Thunder Top ESPN NBA Future Power Rankings; Rockets and Clippers Make Big Leaps
thunder-rockets-clippers-espn-future-power-rankings
ESPN’s latest long-term power rankings place the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 1, marking the highest future rating recorded since the Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant era.
Thunder
Oklahoma City’s projection is driven by a title-contending core in which no starter is older than 27 and by what ESPN calls the league’s strongest collection of extra draft picks. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is locked in on a supermax extension, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams remain on rookie contracts. Although keeping every role player could prove difficult, the Thunder’s surplus of picks positions them to replace any departures.
Rockets
The Houston Rockets have rocketed from the bottom five of ESPN’s rankings (2021–23) into the upper tier. Their surge began with the hiring of head coach Ime Udoka, accelerated with the emergence of a strong young nucleus, and reached another level after acquiring Kevin Durant. ESPN now lists Houston second in player talent, fourth in management, and fifth in draft assets, slotting the team just behind Oklahoma City in the Western Conference outlook.
Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers climbed 15 spots since the previous edition of the rankings. The franchise operates on two distinct timelines: a win-now window featuring Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and most of the roster under contract through 2026-27, and a potential 2027 reset when only Ivica Zubac holds guaranteed money—opening as much as $140 million in cap space.
One uncertainty remains. The NBA is investigating the Clippers for alleged salary-cap circumvention involving Leonard’s endorsement deal with Aspiration. ESPN notes that any league penalties could significantly alter the club’s long-term position.
The full rankings underscore significant movement in the Western Conference, with Oklahoma City, Houston, and Los Angeles all charting sharply upward on ESPN’s future landscape.
Source: Hoops Wire
