Where Warriors, Kings sit in post-NBA Finals power rankings ahead of 2026 draft

The best part of the New York Knicks winning their first NBA Finals in 53 years is knowing that they earned it. The grit and diligence on display when faced with peril was as astonishing as any champion in any sport in recent memory. They ate deficits for dinner.The worst part of the Knicks winning it all is we’ll spend an eternity hearing about New York supremacy. It will be loud enough to obscure the San Antonio Spurs’ miscues, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s misfortune and the Cleveland Cavaliers sucking their collective thumb.But with the 2026 NBA Draft arriving next Tuesday, followed a week later by free agency, all 30 teams are exploring paths to improvement. Each has studied its roster to determine offseason priorities, which we attempt to address in the almost-summer Power Rankings:30. Washington WizardsTanking regulars acquired established but flawed stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Priority should be to keep both, allowing their abused fans to dream of the NBA playoffs.29. Sacramento KingsWatching Mike Brown and De’Aaron Fox in the Finals had to hurt. It should have. The front office priority is to do something that follows logic, like add a quality point guard.28. Brooklyn NetsChasing lottery luck instead of wins has kept them in the NBA swamp. Jordi Fernandez is a terrific coach. Time to use cap space and the No. 6 pick to give him a respectable roster. 27. Chicago BullsTheir baffling FO (Kings of the East) has shed good coaches, good players and loyal fans. The priority for the new GM is to rebuild with enough savvy to prove real change is here. 26. Memphis GrizzliesJa Morant, the last piece of a once-formidable group, must go even though his value has plummeted. The FO, with the rebuild already under way, knows the assignment.25. Milwaukee BucksGiannis Antetokounmpo is the most attractive trade chip in the league. A two-time MVP should be enough to launch a rebuild with promising youngsters and a couple culture-shifting veterans.24. Dallas MavericksProven architect Masai Ujiri needs only his phone and two years. Kyrie Irving with Cooper Flagg is a fine start. Now keep Dereck Lively II healthy and add some shooting.23. New Orleans PelicansHere comes Jamahl Mosley to revamp a 23rd ranked defense. With no first-round pick, the priority is internal improvement and keeping Zion Williamson healthy and productive.22. Phoenix SunsRookie coach Jordan Ott was impressive, guiding them to 45 wins. They have enough firepower to match that – if they reduce turnovers. They could use stronger paint presence.21. Los Angeles ClippersThey went from awful to scary last season before landing on mediocre. Coach Tyronn Lue is secure, but Kawhi Leonard’s future, there or elsewhere, will be pivotal.20. Utah JazzAfter so many years of overt tanking, they’re put together a long, athletic roster built to compete for the playoffs. They have a long way to go, but the turnaround is in view.19. Charlotte HornetsThey generated enough momentum last season to excite the fan base. They’ll compete if LaMelo Ball plays smart. Add a strong defender, they could make the playoffs.18. Portland Trail BlazersTiago Splitter coached wonderfully but got no love from the frugal new CEO. The entire league is curious to know if this franchise will prioritize excellence or cost savings.17. Miami HeatEric Spoelstra kept them competitive, but if they can add Giannis to Bam Adebayo while re-signing Norman Powell, they’ll have a top-four roster in the East.16. Golden State WarriorsThe second half of the season exposed a flimsy roster behind Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III. Shot creators and a POA defender are wanted, but two-way wings are needed.15. Toronto RaptorsThe young core, led by Scottie Barnes, showed signs of real progress. The defense is superb, but the offense needs more deep shooters; they were 21st in 3-point percentage.14. Philadelphia 76ersLove the backcourt, but Bob Myers and new GM Mike Gansey must decide whether to pray for Joel Embiid’s health, or a miracle that delivers a way out of his mega contract.13. Orlando MagicMoseley was undone by injuries and poor shooting, so Sean Sweeney brings a new voice to a roster the FO surely knows is limited by inadequate shooting. Can they find it?12. Los Angeles LakersTheir limitations mostly trace to the holes in their defense. The must address that while also getting desirable contractual outcomes with LeBron James and Austin Reeves.11. Atlanta HawksTrading Trae Young was the right move. They have two first-round picks, solid talent and superior athleticism. Adding size and re-signing veteran leader CJ McCollum are priorities.10. Indiana PacersLosing Tyrese Haliburton sank last season, but his return puts them back in the playoffs. With Ivica Zubac replacing Myles Turner, can the FO find a reserve stretch-5?9. Cleveland CavaliersThey learned that no matter where James Harden goes, his game shrinks in the playoffs. That can’t be minimized. But this team aches for an elite perimeter defender.8. Houston RocketsThey tried to patch over the loss of Fred VanVleet and realized it didn’t fix the hole. His absence strangled the offense, especially in clutch games. If he returns healthy, look out.7. Denver NuggetsThey were 27-9 when Aaron Gordon played, 27-19 when he did not. Expect a big-ticket player to be bounced, but their fix is a healthy AG and a legitimate two-way wing. 6. Boston CelticsJoe Mazzula was named Coach of the Year before his one-dimensional offense went one-and-done in the playoffs. This is an issue no matter what the FO does with Jaylen Brown.5. Minnesota TimberwolvesJulius Randle beats the world one night, curls into a ball another. If he is their No. 2, Anthony Edwards is handicapped. Fix that, and the Wolves can join OKC and San Antonio.4. Detroit PistonsCade Cunningham is for real, but none of his teammates fit the No. 2 role. The FO must find a floor-spacing shooter because several No. 3s don’t equal a No. 2.3. San Antonio SpursThe best team in the league in the second half of the season tried and failed to jump the line to the top. As they await maturity for the tyros, their priority is to add another shooter.2. Oklahoma City ThunderA healthy Jalen Williams away from the Finals, OKC is built to reload while unloading. Isaiah Hartenstein’s team option forces Sam Presti to make a tough decision.1. New York KnicksGreat fusion of pizazz and fundamentals. Synergistic top eight. Hoping Jalen Brunson set an example for teammates by sacrificing &dollar;&dollar;, the priority is to maintain continuity.Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Where Warriors, Kings sit in post-NBA Finals power rankings ahead of 2026 draft

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