The 2021-22 NBA season has come to an end.
Following a wild regular season and a postseason that featured an endless amount of twists and turns, the Warriors defeated the Celtics to earn their four title in eight seasons. Stephen Curry was crowned Finals MVP for leading Golden State to another championship, earning the one honor that had eluded him.
What comes next? A lot.
In addition to the 2022 NBA Draft being only a few days away, free agency opens at the end of the month. The landscape of the league could look quite different depending on what happens in the coming weeks, and yet it’s never too soon to look ahead at the 2022-23 season with some good old fashioned power rankings.
This is a projection of where I think every team will land next season. Will fans of 29 teams think they’re too low? Probably. Will I get everything right? Of course not. But that’s the fun part of the exercise — just look at how unpredictable this season was!
With that in mind, let the debating begin…
Way-too-early 2023 NBA Power Rankings
1. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 record: 53-29
How season ended: NBA champions
Why they’re here: Respect to the champs. Yes, Golden State’s core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green is getting up there in age, but they each proved that they’ve still got a lot left in the tank. Plus, Thompson should be better next season, Jordan Poole still has room to grow, and James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody each have a lot of untapped potential.
2. LA Clippers
2021-22 record: 42-40
How season ended: Losses to Timberwolves, Pelicans in Play-In Tournament
Why they’re here: The Clippers are loaded with talent and feature two A-listers in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. What remains to be seen is if the two of them can stay healthy. Leonard missed all of the 2021-22 season with a partially torn ACL and injuries limited George to 31 games. If they can stay healthy — admittedly a massive IF — the Clippers are going to be a big problem.
MORE: Injury update and timeline for Kawhi Leonard
3. Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 record: 51-31
How season ended: 4-3 loss to Celtics in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Why they’re here: They didn’t win the East this year but they’re my favorite in the East in 2023. Who knows how the season would’ve ended for the Bucks had Khris Middleton not missed their entire second-round series with the Celtics that went the distance. Milwaukee has a proven core and is home to arguably the best player in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who somehow keeps getting better and better. The Bucks do, however, have an important offseason ahead of them.
4. Boston Celtics
2021-22 record: 51-31
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Warriors in NBA Finals
Why they’re here: They came up short in the Finals, but this Celtics team isn’t going anywhere. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Robert Williams III, Derrick White and Grant Williams are each under contract for next season. They should be a defensive powerhouse once again and while they had their ups and downs offensively in the playoffs, Tatum and Brown aren’t yet in their prime.
5. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 record: 48-34
How season ended: 4-1 loss to Warriors in Western Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: The Nuggets looked like they were gearing up for a deep postseason run in 2021. Then, Jamal Murray went down with a torn ACL, an injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. With Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back in the lineup, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic should have the help he needs for Denver to have a real shot at winning it all.
MORE: Why Jokic was SN’s NBA Player of the Year
6. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 record: 64-18
How season ended: 4-3 loss to Mavericks in Western Conference Semifinals
Why they’re here: The Suns ran away with the best record in the NBA, but it all came crumbling down with a Game 7 collapse to the Mavericks in the second round of the playoffs. That combined with all of the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton, who has been a key part of their success these past two seasons, makes them a hard team to read heading into the offseason. Could the Suns once again finish with the NBA’s best record? Yes. Would that ultimately change how most view them? After what happened this season, probably not.
7. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 record: 56-26
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Warriors in Western Conference Semifinals
Why they’re here: The Grizzlies were the league’s biggest surprise this season. They won 56 games to finish with the second-best record in the Western Conference, an incredible feat for the second-youngest team in the NBA. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. each under the age of 24, they’re set up for a whole lot of future success.
8. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 record: 52-30
How season ended: 4-1 loss to Warriors in Western Conference Finals
Why they’re here: Luka Doncic mainly. He’s earned three All-NBA First Team selections in four seasons and is fresh off of leading the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals. Dallas is still figuring out the pieces around him, but the Kristaps Porzingis trade was a step in the right direction and the acquisition of Christian Wood has the potential to make them a more dynamic team.
MORE: Who would be the perfect player to pair with Doncic?
9. Miami Heat
2021-22 record: 53-29
How season ended: 4-3 loss to Celtics in Eastern Conference Finals
Why they’re here: The Heat earned the best record in the Eastern Conference and were a Jimmy Butler 3-pointer away from their second trip to the Finals in three seasons. Feisty and versatile as they are defensively, there are still questions about whether or not they have enough juice offensively to get over the hump. Kyle Lowry turning back the clock one last time would help. One looming question: Will Pat Riley make one more aggressive move, perhaps even dangling the likes of Tyler Herro to nab another star?
10. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 record: 51-31
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Heat in Eastern Conference Semifinals
Why they’re here: There would be a lot more optimism in Philadelphia had James Harden not finished the season the way he did. Assuming he either picks up his player option or signs an extension, the 76ers have a lot riding on Harden returning to his All-NBA form to make the most of Joel Embiid’s prime. Don’t be surprised if the 76ers make a trade or two, as they are reportedly “gauging” interest in Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle ahead of the draft.
MORE: What should 76ers do with Harden? Evaluating Philadelphia’s options
11. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 record: 44-38
How season ended: 4-0 loss to Celtics in Eastern Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: Disappointing as their season was, the Nets still have Kevin Durant and the latest reporting indicates that Kyrie Irving will return on an extension. They also have Ben Simmons. While we haven’t seen him play in over a year at this point, there’s reason to believe Simmons can fill in a lot of gaps for this team.
MORE: A timeline of the Nets’ disappointing season
12. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 record: 48-34
How season ended: 4-2 loss to 76ers in Eastern Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: The Raptors smashed expectations this season. Time will tell if Masai Ujiri has another ace up his sleeve, but the continued development of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa should be enough for Toronto to build off of its success. Toronto’s ceiling may be tied to the development of Barnes, who appears destined for stardom after winning Rookie of the Year.
13. Utah Jazz
2021-22 record: 49-33
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Mavericks in Western Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: The Jazz came up short again in the playoffs and enter an important offseason. Not only are they searching for a new head coach, but Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that Utah’s front office has already “engaged various teams” in Rudy Gobert trade discussions. This team could look completely different next season.
MORE: Possible trade destinations for Gobert
14. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 record: 46-36
How season ended: 4-1 loss to Bucks in Eastern Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine derailed Chicago’s season. Even if they don’t get another All-NBA season out of DeMar DeRozan, they might be able to make some noise if they can get back to full strength. That, of course, hinges on them re-signing LaVine, who will be an unrestricted free agent.
15. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 record: 33-49
How season ended: 11th place in Western Conference
Why they’re here: The only team that was a bigger disappointment than the Nets was the Lakers. Not even a historic season from LeBron James was enough for them to make the Play-In. A healthy Anthony Davis could solve some of their problems, but first-time head coach Darvin Ham has a lot to figure out if they’re going to be more of a factor next season. Expect Russell Westbrook trade chatter to remain in the news cycle throughout the offseason so long as he remains on the roster.
16. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 record: 36-46
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Suns in Western Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: The Pelicans were much more competitive after they acquired CJ McCollum and pushed the Suns to six games in the first round of the playoffs. They’re returning the same roster next season with one key addition: Zion Williamson. Fingers crossed Zion can get back to dominating the paint in a way we haven’t seen since Shaq.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 record: 46-36
How season ended: 4-2 loss to Grizzlies in Western Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: The Timberwolves made the playoffs for the second time in almost two decades. Now comes the hard part — cracking the upper echelon of the Western Conference. Karl-Anthony Towns’ best years are still ahead of him and Anthony Edwards is a star in the making, but they have a big decision to make with D’Angelo Russell, who is extension eligible this offseason.
MORE: Edwards has become NBA’s best quote
18. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 record: 44-38
How season ended: Losses to Nets, Hawks in Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament
Why they’re here: The Cavaliers were also hit hard by the injury bug this season. The good news? Darius Garland is only 22, Evan Mobley is going to be a two-way force sooner rather than later and Jarrett Allen is under contract through the 2025-26 season. Don’t sleep on Cleveland’s bright future. Could the Cavs flip Kevin Love’s expiring contract for another big piece?
19. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 record: 43-39
How season ended: 4-1 loss to Heat in Eastern Conference 1st Round
Why they’re here: Following a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Hawks had to earn their way into the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament and were gentlemen’s swept in the first round by the Heat. That’s a discouraging step back. Like the Jazz, all of the signs point towards the Hawks being featured prominently in this offseason’s rumor mill.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 record: 27-55
How season ended: 13th place in Western Conference
Why they’re here: Few teams face as much pressure in the coming months as the Trail Blazers, who are armed with a lottery pick and enough cap space to be players in free agency as they look to build a new team around Damian Lillard. Either way, expect Lillard to return to peak form after addressing an abdominal injury that’s bothered him for some time.
MORE: Lillard looked displeased with Blazers falling to No. 7 in NBA Draft Lottery
21. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 record: 34-48
How season ended: Loss to Pelicans in Western Conference Play-In Tournament
Why they’re here: San Antonio has now been knocked out in the Play-In Tournament in back-to-back seasons. An interesting summer awaits the Spurs, who have three first-round picks and are one of few teams projected to have money to spend in free agency.
22. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 record: 43-39
How season ended: Loss to Hawks in Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament
Why they’re here: Led by one-time All-Star LaMelo Ball, the Hornets were a League Pass darling this season. Can Kenny Atkinson lead them into being something more? All eyes will be on Miles Bridges, one of this season’s breakout stars who will be a restricted free agent. Armed with the 13th and 15th picks, Charlotte will feature prominently in the 2022 NBA Draft.
23. New York Knicks
2021-22 record: 37-45
How season ended: 11th place in Eastern Conference
Why they’re here: The Knicks overachieved in 2020-21 and came back down to earth in 2021-22. They don’t currently have any cap space, so their best hope of improving their roster following a disappointing season is with a trade. Do they have enough to snap Donovan Mitchell? The Jazz star has long been featured in Knicks rumors.
24. Washington Wizards
2021-22 record: 35-47
How season ended: 12th place in Eastern Conference
Why they’re here: This offseason is all about Bradley Beal, who will be an unrestricted free agent if he turns down his player option. Whether he chooses to leave or stay, his decision will have a big impact on the franchise’s future.
25. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 record: 30-52
How season ended: 12th place in Western Conference
Why they’re here: It’s no secret the Kings are hoping to end their postseason drought. How far will they go to try and accomplish that goal? There’s already talk about them using the No. 4 pick in the draft to acquire a win-now player.
MORE: NBA Draft 2022 dates, start time, pick order, mock draft
26. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 record: 25-57
How season ended: 13th place in Eastern Conference
Why they’re here: It looks like the Pacers aren’t done making moves. After parting ways with Domantas Sabonis at the trade deadline, it appears as though Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon are available. The Pacers are playing the long game and building around Tyrese Haliburton.
27. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 record: 23-59
How season ended: 14th place in Eastern Conference
Why they’re here: There is no rushing the timeline for Detroit, which is focused on player development. Cade Cunningham is the real deal and it appears a matter of when — not if — the do-everything guard becomes a certifiable superstar.
28. Houston Rockets
2021-22 record: 20-62
How season ended: 15th place in Western Conference
Why they’re here: After trading Christian Wood to the Mavericks, the Rockets are clearly opening as many opportunities as possible for their young players. Whoever they take with the third overall pick will get plenty of reps from the jump next to Jalen Green, who averaged 28 points per game over the final nine games of his rookie season.
29. Orlando Magic
2021-22 record: 22-60
How season ended: 15th place in Eastern Conference
Why they’re here: The Magic continue to build an intriguing young nucleus. The No. 1 overall pick — likely either Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren — will pair with Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony to form what could be a top-10 League Pass team in 2023.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder
2021-22 record: 24-58
How season ended: 14th place in Western Conference
Why they’re here: At some point, the Thunder will stop playing for the future and focus on the present. We’re not there yet. OKC needs to see how the No. 2 overall pick fits in alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort. SGA is quietly already entering his fifth season and though he looks like a star in the making, don’t be surprised to hear the Thunder involved in rumors with teams interested in the soon-to-be 24-year old.
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