2023 NBA Power Rankings, WAY Too Early Edition
I know the NBA Finals just ended a week ago, but I can’t help myself. Here are my WAY too early power rankings for 2023.
The 2023 NBA Season isn’t starting for months. Heck, free agency hasn’t even started yet. Regardless, I’m trying to predict where all 30 teams will land entering next season. Think of this as an offseason simulation. Be warned, a lot of speculation is about to start.
#1 – Golden State Warriors
2021-22 Record: 53-29
2023 Title Odds: +500
The Golden State Warriors don’t have much time to celebrate their fourth title in eight seasons. Already with the highest payroll in the league, this offseason comes with numerous tough decisions. Looney, Payton II, and Otto Porter are free agents. Poole and Wiggins are eligible for extensions.
The Warriors have already proved they’ll pay a hefty price for a winning price. But will Joe Lacob, one of the “least” wealthy NBA owners, foot the bill again? If not, Golden State will have to win with some new faces next season.
#2 – Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 Record: 51-31
2023 Title Odds: +750
If not for an injury to Khris Middleton, the Bucks could have been back in the Finals. But, that injury to Middleton exposed Milwaukee’s depth. They’ll have to bolster their bench and surround Giannis with the help he needs to win another title.
Drafting MarJon Beauchamp and retaining Pat Connaughton are steps in the right direction. Still, GM Jon Horst will need to make some savvy, small signings to get this team back into title-winning form. Milwaukee has their big three. Now, it’s time to build around them.
#3 – Boston Celtics
2021-22 Record: 51-31
2023 Title Odds: +600
Boston’s loss in the NBA Finals was a bitter end to an otherwise amazing season. To go from being under 0.500 in January to being in the NBA Finals is quite the turnaround. That loss in the Finals will help this young team grow, which is what has to happen for them to win it all.
Inconsistency and turnovers were Boston’s main problems last season. They need to find reliable options down the stretch of games to take that next step. Brad Stevens will have to work some more magic to get this team where they need to go. Tyus Jones, anyone?
#4 – Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 Record: 56-26
2023 Title Odds: +1600
The Memphis Grizzlies are the Tampa Bay Rays of the NBA. They have seemingly unlimited depth and continue to supplement that every single season. But, to take that next step, general manager Zach Kleiman will have to be aggressive.
Tyus Jones and Kyle Anderson are free agents. Giving Ja that supermax rookie extension may be an easy decision, but the rest of them won’t be. Memphis is no longer that young, happy-go-lucky team a few years away from winning. No, this is their time to win, and they’ll have to continue to make smart decisions to contend.
#5 – Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 Record: 52-30
2023 Title Odds: +1600
With Luka Doncic, Dallas’ championship window is wide open. They finally broke through in the playoffs, but their work is far from over. First-year head coach Jason Kidd did the best he could with a weak roster, but improvements are needed.
Trading for Christian Wood is the right idea, but they need more. Jalen Brunson’s future with the team is up in the air, so adding more talent will be necessary to keep this team in contending form. Hint: Add some defense!
#6 – Phoenix Suns
2021-22 Record: 64-18
2023 Title Odds: +800
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. After imploding in the playoffs, Phoenix’s contending window is crumbling. Chris Paul may (finally) be declining. Team owner Robert Sarver may be forced out by the league. This offseason may also spell the end of the Deandre Ayton era in Phoenix.
After failing to reach an extension last year, the former #1 overall pick is a restricted free agent this summer. With Phoenix’s unwillingness to give him a max contract, a sign-and-trade may be inevitable. Losing one of the best young centers in the NBA isn’t a remedy for success.
If Phoenix wants to contend, a lot of it has to do with resecuring Ayton in the desert. Have fun!
#7 – LA Clippers
2021-22 Record: 42-40
2023 Title Odds: +800
The Los Angeles Clippers were surprisingly good in 2022, all things considered. While they didn’t make the playoffs, their defense was stout. Their scrappiness and grit from their franchise’s lone conference finals appearance remained. The missing piece? Kawhi Leonard.
With Leonard coming back from injury, LA is back at full strength. The duo of Kawhi and Paul George is amongst the best in the league. But, outside of those two, the Clippers may be better than ever. Adding Norman Powell and Robert Covington at the deadline gives the Clippers endless defensive versatility. Powell should slide in well as a third scoring option.
Barring any more injuries, the Clippers will be contending in 2023. Look out, Western Conference.
#8 – Miami Heat
2021-22 Record: 53-39
2023 Title Odds: +1400
The Miami Heat want to bring things back, but I don’t know if that’s wise. Can Pat Riley count on a 36-year-old Kyle Lowry to get into peak shape? PJ Tucker just declined his player option, so he may leave, too.
This Miami team was older, and they’ll have to get younger to contend. Whether that means ditching Lowry or Duncan Robinson, I don’t know. While the 77-year-old, championship-hungry Riley can do more pushups than me, I don’t know if he sees the faults with this team.
And this isn’t mentioning a potential Tyler Herro extension. That could end up as poorly as the Duncan Robinson one.
#9 – Denver Nuggets
2021-22 Record: 48-34
2023 Title Odds: +2200
It’s do-or-die time for the Denver Nuggets. Similar to Memphis, they’re no longer a team on the rise. The time to win is now. Nikola Jokic is one of the five best players in the league and perhaps the best floor raiser. But, as we’ve seen in the past two years, he’s nothing without his co-stars.
Denver will be getting a healthy Jamal Murray and MPJ back to start next season. That will solve some of their problems, but not all of them. What about their supporting cast? Denver’s draft wasn’t my favorite, but they may need more role players.
New GM Calvin Booth’s first job is going to be pressure-filled. Denver has the talent to win. Now, it’s time to put the pieces together.
#10 – Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 Record: 51-31
2023 Title Odds: +1600
Philly’s offseason is once again intertwined with drama. Who would’ve thought? This year’s topic of discussion is James Harden – and what contract he’ll get with the team. The 76ers shouldn’t commit too long with an aging, declining Harden, but he’s also their only shot at a title. So…3 years? Maybe? I don’t know.
Other than that, the 76ers need to vigorously rework their supporting cast. Adding De’Anthony Melton was a great start, but they need more. More size on the interior and, as always, way more shooting!
This Philly team is a few moves away from contention. I truly believe that. But, if they botch the Harden discussions and don’t add talent? Well, we don’t want to talk about that, now do we?
#11 – Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 Record: 46-36
2023 Title Odds: +6000
After years of being unremarkable, the Timberwolves finally put things together last season. Their top draft picks were playing well, they had a competent coach, and it was fun to watch them. It’s been a long time since Minnesota was this good, but they’re at a crossroads.
Most of their roster is returning from last season, but what do they do about D’Angelo Russell? Russell seems like the odd man out now in Minnesota. While Towns and Edwards are primed for extensions from new president Tim Connelly, Russell seems expendable.
Still, T-Wolves fans should rejoice. It looks like they’re going to be competitive for a little while.
#12 – Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 Record: 44-38
2023 Title Odds: +600 (wtf)
Brooklyn’s favorable title odds don’t illustrate the utter mess they’re in. Remember 18 months ago when they traded for James Harden, and we thought the world was ending? Well, that superteam disbanded faster than the Oneders (Steve Zahn is the best).
Anyway, everything is falling apart for Brooklyn. GM Sean Marks and the front office are hesitant about giving Kyrie Irving a long-term contract. Irving has yet to make a decision about his player option yet. While moving Irving seems logical, the Nets are being held prisoner. Trading Irving could mean an unhappy Durant, which would mean the end of this incredibly tumultuous era.
Oh, and the Nets are pinning all their hopes on Ben Simmons. In short, it’s a clusterf**** in Brooklyn right now. They don’t have the money to add depth, and most of their stars don’t want to be there. Expect those +600 title odds to drop a LOT.
#13 – Toronto Raptors
2021-22 Record: 48-34
2023 Title Odds: +6000
Not to brag or anything, but I was higher on the Toronto Raptors than most people last season. I think I’ll hop on that train again. Pascal Siakam returned to form, and Scottie Barnes was better than expected. Making the playoffs was a success, but now it’s time to build on that.
But, without much cap space or draft capital, the Raptors are more or less stuck with who they’ve got. That’s not a bad thing per se, but this team isn’t contending for a title. Everybody knows that. For the Raptors to get better, they would have to swing a big move.
Fred VanVleet is good, but I think they can do better. Same thing goes for OG Anunoby. While I wish Christian Koloko the best, the second-rounder from Arizona doesn’t fill their need for a center. That’s why I’m proposing a trade for Rudy Gobert.
Just a thought.
#14 – Chicago Bulls
2021-22 Record: 46-36
2023 Title Odds: +6000
The Bulls are in a similar boat to the Raptors. Last season was successful, as getting to the postseason wasn’t a given coming into the year. Chicago navigated major injuries throughout their roster, which was impressive given their limited depth.
Now comes the challenge of taking that next step. Taking Dalen Terry in the first-round gives them even more defensive versatility on the bench. But, what they really need is a center down low. But, before the Bulls look to improve, they have to re-sign Zach Lavine. If they don’t do that, then all I’ve just said is for nothing.
If the Bulls do nothing else except re-sign Lavine, so be it. But the Bulls are another team that needs Rudy Gobert, Deandre Ayton, or Myles Turner. Nikola Vucevic is aging and can’t keep up with the elite bigs of the East.
Artūras Karnišovas has proven to be bold before. He’ll have to do that again for Chicago to become contenders.
#15 – New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 Record: 36-46
2023 Title Odds: +6000
New Orleans is another team to expect big things from next season. With Zion Williamson joining CJ and Ingram, the Pels have a formidable big three. That’s not to mention Jonas Valanciunas, among others. The Pelicans have quietly built up a great core.
A Zion Williamson extension may be coming, but I don’t know if the Pelicans need to make a move just yet. So much of their success hinges on the development of guys like Herb Jones, rookie Dyson Daniels, and Jaxson Hayes.
To me, I don’t think they need to trade for anyone. New Orleans may have to do something at the deadline, but for now, they have to see what they’ve built. I think that’s a pretty good plan given how dire their situation was this time last year.
#16 – Utah Jazz
2021-22 Record: 49-33
2023 Title Odds: +5000
Do anything. Please, for the love of God, don’t bring this team back again. Danny Ainge is known for blowing teams up to their core. I’m giving him the green light with this team. As things stand now, the Jazz will be ok. But we all know they can’t run things back. We’re past that point.
#17 – Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 Record: 44-38
2023 Title Odds: +8000
While Cleveland had a disappointing end to their season, they’re no longer rebuilding. The emergences of Garland and Mobley have shot them out of a cannon, and now it’s time to continue running. Drafting Ochai Agbaji was nice, but the Cavs only have one thing on the agenda this summer.
Collin Sexton.
Sexton was looking like the future of the team until he got injured and all but forgotten in 2022. Now a restricted free agent, the Cavs need Sexton’s scoring, but they hold all the cards. They can simply see what other teams are willing to offer and match it if they deem it acceptable.
So really, it’ll be hard for the Cavs to lose this offseason. I may suggest adding more ball-handlers and shooters while they’re at it.
#18 – Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 Record: 43-39
2023 Title Odds: +6000
Remember when the Atlanta Hawks handed out more than $300 million dollars in contracts after making the conference finals last year? Fun times. Anyway, now they’re financially stuck. Waiving Danillo Gallinari helps a little, but they have bad contracts galore.
An injury-prone AJ Griffin doesn’t do much for their outlook. Rumors have been circling over John Collins for months, but does it have to stop there? What about Clint Capela or Kevin Huerter? The Hawks may have to retool because this roster isn’t it.
They don’t have the individual defenders to compete. Any way they can – freeing up money to add defense has to be done. Or else Atlanta risks a repeat of their sluggish, frustrating 2022 season.
#19 – LA Lakers
2021-22 Record: 33-49
2023 Title Odds: +2200
We’re nearly at free agency, and the Lakers have done…nothing. WHAT? After that disastrous season, nothing notable has happened in Hollywood. All we’ve learned is that Anthony Davis hasn’t touched a basketball in months. FUN!
Darvin Ham could be a good coach, but this roster is as lifeless as ever. Russell Westbrook is still here because nobody wants him. The Lakers are still old, slow, and stupid. With limited cap space, the Lakers will be limited to make small signings like they did last season. And we know how that ended.
The only problem is that this time around, I don’t know if free agents are jumping at the opportunity to place in this hell hole.
#20 – Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 Record: 43-39
2023 Title Odds: +12500
Kenny Atkinson would have made me much more realistic about this team’s future. Instead, they hired Steve Clifford again because why settle for improvement when you can settle for mediocrity? Clifford is a good veteran coach who should improve the defense. However, I worry about his effects on this high-flying, young, fun offense.
Drafting Mark Williams will help defensively, but the Hornets need more. That’s why shopping Gordon Hayward and potentially Terry Rozier seem like necessary moves. Another must-do this offseason is to re-sign Miles Bridges.
The high-flying forward has blossomed into a ferocious scoring threat, someone who will command big money this offseason. It won’t be cheap to keep Bridges, but the Hornets seem ready to pay any price.
Still, I don’t know if this team has changed much from last year. If not, we’ll have to rename the play-in tournament the Charlotte Hornets Tournament™. Aka, the Les Robinson Invitational.
#21 – San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 Record: 34-48
2023 Title Odds: +25000
I see two outcomes for San Antonio’s upcoming season. One, they sit near the bottom of the West. Or two, they make another surprise run at the play-in tournament. As of right now, I’m leaning towards #2. Trading Dejounte Murray doesn’t seem realistic, so, for now, their best player is still in town. That’s always nice.
For the first time in franchise history, the Spurs took three players in the first round. Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley are all guys with tremendous upside for the future. However, I can see Sochan making an immediate defensive impact down low.
Add in some Vassell and Keldon Johnson, and you’ve got yourself a weird but surprisingly deep team. Maybe rebuilding is out of the cards for another season. This Spurs team is fun!
#22 – Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 Record: 27-55
2023 Title Odds: +12500
My Blazers are an unfinished project. Even the additions of Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe are just the tip of the iceberg. Joe Cronin will have his hands full over the coming weeks. The task at hand? Continue to surround Damian Lillard with talent.
Jusuf Nurkic is an unrestricted free agent, and breakout star Anfernee Simons is a restricted free agent. Interesting to see what happens with those two. Personally, bringing back Nurkic and potentially capitalizing on Simons’ buzz would be the best-case scenario.
With the 5th most cap space this offseason, Portland will have more chances to break my heart.
#23 – Washington Wizards
2021-22 Record: 35-47
2023 Title Odds: +50000
The Washington Wizards are endlessly circling the drain. It’s the same thing every year – keep Bradley Beal happy and draft some decent prospect with a mid-lottery pick. What’s going to happen this offseason? Washington will likely cave and give Beal the absurd $248 million supermax extension, which he doesn’t deserve.
On top of that, they’ll play veteran players like Kuzma, Porzingis, and KCP over the young guys who need the minutes! At the end of the year, they’ll win 30-ish games, not trade Beal, and repeat the cycle over again!
To Deni Avdija, Johnny Davis, Rui Hachimura, Daniel Gafford, and Corey Kispert, I’m sorry. Playing for the Wizards is a sentence I would want nobody to serve.
#24 – New York Knicks
2021-22 Record: 37-45
2023 Title Odds: +15000
There’s a reason Stephen A. Smith isn’t going to MSG this season. The Knicks were one of the big losers of the draft simply because they didn’t draft anybody. Through a maze of trades, they went for future flexibility instead of trying to grab a game-changer.
This is the classic double mistake we see so often in the NBA. New York messed up in free agency last season. So, their solution is to get more picks for potential trades. They botched their chances at a prospect to inject some life into their team.
Half of this roster is older, overpaid, and not doing it for me. Outside of Barrett, Toppin, Quickley, and Mitchell Robinson, if he resigns, this roster sucks. After one, fluky playoff high, the Knicks are right back down to the basement.
You know things are bad when Kyrie Irving is on your wish-list. Oh, and have fun paying Jalen Brunson $100+ million dollars.
#25 – Indiana Pacers
2021-22 Record: 25-57
2023 Title Odds: +75000
If this ranking were based on watchability, the Pacers would be near the top. I’ve been a Tyrese Haliburton guy since day one, and I’m excited to see what a season of him being the best player looks like. Adding Bennedict Mathurin in the draft wasn’t too bad either.
Indiana has cap space, but don’t expect many impactful additions. TJ Warren may come back on a small deal after dealing with injuries, but that’s about it. The best thing the Pacers can do is try and snag Deandre Ayton from the Suns.
If not, it’s no big deal. The future is bright in Indiana, as the first full season of their rebuild project is underway.
#26 – Sacramento Kings
2021-22 Record: 30-52
2023 Title Odds: +100000
There’s a reason Jaden Ivey didn’t want to play for this godforsaken team. Not only did the Kings mess up another draft, they haven’t gone anywhere. Mike Brown and Keegan Murray are cool, but this is the same team that we’re used to seeing. The same team doesn’t play defense and loses close games.
Sacramento’s roster still has a lot of questions. Will Davion Mitchell play with De’Aaron Fox? What’s going to happen with Richuan Holmes? The Kings will try to do everything in their power for the 10th seed…again.
But, it seems like another year of praying. Praying that their ill-fated, hastily decided decisions will come through, somehow. That’s not how you snap a 16-year playoff drought – that’s how you continue it.
#27 – Detroit Pistons
2021-22 Record: 23-59
2023 Title Odds: +75000
On the other end of the spectrum, the Pistons had the best draft in the entire league. Jaden Ivey fell into their laps with the fifth pick. Later in the lottery, Detroit traded for Jalen Duren, the center from Memphis. Adding those two alongside Cade Cunningham gets a big thumbs up from me.
The Pistons have parted ways with Jerami Grant, so it’s officially time to rebuild. With their plentiful cap space this offseason, the Pistons may add some veterans around the edges. They did it with Trey Lyles and Kelly Olynyk last year.
The Pistons have their core. Now it’s time to see what they’ve got.
#28 – OKC Thunder
2021-22 Record: 24-58
2023 Title Odds: +100000
Sam Presti and OKC had another successful draft night, bringing in three new prospects. Chet Holmgren, the 7-foot unicorn headlines the newcomers as OKC looks to transition into a more competitive year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may finally get unleashed.
The Thunder’s roster is basically overfilling with young talent. But, I think that this is the first year where we’ll see a little more than 25 wins. That’s the hope, at least.
#29 – Orlando Magic
2021-22 Record: 22-60
2023 Title Odds: +100000
The Orlando Magic threw everybody a curveball by taking Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick in the draft. Orlando is another team to expect better results from in 2023. They’ve collected young pieces over the past few seasons.
Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz will be fully back from injury. While Orlando’s backcourt needs some work, their frontcourt is teeming with talent. They’re another team to keep an eye on this season.
#30 – Houston Rockets
2021-22 Record: 20-62
2023 Title Odds: +100000
While those other three rebuilding teams may be exciting, the Houston Rockets won’t. Sure, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith are exciting. I like the promise of Alperen Sengun. But the roster is pretty barren after that.
Losing Christian Wood and potentially Eric Gordon means this team could lose most of their offense. And, more than anything, this team has a long way to go. The Rockets have started off on the right path, but they still have a ways to go.
The Rockets are a 2002 Toyota Camry with flame decals. The decals are cool, but it’s still a 20-year-old car. Nobody wants to drive that.
What Are Your Thoughts On My Power Rankings? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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