East Teams See Mixed Movement in ESPN’s Long-Term Rankings
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ORLANDO — Despite acquiring Desmond Bane and inking Paolo Banchero to a five-year extension this summer, the Orlando Magic did not climb in ESPN’s latest long-term NBA power rankings.
The network lists Orlando in the same overall slot, citing limited financial and draft flexibility. According to ESPN, the club sits 27th in committed money and 24th in draft capital. Roughly $450 million is guaranteed over the next three seasons to Bane, Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, and the Magic have only one tradable future first-round pick — their 2032 selection — available in the next seven years.
Knicks Hold Position
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks also remain unchanged in the projections after last season’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. ESPN gives the Knicks top-10 marks in players (No. 5), market (No. 2) and management (No. 9).
The front office’s decision to replace longtime head coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown is viewed positively, reinforcing the club’s steady place in the rankings.
Hawks on the Rise
ATLANTA — ESPN notes an 11-spot jump for the Atlanta Hawks, even though the franchise has not won more than 48 games since the 2015-16 season and has exited in the first round four straight years.
San Antonio controls Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2025 and 2026, and All-Star guard Trae Young holds an option to enter free agency next summer. Nevertheless, the Hawks now rank in the top 15 across every category after an active offseason that brought in Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to join Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and rookie Zaccharie Risacher.
Atlanta also owns the more favorable 2026 first-round pick of either Milwaukee or New Orleans, giving the club an additional asset for future roster moves.
Source: Hoops Wire
