NBA Power Rankings: How Free-Agent Acquisitions Reshape League Power Structure

If anyone felt the NBA needed a face lift, this year's class of free agents went out of their way to placate your desires.

From big-name stars to elite-level role players, each and every NBA team has been directly affected by this year's period of free agency. From strengthened rosters to weakened units, the power structure of the NBA has changed dramatically. New title contenders have emerged, and basement teams have found new company.

So who's got next and who goes where?

30. Charlotte Bobcats

The Charlotte Bobcats are a young team with endless promise. From rookies Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffery Taylor to second-year players Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo, the upside of this unit is amongst the best of any young core in the NBA.

Unfortunately, that's all they are at this point: a young core.

While placing themselves at the head of the Nerlens Noel sweepstakes is nothing to be upset with, there is no escaping this fact: Charlotte has the weakest roster in the NBA. On paper, it seems as if the Bobcats are headed for their second consecutive season at the bottom of the league.

Projected Record: 19-63

29. New Orleans Hornets

The New Orleans Hornets have one of the brightest futures of any team in the NBA.

Led by rising star Eric Gordon, it appears as the Hornets have already begun to build towards long-term success. When you throw in Anthony Davis, the first overall draft choice from the 2012 NBA draft, and supreme playmaker Austin Rivers, you have a team that's ready to explode on the NBA.

Unfortunately, there's very little in New Orleans to support these players. Most importantly, there is no proven starter at point guard.

While many expect the rookie Rivers to take over such a role, it's unlikely that he'll acclimate greatly in year one. Although promising, this unit simply can't win right now.

Projected Record: 24-58

28. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have rid themselves of Goran Dragic, Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola and Samuel Dalembert—four players who saw consistent time in the starting rotation. As a result, they are left with a core of the mercurial Kevin Martin and rookies Jeremy Lamb, Royce White and Terrence Jones.

Even Jeremy Lin can't save this franchise in 2013.

While we hardly ever expect this franchise to be down in the gutter, 2012 is shaping up as a "Dwight Howard or bust" type of season. To put it plainly, the Rockets have about as great of a chance at making the playoffs with their current unit as the New Orleans Hornets.

Projected Record: 28-54

27. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are a talented team in a sticky situation.

Some players' attitudes are issues that have yet to be overcome. Others players can go about their young careers without finding a defined position. Regardless of which side of the coin appears to be an issue, one thing is perfectly clear: Both are currently holding the Sacramento Kings back from progressing as a unit.

Tyreke Evans, for instance, has struggled to find a position in each of his three seasons in the league. While his talent is of a superstar's caliber, he just hasn't found a way to put it all together just yet. At this point, he's best fit for a role as the sixth man, a role the team seems hesitant to thrust upon him.

Consider him the Jamal Crawford of the Sacramento Kings.

Alongside him is Jimmer Fredette, who is a tweener in his own right. Throw in the personality issues of a DeMarcus Cousins, and you have a legitimate issue at every turn.

Projected Record: 31-51

26. Cleveland Cavaliers

News of Kyrie Irving's broken hand is certain to cause concern out in Cleveland. The fact that they will be going through this season with a second-year point guard, a rookie shooting guard, a second-year power forward and a rookie center should be of equal concern for those expecting instant results.

This team will be a championship contender one day. 2013 just won't present that opportunity.

Kyrie Irving will continue to dazzle while Dion Waiters will emerge as a favorite for Rookie of the Year. Alongside them will be the rapidly improving Tristan Thompson and center Tyler Zeller, who was one of the fundamentally sound players selected in the 2012 draft.

With all of that youth, the future is bright. The present, however, offers up a serious learning curve.

Projected Record: 32-50

25. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are led by center Greg Monroe, who is likely to reach his first All-Star Game in 2013. They also have savvy veterans Tayshaun Prince, Corey Maggette and Rodney Stuckey.

Unfortunately, their season hinges upon the success of two of the most unpredictable players in basketball: a rookie and a second-year point guard.

Brandon Knight had a solid rookie season and continues to show signs of progression in the summer league. He's also failed to consistently display the true know-how of an NBA point guard.

Andre Drummond, meanwhile, is one of the most athletically gifted and intelligent big men of his class. Unfortunately, he's also a very raw player who's yet to step foot on an NBA court.

Forgive me for my skepticism, but I simply cannot envision a postseason team emerging from the group described above.

Projected Record: 34-48

24. Portland Trail Blazers

This seems to be a common theme towards the bottom of the NBA.

The Portland Trail Blazers are led by a legitimate star in LaMarcus Aldridge. They also have one of the more well-rounded players in the NBA in Wesley Matthews and an upside-laden J.J. Hickson. Unfortunately, those three players will supported by three rookies and a handful of question marks.

Damian Lillard should be a star at some point in his career. Will Barton has the same potential, while Meyers Leonard's athleticism could open that same door. Upside simply does not generate wins at the NBA level, though, and the Trail Blazers will thus be in store for one more year of struggles.

Projected Record: 34-48

23. Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are a much better team than people are giving them credit for. They're led by a future superstar in John Wall and riding an 8-2 run that closed out the 2012 season. Should momentum carry over, this could be a postseason team.

Just temper your expectations.

Kevin Seraphin closed out the season with 16 consecutive games of double-figure scoring. He posted three double-doubles in that time and ended the month of April with averages of 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

Expect Wall and Seraphin to continue to develop this chemistry as Nene and rookie Bradley Beal step into the mix. This team will compete for a playoff spot but fall short.

Projected Record: 36-46

22. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have become one of the most hyped teams in the NBA after a stellar offseason that has seen them land point guard Goran Dragic, small forward Michael Beasley and power forward Luis Scola.

Still to come could be the acquisition of shooting guard O.J. Mayo.

Regardless of whether the Suns can or cannot get the deal done, they remain a year away from legitimate postseason contention. Dragic, Beasley and Mayo are all on the cusp of their potential and have never led a team to victory.

Instead, they've simply attempted to find a situation where they could lead.

They'll find that in Phoenix, where a potential Big Three could be formed. Patience is key, however, as they simply won't win at this point in their career.

Potential Record: 36-46

21. Golden State Warriors

On paper, the Golden State Warriors are built to win. They have a surplus of lights-out shooters, an elite interior defender and a low-post scorer who can truly take over any competition. Unfortunately, they have the most injury-prone unit in the NBA.

Stephen Curry has had as many ankle issues as Greg Oden has knee problems. Andrew Bogut, meanwhile, can't escape the freak injury bug. If the past dictates the future, the Warriors' best two players will be out for significant stretches of the season.

With that duo on the floor, however, this team is a legitimate postseason contender. We'll split it 50-50 and call them injury-prone greatness.

Projected Record: 36-46

20. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are as polarizing a unit as you'll find in the NBA. On one hand, they're a top-10 defense. On the other, they're an offensively inept team whose cast of players leaves you scratching your head.

No matter how you cut it, they just haven't been able to put it all together.

In 2013, expect the Raptors to take a major step in the right direction. They will have one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the NBA with two seven-footers in Andrea Bargnani and Jonas Valanciunas. They've also landed point guard Kyle Lowry, who is certain to help them improve on offense.

Give this team one more year to gel and put it all together. They'll be dangerous.

Projected Record: 37-45

19. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are a trendy pick to make the postseason in each and every year. Unfortunately, this is a team that has built themselves to dominate on offense and let teams blow by on the defensive end.

Regardless of how hard Monta Ellis has begun to try on that end.

Ersan Ilyasova, Brandon Jennings and Ellis are certainly a viable Big Three. Jennings, however, comes with offseason distractions that may just be too much to handle in 2013. John Henson, meanwhile, has the upside to one day make an All-Defensive Team, but he's still a rookie with questions about his build.

For the umpteenth season, this team is one year away.

Projected Record: 39-43

18. Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki guarantees the Dallas Mavericks at least 40 wins. Unfortunately, there is virtually nothing else around him, so that's right where the Mavericks will be sitting.

The Mavericks have nothing in the form of a point guard or secondary scoring option. While Shawn Marion will always contribute and Chris Kaman was a high-quality pickup, relying on an aging Elton Brand for big points is far from intimidating.

Rick Carlisle is one of the game's best head coaches; Dirk Nowitzki is a surefire Hall of Famer; Shawn Marion is an elite defender. None of this will matter, however, if the Mavericks don't place adequate pieces around them.

Projected Record: 40-42

17. Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard is in the same position as Dirk Nowitzki: He's an elite player who could lead his team to a great deal of victories. However, he is coming off of back surgery and just lost the second-best scorer on his team in Ryan Anderson.

Relying on Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu doesn't scream "playoffs," now does it?

This team will win games and compete for the postseason due to Howard alone. With questions about D-12's health and a great chance that the Magic ship him out, though, this team is headed for a place in the draft lottery.

Projected Record: 41-41

16. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their leading scorer this offseason, as Lou Williams was let go in favor of young pieces such as rookie Maurice Harkless and guard Nick Young. While the 76ers have the firepower necessary to thrive, it's hard to imagine an instant recovery.

This opens the door for weak early stages and a powerful finish.

Andre Iguodala remains one of the best players at his position. Both Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner are stars in the making. Spencer Hawes, meanwhile, has developed into one of the better players at the 5.

The question is, how will Lavoy Allen handle replacing Elton Brand?

Projected Record: 41-41

15. Minnesota Timberwolves

For the first time since 2004, the Minnesota Timberwolves will make the NBA playoffs. Could a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves repeat history entirely as a man named "Kevin" wins the MVP award?

Never say never.

The Timberwolves will be led by Mr. Double-Double, Kevin Love. They'll also have a red-hot J.J. Barea, a soon-to-be healthy Ricky Rubio and one of the game's most underrated players, Nikola Pekovic. Together, this team could make some noise out west.

Throw in Brandon Roy, Chase Budinger and the potential signing of Nicolas Batum, and you've got yourself a serious threat. Athleticism and execution on the perimeter will no longer be an issue in the Twin Cities.

Projected Record: 42-40

14. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz killed two birds with one stone this offseason, landing point guard Mo Williams from the Los Angeles Clippers. This eliminates their need for an elite three-point shooter, as well as a burning desire to upgrade the point guard position.

While they may not be ready to compete for a title just yet, consider this one great step in the right direction.

The Jazz are led by the deepest frontcourt in the NBA, throwing Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap in the starting lineup and bringing Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter off of the bench. They also have a Most Improved Player of the Year candidate in Gordon Hayward and a future star in Alec Burks.

Should all of these players put it together, they Jazz become a threat for 50 wins. Just don't jump the gun, as the young players will struggle early but bounce back strong to earn a postseason bid.

Projected Record: 43-39

13. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have one of the youngest cores in the NBA. They also have one of the most explosive cores, as they averaged a league-best 104.1 points per game. Unfortunately, they simply couldn't manufacture consistent scoring in the half-court.

That's right, the game's best scoring offense can't score against a set defense. So how do they fix that?

It's likely a simple game of patience. Ty Lawson showed all the traits of an elite point guard against the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2012 postseason. Danilo Gallinari, meanwhile, has star potential of his own.

As long as those two continue to progress, the team should follow right along with them.

Projected Record: 45-37

12. Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are a team that has received equal levels of praise and criticism this offseason.

For some, trading Joe Johnson virtually eliminated Atlanta from postseason contention. For others, that trade simply opened the door to new possibilities and a chance at legitimacy. I'll run with the latter.

The Hawks acquired Lou Williams, Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow this offseason. That gives them one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league and two of the best three-point shooters around. Paired with rookie John Jenkins, this offers depth and danger to the Hawks' perimeter that they lacked in 2012.

Debate is inevitable. Regardless of what conflicting opinions occur, however, the Hawks became a better team all the way through this offseason.

If complementing Josh Smith and Al Horford was the target, the Atlanta Hawks hit the bull's-eye.

Projected Record: 46-36

11. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets did everything but land Dwight Howard this offseason, locking up Deron Williams and placing a solid supporting cast around him. Quietly but surely, they've built one of the strongest starting lineups in the NBA.

With Williams at the point, the team is already dangerous. Throwing Joe Johnson at the 2 and Gerald Wallace at small forward, however, gives the Brooklyn Nets one of the best perimeters in the NBA.

While Brook Lopez and (potentially) Kris Humphries aren't the most intimidating frontcourt, they pad a solid starting lineup and offer a unit no true holes in terms of individual matchups. With a bench that includes MarShon Brooks and Reggie Evans, it appears as if the Nets have actually built themselves something promising.

How far they'll be able to take it, however, remains to be seen.

Projected Record: 46-36

10. New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler have the talent to dominate the Eastern Conference as a collective unit. J.R. Smith has the ability to win the Sixth Man of the Year award every year he plays.

Unfortunately, each and every one of those names have had trouble putting it all together in their own way.

Raymond Felton is on his way in, and Jeremy Lin appears to be on the way out. Knicks fans are traumatized, while Amar'e Stoudemire is thrilled. I'll take the latter every day of the week.

Projected Record: 47-35

9. Chicago Bulls

Losing Derrick Rose until January (at the earliest) will be tough for the Chicago Bulls. Don't put it past Tom Thibodeau to have his team atop the Eastern Conference before his superstar even returns, though.

While one shouldn't put it past him, they also shouldn't expect it. This is a team that has traded Kyle Korver, released C.J. Watson and is on the verge of losing Omer Asik. With the absence of three key players, holding down the fort without D-Rose becomes quite the tall task.

Upon his return, the team will return to form. But how long will that take? The regular season will be a struggle for Chicago, but don't count them out come postseason.

Projected Record: 48-34

8. Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers can breathe a sigh of relief, as Blake Griffin will be ready for the start of training camp. They can also let out screams of anxiety as they await the results from an active offseason.

Chris Paul will lead this team into battle, which on its own places them around the top 10. Alongside him will be Griffin, Caron Butler, Jamal Crawford and Chauncey Billups—a respectable lineup, to say the least.

What will be key to their success, however, is the development of DeAndre Jordan. Although he has struggled fundamentally, Jordan has always been a threat on the glass and as an elite shot-blocker. Expect more of the same in 2013 as he holds down the defensive interior.

Projected Record: 50-32

7. Indiana Pacers

Quietly but surely, the Indiana Pacers finished the 2012 regular season as the third-ranked team in the Eastern Conference. This was a result of their smothering defense and adequate offensive output.

With a full offseason to build chemistry, this team may finally find their groove on offense. At that point, we can label them as a favorite to compete with the Miami Heat.

Paul George is on the brink of stardom. Roy Hibbert is a dominant interior defender with one of the most fundamentally sound offensive attacks at his position. David West and Danny Granger, meanwhile, began to show why they're paid the big bucks as the season rolled on.

Indiana is going to be a scary team to face.

Projected Record: 51-31

6. Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo may have lost Ray Allen, but he's gained quite a few lethal weapons. Between Jason Terry and Jeff Green, the perimeter is as dangerous as ever. From Jared Sullinger to Fab Melo to Brandon Bass, the frontcourt appears to be as deep as it has been since Rondo arrived in 2006.

Just don't forget about Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. They happen to be Hall of Fame good.

Doc Rivers will master the art of coaching, once again. Rondo will emerge as an MVP candidate. When all is said and done, those pesky Boston Celtics will do what they've always done: win.

Projected Record: 53-29

5. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are as balanced a unit as you'll find. From dominant interior players such as Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph to the best perimeter defender in the game in Tony Allen, it's hard to pick one point of attack.

Fast-rising point guard Mike Conley and star small forward Rudy Gay make sure their starting lineup has absolutely no holes.

In 2013, expect the Grizzlies to bounce back well from their first-round exit in the year prior. This team has a full offseason to work with their rarely healthy unit, and they'll consequently develop the chemistry that they lacked against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Projected Record: 53-29

4. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are one of the deepest teams in the NBA. They're also one of, if not the best, teams at executing their game plan. From the outstanding ball movement to the impeccable shot selection, this team is as dangerous as they come.

Don't expect age to change a thing.

While the minutes will decrease for Tim Duncan, his production alongside Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will not. Those three, combined with the efforts of Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and a slew of perfect fit role players, will bring the Spurs to yet another great regular-season record.

Projected Record: 57-25

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

We know what the Oklahoma City Thunder have to offer. We also know what to expect. What we don't know, however, is how James Harden will bounce back and how Russell Westbrook will improve.

Regardless of what they do, they have this one guy named Kevin Durant. I've he is pretty good.

With that being said, expect Westbrook to have a career year. He's currently in a position in which his defense and facilitating is all Team USA needs him for. This will translate well to the NBA, as Westbrook focuses on the two categories where he has the ability to be elite.

Just don't expect him to slow down on the scoring.

Projected Record: 59-23

2. Los Angeles Lakers

In 2012, Steve Nash had the Phoenix Suns within an end-of-the-season loss to Utah of making the postseason. In 2013, Steve Nash will have the Los Angeles Lakers sitting comfortably atop the Western Conference as the regular season comes to a close.

While depth and athleticism remain as issues in Los Angeles, the fact that they cured their greatest woe with one of the greatest players does nothing but encourage. Kobe Bryant is no longer the primary ball-handler, while Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are certain to find comfort in Nash's presence.

This team will be dominant in the regular season, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Projected Record: 60-22

1. Miami Heat

The defending champions are the clear-cut favorites for a second consecutive season. While both conferences have improved and the quality of their opponents will offer a tough road to a repeat, it would be irrational to place anyone above them at this point.

Not after acquiring Ray Allen and becoming the best three-point shooting team in the league. Especially not when you have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and this fast-rising guy named Mario Chalmers.

Put them at the top of your list. They're the best until they're eliminated.

Projected Record: 63-19