
Will Every NBA Team Be Better or Worse Next Season?
The 2026-27 NBA schedule has officially been released, meaning it's the most optimistic time of the year for basketball fans.
Can the Detroit Pistons reach 60 wins again? Will the Los Angeles Lakers actually be better without LeBron James? Can the defending champion New York Knicks improve on their 53 wins, or will the loss of Mitchell Robinson and regular season fatigue hurt them?
We shouldn't see as much widespread tanking this season due to the new "3-2-1 lottery system", meaning even the NBA's worst teams could flirt with 30 wins. The reverse effect could be true as well, as contenders who feasted on teams trying to lose will no longer have this luxury.
It's time to examine every NBA team's 2025-26 record and notable additions and subtractions, then predict which teams will improve and which will decline this fall.
Atlanta Hawks: Better
1 of 30
2025-26 Record: 46-36
Notable Additions: F Lu Dort, G Aaron Wiggins, PG Ryan Nembhard, G Devin Carter, G Kingston Flemings, C Zuby Ejiofor
Notable Subtractions: G/F Zaccharie Risacher
The Atlanta Hawks went 28-15 after trading Trae Young last season, made some major offseason rotation additions and didn't lose a single starter. A win projection of 42.5 seems incredibly low.
CJ McCollum will turn 35 next month but the rest of this core is still yet to hit their primes. Jalen Johnson has proven himself as an All-Star and Atlanta picked up a pair of champion wings from the Oklahoma City Thunder in Dort and Wiggins.
If Ejiofor looks like a capable backup center to Onyeka Okongwu and Flemings shows flashes of becoming the team's future starting point guard, Atlanta could hit 50-plus wins. This is one of the NBA's deepest teams.
Boston Celtics: Worse
2 of 30
2025-26 Record: 56-26
Notable Additions: F Paul George, C Mitchell Robinson, PG Mike Conley Jr., PF Chris Cenac Jr.
Notable Subtractions: F Jaylen Brown, C Nikola Vučević
A full season of a healthy Jayson Tatum should help the Boston Celtics hit the 50-win mark for the sixth-straight season, although there's no longer a consistent second scorer on this roster.
George is 36 and has played more than 56 games just once in the last seven years. Derrick White is 32 and shot just 39.4 percent overall last season, the worst mark of his career. Robinson can anchor a defense for stretches, but he's not going to create any offense for himself.
The loss of Brown will be felt mightily here. Tatum could average 30-plus points per game and the Celtics still won't go over 56 wins, especially not in an Eastern Conference that only added more talent.
Brooklyn Nets: Better
3 of 30
2025-26 Record: 20-62
Notable Additions: PG Mikel Brown Jr., PF Julius Randle, F/C Moritz Wagner, SG Keon Ellis, PF Joshua Jefferson
Notable Subtractions: C Nic Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets have no incentive to lose this season, as the Houston Rockets own the right to swap their 2027 first-round pick for Brooklyn's.
Plugging in Julius Randle at power forward gives the Nets a pair of big-time scorers along with Michael Porter Jr., and the five first-round picks from 2025 will have an offseason of development.
Brown should start right away and is the best prospect this team has had to build around in years. There's actually some depth here with the signings of Wagner and Ellis as well.
This isn't a playoff team by any means, but the Nets should easily cruise past 20 wins.
Charlotte Hornets: Worse
4 of 30
2025-26 Record: 44-38
Notable Additions: F/C Naz Reid, G/F Grayson Allen, F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O'Neale, PG Dennis Schröder, C Hannes Steinbach (R), PG Christian Anderson (R)
Notable Subtractions: PG LaMelo Ball, F Miles Bridges, G/F Josh Green, PG Tre Mann
The Charlotte Hornets may have taken a step back this offseason in order to take two steps forward in the future. Trading LaMelo Ball for Reid and draft picks seems to signal as much.
Ball had his imperfections, although his swing rating the past two years ranked in the 93rd and 94th percentiles. A point guard committee of Coby White, Schröder and Anderson, a rookie, isn't going to fill the scoring and playmaking void.
There's a fair amount of depth on this Hornets team and plenty of shooting to go around. Charlotte seems destined for another .500-ish record unless they use those future picks and swaps to go after another star.
Chicago Bulls: Better
5 of 30
2025-26 Record: 31-51
Notable Additions: F Caleb Wilson (R), SG Norman Powell, C Nic Claxton, F Dailyn Swain (R)
Notable Subtractions: G Anfernee Simons, G Collin Sexton
Following a confusing end to last season where the Chicago Bulls accumulated roughly half of the league's guards, the bigger picture is beginning to take shape.
Simons and Sexton are gone, although Powell is an upgrade over both who made the 2026 All-Star team with the Miami Heat. Using cap space to sign him and trade for Claxton filled two starting positions and helped the team's offense and defense. Claxton is a huge defensive upgrade over Nikola Vučević.
Wilson should be a joy to watch all season and has All-Star potential. If he and Josh Giddey can develop chemistry, the Bulls could be a 40-plus win team in the East.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Worse
6 of 30
2025-26 Record: 52-30
Notable Additions: F Mario Hezonja, PG Tre Mann
Notable Subtractions: PG Dennis Schröder, F Dean Wade, SG Keon Ellis, F/C Larry Nance Jr.
The Cleveland Cavaliers better have some more moves up their sleeves. Waiting for LeBron James and the desire to clear more space under the second apron has led to the loss of three rotation players thus far.
James Harden remains a free agent but is reportedly expected to return on a new multiyear deal. He will turn 37 later this month, and at this stage of his career, further decline is a reasonable concern.
The Cavs need Evan Mobley to develop offensively, although that's become a common wish now heading into Year 6. He and Jaylon Tyson can help carry Donovan Mitchell and company through the regular season, although this is a group that probably only cares about the playoffs at this point.
Dallas Mavericks: Better
7 of 30
2025-26 Record: 26-56
Notable Additions: PG Kyrie Irving (return from injury), PF Santi Aldama, PF Morez Johnson (R), Sergio De Larrea (R), G/F Zaccharie Risacher
Notable Subtractions: F Khris Middleton, PG Ryan Nembhard
There's still a fair amount of veteran talent left on a rebuilding roster around Cooper Flagg, headlined by the return of Irving from a torn ACL.
P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin and Daniel Gafford are all solid rotation players/starters, giving the Dallas Mavericks some hope that a return to the playoffs won't take long. Playing time needs to be carved out for first-round picks like Johnson and De Larrea to develop, however.
If Flagg plays like an All-Star and Irving looks fully healed from his injury, this group should be significantly better than last year's.
Denver Nuggets: Worse
8 of 30
2025-26 Record: 54-28
Notable Additions: None
Notable Subtractions: SG Tim Hardaway Jr.
We're still waiting on Peyton Watson's contract situation to be settled, as the Denver Nuggets are facing second apron issues even before giving a new deal to their talented young wing.
There's still a ton of top-end talent here with Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, as the Nuggets had a sparking net rating of plus-21.5 with all three on the court last year. All should still be in their primes for a few more years.
Losing Hardaway hurts the team's depth, although a breakout by Julian Strawther is worth keeping an eye on. Will Denver go deep into the second apron to keep Watson? Or is a cost-cutting move coming? Either way, the Nuggets will come close but ultimately fall short of their 54-win mark of a year ago.
Detroit Pistons: Worse
9 of 30
2025-26 Record: 60-22
Notable Additions: PF John Collins, SG Isaiah Joe, F Taurean Prince, SG Gary Harris, PG Ebuka Okorie (R)
Notable Subtractions: PF Tobias Harris, F/C Isaiah Stewart, G/F Caris LeVert
The Detroit Pistons just had their "prove it" regular season. Now everything moving forward is all about the playoffs.
Detroit isn't even a lock for 50 wins in an improved Eastern Conference team, especially since Jalen Duren hasn't signed a new deal yet. This team lost some of its identity by trading away Stewart and will miss Harris, who has often been the second offensive option next to Cade Cunningham.
Collins and Joe are fine rotation players. Okorie should have a role right away even as a rookie. The reality is that this team won't try to squeeze out every regular season win like they did a year ago, prioritizing experimentation with different lineups and rotations in preparation for a long playoff run.
Golden State Warriors: Worse
10 of 30
2025-26 Record: 37-45
Notable Additions: F Yaxel Lendeborg
Notable Subtractions: F/C Quinten Post
It's going to be a long, sad year for the Golden State Warriors if they don't make any other moves this offseason.
This team simply can't wait for Jimmy Butler to return from a torn ACL, which may not be until 2027. The Warriors were 23-15 with Butler last season, yet went just 14-30 without their star wing. Stephen Curry is 38, Draymond Green is 36 and Al Horford turned 40 this past June. The wheels could fall off fast.
Lendeborg should help immediately, but the Warriors made no real moves to improve the roster. Relying on internal improvement when you have the oldest roster in the entire NBA is a bold decision.
By the time Butler can return to the court, the season may already be lost.
Houston Rockets: Worse
11 of 30
2025-26 Record: 52-30
Notable Additions: PG Fred VanVleet (Injury), G/F Bogdan Bogdanović, G Marcus Smart
Notable Subtractions: F Dorian Finney-Smith, SG Josh Okogie
The Houston Rockets should once again be one of the top teams in the West.
Getting Fred VanVleet back from a torn ACL will be huge, even if he's 32 with a lot of high-minute seasons already behind him. There's a lot of mileage here, but his role will primarily be to set up teammates and knock down open shots. The Smart signing is one of the most underrated of the NBA offseason, as he'll make a big difference on the court and in the locker room.
The Rockets haven't done anything wrong to deserve a dip in wins, although Kevin Durant is about to turn 38 and was unusually healthy last year (78 games, 36.4 minutes a night). Repeating this usage at this age will be difficult. Mix in lottery-bound teams actually trying to win now and Houston will see a slight decrease in overall victories.
Indiana Pacers: Better
12 of 30
2025-26 Record: 19-63
Notable Additions: PG Tyrese Haliburton (Injury), F Kelly Oubre Jr., F/C Larry Nance Jr.
Notable Subtractions: G Kam Jones
This is the easiest prediction to make for any of the 30 NBA teams.
Coming off the worst season in franchise history, the Indiana Pacers are going to be awesome again with their franchise point guard back.
This is also one of the deepest teams in the NBA that has established chemistry, good coaching and a center in Ivica Zubac who's going to rebound and screen his butt off every night.
Oubre and Nance are proven veterans who can score and defend at a high level and there's still upside for players like Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker. Siakam is coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons and should be thrilled getting easy looks from Haliburton once again.
Don't be surprised if the Pacers wind up with the No. 1 seed in the East, as they'll be hungry and motivated to prove themselves once again. The only question is, will ownership pay the luxury tax for a team that's already $5.9 million over the line, or are cuts coming at some point?
Los Angeles Clippers: Worse
13 of 30
2025-26 Record: 42-40
Notable Additions: SF Brandon Ingram*, SG Gradey Dick*, G Keaton Wagler (R), F Rui Hachimura
Notable Subtractions: Kawhi Leonard*, F/C John Collins, G/F Bogdan Bogdanović
The Los Angeles Clippers lack the top-end talent of years past, but a quick look at this roster reveals 13 (or more) NBA-caliber rotation players. There's a ton of depth here, especially now that Bradley Beal has re-signed.
Does this mean the Clippers will actually be good? There are a lot of questions that will need to be answered first.
Can Ingram be the offensive alpha? Are Darius Garland's toe injuries still an issue? Can the team actually play Brook Lopez big minutes as a starting center every night?
Los Angeles may end up being better than we think and is a sneaky star trade destination thanks to the draft picks and young talent they've accumulated. In a tough Western Conference, however, finishing over .500 is a stretch.
Los Angeles Lakers: Worse
14 of 30
2025-26 Record: 53-29
Notable Additions: C Walker Kessler, G Collin Sexton, G/F Quentin Grimes, F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili, C Kevon Looney, G/F Matisse Thybulle, SG Cameron Carr (R)
Notable Subtractions: F LeBron James, C Deandre Ayton, F Rui Hachimura, G Marcus Smart, F Luke Kennard
The Los Angeles Lakers will look remarkably different this season, which may or may not be a good thing.
Kessler is a huge upgrade over Ayton to be sure, and players like Grimes, Thybulle and Mamukelashvili are strong two-way floor-spacers next to Luka Dončić. The Lakers won't just miss James, however, but Smart as well. LA had a net rating of minus-6.1 in the 2,252 possessions where James and Smart were both off the floor last season.
Expect the Lakers to flirt with 50 wins but ultimately finish in the high-40s, still punching their ticket to the West playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies: Better
15 of 30
2025-26 Record: 25-57
Notable Additions: PF Cameron Boozer (R), F Jerami Grant, F/C Isaiah Stewart, F Karim López (R)
Notable Subtractions: PG Ja Morant, F/C Santi Aldama
The Memphis Grizzlies went just 7-13 overall with Morant last season, so losing the former franchise point guard isn't going to sting all that much. Boozer is going to make an immediate impact as an offensive hub for this team and there's some veteran frontcourt pieces around him now in Grant and Stewart.
Zach Edey's health will have a big impact on the Grizzlies' success. The 7'4 center had a swing rating of plus-27.8(!!!), albeit in just an 11-game sample. Nikola Jokić was the only other center to rank in the 100th percentile. If Edey is healthy, he's one of the most intimidating big men in the NBA.
A full season of Ty Jerome would help elevate the offense, as the veteran point guard put up 31.3 points and 9.0 assists per 36 minutes last year in his 15 games.
Miami Heat: Better
16 of 30
2025-26 Record: 43-39
Notable Additions: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, SG Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Bobby Portis
Notable Subtractions: G Tyler Herro, G Norman Powell, F Jaime Jaquez Jr., F/C Kel'el Ware, G Kasparas Jakučionis
The Miami Heat are far from having a perfect roster. The team's depth and shooting will be tested, as well as its playmaking. As long as Antetokounmpo plays 60 games or more, however, it's hard to envision Miami not improving on their 43 wins from a season ago.
The defense could be elite, especially with players like Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell in the starting lineup. Smothering teams will be a must given the number of offensive questions that remain.
If Nikola Jović looks like a usable rotation player once again and Pelle Larsson makes a leap, the Heat should be much improved overall.
Milwaukee Bucks: Worse
17 of 30
2025-26 Record: 32-50
Notable Additions: G Tyler Herro, F Jaime Jaquez Jr., F/C Kel'el Ware, G Kasparas Jakučionis, SG Brayden Burries (R), F Nate Ament (R), G/F Caris LeVert
Notable Subtractions: PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, F/C Bobby Portis, F Taurean Prince, SG Gary Harris
This isn't going to be a pretty year for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially since their first-round pick is either going to the Atlanta Hawks or New Orleans Pelicans.
There's a lot of rotation-caliber NBA players still on the roster, and the depth actually looks pretty good. The team is a patchwork of prospects and veterans with just one total All-Star appearance (Herro) among them, however, with no clear alpha to turn to.
Milwaukee could still squeeze out 20-plus wins with no incentive to lose, although this will probably end up being the worst team in the entire East.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Worse
18 of 30
2025-26 Record: 49-33
Notable Additions: PG LaMelo Ball, G/F Josh Green
Notable Subtractions: PF Julius Randle, F/C Naz Reid, PG Mike Conley Jr., F Kyle Anderson
Going all-in for Ball is a mistake the Minnesota Timberwolves will soon regret.
On paper, the backcourt looks great alongside Anthony Edwards, although Ball has averaged less than 51 games a season in his career. For a team that's already thin on depth overall, Minnesota needs Ball to be healthy, something he's struggled with the past six years.
There's no good answer for who starts at power forward now that Randle and Reid are gone. In the 478 total possessions where neither were on the floor last season, the Wolves had a miserable net rating of minus-10.7 (17th percentile via Cleaning the Glass).
This could be the beginning of the end for Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, especially if the team falls to the West play-in.
New Orleans Pelicans: Better
19 of 30
2025-26 Record: 26-56
Notable Additions: None
Notable Subtractions: Kevon Looney
The New Orleans Pelicans probably need some sort of roster shakeup to find better fitting pieces around their stars, although there is a lot of talent on this roster overall.
Dejounte Murray will be healthy to begin the season, and the veteran guard had a swing rating of plus-8.2 in his 14 games (90th percentile via Cleaning the Glass). Zion Williamson has now played in 62 or more games in two of the past three years and Trey Murphy III put up a career-high 21.5 points per game.
This isn't going to be a playoff team in the West without some changes, but the Pelicans will win at least 30 games with a healthy Murray and the development of players like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
New York Knicks: Worse
20 of 30
2025-26 Record: 53-29
Notable Additions: C Andre Drummond
Notable Subtractions: C Mitchell Robinson
Passing 53 wins for the defending champions will be difficult for a number of reasons.
Yes, the conference around them will be better as a whole, but going from Robinson to Drummond as a rotation center is a big drop off, especially defensively. The former played his role perfectly while protecting the rim, challenging shots all over the court and not playing outside of his means offensively.
Regular season fatigue is bound to set in for a New York Knicks team coming off the high of winning a championship. They captured the 2026 title after finishing as the No. 3 seed in the East, opening on the road in the NBA Finals. None of this ultimately mattered much, and the Knicks aren't going to go all-out to chase a No. 1 seed now.
New York could still reach 50 wins, although they won't be as good as last season with the loss of Robinson.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Worse
21 of 30
2025-26 Record: 64-18
Notable Additions: C Aday Mara (R), G Bennett Stirtz (R)
Notable Subtractions: F Lu Dort, G Aaron Wiggins, G Isaiah Joe
The term "worse" for the Oklahoma City Thunder is relative. The team could go 63-19 overall (and very well could) and still technically be worse.
Losing Dort, Wiggins and Joe hurts a little, although only one was even in the team's playoff rotation. Players like Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain and Nikola Topić will all see a bump in playing time, which may actually make OKC better overall.
This is the best team in all of basketball when healthy, one that will still win 60-plus games. They'll be more cautious with injuries to players like Jalen Williams, preserving them for a long playoff run after poor health ultimately doomed their chance at back-to-back titles.
The regular season only matters so much. The Thunder could very well win the 2027 title while not passing their 2025-26 win total.
Orlando Magic: Better
22 of 30
2025-26 Record: 45-37
Notable Additions: C Nikola Vučević
Notable Subtractions: F/C Moritz Wagner
This is the toughest NBA team to make a prediction for. The Orlando Magic haven't done enough this offseason to make us believe they'll win more than 45 games, yet this core is still on the younger side and should technically be better because of internal growth and continuity.
The deciding factor here was Franz Wagner, who was limited to just 34 games a season ago due to injury. The core four of Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs was successful in their limited time together, registering a net rating of plus-12.2 in 438 total possessions.
If Wagner plays 60 games or more, Orlando should (barely) pass their 45-win mark of a season ago.
Philadelphia 76ers: Better
23 of 30
2025-26 Record: 45-37
Notable Additions: F LeBron James, F Jaylen Brown, G Anfernee Simons, F Dean Wade, G Labaron Philon Jr. (R)
Notable Subtractions: F Paul George, G/F Quentin Grimes, F Kelly Oubre Jr., C Andre Drummond
The Philadelphia 76ers aren't a team built for the regular season, although the sheer star power on this team will carry them to 50-plus wins.
Joel Embiid and James will need time off here and there. The team will be careful with any injuries to Brown, who turns 30 in October and already has 142 playoff games under his belt. The young guard trio of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Philon should be good for big minutes, however, and lead this team to a lot of wins.
Chemistry and rotation questions may make for a clunky start to the season, although there's no more dangerous team in the East when healthy than these 76ers. They'll clear 45 wins with ease.
Phoenix Suns: Worse
24 of 30
2025-26 Record: 45-37
Notable Additions: F Miles Bridges, F Luke Kennard, PF Koa Peat (R)
Notable Subtractions: G/F Grayson Allen, G/F Royce O'Neale
The Phoenix Suns should once again be good next year. It's just hard to imagine them being great.
The core of Devin Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks had a very average net rating of plus-1.1 last season (58th percentile via Cleaning the Glass). Adding Bridges (minus-5.9 swing rating for the Charlotte Hornets) may not move the needle all that much.
If Khaman Maluach makes a second-year leap and Collin Gillespie has another strong season, the Suns will again hover around 45 wins. With so many teams previously at the bottom of the West looking to win now, Phoenix will fall just short of their previous mark.
Portland Trail Blazers: Better
25 of 30
2025-26 Record: 42-40
Notable Additions: PG Ja Morant, PG Damian Lillard (return from injury)
Notable Subtractions: F Jerami Grant, G/F Matisse Thybulle
The Portland Trail Blazers are a tough team to prognosticate over, as there's a new head coach in Micah Nori and a new-look backcourt featuring Morant and the return of a healthy Lillard.
Morant, Lillard and Deni Avdija have immense offensive potential but could get picked apart defensively. Toumani Camara is the perfect starter to place around these stars and the center position looks solid with the growth of Donovan Clingan and the re-signing of Robert Williams III.
This roster still needs a trade to consolidate all of these guards, a deal ownership should certainly sign off on if it ultimately lowers team salary.
Essentially swapping Grant for Morant and Lillard is a huge upgrade in talent, however, and Nori should be hungry to prove himself as a first-time head coach. The Blazers will be better, if only slightly.
Sacramento Kings: Better
26 of 30
2025-26 Record: 22-60
Notable Additions: PG Darius Acuff Jr. (RF), F Alex Karaban (R)
Notable Subtractions: F DeMar DeRozan, G Devin Carter
The Sacramento Kings should be a fun watch if you like offense this season, although this team may still not hit 30 wins thanks to what could be the NBA's worst defense.
Acuff is going to have superstar moments and should electrify the fanbase once again. A healthy Domantas Sabonis will make life a lot easier for the rookie and Zach LaVine should be motivated heading into a contract year.
Overall, this group just doesn't have the talent to be a contender in the West. They'll clear the 22-win mark yet could finish with the worst record in the conference overall.
San Antonio Spurs: Worse
27 of 30
2025-26 Record: 62-20
Notable Additions: PF Tobias Harris, C Jayden Quaintance (R), C Tarris Reed Jr. (R)
Notable Subtractions: None
If the San Antonio Spurs announce tomorrow that De'Aaron Fox will be the team's newest sixth man and that Dylan Harper will be entering the starting lineup, we'll change this prediction. For now, the Spurs could still hit 60 wins but won't reach their potential unless a change is made.
San Antonio had a net rating of plus-32.6 (!!!) in the 700 possessions that Harper and Victor Wembanyama shared the floor without Fox last season. That figure easily ranked in the 100th percentile via Cleaning the Glass.
Harris gives the Spurs another veteran forward to plug into the rotation and San Antonio didn't lose a single player of importance.
After having their "prove it" regular season, however, the Spurs will make a championship the new priority and fall just short of 62 wins.
Toronto Raptors: Better
28 of 30
2025-26 Record: 46-36
Notable Additions: F Kawhi Leonard*, F Allen Graves (R)
Notable Subtractions: F Brandon Ingram, SG Gradey Dick, F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili
The Toronto Raptors could be a sneaky contender for No. 1 seed in the East, assuming the trade for Leonard goes through.
Even if the two-time Finals MVP misses stretches of the season, Toronto could actually be OK. The Raptors were better without Ingram last season, as his swing rating of minus-9.0 ranked in the 13th percentile.
Scottie Barnes is quickly becoming one of the best two-way players in the entire NBA and Graves' size and shooting should make him an immediate contributor. Expect the Raptors to push past 50 wins.
Utah Jazz: Better
29 of 30
2025-26 Record: 22-60
Notable Additions: SG Darryn Peterson (RD), SG Josh Okogie
Notable Subtractions: C Walker Kessler
The Utah Jazz are a sneaky playoff contender in the West and have one of the brightest futures of any team in the conference.
Peterson could average around 20 points per game as a rookie. He's already ridiculously talented and ready to take on an alpha role in the NBA. The question is, will players like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George willingly sacrifice their own shots for him?
Jaren Jackson Jr. will wipe away a lot of the defensive mistakes this young core makes and Ace Bailey has star potential. With a bright, young coaching staff that should be hungry to exit rebuild mode, Utah could flirt with a .500 or better season.
Washington Wizards: Better
30 of 30
2025-26 Record: 17-65
Notable Additions: F AJ Dybantsa (R), Anthony Davis (Injury), C Deandre Ayton, F Khris Middleton
Notable Subtractions: G D'Angelo Russell
This could be the best Washington Wizards team we've seen in nearly a decade, when John Wall and Bradley Beal both made the 2018 All-Star team.
Of course, that would mean a (mostly) healthy season from Anthony Davis and Trae Young, who bring stability and a veteran presence to a Wizards team that still stands as the second-youngest in the entire NBA.
Dybantsa should be the leading shot-taker on this team even ahead of Davis and Young. Washington will go as far as he carries them both now and over the next decade.





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