NBA Power Rankings Based on Odds (Deandre Ayton Returns, What We Learned From Summer League)

One of the bigger dominoes in the free agent market in the NBA finally fell, as Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton will remain with the team after Phoenix matched the offer sheet he signed with the Indiana Pacers.

The Suns couldn't afford to lose Ayton for nothing, but after months of hearing how they wouldn't give him a max, it seems like Phoenix's hand was forced by Ayton's move as a restricted free agent.

Ayton isn't the only storyline from the past few weeks, as we have several takeaways to make from the NBA Summer League. Paolo Banchero was so good that the Orlando Magic played him in just two games, and Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray won Summer League MVP.

Did the.. dare I say it... Kings get something right in the draft?

It's way too early to tell, but it's never too early to Power Rank every NBA team ahead of the 2022-23 season.

1. Golden State Warriors (+650)

The defending champs aren't the favorites in the odds, but they deserve the top spot after a solid offseason. James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga looked good in Summer League, and that could be a sign of bigger things to come in the 2022-23 season.

2. Milwaukee Bucks (+650)

Bucks rookie MarJon Beauchamp was really solid in the NBA's Summer League, shooting 45.8% from 3 and averaging 12.8 points per game. I think the Bucks are the best team in the East if healthy.

3. Boston Celtics (+600)

Adding Malcolm Brogdon really makes the Celtics dangerous, and rookie JD Davidson showed some potential in Summer League. Boston is the favorite to win the title at WynnBET.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (+650)

The Clippers are DEEP. Their ceiling will depend on the health of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but it's hard not to like the roster L.A. has put together.

5. Phoenix Suns (+700)

I'll be honest, Ayton forcing Phoenix's hand may have been a good thing, as the Suns didn't really have a way to replace him without a solid sign-and-trade.

6. Miami Heat (+1200)

Miami could make a move for Kevin Durant or Donovan Mitchell, but it's going to be tough to do so and still keep Bam Adebayo given Miami's lack of draft picks.

7. Philadelphia 76ers (+1500)

James Harden took a pay cut, and the Sixers have added some key role players to fill the holes from last year's team. The question is... which James Harden will they get?

8. Denver Nuggets (+2000)

If Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray return to form, the Nuggets are destined to make a leap in the West.

9. Brooklyn Nets (+1000)

These odds, and the current market, suggest that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving aren't going anywhere. However, it feels like a matter of time before something happens if both players are unhappy.

10. Dallas Mavericks (+2300)

Dallas hasn't replaced Jalen Brunson, but it does have Luka Doncic. That's enough for me to keep them in the top 10.

11. Memphis Grizzlies (+2200)

The Grizzlies earned the No. 2 seed in the West last season, and they will be more battle tested entering the 2022-23 campaign with a healthy Ja Morant.

12. Atlanta Hawks (+4000)

The Hawks have had an underrated offseason, improving their defense, adding Dejounte Murray and grabbing a high-upside win in A.J. Griffin in the draft.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves (+4000)

I will give the Wolves a ton of credit for making a win-now move for Rudy Gobert. However, they gave up entirely too much.

14. New Orleans Pelicans (+4000)

I really like the Pelicans' young talent, and they seemed to only scratch the surface without Zion Williamson in the 2021-22 season.

15. Toronto Raptors (+2500)

The Raptors may have the best package for Kevin Durant, and they are a playoff team without him. Not a bad spot to be in.

16. Los Angeles Lakers (+1200)

The longer things go with the Lakers not making a move for Kyrie Irving, the more I'm losing faith in this team truly being a contender after last season.

17. Chicago Bulls (+6000)

The Bulls faded in the second half of the 2021-22 season, and they really haven't improved much despite signing veterans Goran Dragic and Andre Drummond.

18. New York Knicks (+10000)

There's something cooking in New York. The Knicks could really improve their odds if they make a trade for Donovan Mitchell, but they have to be careful about giving up too much.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (+10000)

The Cavs are still in limbo in the Collin Sexton sweepstakes, and his decision could change their outlook.

20. Charlotte Hornets (+15000)

The Hornets' odds are plummeting after an underwhelming offseason. Miles Bridges' domestic violence charge really hurt Charlotte's outlook for the 2022-23 season, but good on the organization for moving on.

21. Portland Trail Blazers (+8000)

The Blazers won the Summer League, but rookie Shaedon Sharpe injured his shoulder. We haven't see enough of Sharpe to really know anything about what he can bring in the 2022-23 season.

22. Detroit Pistons (+50000)

Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham are going to be fun to watch this coming season, but will it be enough for the Pistons to make the playoffs?

23. Utah Jazz (+15000)

The Jazz and Knicks are in talks on a Donovan Mitchell deal, which could move Utah to the bottom of this list if it happens.

24. Washington Wizards (+30000)

The Wizards have been stuck in mediocrity for years, and they haven't made a move this offseason that changes that. Also, rookie Johnny Davis struggled in Summer League, which is less than ideal.

25. Sacramento Kings (+50000)

So, maybe the Kings knew Keegan Murray was this good all along? Murray dominated the Summer League and should be a fun player to watch once the regular season kicks off.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder (+50000)

The Thunder have a really fun young core, and Chet Holmgren showed his unique skill set in Summer League. Still, OKC is going to be a play-in team at best in the 2022-23 season.

27. Orlando Magic (+50000)

The Magic probably aren't a playoff team, but Paolo Banchero is the real deal. He's got a great chance to win Rookie of the Year.

28. San Antonio Spurs (+50000)

The Spurs did extend forward Keldon Johnson (a good move for the future), but this looks like a season where they're going to struggle without Dejounte Murray.

29. Indiana Pacers (+50000)

The Pacers made a solid run at Ayton, but they were unable to pry him from Phoenix. On the bright side, Bennedict Mathurin was really solid in Summer League.

30. Houston Rockets (+50000)

I liked what I saw from Jabari Smith in the Summer League, but this young Rockets team is going to go through some growing pains in the 2022-23 season.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.