that’s rightly questioned; however, the numbers do not support that line of questioning. In Udoka’s two seasons at the helm, the Rockets ranked twelfth (114.9) and eighth (117.5) in Offensive Rating.

So, on paper, the question becomes “What are we even talking about?” Udoka has hovered around a top-ten offense in two consecutive seasons, and a top-five defense in each (sixth in 2024-25, fifth in 2025-26). If that’s enough to get his seat hot, almost every coach in the NBA should be developing back problems from constantly standing.

So what are we doing?

Rockets’ Ime Udoka’s seat should be getting hot

For Udoka critics, it’s less about the offensive results and more about the process.

Last year’s 36.3% Offensive Rebounding % was the highest in the NBA by a country mile. The gap between Houston and the second-place Portland Trail Blazers (33.2%) was roughly the same as the gap between the Blazers and the eighth-ranked Charlotte Hornets (30.8%).

In 2024-25, the recipe was rebounding and turnover repression – in the vernacular of the youth, “possession maxxing”. Last year, Fred VanVleet was out, but Kevin Durant replaced Jalen Green offensively, so the recipe was tweaked – more turnovers, but better shots, and the same offensive rebounding dominance.

In theory, 2026-27 could combine the best of both worlds. The Rockets will be formidable:

But if they don’t escape the first round, it’s a moot point.

That’s the real reality of Udoka’s situation. If a coach is eliminated in the first round in three straight seasons, the “why” is less relevant than the “what” – you fire them.

Those process-focused critics will argue that Udoka’s approach is not playoff-viable. The data is on their side, although the causation is unclear. It could easily be argued that other variables have hurt the Rockets’ playoff success.

In 2024-25, it made sense for an aging dynasty to beat an unproven upstart. The Rockets ran into the Warriors, triggering PTSD for every Rockets fan who was not born roughly yesterday.

Last year was both simpler and more complicated. Durant played one game. That’s worth noting, but injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves mitigate that excuse. Getting beat by Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart was a bad look. At least Smart is a Rocket now:

So prepare yourself for his shooting regression.

What if everyone had been healthy? Could Houston have exploited Reaves defensively to such an extent as to offset his offensive ability? Would Doncic have carried the day, or would Durant overcome him down the stretch? We don’t know; we can’t know; we won’t know.

Here’s what we do know: Udoka has one more season. It doesn’t matter where you land on him. It doesn’t matter if his offensive approach has playoff viability.

Frankly, his iso-heavy approach, paired with an insistence that his team outworks the other team, feels more playoff-friendly than some kind of elaborate system anyway, but if it doesn’t yield playoff results, it doesn’t matter. When you lose in the first round for three consecutive seasons, you lose your job:

It doesn’t matter what any of us think.

The Golden State Warriors enter the 2026-27 season as an afterthought to some but are one of the more profound sleeper teams in the league. Golden State returns with practically the same roster from last season, only adding their 2026 draft picks and a couple free agent signings.

The Warriors battled extensive injuries throughout the previous season and managed to sneak into the NBA Play-In Tournament, but failed to make the playoffs, losing in an elimination game for the No. 8-seed to the Phoenix Suns. It was just the second time since their 2022 championship that they missed the postseason which brought questions whether it was the last dance.

The only players remaining from their four-title dynasty that began in 2015 are Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr and all could have been gone this offseason after expiring contracts. Kerr contemplated retirement last year, but he's in for two more years. Green is back for another season and talks to ensure Curry retires a Warrior have already started. It might not be the last dance, but this is surely, the final act.

With an eerily similar roster, Golden State are putting emphasis on team-chemistry but they remain one of the deadlier threats on one contingency – maintaining health. Jimmy Butler missed 44 games with a torn ACL injury last season, while Moses Moody is recovering from a patellar tendon tear in his left knee that caused him to miss the final 22 games. Curry was out 27 games last year with jumper's knee. They answered questions at center by acquiring versatile big man Kristaps Porzingis in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, but he played on minute-restrictions as he recovered from earlier injuries and illness. Still, his natural fit, and the need to fill the position, was every reason for the Warriors to sign him to an extension this offseason.

Golden State has perennial "what-if" potential and there's belief within the organization that – if healthy – there is a path to a championship.

Here's a breakdown of the Golden State Warriors' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Golden State Warriors offseason review

• Record last season: 37-45 (10th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Lost in NBA Play-In Tournament, No. 8-seed elimination game
• Coach: Steve Kerr (13th season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +6600 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 41-41
• Offseason grade : F

Key roster additions

• G Brandon Williams (free agent signing)
• F Georges Niang (free agent signing)
• F Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
• F Lajae Jones (No. 56 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

• C Quinten Post (free agent, Warriors decline offer)
• F Pat Spencer (free agent)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can the Warriors remain healthy enough to compete?

• The Warriors have a variety of questions to answer: will rookie Yaxel Lendeborg have an immediate impact? will Brandin Podziemski get a new contract? how will new additions fit-in? how consistent can this supporting cast be? However none of those questions the Golden States faces are larger than the question of their health. Last year, despite all the setbacks, they managed to squeak into the Play-In tournament. The likelihood of aging superstars being 100% by April takes some luck, simply put. If the Warriors are healthy, you can place them on the court with anyone and there's belief they have a chance to win.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Stephen Curry
• G Jimmy Butler (ACL) - Expected by early 2027
• F Yaxel Lendborg
• F Draymond Green
• C Kristaps Porzingis

Rotation players

• G Brandon Williams
• G Brandin Podziemski
• G Gary Payton II
• G De'Anthony Melton
• F Gui Santos
• F Georges Niang
• C Charles Bassey
• C Al Horford

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Warriors have potential to be in the mix for a Western Conference postseason berth on the strength of returning players and building on team chemistry. But first they have to get there through enduring a grueling 82-game season that's already starting without key guys, Butler and Moody. It expected that Curry will do what he's capable of doing, even still at 38. The Warriors will only go as far as Curry can take them but their focus will be on everyone else. How guys acclimate to Kerr's system, where else offensive production comes from and the little details defensively is how success will appear in the Bay Area. In the meantime, getting – and staying – healthy is the Warriors' No. 1 priority.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Warriors season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

There’s something to be said about a team that understands a change, one potentially with risks, needs to happen.

The alternative would be stagnation, and the Minnesota Timberwolves went into this offseason clearly determined to avoid that at all costs.

The focus was on generating more offensive creation and shot opportunities outside of All-NBA shooting guard Anthony Edwards, who has been the face of the franchise. So Minnesota traded away Julius Randle and Naz Reid in separate deals, both clearing up cap space and adding former Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who will have to embrace efficiency in Minnesota.

Will that be enough for the Timberwolves to get over the hump?

Here's a breakdown of the Minnesota Timberwolves' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

TIMBERWOLVES: Sign free agent Jonathan Kuminga. What deal means

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Minnesota Timberwolves offseason review

• Record last season: 49-33 (6th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Eliminated in conference semifinals (2-4, against Spurs)
• Coach: Chris Finch (sixth season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +2500 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record: 55-27
• Offseason grade: B

Key roster additions

• G LaMelo Ball (trade)
• F Jonathan Kuminga (free agent signing)
• F Cody Williams (trade)
• F Trey Lyles (free agent signing)
• G Isaiah Evans (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

• F Julius Randle (trade)
• F Naz Reid (trade)
• G Mike Conley (free agency)
• F Kyle Anderson (free agency)
• G/F John Konchar (waived)

Biggest question entering training camp

How will LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga reshape Minnesota’s offense?

In the past three seasons, the Timberwolves have reached the conference finals twice. Last year, they failed to get out of the second round. Each time, the opposing team did the same thing: they threw extra bodies and double teams at Anthony Edwards, forcing him to be more of a facilitator than a pure scorer. Minnesota’s other players, however, could never generate enough offense to propel the Timberwolves through. Now, Edwards will have other outlets who can create offense, most notably LaMelo Ball, who should take over ball-handling duties. Ball can also create his own shot, though he was a high-volume option in Charlotte. Here, he’ll need to be more selective, and free agent addition Jonathan Kuminga is another threat who can slash to the rim. Both players are defensive liabilities, though the Timberwolves have enough in Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels to mask those deficiencies. The big question, however, lies on offense, and whether Ball and Kuminga (and guard Ayo Dosunmu, who shined in the playoffs) can take enough pressure off of Edwards.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G LaMelo Ball
• G Anthony Edwards
• F Jonathan Kuminga
• F Jaden McDaniels
• C Rudy Gobert

Rotation players

• G Ayo Dosunmu
• G Terrence Shannon Jr.
• F Joan Beringer
• G Donte DiVincenzo (injured)
• G Isaiah Evans
• G Bones Hyland
• F Cody Williams
• F Enrique Freeman
• C Rocco Zikarsky
• F Jaylen Clark

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A team taking chances to break through. Look for Minnesota to scheme up ways for LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu to get easy offense. In theory, that should allow Anthony Edwards to both conserve energy and pick his spots. Furthermore, if teams continue to double Edwards, that should give him plenty of viable options to knock down shots. Minnesota’s defense may take a bit of a step back, but an increase in shooting productivity makes the Timberwolves an interesting team to watch. But with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and other teams looming in the West, the path won’t be easy. The Timberwolves do deserve some credit, however, for understanding they needed to make tweaks to stay competitive, especially if they were unwilling to pay Julius Randle. One role that remains up for grabs is sixth man, where Naz Reid had shined. Could that become a spot for Dosunmu? Or, perhaps Kuminga, if he becomes a reserve? Either way, the Timberwolves will need a spark off the bench.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Timberwolves season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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It’s a new era for the Philadelphia 76ers.

After making the playoffs eight of the last nine seasons — but failing to get past the second round in each of those trips — the Sixers overhauled their front office and roster to seriously contend for an NBA championship.

It started with the May 12 dismissal of former president of basketball operations Darryl Morey. Then came Morey’s replacement, Mike Gansey, who had plenty of experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was Gansey’s ties to LeBron James — and the team’s splash acquisition of Jaylen Brown — that lured James away from Los Angeles for the chance to compete for a title.

The Sixers were the clear winners of the offseason. What comes next?

Here's a breakdown of the Philadelphia 76ers' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

PHILADELPHIA 76ers SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Philadelphia 76ers offseason review

• Record last season: 45-37 (7th in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Eliminated in conference semifinals (0-4, against Knicks)
• Coach: Nick Nurse (fourth season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +850 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 62-20
• Offseason grade : A

Key roster additions

• F Jaylen Brown (trade)
• F LeBron James (free agent signing)
• F Dean Wade (free agent signing)
• G Anfernee Simons (free agent signing)
• G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agent signing)
• C Ariel Hukporti (free agent signing)
• G Labaron Philon Jr. (NBA draft)

Key roster losses

• F Paul George (trade)
• C Andre Drummond (free agency)
• G Quentin Grimes (free agency)
• F Kelly Oubre Jr. (free agency)
• C Johni Broome (trade)
• F Trendon Watford (free agency)
• G Dalen Terry (waived)

Biggest question entering training camp

Will this superteam gel, and is it built to win a title?

• If there was one team that went all-in this offseason, it was the 76ers, who made massive splashes with their trade for five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown and their signing of NBA icon LeBron James. And with that, suddenly, the Sixers have the best starting lineup in the Eastern Conference, from top to bottom. The issue with superteams is that players are forced to sacrifice and alter their traditional styles of play. That might mean Brown taking on a far smaller usage share, or James limiting his jumpshot attempts in favor of play-making. The reality is that there may be a learning curve and period of assimilation. To be clear: this is a good problem for coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers to have. But expectations — both internal and external — will be sky-high, as these moves were clearly made to deliver a championship, which would be Philadelphia’s first in 44 years. The other question lingering within this larger question is whether star center and former MVP Joel Embiid, who has played just 96 of a possible 246 games (39%) across the last three seasons, can stay healthy.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Tyrese Maxey
• G VJ Edgecombe
• F Jaylen Brown
• F LeBron James
• C Joel Embiid

Rotation players

• F Dean Wade
• G Anfernee Simons
• G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
• G Labaron Philon Jr.
• C Adem Bona
• C Ariel Hukporti
• F Dominick Barlow
• F Justin Edwards

What to expect in 2026-27 season

A team that is making a push for a championship. The 76ers are all-in and will have to incorporate new star players Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. It will also be interesting to see how Tyrese Maxey’s role changes with all this; in the games Embiid missed last season, Maxey took on a massive offensive responsibility. As long as the Sixers embrace movement and sharing the ball, the offense should prove to be incredibly difficult to defend. The issue for Philadelphia will be on the other side of the court; the 76ers may struggle to defend opposing offenses. Another thing the 76ers should do is limit the regular-season workloads of James and Embiid, the latter of whom seemingly has worked to get in excellent shape this offseason. Philadelphia may very well end up with the top seed in the East. The real test will be what the Sixers do in the postseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philadelphia 76ers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

The Detroit Pistons were an overwhelming success last season, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. But a discouraging playoff exit in the conference semifinals and an unnerving offseason have tempered expectations heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.

Cade Cunningham is back as a legitimate MVP candidate capable of carrying the Pistons to another strong regular season. The front office also tinkered with his supporting cast while embroiled in a prolonged contract standoff with All-Star center Jalen Duren. Detroit addressed its lack of outside shooting by trading for former Oklahoma City Thunder sharpshooter Isaiah Joe and added forward John Collins as a replacement for veteran Tobias Harris.

There are lingering questions after the Pistons couldn't replicate their regular-season performance in the playoffs as to whether the roster is good enough to match or even approach what they did a season ago, reaching 60 wins for the first time in 20 years. Duren's status looms large for the franchise's trajectory, but Detroit should remain a dangerous threat in the Eastern Conference as long as Cunningham is healthy.

Here's a breakdown of the Detroit Pistons' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

DETROIT PISTONS SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Detroit Pistons offseason review

• Record last season: 60-22 (1st in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers in conference semifinals
• Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (3rd season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +3000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record: 45-37
• Offseason grade: B-

Key roster additions

• G Ebuka Okorie (No. 17 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
• G Isaiah Joe (trade)
• G Gary Harris (trade)
• F John Collins (trade)
• F Taurean Prince (trade)
• C Ugonna Onyenso (No. 53 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)

Key roster losses

• G Caris LeVert (trade)
• G Marcus Sasser (trade)
• F Tobias Harris (free agent)
• F Isaiah Stewart (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can the Pistons find common ground with Jalen Duren?

• Jalen Duren's playoff performance last year failed to match his breakthrough 2025-26 regular season and that dynamic has complicated contract extension negotiations with the Pistons. Duren is a restricted free agent who, as of Sept. 17, had yet to even sign a qualifying offer from Detroit, with reports indicating mutual interest with the Sacramento Kings. The Pistons are taking an understandable approach with Duren given his limitations, but their ceiling this season and beyond is considerably lower without their All-Star center.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Cade Cunningham
• G Isaiah Joe
• G Ausar Thompson
• F John Collins
• C Jalen Duren

Rotation players

• G Daniss Jenkins
• G Duncan Robinson
• G/F Kevin Huerter
• F Ron Holland III
• F Taurean Prince
• C Paul Reed

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Pistons have the fifth-best NBA title odds among Eastern Conference teams entering the preseason, but there remain doubts about whether their offseason moves improved the team enough. Cunningham's emergence as one of the league's best players gives this team a high floor and should keep Detroit among the top six in the East. Advancing past the conference semifinals this year will depend on how the front office sorts out its differences with Duren and whether Joe or Collins emerges as a viable third option.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Pistons season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Paolo Banchero hit an overtime game-winner in Brooklyn in January. Three months later he dropped 38 points on 14-for-25 shooting in a Game 7, and the Orlando Magic still lost by 22.

That gap, between what Banchero can do alone and what happens when nobody else shows up, cost coach Jamahl Mosley his job.

Orlando let Mosley go in May and hired Sean Sweeney, who arrived with a defensive reputation and a mandate to fix an offense that has finished 19th or worse in efficiency three consecutive years. Then the Magic did essentially nothing else. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said in the spring that the summer would be quiet, and it was. Nikola Vucevic came back on a minimum deal. Jonathan Isaac and Jevon Carter re-signed on minimums. Moritz Wagner left. That's the offseason.

Weltman's position is that Orlando was a top-five defensive and top-10 offensive team when healthy, and that the roster already contains everything it needs.

Here's a breakdown of the Orlando Magic's offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

ORLANDO MAGIC SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Orlando Magic offseason review

• Record last season: 45-37 (8th in Eastern Conference)
• Playoff finish: Eliminated in the first round (4-3 by Pistons)
• Coach: Sean Sweeney (first season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +8000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record : 36-46
• Offseason grade : C-

Key roster additions

• C Nikola Vucevic (free agent signing)
• Izaiyah Nelson (trade)

Key roster losses

• F Moritz Wagner (free agency)
• G Jett Howard (trade)

Biggest question entering training camp

Can a new voice fix the shooting?

• Orlando shot 39.7% from the field across seven playoff games against the Pistons and scored 97.7 points per game in that series. Five players in the rotation were top-eight draft picks, and Banchero's 53% career effective field goal percentage is lower than every top-five pick taken since 2018 except Cooper Flagg. Sweeney inherits the best young defensive personnel in the East and a shot diet that has never once worked in a playoff game. He has one summer of tape and no new players to blame.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Jalen Suggs
• G Desmond Bane
• F Franz Wagner
• F Paolo Banchero
• C Wendell Carter Jr.

Rotation players

• G Anthony Black
• G Jase Richardson
• F Tristan da Silva
• F Noah Penda
• C Goga Bitadze
• C Nikola Vucevic

What to expect in 2026-27 season

Health is the bet. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have each missed significant time in back-to-back seasons, and Suggs has admitted his playing style is part of why. The Suggs-Bane-Wagner-Banchero-Carter group was a plus-13.5 in 272 minutes last season, including the postseason, which is both encouraging and a reminder of how rarely they were all upright at once.

Vucevic gives Sweeney a backup center who can shoot, which Orlando badly needed and got for the minimum.

Nothing else about this team changed. The Magic are running back a 45-win roster with a rookie head coach in a conference that added two former NBA Finals MVPs during the summer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orlando Magic season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Information in this article was imported automatically into a template written and reviewed by a USA TODAY Sports editor. You can send feedback using this form.

The Memphis Grizzlies officially moved on from one era of the franchise and began a new one this offseason.

First came the selection of Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and soon thereafter, the Grizzlies finally executed a trade of star Ja Morant after looking for a deal to unload him at last year's trade deadline. Combined with the trades of Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. over the past year, Memphis has effectively flipped its roster.

The core is filled with compelling young pieces, with Boozer joined by recent first-round picks Cedric Coward and Zach Edey. Jerami Grant, who arrived via the Morant trade, as well as returning guard Ty Jerome give Memphis some experience and should help avoid finishing in the Western Conference cellar.

Though this team isn't expected to be a contender, there's intrigue that this rebuild could come together quicker than expected.

Here's a breakdown of the Memphis Grizzlies' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES SCHEDULE: Dates, times and opponents for 2026-27 season

Memphis Grizzlies offseason review

• Record last season: 25-57 (13th in Western Conference)
• Playoff finish: Did not qualify
• Coach: Tuomas Iisalo (3rd season)
• 2026-27 title odds: +75,000 (per BetMGM)
• Projected record: 20-62
• Offseason grade: B+

Key roster additions

• F Cameron Boozer (No. 3 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
• F Karim Lopez (No. 21 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
• F Jerami Grant (trade)
• C Isaiah Stewart (trade)
• C Quentin Post (free agent signing)
• F Kris Murray (trade)
• G De'Angelo Russell (trade)

Key roster losses

• G Ja Morant (trade)
• F Santi Aldama (trade)
• G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (contract buyout)
• F Brandon Clarke (death)

Biggest question entering training camp

How much will Zach Edey play?

• The Grizzlies’ 2024 first-round pick has been an effective anchor in the paint when healthy, and Memphis drafted Boozer, in part, because of his potential long-term fit alongside the 7-foot-3 Edey. But the 24-year old from Purdue played in just 11 games due to a lingering foot injury that required a second surgery in March. How quickly the Grizzlies’ rebuilding plans take shape depends on Edey’s availability and whether the double-double he averaged last year is sustainable over an entire season.

Projected starting lineup and rotation

Starters

• G Ty Jerome
• G Cedric Coward
• F Jerami Grant
• F Cameron Boozer
• C Zach Edey

Rotation players

• G Scotty Pippen Jr.
• G/F Jaylen Wells
• F Karim Lopez
• F/C Quinten Post
• C Isaiah Stewart

What to expect in 2026-27 season

The Memphis Grizzlies are a candidate to exceed expectations and challenge for a postseason berth in the West if their young core can come together quickly this season. The full-time return of Jerome, as well as the consistent presence of Edey and the health of guard Scotty Pippen Jr., are crucial for the team's chances of approaching a .500 record. The bet here is the Memphis front office's strong draft track record pays off again, and this group is battling for one of the final play-in spots by the end of this season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memphis Grizzlies season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

Late Wednesday night, the Lakers announced that longtime PA announcer and voice of the Lakers and Staples Center and Crypto.com Arena, Lawrence Tanter, had passed away.

Lawrence Tanter, forever in our hearts as a member of the Lakers family 💜 pic.twitter.com/IOmRECqu8m

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 24, 2026

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter. For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.

In June, Tanter resigned from his role following a stroke suffered earlier in the year. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Tanter entered hospice care in August with a strong message via text.

“Quote me,” he wrote, “‘It’s been a blessing.'”

With a career that began in 1982, Tanter saw countless players, teams, dynasties and Hall of Fame careers come and go through multiple arenas. As a result, Tanter is one of those people who everyone has a positive story about.

A true original that added his unique style to Showtime. Rest in peace, LT. https://t.co/GTDopukHGs

— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) September 24, 2026

I am so sad to hear. He was a great vibe dude, always engaged me in conversation about jazz, he was a music lover and the best announcer in the nba. I realized when attending many other nba arenas that noone else came close. Bless his beautiful heart. https://t.co/8gVC9YmFPL

— Flea (@flea333) September 24, 2026

On top of being a great person, LT took his job very seriously, truly understanding his critical role for fans.

He’d come up to me before every game and inquire – with that glorious baritone – about the starting lineup and any changes for either team.

True legend. 💛💜 https://t.co/I8vLeYjZqi

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 24, 2026

For me, the moment I associate with and remember the most from Tanter was when he announced every Laker as Kobe Bryant in the first game after his passing.

From 2020…

Lawrence Tanter announcing every Laker starter as Kobe 😢pic.twitter.com/ZwqdsxPZ4ehttps://t.co/wOwYrYMqQK

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 24, 2026

“He’s an iconic voice,” head coach JJ Redick said back in March when Tanter initially stepped away from the team. “Playing against the Lakers for 15 years…just playing against them in the Finals, it’s almost a comfort with him being in this arena.”

I think I speak for all Lakers fans when I say that Lakers games are never goign to be the same without him.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Longtime Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter died, the franchise announced on Wednesday night.

He was 76 years old. 

“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter,” the Lakers said in a statement Wednesday. “For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.”

Tanter began working as the Lakers’ P.A. announcer during the 1982-83 season, with his signature smooth delivery and baritone voice being a fixture at the franchise’s home games for over 40 years. 

The Lakers won 10 NBA championships during Tanter’s tenure with the franchise. 

“A true original that added his unique style to Showtime,” Lakers governor and co-owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “Rest in peace, LT.”

Tanter retired as the Lakers’ P.A. announcer in June, ending a 43-season run, with the team saying at the time that he’d continue to work with the franchise as a special advisor for game presentation.   

He was the longest tenured P.A. announcer in franchise history.

“Lawrence Tanter has been an integral part of the Lakers gameday experience for more than four decades, setting the tone for countless memorable moments with his professionalism, energy and signature booming voice,” Buss said in a statement in June. “Since the 1980s, LT has narrated every chapter of Lakers basketball, connecting generations of fans, players, coaches and staff while becoming a trusted and unforgettable part of the Lakers experience. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this franchise.”

Tanter missed the Lakers’ last six regular season home games and the playoffs after a health setback. 

ESPN reported that Tanter suffered a stroke in March. 

The team didn’t name Tanter’s successor after his retirement. 

Jason Barquero, the P.A. announcer for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, filled in for Tanter to close out the 2025-26 season.

“He’s an iconic voice,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said in March after Tanter’s first absence. “It’s almost a comfort level with him being in this arena.”

Tanter was born in Chicago in 1949. 

Standing at 6-foot-7, Tanter played forward on his high school basketball team and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Dubuque.

He moved to Southern California in the early 1970s before working at radio station KJLH, and eventually joining the Lakers.

The Lakers’ longtime public address announcer Lawrence Tanter died Wednesday, the team announced. He was 76.

Remembered for his smooth, baritone voice, Tanter served as the voice of the Lakers for more than four decades. Tanter narrated chapters of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and now Luka Doncic. After a stroke suffered in March forced him to retire from his game day role, he transitioned to an advisory role in June.

“For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena,” the team said in a statement Wednesday. “He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.”

Tanter started with the team in 1982 when the Lakers played in the Forum. His signature calls — “toooo many steps,” “Kobeee Bryant,” “Lllaker Girlsss” — were not boastful or over the top. For a franchise that came to embody old Hollywood glamour, Tanter’s voice became the ideal soundtrack.

Lawrence Tanter, forever in our hearts as a member of the Lakers family 💜 pic.twitter.com/IOmRECqu8m

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 24, 2026

“A true original that added his unique style to Showtime,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss wrote on X on Tuesday. “Rest in peace, LT.”

He backed fans up as they celebrated 10 championships during his tenure. He offered comfort in other, painful times.

Days after Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020, Tanter guided a sold out crowd through a tearful pregame routine, introducing all five of the Lakers’ starters with a familiar call: “Number 24, 6-6, 20th year out of Lower Merion High School, Kobeeee Bryant.”

The 6-foot-7 Tanter towered over many, but greeted everyone with a kind smile and warm conversation. Just as the players he serenaded with his calls became institutions in the sport, so did he. Tanter was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcaster Hall of Fame.

“I hope the team wears an LT patch this season,” former Lakers center and current team broadcaster Mychal Thompson wrote on X on Tuesday.

“He was a great vibe dude, always engaged me in conversation about jazz, he was a music lover and the best announcer in the NBA,” Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist and longtime Lakers fan Flea wrote on X. “I realized when attending many other NBA arenas that no one else came close.”

While many in his profession brought energy with loud, hyped up calls, Tanter held firm with his cool style. He “never tried to be a cheerleader,” Tanter told The Times’ Bill Plaschke in June.

“It’s been a great run,” Tanter said after announcing his retirement. “I’ve been blessed.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Shreyas Laddha of the Salt Lake Tribune was kind enough to join me on the Hoops Nerd Podcast. We discussed all of the following:

• Laddha’s journey to the NBA and how he got to Utah
• Darryn Peterson, his injury history, and whether he’s healthy for the upcoming season. We also discussed intel from Jazz workouts
• How Ace Bailey is looking in workouts and what the Jazz are impressed with
• Keyonte George and his new contract and what his role might be
• His prediction, as of today before camp, of what the Jazz starting lineup might look like
• The food in SLC and what he’s looking for, and what he thinks of fry sauce (very important reporting on this one).

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And make sure to read him at the Salt Lake Tribune! https://www.sltrib.com/staff/sladdha@sltrib.com/

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