NBA Power Rankings Based on Championship Odds Following NBA Draft
The NBA Draft has come and gone. Some teams drafted cornerstones last night and others may have set their franchise back a few seasons. However, the entire league is filled with potential right now and is switching their minds to free agency.
Before the big fish hunting begins, let's examine the landscape of the league after last night's NBA Draft.
All odds listed are via WynnBET.
1. Golden State Warriors (+550)
I'm giving the Warriors their respect as champions and giving them the top title until the season starts.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (+750)
The Bucks were in a Game 7 without Khris Middleton. Once they get healthy, they might take over as the favorites.
3. Boston Celtics (+750)
The Celtics are the best defense in the league and just got a major lesson in championship habits.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (+800)
The Clippers are another team that has a high ceiling if its stars are healthy. With Kahwi and Paul George back, this might be the year.
5. Dallas Mavericks (+1500)
The Mavericks got Doncic a little bit of help, which might be enough to put them over the top.
6. Denver Nuggets (+1800)
The Nuggets have a back-to-back MVP on their team and have two potential all-stars coming back.
7. Miami Heat (+1200)
Miami was one shot away from being in the Finals. Expect them to make a big move in free agency.
8. Brooklyn Nets (+750)
I truly don't know where to rank this team. Technically, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are still on the team. The question is: For how long?
9. Memphis Grizzlies (+1500)
Grit and Grind is back! The Grizzlies proved they are a true contender and just need to get some consistency.
10. Philadelphia 76ers (+1500)
As long as Joel Embiid is on the team, the 76ers have a legitimate shot at the title. It's the supporting cast that's going to be the issue.
11. Phoenix Suns (+1000)
Phoenix looks like a team imploding from the inside and might not sign their third-best player in free agency. Right now they still have a chance, but don't expect everything to stay the same with them.
12. New Orleans Pelicans (+4000)
The Pelicans have all the energy an upstart team needs and are getting Zion Williamson back. New Orleans might have a longer playoff run than just six games next year
13. Toronto Raptors (+5000)
Toronto has pieces, but doesn't have a traditional superstar to lean on. If Nick Nurse can work his magic, this team could overachieve again.
14. Los Angeles Lakers (+1800)
I'll be real. I don't know how to rate the Lakers, so I put them just above average because LeBron James in on the roster.
15. Chicago Bulls (+5000)
The Bulls seemed primed to make a big move. However, if they stay put, don't expect to see a contender from Chicago.
16. Cleveland Cavaliers (+10000)
Even though I'm making the rankings, this feels low for the Cavaliers. I just need to see how much Mobley and Garland improve to be sold this season.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (+4000)
Minnesota has some issues defensively and with late game execution. Those things are either going to continue to be an issue or force someone to get traded.
18. Charlotte Hornets (+7500)
Charlotte lost a potential great head coach in Kenny Atkinson and will still have to figure out their defensive issues this season.
19. Atlanta Hawks (+7500)
Atlanta needs two things: Help for Trae Young and some defense. Until either of those things happen, Atlanta will be a play-in team.
20. Utah Jazz (+6000)
The Jazz are on the verge of implosion, but they still have two all-stars so I won't drop them too far.
21. New York Knicks (+7500)
The Knicks have talent, but no common sense. This is why they're in the bottom third of the league.
22. Washington Wizards (+50000)
Washington is holding onto Bradley Beal as tight as possible, but this is play-in team at best.
23. Detroit Pistons (+20000)
The Pistons have been crowned the "league pass team of the season." With Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham, expect a renaissance in Detroit basketball.
24. Portland Trail Blazers (+10000)
Portland is making decent moves, but it'll stay stuck in purgatory until they tear this team down.
25. San Antonio Spurs (+25000)
The Spurs have Dejounte Murray and that's about it. They may have a chance at Deandre Ayton, but even that is a long shot right now.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)
The Thunder are going to be this year's "fun team" -- which is just code for bad team with likable players.
27. Houston Rockets (+50000)
The Rockets may have gotten the steal of the draft with Jabari Smith falling to No. 3.
28. Orlando Magic (+50000)
The Magic shocked the world and took Paolo Banchero first overall. They now have some more scoring to throw into a very young lineup.
29. Sacramento Kings (+50000)
The Kings are a terrible franchise that continues to make bad decisions. They want to go all-in to make the play-in and pass up on the better prospect in order to do so. That's the wrong move.
30. Indiana Pacers (+50000)
The Pacers have no options and are going to be in the running for the worst team in the league next year.
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.