NBA Power Rankings - The Top 10 Teams Heading Into the 20–21 Season
Tags: Basketball, Sports, Los Angeles, NBA, LeBron James

10. Dallas Mavericks

19–20 Record: 43–32 (7th in West)

Dallas picked up G/F Josh Richardson to replace Seth Curry, who left in free agency. Richardson will bring solid two-way play to Dallas, who struggled at times defensively last year. With Kristaps Porzingis healthy and Luka Doncic an MVP candidate, the Mavericks will look to make a deep run in the star-studded Western Conference.

9. Philadelphia 76ers

19–20 Record: 43–40 (6th in East)

Much has changed since the Sixers were swept by the Celtics in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Former Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey took over the franchise and respected head coach Doc Rivers was hired. Morey added Seth Curry and Danny Green to complement Ben Simmons on the perimeter. Dwight Howard will play alongside Joel Embiid down low. Morey replaced Al Horford with three point shooters, seemingly trying the same approach he did in Houston.

8. Portland Trail Blazers

19–20 Record: 35–39 (9th in West)

The Blazers had a strong free agency, adding F Robert Covington Jr., F Derrick Jones Jr., F/C Harry Giles, and C Enes Kanter while only losing F Trevor Ariza. The Blazers made their exceptional “Bubble” run last year without Ariza who opted out of the restart. Their trip to the playoffs was fueled by historic shooting from Dame and a steady supply of offense by Carmelo Anthony. With Dame and C.J McCollum returning once again as one of the best backcourts in the league, and with improved perimeter defense, the Blazers are suited to make another run in the West.

7. Boston Celtics

19–20 Record: 48–24 (3rd in East)

While the Celtics lost a steady scorer in Gordon Hayward, they also lost his absurd contract. Boston signed F/C Tristan Thompson and underrated G Jeff Teague. After Jayson Tatum signed a max extension, all eyes will be on him to carry the offensive load, with Jaylen Brown complementing. However, for Boston to be a true contender, G Kemba Walker will need to be a reliable third option, something that may difficult if his knee problems continue.

6. Denver Nuggets

19–20 Record: 46–27 (3rd in West)

Denver will look to build on a successful playoff run that ended in the conference finals. Not suited to pay the 6'8 forward, Jerami Grant departed the Mile High city for Detroit. Denver, led by the talented duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic has high expectations for 2021. Nuggets fans will also be excited about F Michael Porter Jr., who played his best professional basketball in the Bubble. Expect Denver to contend for a place in the 2021 NBA Finals.

5. Miami Heat

19–20 Record: 44–29 (5th in East)

While Miami fell short of completing their Cinderella story and winning their 4th NBA title, they certainly surpassed any expectations. They signed defensive stud Avery Bradley to compliment an already sound defensive lineup led by G Jimmy Butler and C Bam Adebayo, who signed a max extension this offseason. G Tyler Herro will be a key offensive piece again this season after an impressive showing in the Bubble. However, don’t be too bullish on the Heat as it will be hard for them to replicate such success in a rejuvenated and improved Eastern Conference.

4. Milwaukee Bucks

19–20 Record: 56–17 (1st in East)

Oh, Milwaukee. It seems as if every year we find ourselves back in the same spot- The Bucks steamroll through the regular season and then get prematurely bounced in the playoffs. Anyhow, coming into the season, the Bucks are no doubt one of the best clubs. Fans will be anxious to see how the team performs throughout the year after a failed trade attempt for F Bogdan Bogdanovic and no word on a contract extension for reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. No matter the regular season success in 2021, all eyes will be on Milwaukee come playoff time as the Bucks try to desperately shake their poor playoff form in hopes of convincing the Greek Freak to stay put.

3. Brooklyn Nets

19–20 Record: 35–37 (7th in East)

Yes, I have the Nets at 3. Brooklyn will have everyone’s attention as arguably the best player in the league, Kevin Durant makes his return to the hardwood after 18 months. It will also be the first time we see KD and Kyrie Irving playing together. The Steve Nash hire also adds another interesting dynamic to a team that will compete in thirteen nationally televised games, the third-most in the league. Everything looks good on paper but only time will tell how well the new-look Nets will work. When you have KD and Kyrie, complimented by a defensive anchor like Deandre Jordan, it can’t be that bad right? Nets come in at №3 heading into the season.

Nationally televised games per team, for the 20–21 season.

2. L.A Clippers

19–20 Record: 49–23 (2nd in West)

After a disastrous blown 3–1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the WCF, it seems as if the Clippers are poised for another go. After extending Paul George, the Clips will be eager to make a deep playoff run in hopes of getting Kawhi Leonard on board long term. L.A added Serge Ibaka in replace of Montrezl Harrell in an effort to remain one of the deepest rosters in the league. New coach Tyronn Lue will look to sort out any remaining locker room and chemistry issues from the previous year. In theory, the Clippers should be in as good a position as any to win the title.

1. L.A Lakers

19–20 Record: 52–19 (1st in West), 2020 NBA Champions

The Lakers have finally regained their glory after Lebron James and Anthony Davis led the purple and gold to their 17th NBA title, tying the Boston Celtics for most in league history. After the offseason the Lakers had, there is no reason they are not primed for another title run. They resigned AD to a max deal and added key pieces around the floor including C Marc Gasol, F Wesley Matthews, and both the sixth man of the year, F Montrezl Harrell and the runner-up, G Dennis Schroder. With a more talented and younger team around Lebron, the L.A Lakers head into the new season the best in the NBA.