The NBA offseason has entered a lull, primarily due to the stalled restricted free agent market that is preventing four young players from finalizing new contracts. This situation has paused much of the league’s summer activities. While there’s still opportunity for significant trades before the training camps start on October 1, we generally have an understanding of the league’s structure as we head into the new season.
ESPN recently released their premature power rankings for the 2025-26 season, determined by a nine-person panel. These rankings provide valuable insights into the upcoming championship race, tanking teams, and the middle-tier squads. Nonetheless, opinions may vary regarding the specific ranks of the teams.
We will share our own rankings closer to the new season’s commencement. In the meantime, here are some teams we believe are either overrated or underrated according to ESPN’s rankings.
Underrated: No. 3 Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets rank below the Thunder and Rockets in these rankings. While OKC deserves to be the frontrunner this season, the Nuggets present the most significant challenge. They significantly improved during the offseason by signing Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. This team, which previously relied heavily on underdeveloped young talent, now possesses the veteran depth it has long needed. The shift from Michael Porter Jr. to Johnson is notably beneficial: Johnson excelled as an efficient scorer in Brooklyn, and playing alongside Nikola Jokic could elevate his game even further. With Jokic remaining the top player in the league, the Nuggets have a real chance to contend for the championship with a stronger supporting cast around him, making them the second-most likely team to win it all this season, in my opinion.
Overrated: No. 13 Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the entire season due to his recovery from a torn ACL. In his absence, Dallas faces a notable shortage of ball-handling talent, with D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum being the only semblance of point guards on the roster. ESPN ranks the Mavericks as the 8th best team in the West, although I predict that two of the Grizzlies, Spurs, or Trail Blazers will finish with a better record than Dallas, relegating the Mavs back to lottery contention. While rookie Cooper Flagg is a promising player, he will be the youngest player in the league this year. The pairing of Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II is intriguing, but raises concerns about spacing and AD’s injury history. This team is likely to struggle with three-point shooting and I doubt their defense will compensate for it. I still maintain that Dallas should adopt a more long-term strategy around their new star.
Overrated: No. 14 Milwaukee Bucks
In a bid to satisfy Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks made some surprising moves this summer, including waiving Damian Lillard to acquire Myles Turner. While Turner could serve as a suitable alternative for Brook Lopez, who has moved to the Clippers, it’s uncertain whether these changes will significantly improve the Bucks enough to make them the No. 6 team in the East, as predicted by ESPN. The team lacks a true starting point guard, and the absence of Lillard is a major loss. Additionally, the wing position is weak at best, relying on a potential resurgence from Kyle Kuzma, who struggled last season. Unless Giannis performs at an extraordinary level consistently, I don’t foresee this team securing a guaranteed playoff spot.
Underrated: No. 16 San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are poised to move up the Western Conference ranks. Victor Wembanyama appears ready to play after a blood clot prematurely ended his last season, and he has the potential to emerge as a top-10 player. A full season with De’Aaron Fox should yield positive results for San Antonio. With Stephon Castle in his second year and the addition of impactful rookie Dylan Harper, the Spurs possess better frontcourt depth and flexibility than before, especially when Wembanyama is on the bench. Currently, the Spurs are ranked No. 10 in the West, but I believe they will be much better than that.
