The NBA season is a marathon, but now the league pivots to the 2025 NBA Finals, where the stakes couldn’t get any higher. As the intriguing matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers draws near, it’s time to look back at the season that was and how every team stacks up right now.
These pre-NBA Finals power rankings consider several factors, including regular-season performance, postseason trends, and early outlook for the 2025-26 season. Before the battle for the Larry O’Brien trophy tips off, here’s where all 30 teams stand.
Pre-NBA Finals Power Rankings
1) Oklahoma City Thunder
Even though the Nuggets pushed them to the brink in the Western Conference semifinals, the Oklahoma City Thunder re-established their dominance in the 4-1 series win over the Timberwolves in the conference finals. Statistically, the Thunder have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season, and this postseason has been more of the same.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the engine that drives Oklahoma City’s offense. The 26-year-old enjoyed a career year, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, on his way to winning Most Valuable Player honors. He has continued to play at an elite level in the postseason. Gilgeous-Alexander is not a one-man band; the league’s youngest team is arguably the deepest.
Jalen Williams’ game also took a leap in his third season. He posted career highs in points (21.6 PPG), rebounds (5.3 RPG), and assists (5.1 APG). Williams also recently scored 34 points in Game 4 against the Timberwolves. The young core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Chet Holmgren is as promising a trio as there is in basketball right now.
Oklahoma City has been elite defensively. They had the NBA’s best defensive rating in the regular season, and that dominance has carried over into the playoffs. However, what separates the Thunder from other teams is their depth and unselfish play. They’re not afraid to go eight or nine deep, as their role players have proven to be able to take pressure off the stars.
2) Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are the surprise of the playoffs. The team has been on a gradual incline since Rick Carlisle returned to Indiana in 2021. The Pacers posted a 50-32 record this season, their best mark since 2013, and advanced to the conference finals for the second year. Despite securing the No. 4 seed in the East, this team appeared to be a long shot to outlast the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Knicks. But that’s precisely what they did.
the @NBA Finals tip off on Thursday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rnLSyicBfy
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 1, 2025
The Pacers were an efficient offensive team in the regular season (115.4, 9th-best offensive rating in the NBA). However, they have turned it up a notch in the postseason, with a 117.7 offensive rating, the second-highest in these playoffs. The duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam has led the way for Indiana. Haliburton has been an elite creator, consistently creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Meanwhile, Siakam has made his impact felt all over the court, and he’s seen a slight scoring uptick (21.1 PPG in playoffs).
Indiana’s role players have also stepped up significantly. Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, and Andrew Nembhard have each had their moments during this run. Not to mention, Myles Turner has been an impactful two-way big, averaging 15.2 points and 2.3 blocks during the playoffs.
The Pacers appear outmatched on paper against a deep and talented Thunder squad. The defensive pressure that Oklahoma City will throw at them will be tough to deal with while trying to slow their arsenal down on the other end. However, Indiana has proven everybody wrong thus far, so you can’t count them out yet.
3) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves won seven fewer games this season than during the 2023-24 regular season. Still, they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second year. The Wolves’ confidence was at an all-time high after breezing through the Lakers and the Warriors in the first two rounds. However, they met their match with the Thunder in the conference finals.
Even though there seems to be a noticeable gap between the Thunder and the Timberwolves, back-to-back conference finals appearances are nothing to scoff at. Chris Finch and company have arrived, and they’re ready to contend. The front office will have to get creative this summer, though, as Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are free agents, though Randle and Reid have player options.
It’s fair to assume the roster could look slightly different next season, but the core should be intact. Anthony Edwards looks every bit the part of a future NBA MVP, after finishing the regular season fourth in scoring (27.6 PPG), while leading the league in 3-pointers made (320). Jaden McDaniels also took a step forward this season on both ends of the floor and had the highest career usage rate (15.5%).
The Wolves’ primary objective this offseason should be to retain as many key contributors as possible, if not all. With Edwards, the long-term future is bright, but given the age of some of their veterans, the current championship window might not last much longer.
4) New York Knicks
New York Knicks fans showed up throughout the team’s playoff run. However, Tom Thibodeau’s squad fell short, falling to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks posted their second straight season with at least 50 wins, but they got one step closer to the ultimate goal after losing in the semifinals in each of the previous two seasons.
The Knicks front office created a formidable starting lineup last offseason, adding Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges after acquiring OG Anunoby during the 2023-24 season. Unfortunately, this put New York at a disadvantage in terms of depth. Being a top-heavy team certainly caught up to them against Indiana.
The Knicks are still in a great position heading into the offseason, led by a strong core of veteran players. Two-time All-Star Jalen Brunson put together another solid year, averaging 26.0 points, 7.3 assists (career high), and 2.9 rebounds. Towns averaged a double-double for the seventh time in his career, and at one point, he looked like a potential MVP candidate.
New York has the foundation to contend for an Eastern Conference title again in 2025. However, the front office must prioritize identifying valuable role players and filling out the bench if the Knicks don’t want to meet the same fate they did this season.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers
The 2024-25 season was truly a banner year for the Cavaliers. They finished with a 64-18 record, the franchise’s best mark since 2008. They dominated the regular season, boasting the NBA’s best offensive rating (121.0). Cleveland secured the No. 1 seed in the East in the first season under Kenny Atkinson, who won Coach of the Year honors.
The Cavaliers’ postseason performance didn’t match that of the regular season, though, as their season ended at the hands of the Pacers in the conference semifinals. The series wasn’t close either, as Indiana won to the tune of 4-1. Injuries certainly played a part, as Cleveland caught the bug at the worst time, but they still may not have beaten the Pacers the way they were playing. Even though it was a disappointing end to the year, there’s plenty of reason for optimism heading into next season.
Cleveland’s All-Star core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland led the way. Mobley enjoyed the most productive campaign of his young career. He averaged a career-high 18.5 and remained dominant on the other end of the floor, winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
The Cavaliers’ impressive 2024 season became forgettable because of how it ended. If it’s any consolation, Atkinson proved to be the right man for the job, which bodes well for their chances to run it back next year.
6) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics entered this season as the betting favorites to defend their title and repeat as NBA champions. By the end of the regular season, it appeared as if Joe Mazzulla’s squad had just as good a chance as any team to win it all. Boston won over 60 games for the second straight season and secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics were one of the best teams in the league during the regular season, posting the second-highest net rating (+9.4). However, after dispatching the Magic in Round 1 of the playoffs, Boston suffered a shocking exit in the second round. The Knicks already had the Celtics on the ropes, but losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury made any deficit insurmountable.
Tatum was having another strong year, too. The six-time All-Star averaged more than 26 points per game for the fifth consecutive season. He even took a step forward as a facilitator, averaging a career-high 6.0 assists during the regular season. Now, they will have to get used to life without their best player, as he’ll likely miss at least most of the 2025-26 season.
Boston should still be competitive even without Tatum on the floor, but it’s undeniable that their ceiling is significantly lower than it would be when he’s healthy. Naturally, Tatum’s injury alters the front office’s offseason plans. How Brad Stevens and company handle the adversity will determine if this team picks back up where it left off when Tatum returns.
7) Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets took a bit of a step back this season, finishing with a 50-32 record after winning 57 games during the 2023-24 campaign. There are likely mixed reviews about how Denver’s season ended. Some will look at the dip in the record and say the team that won the NBA Finals two seasons ago underperformed. Others might give them grace, considering they pushed the Thunder to seven games in the second round of the playoffs.
Regardless of how you slice it, the Western Conference is tough, and the Nuggets will have their work cut out for them if they want to return to the Finals. Injuries contributed to the team’s inconsistent play, as Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray missed a combined 46 games.
Nikola Jokić did everything he could for the Nuggets this season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists — becoming just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a full season (Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook). If it weren’t for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić would’ve taken home his fourth NBA MVP trophy.
Denver’s 2024 campaign was also highlighted by the firings of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, which took place right before the playoffs. The timing was puzzling, to say the least, but it signaled a shift in direction. Under the new head coach, David Adelman, the Nuggets enter the offseason wondering where they stand among the West’s best.
8) Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors lost to the Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs, but it seemed unlikely that this team would make it any further than that, especially at the beginning of the season. But given Golden State’s dramatic midseason transformation, anything was possible.
The Warriors’ performance was up and down to begin the season, leading to debate about the team’s outlook post-Klay Thompson. After months of drama, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler III from the Miami Heat, kickstarting a drastic turnaround. Butler’s relentless defensive presence and dynamic playmaking ability immediately impacted both ends of the floor.
The veteran core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler, along with the improved play of Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, brightened Golden State’s outlook heading into the postseason. Green made a strong case for winning Defensive Player of the Year honors, finishing third in the voting.
The move to acquire Butler signaled that the Warriors’ front office is serious about maximizing Curry’s (37-year-old) remaining time. It’s unclear if the currently constructed roster has the complementary pieces to contend for a championship, but how they approach the offseason will say a lot.
9) Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets enjoyed a resurgence during the 2024-25 season, finishing with their best record since 2018. Their 50-32 mark earned them the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. The breakout season ended a four-year playoff drought following James Harden’s departure. A top-10 team in both offensive and defensive ratings, Houston was a well-rounded unit that was among the best in the conference all season.
Unfortunately, the Rockets ran out of juice in their Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Still, after a few years of being basement dwellers in the Western Conference, the franchise has quickly turned things around under head coach Ime Udoka. Houston boasts one of the league’s brightest franchises, rich with young and promising talent.
The 2024 season saw young stars Jalen Green (27.6%) and Alperen Şengün (27.3%) operate with the highest usage rates of their respective careers. Şengün earned his first All-Star selection, averaging a double-double for the first time in his career. Amen Thompson blossomed into arguably the team’s most valuable asset in his second NBA season, taking a step forward in every category and establishing himself as a genuine two-way threat.
Even though the Rockets’ season didn’t end as they’d hoped, this young group showed the entire NBA that they’ve arrived. The front office will have some critical personnel decisions. Still, Houston’s combination of youth, talent, and draft capital makes them one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2025 season and beyond.
10) Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the season with tempered expectations, particularly after the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook last offseason. However, they outperformed preseason expectations, finishing with a 50-32 record and the franchise’s 12th playoff berth in 14 seasons.
While the Clippers were somewhat inconsistent on the offensive end in 2024, they boasted one of the league’s elite defenses with a 109.4 defensive rating (3rd in the NBA). James Harden turned 35 before the season, but he enjoyed a resurgence, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. Norman Powell also played at a high level, scoring a career-high 21.8 points per game.
For as good as Harden and Powell were during the regular season, Ivica Zubac’s breakout campaign may have been the most impressive. The 28-year-old posted career highs in points (16.8 PPG), rebounds (12.6 RPG), and assists (2.7 APG). Zubac anchored Los Angeles’ defense and emerged as an imposing post presence on both ends of the floor.
Kawhi Leonard played in just 37 games this season, but when he was on the floor, he showed that he’s the same player we remember. The Clippers lost a tight seven-game series to the Nuggets, but they have the foundation to contend for a title in 2025, if they can stay healthy.
11) Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024-25 season was defined by the shocking blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft compensation to the Mavericks for Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. That move shifted the entire NBA landscape and will have a lasting impact on next season and beyond.
All in all, the beginning of JJ Redick’s tenure as head coach was met with mixed reviews. The Lakers finished with a 50-32 record this season, slightly improving over their 47-35 mark the previous season. However, they got bounced in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. Despite securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, they lost to the Timberwolves in five games. Redick’s decision-making with his rotations came under fire down the stretch.
Looking ahead to the offseason, Los Angeles has some significant questions to answer, most notably at the center position. The team’s decision to rescind a trade deadline deal for Hornets big man Mark Williams exposed them in the paint. While Jaxson Hayes showed flashes, he struggled to stay on the floor, forcing Redick to lean heavily on small-ball lineups. Expect Rob Pelinka to actively work to address that weakness this offseason. James will be entering his age-41 season, and while he’s still playing at a high level, the 21-time NBA All-Star can’t play forever. The Lakers will likely look to maximizeJames and Dončić’s time together so that an aggressive offseason could be in the cards.
12) Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had championship aspirations heading into this season, but their on-court performance didn’t live up to expectations. Despite winning the NBA Cup and finishing the season with a 48-34 record, the Bucks failed to compete consistently with the top teams in the East. In the regular season, they posted a 0-10 record against the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Knicks.
Damian Lillard missed significant time after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. Though this was a major blow to Lillard’s health, Giannis Antetokounmpo elevated his play when his fellow All-Star wasn’t on the floor. According to Cleaning the Glass, Milwaukee had a +9.0 difference when Antetokounmpo was on the court without Lillard, suggesting the team was far more effective with the ball in his hands.
Though the Bucks seemed to be peaking at the right time, they couldn’t overcome the Pacers in the playoffs, dropping the first-round series 4-1. Now, the front office enters a pivotal offseason in the franchise’s future. Despite Antetokounmpo’s brilliance, the team’s inconsistencies suggest this team is not ready to contend for another title yet.
With rumors swirling about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee and a lack of draft and financial assets, the Bucks could consider trading the two-time MVP.
13) Detroit Pistons
This season was nothing short of a miraculous turnaround for the Detroit Pistons, who shattered expectations and emerged as one of the best stories in the NBA. After posting five straight seasons of 23 or fewer wins, they finished with a 44-38 record, the franchise’s best mark since 2015.
Detroit’s front office deserves plenty of credit for the team’s historic turnaround. They added veterans Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, and Tim Hardaway Jr.. Each player made an impact in their first season with the Pistons, especially when improving the team’s perimeter shooting.
First-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was also pivotal, solidifying the rotations and instilling a winning culture. Under his leadership, Detroit was one of the grittiest teams in the league, and Bickerstaff made a strong case for winning Coach of the Year honors. Cade Cunningham also made a significant leap in Year 4, averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds with a 46.9% field goal percentage and 35.6% three-point percentage.
Despite falling to the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, the Pistons put the rest of the league on notice that they’re coming. Their success this season suggests that they are on an upward trajectory and have a clear path to sustained success.
14) Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies enjoyed a nice turnaround in the 2024 standings, posting a 48-34 record after winning just 27 games in an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. Still, getting swept in the first round of the playoffs wasn’t ideal, albeit against the Thunder.
The Grizzlies’ biggest setback this season was Ja Morant’s 32-game absence during the regular season. Even though Memphis’ core trio of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane posted an impressive +9.3 net rating when on the court, all three weren’t available as much as they’d hoped. However, Bane and Jackson performed well in stretches without Morant, helping pick up the slack.
In a surprising turn of events, Memphis fired head coach Taylor Jenkins midseason. Despite posting a 250-214 head coaching record, Jenkins’ coaching philosophy didn’t mesh with general manager Zach Kleiman, who’s looking for someone to get this promising team over the hump. The front office will look to clarify the franchise’s direction in the offseason.
After an early playoff exit, the Grizzlies’ brass could be looking to make more drastic moves this summer. A Ja Morant trade seems unlikely, as he’s been the face of the franchise since getting drafted in 2019. However, his series of suspensions and run-ins with the league office could be enough to see at least what’s out there on the trade market.
15) Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic reached the NBA playoffs for the second straight season, but yet again, they suffered an early exit. Jamahl Mosley’s squad fell to the defending champion Boston Celtics in five games. Despite a disappointing end to the year, Orlando put up a valiant fight against a superior basketball team.
The Magic finished with a 41-41 record this season, which was a step back after posting a 47-35 mark in 2023. Paolo Banchero suffered an oblique injury early in the year and missed significant time. He played well after returning, averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Franz Wagner enjoyed a strong year, posting career highs in points (24.2 PPG), rebounds (5.7 RPG), assists (4.7 APG), and steals (1.3 SPG). Jalen Suggs also had a career year before a quad injury sidelined him for the season.
Orlando’s advanced numbers reflect the team’s strengths and weaknesses. They were an elite defensive team, finishing with the NBA’s second-best defensive rating (109.1). On the flip side, they were highly inefficient on the offensive end, ranking 26th in offensive rating (110.4) and 29th in effective field goal percentage (51.4%).
How will the Magic grow after building a strong foundation and tasting success over the past two seasons? To compete with the best in the Eastern Conference, Mosley, general manager Anthony Parker, and the front office must make adjustments and improvements.
16) Miami Heat
The Jimmy Butler era in Miami is over, but his departure leaves the Heat facing critical questions about their future. After a tumultuous 2024-25 season marked by internal drama and a third consecutive play-in tournament appearance, Miami traded Butler to Golden State before the deadline, signaling an acceptance of their current reality.
The Heat made it out of the play-in tournament but soon got swept by the Cavaliers in the first round. Despite the team’s inconsistent performance this season, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo earned All-Star nods. Herro posted career highs in points (23.9), assists (5.5), and field goal percentage (47.2%).
A significant factor in Miami’s struggles in 2024 was the team’s inability to execute down the stretch in close games. The Heat had a 3-11 record in one-possession games, ranking among the league’s worst in clutch situations.
How will the Heat take a significant step forward next season rather than remain in the same competitive tier? The challenge is to redefine their identity, leverage their existing talent, and strategically build a roster capable of moving beyond the play-in purgatory.
17) Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and the front office stole the show this season when they traded superstar Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. The move was unfathomable then and left fans questioning the franchise’s direction. As an insult to injury, Davis suffered an injury in his Mavs debut and ultimately played just nine games with the team.
To make matters worse for Dallas, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL, all but guaranteeing that this team wouldn’t make it any further than the play-in tournament. Even if Irving and Davis were fully healthy, it isn’t easy to envision this squad competing with the Western Conference’s best.
In a twist of fate, though, the NBA Draft lottery threw the Mavericks a bone, as they somehow landed the No. 1 overall pick. That puts them in a position to draft Cooper Flagg, the consensus best player in the class and a future franchise cornerstone who will inject excitement back into the building and fanbase.
Though Irving could miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season, the addition of Flagg instantly brightens the outlook of the team next season. When healthy, Dallas will have three All-NBA caliber talents on the floor.
18) Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings secured a spot in the play-in tournament, a familiar position that mirrors their finish from last season. Their postseason journey didn’t last long, though. Sacramento had much higher hopes for this season after adding DeMar DeRozan last offseason and trading for Zach LaVine.
Despite a midseason coaching change from Mike Brown to interim coach Doug Christie in December, the team’s performance remained inconsistent. DeRozan and Lavine didn’t mesh well on the floor together, and that was just one of several issues for this Kings team. Their defensive rating (115.3) ranked in the bottom half of the NBA.
This offseason will be challenging for the Kings’ front office. De’Aaron Fox’s departure has already raised concerns among players like Domantas Sabonis about the franchise’s direction, potentially leading to further roster instability. Sacramento finished two games under .500, and the roster suggests the team’s ceiling isn’t much higher as currently constructed.
19) Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are entering a pivotal offseason, with several questions that need answers, including around the future of All-Star point guard Trae Young. Can they build a legitimate championship contender around him?
The Hawks’ 2024-25 season was more of the same, as they were in the play-in tournament once again and finished below .500 for the second straight season. On paper, this roster should have performed better. However, Jalen Johnson’s season-ending injury and inconsistent play from the rest of the young core kept Atlanta in the middle of the pack in the East.
Reaching the NBA Cup semifinals was a high point for the Hawks, but the season was disappointing. Even with Young’s brilliance and the emergence of Dyson Daniels as a defensive stopper, it’s hard to imagine this team truly contending with the Pacers, Knicks, Celtics, and Cavaliers in the East.
The front office’s decision on Young will be big, as the franchise’s path forward hinges on how they address this question. With other promising young talents in Johnson, Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta could explore pivoting away from the guy who’s been the face of the organization for seven seasons.
20) Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns were arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA this season, finishing well below expectations with just 36 wins. The league’s most expensive squad boasted a “Big 3” of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, all of whom were on max contracts. However, the on-court product revealed a team not anywhere near championship contention.
“This is the most important off season in Suns franchise history.” 😯 @BobbyMarks42 outlines potential off season priorities for the Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/kMKuiAwKM3
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 10, 2025
Talent alone wasn’t enough, as the three stars’ skill sets didn’t complement each other as previously imagined. The supporting cast was also insufficient, and Phoenix got inadequate production from the center position. Defensively, the Suns were a disaster, finishing with the league’s fourth-worst defensive rating (117.7). Despite featuring elite scoring talents, they weren’t elite on the offensive end either.
Phoenix fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season, and more changes will surely come in the offseason. Given the need for a significant reset, many expect the team to trade Kevin Durant. Moving Devin Booker might be unlikely, but it’s probably not off the table. It will be interesting to see what else Mat Ishbia and the Suns do to rebound from this underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.
21) Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers were one of the pleasant surprises of the 2024-25 NBA season. Chauncey Billups’ squad won 36 games this season, 15 more games than they did in 2023. This major leap suggests there’s reason for optimism heading into the 2025 season and beyond.
A significant factor in Portland’s late-season ascent was the development of some of their key young players. Deni Avdija averaged a career-high 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds on the year. Over his last 30 games, he averaged 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 threes. Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Scoot Henderson also took steps forward in 2024, solidifying the young foundation of this team.
The Trail Blazers’ unexpected success had led to contract extensions for Billups and general manager Joe Cronin. Despite accumulating a 117-211 overall record during Billups’ tenure as head coach, this team was in a complete rebuild in the post-Damian Lillard era. This young team has shown promise, and now they could be on the cusp of being a playoff contender sooner rather than later.
22) Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have gotten very comfortable with making the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, having played in it for the third consecutive season. While they don’t seem ready to contend for a deep playoff run soon, the backcourt duo of Josh Giddey and Coby White has offered intriguing glimpses of a potential future.
Chicago moved on from leading scorer Zach LaVine midseason, and the team played better than expected after his departure. Rookie Matas Buzelis came on strong toward the end of the season. He saw an uptick in minutes after the All-Star break (increased from 14.8 to 26.8 minutes per game) and averaged 13 points per game with a 58.5% true shooting percentage. Buzelis’ breakout was another positive sign for the franchise’s future.
This summer, the question facing the Bulls concerns Josh Giddey’s contract. He reportedly wants starting point guard money, but neither he nor White is a solidified No. 1 option, so the front office must decide whether to commit long-term or fully embrace a rebuild. Chicago will be picking outside the top 10 in the 2025 NBA Draft, so it remains to be seen if they can land a go-to player in this class. Still, this team has a few bright spots, offering some hope to return to the playoffs.
23) San Antonio Spurs
It’s the end of an era for the San Antonio Spurs, as legendary head coach Gregg Popovich stepped away from his role after 29 seasons. He’ll now become the team’s president of basketball operations. As Popovich passes the torch, the Spurs are entering a pivotal offseason.
Despite high hopes for a play-in push after acquiring De’Aaron Fox and pairing him with Victor Wembanyama, the season was derailed after Wemby was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. The duo played just five games together this season. Still, San Antonio is in a prime position to make a significant leap next season.
The Spurs boast a promising young core of Wembanyama, Fox, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Now, they own the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, which many project the team will use to select Rutgers combo guard Dylan Harper. That is a strong foundation to build upon and could lead to a massive turnaround.
Even though the Spurs missed the playoffs this season, their 34-48 record was a noticeable jump from their back-to-back 22-win campaigns. With an ultra-talented nucleus of high-upside players and new coaching direction, playoff contention could be a legitimate goal for San Antonio in 2025.
24) Toronto Raptors
The 2024-25 season was a rough one for the Toronto Raptors, as injuries largely derailed their aspirations of even reaching the play-in tournament. Despite this, the team’s future is now clearer, centered around a promising young core.
For much of the season, it was difficult to gauge the Raptors’ true potential due to the inconsistent availability of their key players. However, even when RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley were healthy, the results were not encouraging. When sharing the floor, the trio posted a -11.7 net rating per 100 possessions. After acquiring Brandon Ingram, Toronto has another ball-dominant player in the mix.
The Raptors’ season saw them finish with a 22-21 record over their final 43 games, a late-season surge that does offer a more positive outlook entering the offseason. Ingram has yet to play a single game for Toronto, but his additional scoring punch is highly anticipated, as he’s scored more than 20 points per game in six straight seasons.
Outside of the Raptors’ top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the team’s core is mostly locked in for next season. Their long-term ceiling will depend on how they use that selection and whether or not their skill sets can mesh on the floor.
25) Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers must be glad that their disastrous 2024-25 season is over, as they performed well below preseason expectations. After seven consecutive seasons with at least 43 wins, Philadelphia won just 29.3% (24) of their games this season. They were out of the playoff picture for months despite adding nine-time All-Star Paul George last offseason.
The primary contributor to the carnage was a catastrophic run of injuries to their stars. Joel Embiid appeared in 19 games, while Paul George suited up for only 41. Tyrese Maxey signed an extension with the 76ers last offseason, but the team’s struggles often overshadowed his All-Star caliber play. With the increased burden, Maxey averaged a career-high 26.3 points per game. Unfortunately, even promising rookie Jared McCain suffered a season-ending injury, costing him a shot at Rookie of the Year honors.
It’s hard to get the train rolling when Embiid, Maxey, and George only play 14 games together for an entire season. However, the lottery ball bounced in their favor, awarding Philadelphia with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. A player like Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe could help inject some life into the building after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
The Sixers’ ability to contend in the East depends on Embiid and George’s availability and commitment, but that’s a gamble given their respective injury histories.
26) Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets’ 2024 season pretty much went as expected. The front office has seemingly fully embraced the rebuild. While there were unexpected stretches of competitiveness, the team prioritized securing favorable lottery odds. Brooklyn now has the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft, one of four selections in the first round.
The Nets are entering a critical offseason, loaded with draft capital and their first lottery pick since 2010. It will be interesting to see what they do with Cam Johnson, the team’s second-leading scorer (18.8 PPG). The sharpshooter will likely get plenty of trade interest this offseason, and moving him could allow Brooklyn to acquire more assets.
First-year coach Jordi Fernández Torres did relatively well despite finishing 30 games below .500. He kept the team competitive, and the Nets won more games than projected in the preseason. That’s impressive considering leading scorer, Cam Thomas (24.0 PPG), played in just 25 games.
The current roster lacks a proven cornerstone player, but the front office hopes to land that player in this draft class. Building out their young core should be of utmost priority this summer.
27) New Orleans Pelicans
The 2024 season was a lost campaign for the New Orleans Pelicans, as the injury bug struck them. Offseason addition Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured hand in the season opener and later tore his Achilles, ending his debut in New Orleans after just 31 games. Many other key Pelicans players missed significant time, including Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado, and CJ McCollum.
Murray, Williamson, and Ingram never stepped on the floor together, and they never will after New Orleans traded Ingram to the Raptors. Murphy’s injury may have been the most disheartening of all because he was in the midst of a breakout campaign, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 36.1% from deep.
Health and availability plagued the Pelicans this season, and it will be a major talking point in the offseason. Murphy and Murray could see their respective recoveries bleed into the start of next season. Williamson has not played a full season since entering the NBA in 2019. The 24-year-old is a popular name who should receive significant interest in the summer trade market.
Joe Dumars and the front office must determine whether they will continue investing in and betting on Williamson as the franchise’s cornerstone. It’s challenging to understand how good the Pelicans can be because their key players haven’t played much together, making for a difficult road ahead.
28) Charlotte Hornets
This was yet another forgettable season for the Charlotte Hornets—one riddled with injuries. Viewed by some as a potential playoff team heading into 2024, they posted just 19 wins, their lowest total since 2011, when they were the Bobcats.
Charlotte’s core trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams barely saw the floor together (211 total possessions). Their skill sets seemingly complement each other, but it isn’t reflected on paper. Ball played just 47 games, marking the third time in his career that he’s appeared in less than 50 games. Miller averaged a career-high 21.0 points, but his campaign ended at 27 games.
Williams played in the most games of his career (44), but it’s still very concerning that he has only 106 contests under his belt through three seasons. The Hornets also tried to trade the big man to the Lakers before the trade deadline, but the deal was reportedly rescinded due to a failed physical. Still, Williams is only 23 and has shown flashes of dominance.
Injury issues have plagued Charlotte for several seasons, preventing this team from developing any real continuity. The Hornets have another top-5 pick, but it’s hard to project when the tide will turn.
29) Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards had a rough go of it this season. They finished the year with an 18-64 record, the worst in the Eastern Conference. It was their second consecutive campaign with fewer than 20 victories. To be fair, this team wasn’t expected to be competitive, as the long-term rebuild continues. However, there were high hopes that the Wizards would ultimately win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Instead, they ended up with the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft, adding insult to injury.
Despite finishing with the NBA’s worst net rating (-12.2), the 2024 season wasn’t all bad for Washington. Some of the team’s young core showed progress in their development. Alex Sarr came on strong after the All-Star break, with averages of 15.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in just over 27 minutes played. Bub Carrington made the All-Rookie Team, and Kyshawn George also showed flashes of potential.
Another season with more than 60 losses has to sting, but at least they were expected to be bottom-dwellers again this season. Even though the draft lottery wasn’t kind to them and they fell outside of the top 5, the Wizards still have an opportunity to land at least a fringe star in a deep class. Washington’s rebuild could take longer than anticipated, but it has to stay the course.
30) Utah Jazz
This year’s Utah Jazz made history, but that’s not good. They finished with the league’s worst record at 17-65, marking the first time that the franchise has ever lost 60 more games in a season. They overachieved in each of the previous two seasons, but Will Hardy’s squad completely fell off the tracks in 2024, finishing with a -9.2 net rating (third-worst).
If Utah’s goal was to position itself for better odds in the lottery, it worked, as they own a top-5 pick in this year’s draft. However, they didn’t hide it very well, and the NBA fined the team towards the end of the season for failing to adhere to the player participation policy.
Lauri Markkanen is a name to watch on the trade market this offseason. Despite signing a five-year, $238 million extension before the start of the season, the All-Star forward appeared in just 47 games, and he’s yet to play more than 68 games in a season since getting drafted in 2017. The front office must now decide whether to build around Markkanen or deal him to try and accelerate Utah’s rebuild.
