The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are the two best teams in the league, according to a recent NBA power rankings.
The NBA 2021 power rankings is a list of the top teams in the NBA for the upcoming season. According to ESPN, the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are two best teams in the league.
With less than two months before the start of the 2021-2022 NBA season, it’s nearly here. Because there are so many stories to follow across both conferences, this season is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The Brooklyn Nets have the NBA’s most skilled Big Three, while the Los Angeles Lakers added former MVP Russell Westbrook to their championship team.
Aside from that, teams like the Heat, Bulls, and Knicks have all improved, while rebuilding clubs like the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets have two extremely good rookies to show off. Here are the power rankings for the 2022 season, without further ado.
Orlando Magic (#30)
This summer, the Magic are expected to have the poorest record in the NBA. They made a good choice in selecting Jalen Suggs to play with Jonothan Isaac as a cornerstone, but the rest of the squad has to improve. Last year, Orlando made a huge roster dump by releasing Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier, and as a consequence, they acquired Suggs. If the Magic tank the season, they may be able to get another high-draft selection for their rebuilding ambitions.
Oklahoma City Thunder (#29)
Oklahoma City is in full-fledged tank mode, amassing picks and trading assets wherever possible. For the time being, they seem to be sold on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being their franchise player, and they will most likely lose games while stockpiling draft choices for the next draft. The Thunder are unconcerned about having one of the poorest records in the league.
The Detroit Pistons are ranked 28th in the NBA.
Cade Cunningham, the brightest light on a rebuilding team, will be the standout for Detroit all year. Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin’s days are numbered, so the Pistons will be hoping that Saddiq Bey and Kyllian Hayes grow into reliable starters. Until then, it’ll be the Cunningham show in a year without a playoffs.
Houston Rockets (#27)
Jalen Green, like Cunningham with the Pistons, will be the story of the season for the Rockets. Houston will have Christian Wood back next season, so that combination should be fascinating to watch, and young guns like Jae’Sean Tate and Michael Porter Jr may continue to grow. Because of his albatross deal, the Rockets are unlikely to be able to move John Wall, but things are looking better in Houston.
San Antonio Spurs (26th)
In San Antonio, the DeMar DeRozan era has come to an end, and the Spurs can now concentrate on rebuilding. Nobody knows when Gregg Popovich will retire as a Hall of Fame coach since even he admits that this club will not win a title anytime soon. In 2022, the Spurs will be one of the league’s lower-seeded teams, which may finally drive the club to tank.
Minnesota Timberwolves (#25)
Minnesota was the third-worst seed in the West last season and may be in danger of doing so again this year. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, two great players with tremendous skill, play for the Timberwolves. But what is Minnesota’s next step? Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell provide some depth to the roster, but both players should be traded to assist the team in the long run.
Cleveland Cavaliers (#24)
The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t expected to do much, but there are still intriguing stories to watch. How will the team combine Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, the No. 3 overall pick? Will Collin Sexton be traded by the team? Is Darius Garland on the verge of becoming an All-Star? As the Cavaliers continue to prepare for the future, these are all questions that will be addressed this season.
23. Wizards of Washington
This summer, the Wizards traded Russell Westbrook for Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, bolstering the team’s depth. Bradley Beal is one of the NBA’s greatest scorers, but he’s in urgent need of assistance. If Schroder and Harrell regain their best form, Washington may be able to sneak into a playoff seeding in the East. However, in a very tough Eastern Conference, Washington will be fighting for postseason seeding.
Sacramento Kings (22nd)
There is reason to be optimistic as long as De’Aaron Fox is on the roster. Sacramento, on the other hand, is not certain to reach the playoffs this season, and they may even miss out entirely. Sacramento has a lot of movable pieces, including Buddy Hield, so this season may be about figuring out the team’s path via trades.
Toronto Raptors (21st)
Last season, Toronto was a complete catastrophe, going 27-45 and missing the playoffs. The most serious issue was a spat between Pascal Siakam and head coach Nick Nurse. Teams often have to pick who to trade first, and it seems like Siakam might be that player. As a 6’9″ power forward, Siakam has a lot of potential, and the Raptors may have to start rebuilding after losing their franchise point guard Kyle Lowry.
The Pelicans of New Orleans are ranked 20th in the league.
Stan Van Gundy is no longer with the Pelicans, which might be a good thing. They brought in Devonte’ Graham to replace the lost Lonzo Ball, and Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are two All-Stars on the team. Graham is a stronger shooter and scorer than Ball, but he lacks the playmaking and defensive abilities that Ball has. The Pelicans are unlikely to become a playoff team out of nowhere, but watching Zion Williamson play will be one of the most exciting aspects of the NBA season.
Memphis Grizzlies (19.)
Ja Morant’s ascension to superstardom should continue, and it may very well happen this season. Last year, the Grizzlies reached the playoffs by beating Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a play-in game, and they’ll be trying to repeat this year. Memphis is a young squad that will need a few years to establish themselves as a genuine Western Conference contender. After just playing 11 games last season, Memphis should still be looking forward to having Jaren Jackson Jr back to full health.
Indiana Pacers (#18)
With Caris LeVert’s return to full health, Indiana could be a much better team this season. Malcolm Brogdon is a borderline All-Star, and there are other good components like T.J. McConnell who can help this club reach the playoffs. Under future Hall of Fame head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers are becoming regarded as underdogs, which might work in their favor.
The Trail Blazers are ranked 17th in the NBA.
Damian Lillard will be the star of the Portland Trail Blazers’ season. The Trail Blazers must go beyond the first round, or their franchise superstar might be on his way out. Lillard has given his all for the Trail Blazers, and at 31 years old, his heyday is coming to an end. Portland still has C.J. McCollum to play with under new head coach Chauncey Billups, so the Trail Blazers may surprise the West for a top-5 spot if they can get it done on both sides of the court.
Charlotte Hornets (#16)
Although players have proven that they struggle in their second season, LaMelo Ball should grow even more comfortable in the NBA in Charlotte. The Hornets will have a terrific offense with Ball on the team, and Gordon Hayward may help. However, losing Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk may hurt them, and they won’t be much of a threat in the East until they make a deal for a great player.
New York Knicks (#15)
With Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, the Knicks have improved, and they now have a strong core of players that can help them get beyond the first round of the playoffs. For Knicks fans who have become used to mediocrity in recent years, this would be extremely thrilling. However, the Knicks will not win a title this season, as they have every season since 1973, and avoiding a first-round elimination would be the ideal case for them.
Boston Celtics (14th)
To save money, the Celtics dealt Kemba Walker for Al Horford, traded Tristan Thompson, and traded Evan Fournier to the Knicks. With the additional cap room, Boston hopes to entice an All-Star, which might come next summer rather than this one. Boston should be able to add a third star if they compete for a top-5 seed in the East and concentrate on developing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics aren’t expected to accomplish much in 2022.
Chicago Bulls (#13)
The Chicago Bulls have strengthened on both sides of the court this summer, making them one of the greatest winners. Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic are bolstered by DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, who provide quickness, scoring, and defense. The Bulls don’t have the big-name superstars like the other Eastern Conference contenders have, but they do have a strong starting lineup that can carry them to the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks (12.)
The Mavericks will be a playoff club that no one wants to face only because of Luka Doncic. The club has locked up Tim Hardaway Jr and is still deciding what to do with Kristaps Porzingis, but the roster as it is now is very strong. The Mavericks aren’t considered championship candidates, but if Doncic plays like an MVP, anything can happen in terms of conference standings.
Philadelphia 76ers (11th)
What happens with Ben Simmons will determine a large part of Philadelphia’s season. Because of Joel Embiid, the 76ers will still be a top-5 seed in the Eastern Conference if they retain him. However, if the Sixers trade Simmons for another superstar on par with Bradley Beal or Damian Lillard, they may be able to finish in the top two. So far, Philadelphia’s season has been a wait-and-see situation.
Los Angeles Clippers (#10)
The Clippers have dropped in the power rankings as a result of the length of time Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss. Leonard is slated to return in March, thus Paul George will have to play like an MVP to put the Clippers in contention for a top-4 spot. George is more than capable of doing so, and Kawhi Leonard’s late comeback may transform the Clippers into a dark horse in the Western Conference Finals.
Warriors of Golden State (#9)
Any team in the league has to deal with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. They’re just too good from three-point range and on defense to be overlooked as a unit, and the Warriors have some quality pieces surrounding them. Golden State should be a top-4 seed in the Western Conference if they maintain their current lineup, but a deal for another superstar may make them a direct contender for the top spot.
Atlanta Hawks (#8)
The Hawks have improved significantly thanks to Trae Young’s performance and Nate McMillan’s outstanding coaching, and they should again be a contender in the Eastern Conference Finals next season. Young will have a difficult time playing better than he has the previous two seasons, but more consistency in the playoffs would help Atlanta advance to the next level as a contender. Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter’s comeback may potentially help this team’s championship chances.
Denver Nuggets, No. 7
The Nuggets will be in contention for the title as long as they have Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, on their roster. This season, Michael Porter Jr. may develop into an All-Star, and Jokic could have another MVP-caliber season.
Denver’s whole season hinges on Jamal Murray’s health, as if he’s healthy, they’ll be a major danger in the Western Conference.
Utah Jazz, No. 6
Thanks to excellent coaching, Donovan Mitchell’s emergence as a superstar, Rudy Gobert’s defense, and Jordan Clarkson’s scoring off the bench, the Utah Jazz ended with the best record in the NBA last season. Because the other top clubs in the league improved, those factors must play a role again this year. Utah may be overlooked, but they are aiming for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
Miami Heat, No. 5
The Miami Heat were in the Finals two years ago, but owing to the “bubble’s” inconsistencies, it may have been a fluke. The Heat will be a serious threat next season. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Duncan Robinson all back, adding veterans Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker certainly finalized their starting lineup. Much hinges on Miami’s health and Tyler Herro’s development, as both may propel the team higher in the rankings.
Phoenix Suns, No. 4
With the addition of Chris Paul, everyone expected the Suns to improve last season, but no one anticipated them to reach the Finals. In 2022, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Devin Booker will almost certainly develop on the court, and Paul’s leadership will propel them into the top three seeds in the West. Phoenix has a chance to return to the Finals if the other contenders’ ailments play a factor.
Milwaukee Bucks (#3)
Because the Bucks are the defending NBA champions, they will be a top-3 club in the league. Having Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, boosts their title prospects next season, as do the returning Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who are full of confidence after adding a gold medal to their championship rings. Although the loss of P.J. Tucker will be felt, the Bucks will be aiming for back-to-back championships.
Los Angeles Lakers, No. 2
While the Lakers’ signing of Russell Westbrook has caused some controversy, there is no disputing that they are the greatest team in the Western Conference on paper. Even though LeBron James is 36 years old and about to be 37, he is still the greatest leader in the NBA. For the Lakers to contend, Anthony Davis must return to full health, but prolonged layoff may have helped him. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Malik Monk, among others, are great additions to a squad that is fully committed to the chip.
1. New York Nets
There is no question who the greatest team in the NBA is if Brooklyn is healthy. Kevin Durant is coming off another great Olympics, where he was the tournament’s most outstanding player. When healthy, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are both top-10 players in the NBA, and they should be back to full strength soon. The Nets are the team to beat next season, thanks to the addition of Patty Mills and better team chemistry.
The best nba team 2020 is a topic that has been debated for years. In the 2021-22 NBA Power Rankings, the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the best teams in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best NBA team in 2021?
The Miami Heat are the best NBA team in 2021.
Who is the best player in the NBA heading into the 2021/22 season?
Related Tags
- top 10 nba teams 2021
- nba standings
- top nba teams 2021
- nba team rankings 2020
- nba power rankings 2020
