2026-27 NBA Power Rankings: Knicks reign supreme — but who's lurking?

The 2025-26 season hasn't even officially wrapped up, but the basketball world is already looking ahead. A first set of power rankings for all 30 NBA teams ahead of the 2026-27 campaign has been released, and the New York Knicks sit firmly at the top. With a deep roster and a winning culture that's been building for several seasons, the Knicks are considered the team to beat. Right behind them, a pack of contenders is ready to pounce. The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets all boast championship-caliber cores. OKC's young, explosive group continues to intrigue with their ceiling seemingly still rising. Boston, meanwhile, leans on the continuity and pedigree of a battle-tested squad that knows what it takes to win it all. At the bottom of the rankings, teams in full-scale rebuilds struggle to inspire confidence. Without established stars or immediately impactful draft assets, these franchises face long roads ahead. The race to the bottom could prove just as competitive as the one for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. For fans across the Caribbean and the diaspora, these early projections provide a valuable first look at the landscape of next season. Which teams will confirm their status? Which ones will surprise? Free agency moves and summer trades could dramatically reshape this hierarchy before opening night. One thing is certain: the 2026-27 NBA season already promises intense competition, and these rankings are just the opening chapter in what should be a thrilling story.