NBA Power Rankings Place All 30 Teams in Six Tiers for 2024-25 Season

The 2024-25 NBA season is already generating buzz as analysts predict how teams will perform. To help fans understand it all, NBA power rankings have grouped teams into six distinct tiers. These rankings categorize teams based on their championship potential, development phase, or rebuild status. From the favorites to teams eyeing the lottery, here’s a breakdown of what to expect this season.

NBA Power Rankings: The Six Tiers

1. The Favorites: Championship Contenders

In this top tier, teams aim for nothing less than a championship. With rosters stacked with talent, these teams are expected to compete at the highest level and view this as a make-or-break season.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics return with their core roster intact after an impressive championship run. Despite Kristaps Porzingis’s injury setback, the team remains strong enough to contend. As long as they stay healthy, the Celtics are well-positioned for another deep playoff run.

Sporting News | MSN | The Celtics return with their core roster intact after an impressive championship run.

Denver Nuggets

Although they’ve lost key players like Bruce Brown, the Nuggets still have Nikola Jokic leading the charge. While their depth may not be as robust as in previous seasons, Jokic’s presence keeps them competitive, and they’re banking on their young talent to step up.

Philadelphia 76ers

With the addition of Paul George, the 76ers boast a formidable Big Three alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Health remains their biggest hurdle, but if this team stays intact through the playoffs, they have what it takes to challenge any opponent.

2. So You’re Saying There’s a Chance

These teams aren’t favorites but have the potential to make a surprise run. They aren’t seen as the most likely to win, but it wouldn’t shock anyone if they did.

Dallas Mavericks

As long as Luka Doncic leads the way, the Mavericks remain contenders. Adding Klay Thompson strengthens their offense, but questions linger around their defensive capabilities. Who will step up to guard the opposition’s top scorers?

Milwaukee Bucks

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks still possess a championship-caliber roster. The health of their star players remains a concern, but if they stay healthy, this team can beat anyone on a good night.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns’ core trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal is a force to be reckoned with. Under the direction of coach Mike Budenholzer, they’ll aim to improve defensively while leveraging their offensive firepower. They have the pieces, but can they make them work?

3. Playoffs or Play-In: Teams on the Edge

These teams are solid but may fall short of true title contention. They’ll fight for playoff spots, with some potentially landing in the play-in tournament.

Golden State Warriors

Losing Klay Thompson is significant, but the Warriors have reloaded with veteran talent. Stephen Curry is still an elite player, and if Draymond Green can stay healthy, the Warriors have a shot at a decent playoff run. However, their success hinges on the development of younger players like Jonathan Kuminga.

Cleveland Cavaliers

With a new coach and a talented roster, the Cavaliers are in their final chance to make their core group work. The pairing of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland offers scoring firepower, but questions about their fit with the bigs, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, remain.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are still led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both of whom are top-tier players. However, their lack of depth and consistent two-way players may hold them back from serious title contention. Still, they’re dangerous if healthy during the playoffs.

Gautam Varier | MSN | The Lakers are still led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, both top-tier players.

4. A Tier of Their Own: Unique Teams

This tier is for teams that have unique circumstances setting them apart from the rest.

San Antonio Spurs

Led by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are taking their time to build around their future star. The addition of veteran leadership like Chris Paul should help develop their young roster. While they aren’t immediate contenders, their growth trajectory is one to watch.

5. Yawn: Teams in Rebuild or Plateau

These teams might win some games but won’t be in the playoff conversation. Whether rebuilding or simply stagnant, they’re not on anyone’s radar as serious contenders.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have hit a plateau. They’re sticking with Trae Young, but the trade of Dejounte Murray signals a shift. While Young is still an elite offensive player, his inability to defend makes it hard for the Hawks to be seen as serious contenders.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are transitioning away from chasing play-in spots. With a roster led by overpaid veterans like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, they seem set for a rebuilding phase with no clear path to relevance in the near future.

6. Cooper Flagg Watch: Eyes on the Draft

These teams are focused on rebuilding and aiming for the top pick in next year’s draft. All eyes are on securing Cooper Flagg, a highly-touted prospect.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are far removed from their superstar era with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. While they still have some decent veterans, the focus has shifted to rebuilding and developing younger players. Ben Simmons is a question mark, and the second half of the season will likely be about seeing if he can salvage his career.

Charlotte Hornets

With new ownership and a young front office, the Hornets are embracing a full-scale rebuild. LaMelo Ball remains their cornerstone, but their focus is long-term, building around their young prospects. Their chances of competing this season are slim, but they are betting on the future with high draft picks.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz have a few talented players, like Lauri Markkanen, but the franchise is looking toward the future. Danny Ainge is known for making big moves, and with Cooper Flagg on the horizon, he’s likely to prioritize building a team that can contend in the future rather than push for immediate playoff success.

Portland Trail Blazers

After trading Damian Lillard, the Blazers are in full rebuild mode. While they have promising young talent, it’s clear that this season will be about development and positioning themselves for the draft. They’re more focused on the long game and securing high draft lottery odds than competing for a playoff spot.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards are betting on young talent like Jordan Poole to lead their rebuild. With years of mediocrity behind them, the franchise is now focused on securing a top pick and positioning itself for long-term success. They’ll spend this season developing players and increasing their chances for Cooper Flagg.

The 2024-25 NBA power rankings reflect a clear division between teams vying for championships and those focusing on rebuilding for the future. Whether your team is a title contender or looking toward the draft, this season promises to offer excitement, drama, and no shortage of storylines.