ESPN Future Rankings Spotlight Bucks’ Limited Levers, Hornets’ Asset Haul, Wizards’ Cap Windfall
espn-future-rankings-bucks-hornets-wizards-assets
ESPN’s latest NBA future power rankings examine how three Eastern Conference franchises are positioned for the coming years, stressing Milwaukee’s dwindling options, Charlotte’s growing stockpile of draft picks, and Washington’s sizable salary-cap cushion.
Bucks
Milwaukee has exited in the first round for three consecutive seasons, and this spring’s loss was compounded by Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear. According to ESPN, the Bucks’ response involved stretching Lillard’s contract and adding center Myles Turner, but the network notes the organization has “few levers left to pull.” Milwaukee has no controllable draft selections until 2031 and limited roster flexibility, prompting rival clubs to monitor Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future should the slide continue.
Hornets
Despite a bottom-10 overall ranking, Charlotte is accumulating long-term assets. ESPN lists the Hornets with 24 draft picks—11 of them first-rounders—over the next seven drafts. The club already features five players on rookie contracts (Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Tidjane Salaun, Nick Smith Jr. and Liam McNeeley) and is projected to hold cap space in each of the next two off-seasons. ESPN places Charlotte in the top 10 for both draft capital and financial flexibility, positioning the franchise to pursue a star trade when an opportunity arises.
Wizards
Washington ranks near the bottom of the future power list despite possessing 23 draft picks (10 firsts, 13 seconds) across seven years and a potential $80 million in cap space next summer. ESPN points to an overcrowded group of unproven prospects—10 players on first-round rookie deals, including Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr—as the primary reason for skepticism. Until that young core displays consistent production, the Wizards are expected to remain low in the rankings, with player development deemed the franchise’s top priority.
Source: Hoops Wire
