Today, ESPN posted their NBA power rankings as the majority of the key free agents (unless they are restricted free agents) have been signed. Unsurprisingly, atop the list are the Thunder, the reigning NBA champions who are retaining their entire core. The Timberwolves are sixth in the power rankings, which will not please the majority of the fanbase.
Other four teams ahead of the Wolves
Seeing their team placed in sixth may have Wolves fans feeling their squad is underrated. They were one of the last four teams standing each of the last two years. It could be because it hasn’t been a very eventful offseason for them.
Meanwhile, the Rockets adding Kevin Durant made ESPN’s panel confident enough to place them second. The second seed in the Western Conference in 2024-25 were just missing that go-to scorer they could count on on a nightly basis, something that Durant can be even at his advanced age.
The Nuggets come in at third. Denver certainly seemed to improve their bench this offseason in signing both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, as well as trading for Jonas Valančiūnas. Their most notable move was trading Michael Porter Jr. to acquire Cam Johnson.
Two teams in the East are fourth (Cavaliers) and fifth (Knicks). The Cavaliers have been a superb regular season team that haven’t been able to fully figure it out come postseason time. The Knicks just made their first conference final appearance in 25 years, still fired their head coach after the season, but they have strengthened a somewhat weak bench with the signings of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
Wolves continuity should be beneficial for the team
The last time ESPN’s NBA power rankings had came out was right after the NBA finals were completed. Minnesota was second in those, meaning they fell four spots after the draft and one month of free agency.
While the Timberwolves didn’t necessarily make any huge additions (other than selecting Joan Beringer 17th overall). The Wolves also lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker, but they have numerous young internal candidates to take over his minutes (Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark).
Something should be said about continuity, though, as few teams in the league can match that of Minnesota’s. There will also be no acclimation period needed this time around for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo after they didn’t join the team until October of last year. Also, Anthony Edwards has continued his ascent into one of the game’s true superstars, and he turns just 24 on August 5. Further improvement can be expected.
The Wolves performed better in The Athletic’s NBA power rankings written by Law Murray, which were published a week ago, as they were placed fourth.