Way-too-early Power Rankings: Where all 30 teams r...
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- New York Knicks won the 2025-26 NBA title by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games, claiming the franchise's first championship in 53 years
- Oklahoma City Thunder topped the power rankings at No. 1 despite a Western Conference finals exit, with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's extensions pushing the payroll toward $250 million and deep into the second apron
- San Antonio Spurs ranked No. 2 after their Finals run, with Victor Wembanyama now eligible for a five-year, $251 million rookie extension — the largest in franchise history
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home his second straight MVP award, while Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly decided it might be best to take his talents elsewhere this offseason
- Cleveland Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018 but were swept by the Knicks, prompting questions about whether the roster needs another star
- Indiana Pacers endured a 19-63 "gap year" and are projected to bounce back with healthy returns of Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac
- Kevin Durant is fully acclimated to his new Houston Rockets teammates, and Fred VanVleet will return from a torn ACL to fix a team that struggled to close games
Why it matters: The Knicks' title resets the league hierarchy, but OKC retained the No. 1 ranking despite a Western Conference finals exit, with Williams and Holmgren extensions pushing payroll toward $250 million. The Spurs sit at No. 2 after their Finals run — with Wembanyama eligible for a $251M supermax that would reshape their cap sheet.
