NBA Power Rankings: Celtics and Thunder at the top, plus a big question for all 30 teams

For the first time in the 2024-25 season, we bring you NBA Power Rankings here at The Athletic.

You may remember me from such films as the 213 LA Clippers era, the Epitome Game Series, Justin Bieber’s teammate, The Reliability Tiers and Positionless is a Scam. This year, I’ll be your Power Rankings caretaker.

Week 1 just ended, and right now, it’s the Boston Celtics taking the lead as the defending champions. But they’re not just any defending champion. They have retained almost their entire rotation, unlike most teams that have attempted and failed to repeat since the Golden State Warriors were denied a three-peat in 2019. The Celtics somehow maintained a chip on their shoulder throughout the offseason, with Jayson Tatum racking up DNP-CDs in the Olympics that didn’t feature Jaylen Brown.

And now we have this season, where it’s not just about who can contend with the Celtics, but how the game is played. How are rosters being put together? What are the right amount of 3s, and what are the right kind of 3s?

We have all season to discuss so much. We’ll usually have a theme for these Power Rankings, which won’t just rank every team. We’ll retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers each week:

• Top Contenders – Locked at five, these are the class of the league
• In a Good Place – Could be one team, could be seven teams
• The Bubble – Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack
• Not the Tier to Fear – Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do
• Basement Floor – Bringing up the rear

What to expect from Power Rankings:

• These are my subjective rankings. I will consider a variety of objective measures, but it’s my final call.
• These rankings are not just a review of the past week — we are projecting forward as well, so it is a balance of the two.
• These are subjective, but not biased. There are no agendas in the Power Rankings, and we strive for an inclusive meritocracy
• Enjoy the games, and enjoy the rankings, please!

For Week 1 of The Athletic NBA Power Rankings, we will explore The Big Question for each team. Win-loss records are through Monday night, and other statistical data is through Monday’s action for this week. (Last ranking is based on offseason Power Rankings from July 16 by lead Bounce chairman emeritus Zach Harper.):

Tier 1: Top Contenders

1. Boston Celtics (4-0)

Last ranking: 1
In the last week: W vs Knicks, W at Wizards, W vs Pistons, W vs Bucks
Offensive rating: 126.1 (first place)
Defensive rating: 111.2 (14th)

The Big Question: Is it simply 3-point or bust?

Through four games, the Celtics are averaging 21.5 made 3s on 50.0 attempts. Both would set league records. But what is equally important for the Celtics to begin the season is how well they are defending the 3. Only two teams have allowed fewer made 3s (10.0) than Boston, allowing the Celtics to overcome what has been the least frequent paint-scoring offense in the league.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)

Last ranking: 2
In the last week: W at Nuggets, W at Bulls, W vs Hawks
Offensive rating: 109.2 (17th)
Defensive rating: 90.8 (first)

The Big Question: How do they hold up without Isaiah Hartenstein?

The Thunder didn’t make it out of the preseason without a major injury. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, whom Oklahoma City lured from the New York Knicks with a three-year contract, fractured his left hand and won’t debut until sometime in late November. Only the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards were worse rebounding teams than the Thunder last season, and Oklahoma City is actually worse in overall rebounding percentage to start the season (from 48.4 percent down to 47.2, ranking 27th in the league). It hasn’t mattered so far though, as the Thunder force the most turnovers in the league.

3. Dallas Mavericks (2-1)

Last ranking: 3
In the last week: W vs Spurs, L at Suns, W vs Jazz
Offensive rating: 109.9 (15th)
Defensive rating: 107.3 (fifth)

The Big Question: Can the late-season defense from 2023-24 carry over for a full year?

Through 62 games last season, the Mavericks were 34-28 and allowing 117.3 points per 100 possessions, ranking 23rd in the NBA. But in the last 20 games, the Mavericks sprinted to a 16-4 finish while allowing a league-low 107.2 points per 100 possessions. Even with widespread personnel changes, Dallas is off to a solid start defensively.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1)

Last ranking: 4
In the last week: L at Lakers, W at Kings, W vs Raptors
Offensive rating: 112.2 (12th)
Defensive rating: 109.8 (11th)

The Big Question: How long does it take Julius Randle to get acclimated?

Randle had a nondescript regular-season debut for the Timberwolves after getting traded with Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns, scoring only 16 points on 10 shots against the Lakers. He was much better against the Kings and Raptors, and he has at least four assists in each of the three games with the Timberwolves. Towns had one three-game streak of at least four assists all of last season.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)

Last ranking: 15
In the last week: W at Raptors, W vs Pistons, W at Wizards, W at Knicks
Offensive rating: 122.3 (second)
Defensive rating: 106.0 (fourth)

The Big Question: Is this the year Evan Mobley becomes a star?

Mobley has his second NBA head coach in Kenny Atkinson, who was a former assistant coach with the Warriors and LA Clippers after helping the Brooklyn Nets complete their late 2010s rebuild. Cleveland kept its entire rotation together and decided to move on from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Mobley is looking like an early beneficiary, increasing his 3-point and free-throw volume to start the season while being everywhere defensively. If Mobley keeps up the solid percentages (51 percent field goals, 50 percent 3s on 2.0 attempts per game, 88.2 free throws), then he could be a first-time All-Star.

Tier 2: In a Good Place

6. Phoenix Suns (3-1)

Last ranking: 12
In the last week: W at Clippers, L at Lakers, W vs Mavericks, W vs Lakers
Offensive rating: 111.5 (13th)
Defensive rating: 108.3 (sixth)

The Big Question: Did they figure out the point guard situation?

The Suns zagged hard last season, hiring a defensive guru head coach in Frank Vogel and punting on traditional point guards so that Devin Booker could be the lead ballhandler with Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant. It worked fine, as long as the Suns didn’t need to do anything in fourth quarters, when they were by far the worst team in the league. New head coach Mike Budenholzer has assist-turnover ratio merchants Tyus Jones and Monte Morris at the position. Those two small guards have combined for 32 assists and four turnovers, and the Suns are actually outscoring foes in the fourth quarter to start the season.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)

Last ranking: 16
In the last week: W vs Timberwolves, W vs Suns, W vs Kings, L at Suns
Offensive rating: 117.3 (fifth)
Defensive rating: 114.3 (20th)

The Big Question: How to keep LeBron James and Anthony Davis from wearing out?

The last time the Lakers started a season 3-0, Phil Jackson was defending an NBA championship in 2010. It has been an impressive start for new head coach JJ Redick, who has been able to keep James’ minutes down somewhat (34.7 per game). Davis has looked like an MVP candidate, but he is clocking in 37.1 minutes per game through four games; Davis has never played more than 36.4 minutes per game, and that was back in 2018 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Both James and Davis played more than 70 games and had six-year highs in total minutes, then spent their summers earning gold medals. Their durability and endurance bears watching, especially given their respective histories and that the Lakers are dead last in bench points per game.

8. Orlando Magic (3-1)

Last ranking: 11
In the last week: W at Heat, W vs Nets, L at Grizzlies, W vs Pacers
Offensive rating: 115.5 (seventh)
Defensive rating: 108.7 (eighth)

The Big Question: Can the offense take the necessary steps forward?

The Magic made the playoffs comfortably last season even though they were a bottom-five team in turnover percentage while making the fewest 3s in the league. So far, Orlando is off to a good start in both categories. Only four teams have made more 3s per game, while the Magic are 16th in turnover percentage. All of this, and that’s with Paolo Banchero struggling with his 3-point shot and turnovers in a game in which he was an assist away from a 50-point triple-double on the Pacers.

9. LA Clippers (2-1)

Last ranking: 17
In the last week: L vs Suns, W at Nuggets, W at Warriors
Offensive rating: 107.4 (24th)
Defensive rating: 103.2 (third)

The Big Question: When will Kawhi Leonard play?

Paul George left in free agency, Russell Westbrook was traded, and Leonard’s surgically repaired right knee hasn’t been right in seven months. The expectations for the Clippers are the lowest they have been in six years. The James Harden-led offense is a grind, but there is still a lot of talent and coaching for the Clippers to give themselves a chance to win games. They’re a few possessions of better execution away from being the most surprising team in the league, but Leonard’s continued injury rehabilitation is still the primary curiosity with this group.

10. Golden State Warriors (2-1)

Last ranking: 13
In the last week: W at Trail Blazers, W at Jazz, L vs Clippers
Offensive rating: 117.4 (fourth)
Defensive rating: 95.9 (second)

The Big Question: Have they addressed all their defensive inconsistencies?

One benefit to having a 12-man rotation is that it gives players a better chance to be at their best defensively since no player has to be too concerned with playing an outsized role. Last year’s Warriors were the lowest-ranked defense (15th) of Steve Kerr’s tenure as head coach, other than the nightmare fuel that was the 2019-20 season. New lineups, new players and a new philosophy have the Warriors defending at a high level again. It remains to be seen whether the defense holds up with guards Stephen Curry and De’Anthony Melton missing time with injury to begin Week 2.

Tier 3: The Bubble

11. Miami Heat (2-1)

Last ranking: 20
In the last week: L vs Magic, W at Hornets, W vs Pistons
Offensive rating: 108.9 (18th place)
Defensive rating: 109.6 (10th place)

The Big Question: How does Jimmy Butler approach this regular season?

Butler has been one of the scariest playoff competitors in the league since joining the Heat in 2019, leading the franchise to six postseason victories as a lower seed. But Butler couldn’t add to that list last year, missing the postseason with a knee injury after a regular season that saw the Heat fail to avoid the Play-In Tournament for the second year. Butler has a $52.4 million player option in the 2025 offseason and just turned 35 last month, so his activity level is something to watch out for in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

12. New Orleans Pelicans (2-1)

Last ranking: 7
In the last week: W vs Bulls, W at Trail Blazers, L at Trail Blazers
Offensive rating: 107.8 (23rd)
Defensive rating: 110.4 (12th)

The Big Question: What is this team supposed to be exactly?

This month has been full of false starts, like the Pelicans were the Saints’ offensive line (a team that is not bad at false-start penalties, for what it’s worth). Hurricane Milton canceled a preseason game, so the Pelicans had only three opportunities to sort things out. Center Jonas Valančiūnas left in free agency, and Daniel Theis started all of the preseason games because someone was always out. Brandon Ingram wasn’t traded. Zion Williamson missed the season opener due to illness and trade acquisition Dejounte Murray broke his left hand and needed surgery. Trey Murphy III got a contract extension, but he’s missing the start of a season for the second year in a row. New Orleans might not see its best six players on the floor at the same time, and for the first time, until after Thanksgiving.

13. New York Knicks (1-2)

Last ranking: 6
In the last week: L at Celtics, W vs Pacers, L vs Cavaliers
Offensive rating: 118.3 (third)
Defensive rating: 118.5 (29th)

The Big Question: Is this team too top-heavy?

The Knicks used six future first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, while also sacrificing Donte DiVincenzo. It gives New York an awesome group of talent while still maintaining an acceptable quota of Villanova players, but only one other player on the roster right now is worthy of playing more than 20 minutes per game, and that is shooting guard Miles McBride. Sure, New York will get injured bigs Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson back at some point, but that’s part of the concern as well: When have you seen a Tom Thibodeau team make it to and through a postseason in one piece?

 

14. Denver Nuggets (1-2)

Last ranking: 5
In the last week: L vs Thunder, L vs Clippers, W at Toronto
Offensive rating: 102.9 (29th)
Defensive rating: 109.4 (ninth)

The Big Question: Where are the shooters?

Speaking of bench play, the Nuggets finished dead last in 3-point attempts last season. The loss of starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made the team even thinner, with Christian Braun stepping into the starting lineup. You’d be shocked to learn that Denver did not add a respectable shooter to the roster; the only new Nuggets who have attempted 3s so far this season are Dario Šarić (0 of 1) and Russell Westbrook (1 of 10).

15. Milwaukee Bucks (1-3)

Last ranking: 9
In the last week: W at Sixers, L vs Bulls, L vs Nets, L at Celtics
Offensive rating: 111.2 (14th)
Defensive rating: 116.4 (26th)

The Big Question: Is this team too old to defend?

The only team older than the Bucks last season was the Clippers, and the Clippers were determined to get at least a little younger this offseason. Now, the Bucks are the oldest team in the league, and they look like it to start the season, especially defensively. Coby White, Cam Thomas and Payton Pritchard have torched them.

16. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2)

Last ranking: 8
In the last week: L vs Bucks, L at Raptors, W at Pacers
Offensive rating: 107.4 (24th)
Defensive rating: 113.5 (18th)

The Big Question: When will Joel Embiid play?

I guess we can add Paul George to this after he missed Week 1 with a knee bone bruise, but it all begins and ends with Embiid after what has been a rocky 2024. The Sixers haven’t exactly faced the strongest defenses the league has to offer, and Tyrese Maxey (34.9 percent field goals) is having a whale of a time finding easy looks compared to February and March when Embiid was out.

17. Indiana Pacers (1-3)

Last ranking: 10
In the last week: W at Pistons, L at Knicks, L vs Sixers, L at Magic
Offensive rating: 108.3 (21st)
Defensive rating: 115.8 (23rd)

The Big Question: Can they build on their run to the Eastern Conference finals?

Not many had the Pacers defeating the Knicks in May’s second round, no matter how many players wound up getting hurt for New York. Like Dallas, the Pacers traded for a power forward during the season (Pascal Siakam) and were eventually more competitive defensively. The return of Bennedict Mathurin after shoulder surgery ended his season prematurely last winter could bolster an already deep bench, but it has been a difficult start to the season for center Myles Turner on both ends of the floor.

18. Houston Rockets (2-2)

Last ranking: 19
In the last week: L vs Hornets, W vs Grizzlies, L at Spurs, W at Spurs
Offensive rating: 113.5 (ninth)
Defensive rating: 108.6 (seventh)

The Big Question: Can the offense take the next step?

Last season, head coach Ime Udoka and veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks helped make the neophyte Rockets competitive defensively. Now, the work needs to be done on the other end. Young players are getting paid now, as Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün have new rookie-scale contract extensions. There is too much theoretical talent and cohesiveness for the Rockets to be bottom five in field goal percentage again.

19. Chicago Bulls (2-2)

Last ranking: 25
In the last week: L at Pelicans, W at Bucks, L vs Thunder, W at Grizzlies
Offensive rating: 106.4 (27th)
Defensive rating: 111.1 (13th)

The Big Question: Will they acknowledge the 3-point line?

Last season, with Zach LaVine sidelined after January after foot surgery, the Bulls allowed 255 more 3s than they made. The next closest team on that woeful list was the Lakers, and they “only” allowed 201 more 3s than they made. Math was a significant issue for the Bulls last year. So far, only the Celtics and Warriors have made and attempted more 3s than the Bulls, led by Coby White and LaVine.

20. Sacramento Kings (1-2)

Last ranking: 14
In the last week: L vs Timberwolves, L at Lakers, W vs Trail Blazers
Offensive rating: 115.7 (sixth)
Defensive rating: 113.1 (16th)

The Big Question: How does this roster get stops?

Mike Brown expects the Kings to be an elite offensive team that gets just enough stops for it to matter. Brown’s difficulty lies in the fact that his three most important players are a small guard (De’Aaron Fox), a ball-dominant veteran wing (DeMar DeRozan) and a center who struggles to rim protect at a high level (Domantas Sabonis). Sacramento has an identity offensively with its direct handoff game, but a lot has to go right for the Kings to defend at a decent level.

Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear

21. Memphis Grizzlies (2-2)

Last ranking: 18
In the last week: W at Jazz, L at Rockets, W vs Magic, L vs Bulls
Offensive rating: 114.0 (eighth)
Defensive rating: 115.9 (24th)

The Big Question: Is the return of Ja Morant all this team needs?

Morant was limited to nine games last season because of suspension and injury, and his return has many looking at the Grizzlies of 2022 and 2023 that ascended to the top of the West. But Morant and the Grizzlies aren’t as fine in the West as they used to be. Sure, Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. playing a reasonable amount of games should mean the Grizzlies aren’t the worst offense in basketball like last year’s sabbatical season. But Memphis is not as big on the wing, not as experienced up front and not as talented on the bench to dominate teams like it used to, and that’s before the persistent durability issues that make it hard to trust the Grizzlies throughout a season. Case in point: Morant and Jackson have already missed time this season.

22. Atlanta Hawks (2-2)

Last ranking: 22
In the last week: W vs Nets, W vs Hornets, L at Thunder, L vs Wizards
Offensive rating: 112.2 (11th)
Defensive rating: 116.9 (27th)

The Big Question: How can Zaccharie Risacher make his mark next to Trae Young?

Not all No. 1 picks are created equal. For the past 10 years, every top pick has been a ball-dominant player, a big who can be force-fed or both. Markelle Fultz is a possible exception, and with all due respect, no one should be trying to emulate the trials and tribulations associated with Fultz’s early career.

Fultz started his career with fellow top pick Ben Simmons, who played Fultz’s position, and Embiid. Risacher gets to start his career next to Young, who is newly freed from his arranged association with Dejounte Murray. Young is back to touching the ball more than any other player in the league except for Nikola Jokić. In a related story, there’s not a single rookie averaging double figures scoring through the first seven days of the season, with Risacher at 7.3 points on 30.3 percent shooting.

23. Brooklyn Nets (1-2)

Last ranking: 29
In the last week: L at Hawks, L at Magic, W vs Bucks
Offensive rating: 109.6 (16th)
Defensive rating: 111.9 (15th)

The Big Question: Why would Cam Thomas ever pass the ball?

All scorers have to give the rock up at some point. It’s a team game, and the best scorers are good for an assist at least once a quarter. Through three games, Thomas is fifth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 30.7 points per game. You have to go all the way down to the 20th scorer (Norman Powell) to find a player with fewer assists per game than Thomas’ 2.7. But that is this year’s Nets roster as well. There aren’t a whole lot of options. And Thomas is an unapologetic bucket with even fewer players getting in the way of doing what he does best this season.

24. San Antonio Spurs (1-2)

Last ranking: 21
In the last week: L at Mavericks, W vs Rockets, L vs Rockets
Offensive rating: 108.1 (22nd)
Defensive rating: 114.1 (19th)

The Big Question: What does Victor Wembanyama’s takeover look like in Year 2?

Many expect the reigning Rookie of the Year to dominate in his second NBA season. Wembanyama is already that player defensively, but there are real steps he needs to take. He’s only at 42.9 percent from the field, has missed 14 of 18 3s and has more turnovers (11) than assists (seven) to begin the season. Chris Paul is the veteran point guard Wembanyama didn’t have to begin his career, but the Spurs have also been at their worst this season when Paul is on the floor; Paul can’t score inside the 3-point line right now.

25. Charlotte Hornets (1-2)

Last ranking: 28
In the last week: W at Rockets, L at Hawks, L vs Heat
Offensive rating: 113.1 (10th)
Defensive rating: 115.1 (21st)

The Big Question: What kind of identity can Charles Lee bring?

Lee, the Hornets’ new head coach, was an assistant coach with two championship teams in the last five years. In 2021, Lee was with the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer. Last year, Lee was on Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics staff. Naturally, Lee has the Hornets taking a ton of 3s while leading the NBA in offensive rebounds. Defensively, center Nick Richards has shown significant improvement as a rim protector. This is still a defensively challenged roster in many ways, but if nothing else, Lee is going to let LaMelo Ball put up preposterous volume.

Tier 5: Basement Floor

26. Toronto Raptors (1-3)

Last ranking: 23
In the last week: L vs Cavaliers, W vs Sixers, L at Timberwolves, L vs Nuggets
Offensive rating: 106.9 (26th)
Defensive rating: 115.6 (22nd)

The Big Question: How will they build around Scottie Barnes?

At the team’s media day, center Jakob Poeltl was very transparent about the expectations of this season’s Toronto squad: “It makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development.” He said it, not me. With that said, the Raptors have the outlines of an intriguing team. Barnes slid into the All-Star Game last year, just as head coach Darko Rajaković promised, and he got paid. Point guard Immanuel Quickley got paid as well, and small forward RJ Barrett has two more years on his deal after this one. Poeltl is a decent pivot, and shooter Gradey Dick is still the most recent lottery pick since Toronto didn’t have one this past June. This year should be about finding out who should be here long-term.

27. Portland Trail Blazers (1-3)

Last ranking: 27
In the last week: L vs Warriors, L vs Pelicans, W vs Pelicans, L at Kings
Offensive rating: 106.2 (28th)
Defensive rating: 113.3 (17th)

The Big Question: How does Scoot Henderson develop?

The Trail Blazers aren’t your typical basement-level expectations team. There are a lot of mouths to feed on this offense, even with 2022 lottery pick Shaedon Sharpe sidelined (again). Anfernee Simons is still here. Jerami Grant is still here. Deandre Ayton is still supposed to be Dominayton. Portland traded a lottery pick to add a prime Deni Avdija. Henderson was the third pick of the 2023 draft, and he struggled through a disappointing rookie season. He is still an explosive on-ball player, but the presence of so many other theoretical scorers makes it tough for Henderson to get the reps he needs to justify his draft selection.

28. Washington Wizards (1-2)

Last ranking: 30
In the last week: L vs Celtics, L vs Cavaliers, W at Hawks
Offensive rating: 108.7 (20th)
Defensive rating: 119.0 (30th)

The Big Question: How can Alex Sarr best be set up for success?

Sarr had a notoriously forgettable summer league, raising questions about whether he is ready to be a center to begin his NBA career. Head coach Brian Keefe has used Sarr primarily at center, although Sarr has also shared the floor and started one of his three games next to veteran Jonas Valančiūnas. In those 20 minutes Sarr and Valančiūnas have played together, the Wizards have gotten blitzed 62-37. That’s the equivalent of trailing by 50 points with eight minutes left in a game. Like Risacher, Sarr is struggling mightily to score early on (7.0 points on 28.6 percent field goals). Unlike Risacher, Sarr is on a team with no real intentions of winning many games, with the 2025 draft offering Washington a chance to add another top prospect.

29. Utah Jazz (0-3)

Last ranking: 24
In the last week: L vs Grizzlies, L vs Warriors, L at Mavericks
Offensive rating: 101.0 (30th)
Defensive rating: 117.9 (28th)

The Big Question: Who is helping Lauri Markkanen?

First of all, wishing a speedy recovery to Taylor Hendricks (leg). The Utah Jazz are the last team in the West to win a game, and each night has been more difficult than the previous. Markkanen is now under contract through 2029, and he has seen veterans such as Mike Conley and Kelly Olynyk shipped out since he arrived. This season, it could be Jordan Clarkson who finally gets moved, as he’s the only rotation player older than 30.

30. Detroit Pistons (0-4)

Last ranking: 26
In the last week: L vs Pacers, L at Cavaliers, L vs Celtics, L at Heat
Offensive rating: 108.7 (19th)
Defensive rating: 116.2 (25th)

The Big Question: It has to get better for Cade Cunningham at some point, right?

I wanted to give the Pistons some kind of credit. Detroit started the season with four playoff teams, and the Pistons didn’t lose any of those games by more than a dozen points. But alas, they are the last team in the East to win a game. Cunningham’s tenure in Detroit has been full of lows, but the Pistons have never started 0-5 with him either. New head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has elected to put playmaking (Jaden Ivey), shooting (Tim Hardaway Jr.), scoring (Tobias Harris) and size (Jalen Duren) around Cunningham in the first unit, a mix of veterans and young lottery picks on Cunningham’s timeline. Cunningham is doing more than ever, but that also means he is up there with Harden and Young in the turnover department, and the only thing the Pistons are set up well to do right now defensively is grab rebounds.

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(Top photo of Jayson Tatum: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)