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The 2020-21 NBA season is almost here. Franchises have only had two months to go through the routine of rounding up their rosters and getting players back to shape via training camp. Many teams have managed to even show cohesion and chemistry in the preseason and occupy a spot in our NBA power rankings.
NBA Power Rankings 2020-21: Outlining the cream of the crop
Although things will change during the course of the regular season, some franchises are already in a good place. These units have made brilliant offseason moves to fill holes in their respective rosters. They've also managed to get the ball rolling between teammates. These teams have made it clear at the very outset that they're going to dominate proceedings during the 2020-21 season.
On that note, let us look at the NBA power rankings, highlighting the top 10 teams heading into the new campaign.
#10 Golden State Warriors
The only reason why the Golden State Warriors are so low on our NBA power rankings is because of injuries. There are a few setbacks they can recover from but the loss of Klay Thompson is a hard one. Having said that, they've looked good in preseason.
Stephen Curry's been in blistering form, managing two 29-point outings against the Sacramento Kings. Kelly Oubre Jr. has also played solid basketball on both ends of the court. James Wiseman is likely to join the rotation on opening night. The Warriors have enough gas in the tank to push for a top-five seed in the West and their position could easily rise in future NBA power rankings.
#9 Toronto Raptors
Playing out of a new home this season, the Toronto Raptors have a lot of challenges to deal with. They still need someone to replicate the production of both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol who left in free agency. Fred VanVleet re-signed with the team and seems ready for a huge jump this season.
Rookie guard Malachi Flynn has impressed as well while OG Anunoby continues to grow. Kyle Lowry looked like he hadn't lost a step in the Raptors' last preseason game against the Miami Heat and the team finds a place in our early NBA power rankings.
Also see:- NBA Schedule 2020-21
#8 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have left a lot to be desired in the months leading up to the 2020-21 season. They let Gordon Hayward walk without replacing him and Kemba Walker's injury leaves the team shorthanded.
The Celtics were comprehensively beaten in their two preseason games but Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum looked positive as usual. Tristan Thompson should solve their problems at the five for the time being while back-up point guard Jeff Teague has also seemed decent with his passing range.
#7 Denver Nuggets
The 2020-21 season will be all about letting loose for the Denver Nuggets. Their two main superstars in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic will be hoping to continue the form of the bubble while Michael Porter Jr. could have a breakout year.
The Nuggets lost Jerami Grant in free agency but they signed JaMychal Green to replace him. Will Barton is also back to fitness while Argentinian recruit Facundo Campazzo is ready to dazzle the league with his pinpoint passing.
#6 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers probably had the second-best offseason among all teams. They were able to offload Al Horford's contract while bringing in the shooting ability of Danny Green and Seth Curry. They also signed Dwight Howard in free agency. Meanwhile, rookie Tyrese Maxey has shown a bit of dexterity on both ends of the court.
The Sixers will be hoping to find that rhythm flowing under new head coach Doc Rivers, especially between team leaders Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
#5 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are only getting back to shape but their young group seems to be going at it again. Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson have picked up from where they left off while rookie Precious Achiuwa had 13 points and 15 rebounds in the last preseason game against the Toronto Raptors.
The addition of Avery Bradley will help in the 3-and-D department whereas Bam Adebayo will be hoping to build on his breakout campaign from last season. Expect Jimmy Butler and the Heat to play hard each night.
#4 LA Clippers
The LA Clippers went winless in the preseason but a major reason behind the same was the reduced usage of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Marcus Morris was also unavailable for all the matchups.
Youngster Mfiondu Kabengele has showcased some good defensive prowess while trade acquisition Luke Kennard has looked every bit like the upgrade on Landry Shamet that he was supposed to be. The LA Clippers aren't there yet but expect Ty Lue to eventually kick things into motion.
#3 Brooklyn Nets
Besides Kyrie Irving's run-ins with the media, there's a lot to like about the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant seems like he hasn't lost a step at all while Irving himself has found it fairly easy to rack up the points in the preseason.
Elsewhere on the roster, Spencer Dinwiddie continues to adjust to the role of the back-up point guard while showcasing improved playmaking skills. Caris LeVert also looked lively against the Celtics, racking up a quick 18 points in 21 minutes.
#2 Milwaukee Bucks
By extending Giannis Antetokounmpo's contract, the Milwaukee Bucks took care of their biggest offseason challenge. They also managed to trade for Jrue Holiday who's expected to tip the franchise over during the postseason.
The Bucks have lost both their games leading to the 2020-21 season but Giannis still managed double-doubles in quick time. The reliable Khris Middleton has also shown some improvements on the defensive end. The team is ready for another crack at the title.
#1 LA Lakers
If they were good earlier, the LA Lakers have only gotten better in the offseason. They managed to land both the 2020 Sixth Man of the Year and the runner-up in Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroder respectively despite their financial limitations.
LeBron James is still the greatest player in the league right now while Anthony Davis is arguably the best shooting big man. Kyle Kuzma has also upped the ante on both ends of the court while Talen Horton-Tucker seems primed for a huge sophomore leap. Expect LA Lakers to dominate all teams during the 2020-21 season.
Also read: NBA League Pass - 5 Scarcely televised teams worth watching during the 2020-21 season
