If you enjoyed last season's fierce battle in the NBA Western Conference, which saw three different teams vying for the No. 1 seed over the final 11 days, you'll be happy to know that next season could be just as intense, especially between the second-tier teams.
And, as a bonus, the Eastern Conference, which was made up of the Boston Celtics and their 14 affiliated teams last season, appears to be just as dangerous.
Twelve days after the 2024 NBA Draft and eight days after the free-agent market officially opens, there will be winners and losers and, as always, a few franchises willing to handcuff themselves to the treadmill.
While the Celtics remain dominant, many of the other NBA teams are fearless and eager to put up a fight. We look at the changes in the NBA power rankings for free agency and why they matter. generally Behind us:
30. Washington Wizards
Their big move was, erm, Jonas Valanciunas, a big man who can score but can't defend with a decent foot, and if they can recapture the vibe they had when Jordan Poole was rich, they could be a fun team to watch.
29. Detroit Pistons
J.B. Bickerstaff will parachute into Detroit after being released by the Cavaliers to be respected, and Cade Cunningham will get a max contract extension, but it will be hard to win more than 30 games with this roster.
28. Brooklyn Nets
The Mikal Bridges trade was a clear definition of where the franchise is headed for the future, and while we like Nic Claxton, their rebuilt draft capital is far more impressive than their roster.
27. Chicago Bulls
Have you seen the GIF of John Travolta wandering into an empty room with a stunned look on his face? I think Zach LaVine has seen it. After losing DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, he can relate to that.
26. Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan and Deandre Ayton are an interesting pairing, but this team is not interesting. Adding Deni Avdija doesn't change that. This team is going to be a lottery pick with or without Anphenee Simons.
25. Charlotte Hornets
They're mediocre when healthy but awful when injured, and they'll be welcoming first-year coach Charles Lee with LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller and a roster that's the size of four deli sandwiches.
24. Atlanta Hawks
If reports are correct, the ownership family decided to keep Trae Young and trade Dejounte Murray for a reasonable return, with two future first-round picks at stake. The shuffling isn't over in the ATL.
23. Toronto Raptors
They're not even trying to fool anyone. The mid-season trade of OG Anunoby for Pascal Siakam changed everything. The future will be built around Scottie Barnes. He should be very patient.
22. Utah Jazz
Utah basketball coach Danny Ainge has two things tied up: a freighter full of future draft picks and Lauri Markkanen hostage, both because Ainge can and because Lauri doesn't care. For now.
21. San Antonio Spurs
The additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes will bring an extra level of professionalism on the court and make the game and life easier for Victor Wembanyama.
20. Los Angeles Clippers
The promising duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard fell through and were replaced by poor man's point guard Derrick Jones Jr. Russell Westbrook may be gone but James Harden is staying. Coach Tyronn Lue got a new arena. It would take a miracle.
19. Houston Rockets
The team generated a lot of momentum last spring after meeting the demands of head coach Ime Udoka, and some of that momentum should continue, especially with the addition of the best shooter in the draft, Reed Shepard.
18. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still elite, but this game could be filled with drama and the addition of a high-profile supporting cast in Bronny James. Here's hoping the youngster does well.
17. Miami Heat
Where is Jimmy Butler? That's the question running through the mind of team president Pat Riley. And it's why no contract extension talks have taken place. Erik Spoelstra will once again be asked to make four-day-old apple pie.
16. Sacramento Kings
A backcourt featuring De'Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan will mean points, the return of Malik Monk will mean even more points, Domantas Sabonis will have some 15-assist games, but coach Mike Brown will continue to emphasize defense.
15. Golden State Warriors
Losing Klay Thompson will hurt, but the front office has done a good job replenishing the roster, and they need Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to be available and in good form, plus another star player, to make the playoffs.
14. Memphis Grizzlies
After a season marred by health issues and suspensions, they could be back in contention for a championship if Ja Morant comes back strong and Marcus Smart can play two ways, with Jaren Jackson Jr. looking like the perfect fit at center.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell is secured, Jarrett Allen is still on the roster, as is Darius Garland for now, and the challenge ahead for new coach Kenny Atkinson is to bring complexity to the offense.
12. Phoenix Suns
Big boss Matt Ishbia hired new coach Mike Budenholzer to get the most out of his three stars, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and no team has a more urgent need for point guard Monte Morris.
11. New Orleans Pelicans
The Murray trade would have made sense, and it would make even more sense if the Pelicans could find a new home for Brandon Ingram, especially if the deal fills a hole at center, but nothing is more important than whether Zion Williamson is available.
10. Indiana Pacers
They're one of the most intriguing teams in the league and while they won't be making any flashy moves, thanks in large part to Tyrese Haliburton, they should benefit from having Siakam on the roster at the start of training camp.
9. Orlando Magic
The addition of free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a very smart move. He is one of the top five two-way guards in the league, and in theory his experience will help the younger players, especially Paulo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Doc, how are you? Injuries and soreness caused them to drop out of the playoffs early. They will be hoping to return and get healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo is important for them, but unless they improve their defense, they won't make it in the playoffs.
7. Denver Nuggets
They win it all in '23, lose two key reserves, then fall out of the World Cup semifinals in '24, lose KCP to Orlando and key reserve Reggie Jackson to Charlotte, and life gets harder with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and a newly improved Jamal Murray.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
The starting lineup will remain the same, with only Kyle Anderson out of the rotation, and Rob Dillingham, the cautious veteran who replaced Mike Conley, will likely get some playing time. Anthony Edwards' playoff experience will be a big help.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Their biggest target was Klay Thompson, and they got him. His off-ball action and shooting should blend easily with ball-handlers Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Don't underestimate Quentin Grimes. I expect big strides in their future.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
They won the Paul George race and traded Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton and Nic Batum. They added tough wing Caleb Martin and floor-spacer Eric Gordon. Tyrese Maxey got paid. If Joel Embiid stays, they're a real threat.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
They acquired Alex Caruso from the Bulls to bolster their defense, added some inside power with Isaiah Hartenstein, signed shooters Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, and lost Josh Giddey, which shouldn't hurt. OKC architect Sam Presti continues to thrive.
2. New York Knicks
Mikal Bridges was a big deal, but he's a sure thing that can help the team win right away. OG Anunoby was a big deal, but there's no better wing defender. If they both stay healthy and Julius Randle plays well, they could be a hot streak for Boston.
1. Boston Celtics
The Champs acquired Jayson Tatum and Derrick White to contract extensions and also re-signed a third big man, Xavier Tillman, with all of the big-name players from the big parade lined up to run again.
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