Welcome back to the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo is finally in Miami, Jaylen Brown is in Philadelphia, Ja Morant is in Portland, and Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto. La Melo Ball is joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota's backcourt, and the Lakers added a new lob threat for Luka Doncic. Those major moves come alongside a deep 2026 rookie class, and a 41-year-old legend defying Father Time has changed coasts, setting up the league's newest superteam.
On the eve of opening night, ESPN's NBA insiders and analysts are breaking down the storylines and stars that will shape the 2026-27 season and the run through the postseason. Team rankings reflect where a panel of ESPN writers and analysts believe each club belongs heading into the season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain arguably the deepest roster in the league despite losing three championship-winning role players in salary-shedding summer trades. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the back-to-back MVP, is supported by All-NBA sidekicks Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, along with young talents Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. Oklahoma City's defense has ranked first in the league by a wide margin for two straight seasons, though its rebounding, which ranked 22nd at a 49.0% rate last season, remains a weakness.
ESPN's experts project the Thunder to finish with about 60.7 wins and a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs. One bold prediction: Oklahoma City slips to second in defensive rating as it relies more on younger defenders and Victor Wembanyama's Spurs push for the top spot.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing