NBA Teams Tier List 2026-27: All 30 Teams Ranked
What a summer. LeBron James is a Sixer, Giannis Antetokounmpo is in Miami, Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto and the Knicks are champions for the first time in 53 years. With camps opening and the season tipping off October 20, we sorted all 30 teams into six tiers. We leaned on who teams added and lost, who's healthy, and how the top of the league looked in June. The top three feel separate from everybody else. After that, it's a scrum.
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SS Tier: Ring or Bust
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still the best scorer on the planet, and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are still around him. Sam Presti did shed Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to dodge a huge luxury-tax bill, so the depth isn't what it was. Most previews still have OKC as the favorite, and we're fine with that.
About Oklahoma City Thunder
The franchise began as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967, winning the 1979 title, and moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Thunder won their first championship in Oklahoma in 2025.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Paycom Center
- NBA titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Mark Daigneault
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama took the Spurs to the Finals, lost in five to the Knicks, and then signed an extension at a discount. That's how you know he's all in. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle get another year of seasoning, Tobias Harris adds a grown-up forward, and some previews already have them at No. 1. We almost did too.
About San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs started as the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals in 1967 and moved to San Antonio in 1973. They won five titles in the Tim Duncan era and reached the 2026 Finals.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Frost Bank Center
- NBA titles
- 5
- Head coach
- Mitch Johnson
New York Knicks
The champs! Jalen Brunson and Mike Brown ended a 53-year title drought by beating San Antonio in five, capped by Brunson's 45 points in the clincher. Mitchell Robinson left for Boston, but they re-signed Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson on friendly deals and added Andre Drummond. Repeating is brutal, yet this group has earned the benefit of the doubt.
About New York Knicks
A charter franchise from 1946, the Knicks won titles in 1970 and 1973. They added a third in June 2026 by beating the Spurs in five games.
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- Madison Square Garden
- NBA titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Mike Brown
AA Tier: One Hot Streak From a Title
Philadelphia 76ers
This is the wildest roster in the league. LeBron James signed a two-year deal, Jaylen Brown arrived by trade, and they join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Some rank them top five and others outside the top 10, all because of health and fit, so we split the difference and put them at the top of A.
About Philadelphia 76ers
The franchise started as the Syracuse Nationals and moved to Philadelphia in 1963. It has won three titles, the last in 1983.
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- Xfinity Mobile Arena
- NBA titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Nick Nurse
Denver Nuggets
As long as Nikola Jokic is on the floor, you're a contender. Denver won 54 games through a pile of injuries last year, and David Adelman's preferred starting five went 18-5 when healthy. The defense has been 21st two years running, which is why the staff added Dave Joerger. Tyus Jones helps the bench.
About Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets started in the ABA in 1967 and joined the NBA in 1976. Nikola Jokic led them to their first title in 2023.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Ball Arena
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- David Adelman
Boston Celtics
Few teams have handled injuries and roster turnover as well over the last few years. This group looks deep and balanced, and we'd expect them in the thick of the East race again.
About Boston Celtics
A charter member of the league from 1946, the Celtics have 18 championships, the most in NBA history. Their most recent title came in 2024.
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- TD Garden
- NBA titles
- 18
- Head coach
- Joe Mazzulla
Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant's second season in Houston comes with more help: Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović signed on. The Rockets won 52 games despite a rough injury run, and Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson are still getting better. Ime Udoka's defense will keep them in every game.
About Houston Rockets
The Rockets started in San Diego in 1967 and moved to Houston in 1971. Hakeem Olajuwon led them to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Toyota Center
- NBA titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Ime Udoka
Detroit Pistons
Last season's East No. 1 seed isn't a fluke anymore. Cade Cunningham is a star, J.B. Bickerstaff is entering year three, and John Collins and Isaiah Joe should help a team that ranked 29th in three-point attempts. Jalen Duren's contract saga is the one thing hanging over an otherwise tidy summer.
About Detroit Pistons
Founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1941, the Pistons moved to Detroit in 1957. They won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 and another in 2004.
- Founded
- 1941
- Arena
- Little Caesars Arena
- NBA titles
- 3
- Head coach
- J.B. Bickerstaff
Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen played only about 90 minutes together last regular season, which is wild. Harden re-signed, and Peyton Watson came over from Denver as a possible breakout wing. Losing Max Strus and Dean Wade thins the rotation, but Kenny Atkinson's top end is scary.
About Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs entered the league in 1970. They won their only title in 2016, coming back from 3-1 down against Golden State.
- Founded
- 1970
- Arena
- Rocket Arena
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Kenny Atkinson
Minnesota Timberwolves
Trading for LaMelo Ball was the boom-or-bust move of the summer. It cost Julius Randle and Naz Reid, and it changes how Anthony Edwards' team plays. We think the ceiling went up even if the floor dropped, and that's why Chris Finch's crew lands in A.
About Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1989. They've reached the conference finals several times but never the Finals.
- Founded
- 1989
- Arena
- Target Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Chris Finch
BB Tier: Playoff Teams With Questions
Los Angeles Lakers
With LeBron gone to Philly, this is Luka Dončić's team, full stop. The sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler gives him maybe the best center he's ever played with, and Austin Reaves is still one of the better second options around. JJ Redick added Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle and Collin Sexton, so the offense will be elite. The defense will decide how high they go.
About Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers started in Minneapolis and moved to Los Angeles in 1960. Their 17 championships are second only to Boston's 18.
- Founded
- 1947
- Arena
- Crypto.com Arena
- NBA titles
- 17
- Head coach
- JJ Redick
Toronto Raptors
The Kawhi Leonard trade was stuck for months while the league looked into the Clippers, and now it's finally done. Kawhi next to Scottie Barnes, maybe the most versatile defender in the league, gives Darko Rajaković a real closer. The Raptors are the hardest team to peg, since some previews have them top six and others outside the top 12. We're just not ready to trust Kawhi for 70 games.
About Toronto Raptors
The Raptors joined the league as an expansion team in 1995. They won the 2019 championship with Kawhi Leonard, who is now back in Toronto.
- Founded
- 1995
- Arena
- Scotiabank Arena
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Darko Rajaković
Miami Heat
Pat Riley landed his big fish. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis came over from Milwaukee, and Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. went the other way. Bam Adebayo and Erik Spoelstra make for a nasty defense, but spacing around Giannis is a legit question even after signing Klay Thompson.
About Miami Heat
The Heat joined the NBA in 1988. They won titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
- Founded
- 1988
- Arena
- Kaseya Center
- NBA titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Erik Spoelstra
Atlanta Hawks
Quin Snyder's Hawks are deep and nasty on defense. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels lead the way, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is coming off a Most Improved Player season, and they poached Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins from OKC. This roster should rack up regular-season wins; the playoffs are the question.
About Atlanta Hawks
The franchise started as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in 1946, then moved to Milwaukee and St. Louis before landing in Atlanta in 1968. Its lone title came in 1958, when the team was in St. Louis.
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- State Farm Arena
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Quin Snyder
Indiana Pacers
Nobody has a wider range of outcomes. Tyrese Haliburton is back from the torn Achilles he suffered in the 2025 Finals, and the Pacers added Ivica Zubac and Kelly Oubre Jr. to go with Pascal Siakam. If Hali looks like himself, Rick Carlisle's team could jump a tier.
About Indiana Pacers
The Pacers won three ABA championships before joining the NBA in 1976. They reached the NBA Finals in 2000 and 2025 but are still looking for their first NBA title.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Rick Carlisle
Orlando Magic
A third-highest payroll and a new coach in Sean Sweeney means the pressure is on. Shooting was the problem last year, when they ranked 27th in three-point percentage, and it still might be.
About Orlando Magic
The Magic joined the league in 1989. They reached the Finals in 1995 and 2009 but lost both times.
- Founded
- 1989
- Arena
- Kia Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Sean Sweeney
CC Tier: Play-In Purgatory
Charlotte Hornets
The LaMelo Ball era is over. Charlotte traded him to Minnesota and moved Miles Bridges to Phoenix, bringing back useful vets like Naz Reid and Grayson Allen. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are the future, and Charles Lee has a lot more shooters than he used to.
About Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte got an NBA team in 1988. After a spell as the Bobcats, the Hornets name returned in 2014 along with the original team's history.
- Founded
- 1988
- Arena
- Spectrum Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Charles Lee
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix surprised people last year, and most analysts don't expect a repeat. Devin Booker has Jalen Green, a returning Miles Bridges and a promising young big in Khaman Maluach, who averaged 19.5 points and 12.8 boards in Summer League. Mark Williams' torn labrum will cost him months, though.
About Phoenix Suns
The Suns joined the NBA in 1968. They've reached the Finals three times, in 1976, 1993 and 2021, without winning.
- Founded
- 1968
- Arena
- Mortgage Matchup Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Jordan Ott
Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson went No. 2 in the draft, and trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. tells you Utah is done waiting. Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George give Will Hardy a lot of offense. Losing Walker Kessler to the Lakers leaves the defense thin, which keeps them in the play-in mix rather than above it.
About Utah Jazz
The Jazz began in New Orleans in 1974 and moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. They reached the Finals in 1997 and 1998.
- Founded
- 1974
- Arena
- Delta Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Will Hardy
Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry is 38, Draymond Green is 36 and Al Horford is 40, making this the oldest team in the league. Worse, Jimmy Butler might miss the whole season. Steve Kerr signed an extension and Kristaps Porziņģis is back, but this feels like a play-in team at best.
About Golden State Warriors
The Warriors began in Philadelphia in 1946 and moved to the Bay Area in 1962. They have seven titles, four of them in the Stephen Curry era.
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- Chase Center
- NBA titles
- 7
- Head coach
- Steve Kerr
Portland Trail Blazers
New coach Micah Nori has two big comeback stories on his hands: Damian Lillard returning from a torn Achilles, and Ja Morant, who arrived from Memphis without Portland giving up draft picks. Add Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara and it's either a fun surprise or a traffic jam of ball-handlers.
About Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers entered the league as an expansion team in 1970. They won their only title in 1977 behind Bill Walton.
- Founded
- 1970
- Arena
- Moda Center
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Micah Nori
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg averaged 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his final 26 full games as a rookie. Now he gets Kyrie Irving back from a torn ACL, a new GM in Masai Ujiri and a new coach in Dusty May, straight off an NCAA title at Michigan. Adding Zaccharie Risacher helps, and we think they're a year away.
About Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1980. Dirk Nowitzki led them to their only championship in 2011.
- Founded
- 1980
- Arena
- American Airlines Center
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Dusty May
DD Tier: Hoping for Lottery Luck
Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 overall after leading the country with 25.5 points a game at BYU, and he's the reason to watch. It's a strange mix of vets and kids, and Brian Keefe has to make it make sense.
About Washington Wizards
The franchise started as the Chicago Packers in 1961 and won the 1978 title as the Washington Bullets. It became the Wizards in 1997.
- Founded
- 1961
- Arena
- Capital One Arena
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Brian Keefe
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans won just 26 games last year, even with Zion Williamson fairly healthy. Jamahl Mosley takes over, Dejounte Murray is back to steady things, and Jeremiah Fears closed his rookie year averaging 30 over his final six games. Trading for Bennedict Mathurin was the only big summer move.
About New Orleans Pelicans
The franchise arrived in New Orleans from Charlotte in 2002 as the Hornets. It became the Pelicans in 2013 and is still looking for its first trip past the second round.
- Founded
- 2002
- Arena
- Smoothie King Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Jamahl Mosley
Los Angeles Clippers
The league came down hard: five first-round picks stripped, a $30 million fine and a one-year suspension for Steve Ballmer over salary-cap violations. Kawhi's gone to Toronto, so Tyronn Lue is working with Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, Max Strus and No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler. It's a decent roster with a dark cloud over it.
About Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers began as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, moved to San Diego in 1978 and to Los Angeles in 1984. They opened the Intuit Dome in Inglewood in 2024.
- Founded
- 1970
- Arena
- Intuit Dome
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Tyronn Lue
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis traded Ja Morant to Portland and drafted Cameron Boozer at No. 3, so a new era is officially underway. Zach Edey and Cedric Coward give Tuomas Iisalo a young core to build around. They had 19 players under contract at one point, which tells you how much churn is still coming.
About Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies entered the league in Vancouver in 1995 and moved to Memphis in 2001. They're still chasing a first Finals trip.
- Founded
- 1995
- Arena
- FedExForum
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Tuomas Iisalo
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn added Julius Randle, drafted Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6 and still has Michael Porter Jr. The bad news is Houston holds swap rights on their pick, so there's no real prize for losing. Jordi Fernández's team is stuck in the middle of the bottom, which is a tough spot.
About Brooklyn Nets
The Nets began in the ABA in 1967 and won two ABA titles in the 1970s. They moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2012 and are still chasing their first NBA title.
- Founded
- 1967
- Arena
- Barclays Center
- NBA titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Jordi Fernández
FF Tier: Full Rebuild Mode
Chicago Bulls
New GM Bryson Graham and new coach Tiago Splitter are finally hitting reset. Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick, might be the best athlete in the draft, and Matas Buzelis gives them another young piece. Norman Powell and Nic Claxton are here, but this season is about development.
About Chicago Bulls
The Bulls joined the NBA in 1966. Michael Jordan led them to six titles in the 1990s.
- Founded
- 1966
- Arena
- United Center
- NBA titles
- 6
- Head coach
- Tiago Splitter
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis is in Miami, and that's the whole story. Taylor Jenkins takes over a roster built around Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. from that deal, plus Myles Turner. The kicker? Milwaukee doesn't even own its 2027 first-round pick.
About Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks entered the league in 1968 and won their first title three years later with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor. Giannis Antetokounmpo led them to a second in 2021.
- Founded
- 1968
- Arena
- Fiserv Forum
- NBA titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Taylor Jenkins
Sacramento Kings
The Ringer called this group one of the worst defenses ever assembled, and it's hard to argue. Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine are still here, Ben Simmons signed on, and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. struggled to find his shot in Summer League. Doug Christie has a long season ahead.
About Sacramento Kings
The Kings trace their roots to the Rochester Royals, who won the 1951 title. The franchise moved to Sacramento in 1985.
- Founded
- 1923
- Arena
- Golden 1 Center
- NBA titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Doug Christie
How we ranked them
These tiers pull together the consensus from preseason and offseason power rankings, analyst previews, and what fans are saying on Reddit and team forums, weighed against every major trade and signing. Where the experts split, like on the 76ers, Heat and Raptors, we picked a side and explained it. Preseason takes age fast, so we'll update this list once games start and keep it current through the season.
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Rank these yourselfFAQ
Who is the best NBA team heading into 2026-27?
It's a three-way race between the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. We lean slightly toward OKC, but it's close.
Who won the 2026 NBA Finals?
The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games, winning their first title since 1973.
Where did LeBron James go?
He left the Lakers and signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Which NBA teams are rebuilding in 2026-27?
The Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings are in our F tier, with Washington, Memphis, Brooklyn, New Orleans and the Clippers not far behind.
When does the 2026-27 NBA season start?
The regular season tips off on October 20, 2026.
More rankings
Image credits
- Oklahoma City ThunderLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- San Antonio SpursLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New York KnicksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Philadelphia 76ersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Denver NuggetsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Boston CelticsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Houston RocketsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Detroit PistonsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Cleveland CavaliersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Minnesota TimberwolvesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles LakersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Toronto RaptorsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Miami HeatLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Atlanta HawksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Indiana PacersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Orlando MagicLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Charlotte HornetsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Phoenix SunsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Utah JazzLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Golden State WarriorsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Portland Trail BlazersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Dallas MavericksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Washington WizardsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New Orleans PelicansLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles ClippersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Memphis GrizzliesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Brooklyn NetsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Chicago BullsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Milwaukee BucksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Sacramento KingsLogo: Wikipedia · Source