ESPN Future Power Rankings

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...y-marks-project-best-teams-next-three-seasons

1. Golden State Warriors | Overall: 86.3 | (Previous rank: No. 1)
2. Boston Celtics | Overall: 76.0 | (Previous rank: 3)
3. Houston Rockets | Overall: 70.0 | (Previous rank: 9)

A year ago, we were skeptical of the Rockets' direction building around star James Harden. That looks foolish now, after Houston won 55 games and then landed perhaps the best player to change teams this summer, All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

Only the Warriors scored better in the players category than the Rockets, who boast a number of capable role players to complement Paul and Harden. And with Mike D'Antoni winning Coach of the Year while GM Daryl Morey was a close second for Executive of the Year, Houston has jumped to fourth in management.

The Rockets still must re-sign Paul next summer, and a new contract for him plus Harden's designated player extension would mean significant luxury taxes for new owner Tilman Fertitta. Nonetheless, Houston looks like one of the biggest threats to Golden State going forward.

-- Kevin Pelton​

4. San Antonio Spurs | Overall: 67.1 | (Previous rank: 4)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves | Overall: 57.7 | (Previous rank: 5)
6. Philadelphia 76ers | Overall: 57.5 | (Previous rank: 14)
7. Cleveland Cavaliers | Overall: 57.3 | (Previous rank: 2)
8. Denver Nuggets | Overall: 56.0 | (Previous rank: 17)
9. Washington Wizards | Overall: 55.6 | (Previous rank: 17)
T-10. Utah Jazz | Overall: 55.0 | (Previous rank: 6)
T-10. Portland Trail Blazers | Overall: 55.0 | (Previous rank: 8)
12. Toronto Raptors | Overall: 53.8 | (Previous rank: 10)
13. Los Angeles Clippers | Overall: 52.3 | (Previous rank: 7)
14. Miami Heat | Overall: 52.1 | (Previous rank: 12)
15. Oklahoma City Thunder | Overall: 51.3 | (Previous rank: 11)
16. Milwaukee Bucks | Overall: 50.4 | (Previous rank: 22)
17. Los Angeles Lakers | Overall: 47.7 | (Previous rank: 25)
18. Detroit Pistons | Overall: 47.1 | (Previous rank: 15)
19. Charlotte Hornets | Overall: 45.6 | (Previous rank: 20)
20. Dallas Mavericks | Overall: 44.6 | (Previous rank: 26)
21. Orlando Magic | Overall: 42.9 | (Previous rank: 16)
22. Memphis Grizzlies | Overall: 41.3 | (Previous rank: 28)
23. New Orleans Pelicans | Overall: 40.6 | (Previous rank: 17)
24. New York Knicks | Overall: 39.6 | (Previous rank: 27)
25. Indiana Pacers | Overall: 36.9 | (Previous rank: 13)
26. Phoenix Suns | Overall: 36.5 | (Previous rank: 24)
27. Brooklyn Nets | Overall: 36.0 | (Previous rank: 29)
28. Atlanta Hawks | Overall: 34.2 | (Previous rank: 23)
29. Sacramento Kings | Overall: 32.1 | (Previous rank: 30)
30. Chicago Bulls | Overall: 31.3 | (Previous rank: 20)
​

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...-rating-players-management-money-market-draft

PLAYERS (worth 50 percent of score): Current players and their potential for the future, factoring in expected departures
MANAGEMENT (worth 16.7 percent of score): Quality and stability of front office, ownership, coaching
MONEY (worth 16.7 percent of score): Projected salary-cap situation; ability and willingness to exceed cap and pay luxury tax
MARKET (worth 8.3 percent of score): Appeal to future acquisitions based on team quality, franchise reputation, city's desirability as a destination, market size, taxes, business and entertainment opportunities, arena quality, fans
DRAFT (worth 8.3 percent of score): Future draft picks; draft positioning

To determine the Future Power Rating, we rated each team in five categories. Here's how they did it and how the teams ranked in each individual category.

We determined that the most important category is a team's current roster and the future potential of those players -- that category accounts for 50 percent of each NBA team's overall Future Power Rating.

At the same time, we looked at many other factors, such as management, ownership, coaching, a team's spending habits, its cap situation, the reputation of the city and the franchise, and what kind of draft picks we expect the team to have in the future.

PLAYERS (50 percent)

Spoiler

Players
Team Rating
1. Golden State 100
2. Houston 82.5
3. Boston 80
4. San Antonio 70
4. Minnesota 70
6. Washington 65
6. Denver 65
8. Toronto 62.5
8. Milwaukee 62.5
10. Portland 60
10. Cleveland 60
12. Utah 55
12. Philadelphia 55
14. Oklahoma City 52.5
14. L.A. Clippers 52.5
16. Miami 50
16. Detroit 50
16. New Orleans 50
19. Charlotte 47.5
20. Memphis 42.5
21. L.A. Lakers 37.5
21. Orlando 37.5
23. New York 32.5
24. Dallas 30
25. Indiana 27.5
25. Sacramento 27.5
25. Phoenix 27.5
28. Brooklyn 22.5
29. Atlanta 17.5
30. Chicago 15
Current players and potential for the future

MANAGEMENT (16.7 percent)

Spoiler

Management
Team Rating
1. Golden State 97.5
2. San Antonio 92.5
3. Boston 87.5
4. Houston 77.5
5. Miami 72.5
6. Dallas 67.5
6. Utah 67.5
6. Oklahoma City67.5
9. Portland 65
10. Toronto 60
11. Washington 55
12. Minnesota 52.5
13. L.A. Clippers 50
14. Brooklyn 47.5
14. Charlotte 47.5
14. Denver 47.5
17. L.A. Lakers 45
17. Orlando 45
19. Philadelphia 42.5
19. Cleveland 42.5
19. Detroit 42.5
19. Memphis 42.5
23. Atlanta 35
23. Milwaukee 35
25. Indiana 30
26. Sacramento 22.5
27. Chicago 20
28. New York 17.5
29. Phoenix 15
30. New Orleans 10
Quality/stability of front office, ownership, coaching

MONEY (16.7 percent)

Spoiler

Money
Team Rating
1. Chicago 97.5
2. L.A. Lakers 92.5
2. Indiana 92.5
4. Philadelphia 90
5. Atlanta 80
6. Phoenix 70
6. Dallas 70
6. Sacramento 70
9. Brooklyn 65
10. New York 62.5
10. Utah 62.5
12. Oklahoma City 55
13. San Antonio 47.5
13. Orlando 47.5
15. L.A. Clippers 45
16. Cleveland 42.5
16. Minnesota 42.5
18. Detroit 40
18. Charlotte 40
20. Memphis 37.5
20. Milwaukee 37.5
22. Denver 35
23. Boston 30
23. New Orleans 30
25. Miami 25
25. Houston 25
27. Golden State 22.5
28. Portland 20
28. Toronto 20
30. Washington 15
Projected salary-cap situation

MARKET (8.3 percent)

Spoiler

Market
Team Rating
1. L.A. Lakers 90
1. Golden State 90
3. New York 85
4. L.A. Clippers 82.5
4. Miami 82.5
6. Brooklyn 75
7. Houston 65
8. Boston 60
8. Cleveland 60
10. Phoenix 55
10. Chicago 55
10. Dallas 55
13. San Antonio 52.5
14. Orlando 50
15. Portland 47.5
15. Washington 47.5
17. Philadelphia 45
17. Denver 45
17. Toronto 45
20. Atlanta 42.5
21. Detroit 40
22. New Orleans 35
22. Charlotte 35
22. Oklahoma City 35
25. Indiana 30
25. Utah 30
25. Memphis 30
28. Sacramento 25
29. Milwaukee 17.5
30. Minnesota 15
Appeal to future acquisitions

DRAFT (8.3 percent)

Spoiler

Draft
Team Rating
1. Atlanta 95
2. Phoenix 90
3. Boston 87.5
4. Philadelphia 85
5. Cleveland 80
6. Chicago 77.5
7. Indiana 67.5
8. Dallas 65
8. New York 65
8. Orlando 65
11. New Orleans 52.5
11. Sacramento 52.5
13. Detroit 50
14. Utah 47.5
15. Charlotte 45
15. Memphis 45
17. Denver 42.5
17. Milwaukee 42.5
17. Portland 42.5
20. Brooklyn 40
20. Minnesota 40
20. Washington 40
23. L.A. Lakers 37.5
24. L.A. Clippers 32.5
25. San Antonio 30
26. Golden State 27.5
27. Miami 22.5
27. Oklahoma City 22.5
27. Toronto 22.5
30. Houston 17.5
Future draft picks; draft positioning

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...rs-rockets-celtics-top-teams-next-three-years

How will your team perform the next three seasons?

The Future Power Rankings are ESPN Insider's projection of the on-court success expected for each team in the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

Consider this a convenient way to see the direction in which your favorite team is headed.

To determine the Future Power Rankings, we asked ESPN Insider analysts Kevin Pelton and Bobby Marks to rate each team in five categories and rank them relative to the rest of the league. For an explanation of each category and a full view of how each team did in each individual category, click here. Each team also received an overall Future Power Rating of 0 to 100 based on how well we expect it to perform in the next three seasons.

Here are our latest rankings.

Note: The last version of these rankings dropped in October.

Spoiler

1. Golden State Warriors
Rank | Score
Players: 1 | 100.0
Management: 1 | 95.0
Money: T-25 | 20.0
Market: T-1 | 90.0
Draft: 25 | 27.5
Overall: 85.6

The Warriors remain at the top of the future rankings, the same spot they've occupied ever since winning the 2015 championship.

With former MVPs Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, plus All-Stars Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Golden State scores a perfect 100 in the player category. We also rate the Warriors tops in management, where Steve Kerr and Bob Myers have both been recognized for their success, earning coach and executive of the year awards. The Warriors tie with the Lakers for most desirable market, given players' interest in joining a warm-weather championship contender.

The biggest concern on the horizon for Golden State is money. Durant volunteering for a pay cut helped the Warriors manage their tax bill this season, but the roster will only get more expensive with Thompson's contract up in the summer of 2019 and Green a free agent the following year. We'll see how Golden State handles their deals.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 1)

2. Boston Celtics
Rank | Score
Players: 3 | 87.5
Management: 2 | 92.5
Money: T-16 | 32.5
Market: 8 | 60.0
Draft: T-3 | 87.5
Overall: 81.5

The Celtics' future remains as bright as any team this side of the Bay Area thanks to their ability to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings without injured All-Star Gordon Hayward. When Hayward returns next season, he will join young wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who have stepped forward in his absence, plus All-Stars Al Horford and Kyrie Irving.

Remarkably, even after cashing in their remaining pick from the Brooklyn Nets to land Irving, the Celtics still rank third in the draft category. They'll either get the Lakers' pick (if it jumps to No. 2 or 3) or have Sacramento's 2019 first-round pick (as long as it's not the No. 1 overall selection). The Celtics also have a lottery-protected pick coming from the Memphis Grizzlies that could prove nearly as valuable. Deals like that, and Brad Stevens' coaching, have Boston second in management.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 2)

3. Houston Rockets
Rank | Score
Players: 2 | 95.0
Management: T-3 | 90.0
Money: 19 | 30.0
Market: 7 | 65.0
Draft: 30 | 12.5
Overall: 79.4

The Rockets are a strong No. 3 on the strength of the NBA's best record. Houston's roster, led by MVP favorite James Harden and star point guard Chris Paul, ranks a close second behind Golden State's. And the success GM Daryl Morey and coach Mike D'Antoni have had in building this roster has moved them up to third in the management category.

Aging is one threat to Houston's success over the next three seasons. The Rockets' roster is one of two in the NBA with an average age older than 30 at season's end weighted by minutes played, and Paul (who will turn 33 in May) has to slow down at some point. Even Harden (28) is probably at his peak. Given Houston will surely pay the tax if Paul re-signs as a free agent this summer, Morey will have to get creative to continue adding to the roster.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 3)

4. Philadelphia 76ers
Rank | Score
Players: 4 | 85.0
Management: T-17 | 45.0
Money: T-3 | 90.0
Market: T-18 | 45.0
Draft: 9 | 67.5
Overall: 74.0

The 76ers have been trending in the right direction since adding No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons and getting Joel Embiid on the court. Now the Sixers, headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2012, are seeing returns on their potential.

It's still up to the front office to put the finishing touches on Philadelphia's core. The 76ers could have max-level cap space this summer, allowing fans to dream of landing LeBron James in free agency. More realistically, the Sixers will face a choice between signing a 3-and-D wing this summer or waiting on a more star-studded crop of 2019 free agents.

As long as Embiid and Simmons stay healthy, Philadelphia is on track to contend sooner rather than later. How the 76ers use their cap space will determine how quickly that happens, and how high the team's ceiling gets.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 6)

5. Toronto Raptors
Rank | Score
Players: 5 | 75.0
Management: T-5 | 80.0
Money: 30 | 12.5
Market: T-13 | 50.0
Draft: 29 | 15.0
Overall: 63.5

The bottom 10 teams in average age are usually reserved for rebuilding rosters. That narrative is different with a Toronto team that sits atop the Eastern Conference standings.

The Raptors have built a roster of All-Stars, complementary players and a young bench on rookie contracts. As a result, the Raptors rank No. 5 in players based on the majority of their guys being under contract through the 2019-20 season. This roster is built to compete for a championship and also develop the former first-round picks on the bench to eventually become starters.

Because the bulk of the roster returns in the next two seasons, Toronto ranks last in money (No. 30). The Raptors already have $121 million committed in 2018-19 (not including restricted free agent Fred VanVleet) and $130 million the following season.

Even with the limited flexibility, do not discount Raptors management (No. 5) when it comes to finding under-the-radar players.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 13)

6. Utah Jazz
Rank | Score
Players: 9 | 65.0
Management: T-5 | 80.0
Money: 11 | 65.0
Market: 27 | 27.5
Draft: T-16 | 45.0
Overall: 62.7

Amazingly, the Jazz find themselves in the same spot as the last incarnation of the future rankings before Gordon Hayward's departure (done prior to the 2016-17 season). Utah has navigated what could have been a devastating loss by doubling down on defense (the Jazz's defense has been the league's best by a wide margin since Rudy Gobert's return from injury) and finding a surprising go-to scorer in rookie Donovan Mitchell.

Utah has skillfully managed its salary cap, giving the Jazz the ability to create substantial space around a Gobert-Mitchell core in the summer of 2019. Forwards Jae Crowder and Joe Ingles are the two other players under contract for more than $2 million in 2019-20. Crowder and Ingles have both thrived in Quin Snyder's system, which generates open corner 3s at high volume.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 11)

7. San Antonio Spurs
Rank | Score
Players: T-13 | 57.5
Management: T-3 | 90.0
Money: T-14 | 47.5
Market: 12 | 52.5
Draft: T-26 | 25.0
Overall: 59.0

The uncertainty around Kawhi Leonard's health and future in San Antonio has the Spurs the lowest they've been in these rankings since August 2012. The discussion on how to treat a mysterious, lingering quadriceps injury has "had a chilling impact" on Leonard's relationship with the front office and coaching staff, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Michael Wright reported in January.

Leonard could become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019, meaning San Antonio might have to make a decision on his future next season. Other key moves loom. Starting wing Danny Green has a 2018-19 player option, as does forward Rudy Gay, meaning the Spurs could look much different next year. Of course, if there's any organization we trust to navigate muddied waters, it's a San Antonio franchise that has made the playoffs every year the past two decades.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 4)

 

Spoiler

8. Denver Nuggets
Rank | Score
Players: T-6 | 70.0
Management: T-19 | 42.5
Money: T-25 | 20.0
Market: T-18 | 45.0
Draft: 15 | 50.0
Overall: 57.5

Despite being outside of the final West playoff spot, the future is still bright in Denver.

For starters, the core of Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic is under contract for at least the next two seasons. Jokic is a restricted free agent and likely to sign a long-term contract this summer. Combined with a supporting cast that has been built through the draft on controllable contracts, Denver should see very little turnover moving forward.

With the high expectations also comes the pressure on coach Mike Malone to get this Nuggets team into the playoffs. If Denver does miss out on the postseason (falling short for the second consecutive year), Malone will face heavy scrutiny in the offseason, something that will likely carry over to 2018-19. For that reason, the Nuggets management drops five spots.

While the roster ranks in the top 10, there is concern when it comes to finances. Once Jokic signs this summer, Denver projects to be in the luxury tax in 2018-19. However, there is breathing room in 2019 when Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler and Darrell Arthur become free agents.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 9)

9. Portland Trail Blazers
Rank | Score
Players: T-10 | 62.5
Management: 8 | 67.5
Money: T-25 | 20.0
Market: T-16 | 47.5
Draft: 21 | 37.5
Overall: 56.5

Over the past month, the Blazers have shown that a core built around the backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum can contend in the Western Conference. That's big because Portland's committed salary will make it difficult to add to the group until at least 2020.

Even retaining all of this year's free agents could be a challenge, a key reason the Blazers' roster doesn't rate higher. Portland is already flirting with the 2019-20 luxury tax and has three key free agents in starting center Jusuf Nurkic, backup center Ed Davis and backup guard Shabazz Napier. That could make this season's playoffs crucial for the Blazers' future, since owner Paul Allen has shown he's willing to pay the tax for a contending team.

In the long run, the development of rookie center Zach Collins could help the Blazers move on from either Davis or Nurkic.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 11)

10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Rank | Score
Players: T-6 | 70.0
Management: T-17 | 45.0
Money: T-16 | 32.5
Market: 30 | 15.0
Draft: T-16 | 45.0
Overall: 56.0

Minnesota is on the verge of snapping a 13-season playoff drought but falls five spots here.

For starters, the Wolves drop two slots in players based on the regression of Andrew Wiggins this season and the question marks surrounding the future durability of Jimmy Butler.

Wiggins -- signed to a $146 million extension -- continues to be an enigma in Minnesota with his future production likely resembling his first four seasons. For Butler, the question is not about his ability on the court but whether his body can hold up to justify a possible max contract starting in 2019.

The big drop comes on the management side. With Minnesota locked into its roster with little flexibility in the future, management (including coach Tom Thibodeau) will have to remake the bench each summer. How the Wolves sell roles to free agents could present an obstacle based on Thibodeau's dependence on his starters.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 5)

T-11. Indiana Pacers
Rank | Score
Players: T-13 | 57.5
Management: T-11 | 52.5
Money: T-3 | 90.0
Market: T-25 | 30.0
Draft: 19 | 42.5
Overall: 55.8

What a difference six months make.

Ranked No. 25 before the season started, Indiana is now just outside the top 10. The difference? A roster that can compete now but also carries flexibility to improve in the future.

The roster jumps to No. 13 largely due to All-Star Victor Oladipo. Considered more of a secondary player on a bloated salary when acquired from Oklahoma City, Oladipo has turned into an All-NBA star with the attributes to become a franchise cornerstone.

The benefit of this roster (ranked No. 3 in money) is that no player outside of Oladipo is earning more than $5 million past the 2018-19 season. In fact, the Pacers have the option to bring back the current roster next season or enter free agency with $30 million in cap space.

When GM Kevin Pritchard traded Paul George in late June, the talk around the NBA was that the Pacers jumped at the first offer and did not have a plan. Those questions have been quickly erased based not only on the play of Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, but the acquisitions of Darren Collison, Cory Joseph and Bojan Bogdanovic. All three players have helped Indiana retool the roster without taking a step back. Pritchard and Nate McMillan should receive votes for executive and coach of the year.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 25)

T-11. Los Angeles Lakers
Rank | Score
Players: T-16 | 47.5
Management: T-13 | 47.5
Money: 1 | 100
Market: T-1 | 90.0
Draft: T-12 | 52.5
Overall: 55.8

The Lakers' ascent from 25th in these rankings as recently as September 2016 continues with their highest finish since May 2013, when L.A. billboards were urging Dwight Howard to re-sign and current stars Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram were 15.

Along with rookie Kyle Kuzma, Ball and Ingram lead a young core that has the Lakers believing they can return to the playoffs even without importing a max free agent. Their presence makes it more realistic that such a star (or two) might consider the Lakers this offseason after the NBA's most desirable market alone wasn't enough to lure free agents.

This season's success has also strengthened our view of Lakers management. Nobody's whispering about David Fizdale replacing Luke Walton on the sidelines anymore, and president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and GM Rob Pelinka have done well to position the Lakers for a big splash in free agency.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 17)

13. Oklahoma City Thunder
Rank | Score
Players: T-10 | 62.5
Management: 9 | 65.0
Money: T-23 | 25.0
Market: T-21 | 40.0
Draft: 24 | 32.5
Overall: 55.4

Outside of Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams there is uncertainty with this roster. While there has been no confirmation that All-Star Paul George is leaving in the offseason, the threat of the Lakers signing George needs to be considered. No commitment from George, the recent injury to Andre Roberson, Carmelo Anthony likely opting into his $27.9 million contract, and the possibility of losing Jerami Grant in free agency combine to drop Oklahoma City to No. 10 in players.

And OKC still ranks No. 23 in money. The ranking is largely due to the fact that Westbrook, Adams, Anthony and Roberson have a combined $100 million in salary in 2018-19. And the Thunder could still find themselves in the luxury tax minus George.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 7)

14. Washington Wizards
Rank | Score
Players: T-10 | 62.5
Management: T-13 | 47.5
Money: 29 | 17.5
Market: T-16 | 47.5
Draft: 20 | 40.0
Overall: 53.1

While wings Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. have taken steps forward this season, John Wall missing an extended period with a left knee injury has raised questions about the future health of the Wizards' All-Star point guard.

Washington will also have difficulty navigating the luxury tax while paying the Beal/Porter/Wall core a combined $70 million in 2018-19, a figure that will balloon to more than $90 million when Wall's extension kicks in during 2019-20. Tax concerns will limit additions to the roster this offseason and could be particularly problematic in the summer of 2019, when starters Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris both become unrestricted free agents.

As a result, the Wizards' roster rating has dropped to 10th, mirroring their five-spot fall in the overall rankings.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 10)

 

Spoiler

T-15. LA Clippers
Rank | Score
Players: 20 | 42.5
Management: 10 | 60.0
Money: 9 | 70.0
Market: T-4 | 82.5
Draft: 11 | 57.5
Overall: 52.3

The Blake Griffin trade to Detroit and uncertain future of DeAndre Jordan has the Clippers falling two spots, but even with the drop there are plenty of positives in L.A.

Dealing Griffin created cap flexibility by shedding the remaining $141 million left on his contract. The Clippers also will have a lottery pick from the Pistons in this year's draft (top-four protected) plus their own selection, and they can build with young players without taking short cuts like they did in the past.

The revamped front office continues to earn high marks based on its long-term planning.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 14)

T-15. Milwaukee Bucks
Rank | Score
Players T-6 | 70.0
Management: 23 | 30.0
Money: T-16 | 32.5
Market: 29 | 20.0
Draft: T-26 | 25.0
Overall: 52.3

Don't construe Milwaukee's middling ranking as a knock on the roster, which ranks tied for sixth with Denver. The Bucks have the lowest overall rating of any team with a top-10 roster, reflecting the difficulty they might have adding to a core built around budding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Acquiring Eric Bledsoe via trade in November cost Milwaukee a first-round pick, dropping the team in the draft category. And the Bucks won't likely be players in free agency anytime soon. Depending on what contract Jabari Parker gets this summer as a restricted free agent, they might push up against the luxury tax next season.

So besides internal development, Milwaukee's best hope of moving up the rankings is finding the right long-term solution on the sidelines after firing coach Jason Kidd. The Bucks haven't maximized their talent this season.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 16)

17. Cleveland Cavaliers
Rank | Score
Players: 15 | 55.0
Management: T-13 | 47.5
Money: T-23 | 25.0
Market: T-13 | 50.0
Draft: 8 | 70.0
Overall: 52.1

There's a LeBron James-sized question mark hanging over the Cavaliers' future, explaining their 10-spot drop in the rankings. James can become a free agent this summer, and there's real concern he could depart Cleveland for a second time. That would leave the Cavaliers in a tough spot.

Cleveland has avoided maxing out its assets to win now, hanging on to the Nets' pick acquired in the Irving deal and adding young talent Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr. at the trade deadline. Still, the Cavaliers' lavish spending means a new contract for Hood -- a restricted free agent -- could push them into the luxury tax even if James departs. Paying the tax is untenable for a team unlikely to contend.

If James returns, Cleveland could have one of the highest tax bills ever next season. That's a good problem for the Cavaliers compared to the alternative.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 7)

18. Miami Heat
Rank | Score
Players: 19 | 45.0
Management: 7 | 70.0
Money: T-20 | 27.5
Market: T-4 | 82.5
Draft: T-26 | 25.0
Overall: 49.2

The Heat organization finds itself in the tricky spot of trying to improve a team that's good enough to make the playoffs but not likely to contend. Miami must do that with limited cap flexibility after re-signing several free agents last summer. The Heat already project near the 2018-19 luxury tax and, if Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside pick up 2019-20 player options, won't get appreciable cap relief until the summer of 2020.

The inability to compete in free agency is particularly tough for a team in our No. 4-rated market, though the lure of South Beach could help Miami pick up help on minimum contracts. On the plus side, the Heat have shown the ability to develop contributors in-house, and promising rookie Bam Adebayo could help make Whiteside expendable as he develops.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: 15)

19. Brooklyn Nets
Rank | Score
Players: 21 | 35.0
Management: T-11 | 52.5
Money: 8 | 75.0
Market: 6 | 75.0
Draft: T-16 | 45.0
Overall: 45.4

The Nets have finally cracked the top 20.

Based largely on their young core of D'Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jarrett Allen -- four players still on their rookie contracts -- Brooklyn moves up seven spots. For the Nets to take the next step, all four players will need to develop into top-line starters.

Brooklyn also benefits from controlling its first-round pick in 2019 for the first time since drafting Mason Plumlee in 2013. In total the Nets could have six draft picks (two firsts and four seconds) over the next two seasons, and they continue to rank in the top 15 in money, market and management.

Two seasons of being in the bottom of the East should not detract from the jobs GM Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson have done. Both essentially inherited an expansion team in 2016 and have improved the on-court product each season.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 27)

20. Chicago Bulls
Rank | Score
Players: T-22 | 32.5
Management: T-25 | 25.0
Money: 2 | 92.5
Market: T-9 | 55.0
Draft: T-3 | 87.5
Overall: 42.7

The development of Chicago's young talent, plus the passing of a season in which they'll lose 50-plus games, has us more hopeful about the Bulls' future. Rookie forward Lauri Markkanen has been an immediate contributor and landed 19th in Insider's recent top 25 players under 25 rankings. Kris Dunn has improved in his sophomore campaign, though it's not yet clear he's a long-term starter at point guard, and Zach LaVine has returned from an ACL tear suffered in February 2017.

Chicago will have plenty of options for adding to its young talent. Unless the Pelicans win the lottery, the Bulls will have two first-round picks this year, and their cap space could allow them to add more picks by taking on salary. The summer of 2019 looks ideal for Chicago's return to free agency; pending LaVine's next contract, the Bulls should have max-level cap space.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 30)

21. Detroit Pistons
Rank | Score
Players: T-16 | 47.5
Management: 22 | 32.5
Money: T-20 | 27.5
Market: T-21 | 40.0
Draft: T-22 | 35.0
Overall: 41.7

With the Pistons likely to miss the playoffs for a second straight season, Stan Van Gundy's future with the organization remains uncertain. Gores' recent comments labeling Van Gundy a "team player" suggest changes could be in store.

Detroit's penchant for spending lavishly on role players cost the team Kentavious Caldwell-Pope last summer due to luxury tax concerns, and trading for Blake Griffin further compromised the Pistons' depth. Detroit will also send this year's first-round pick to the Clippers to complete the deal, assuming the Pistons don't move up in the lottery.

It's possible adding a healthy Reggie Jackson to Griffin and All-Star center Andre Drummond will get Detroit back in the playoff mix. That better happen soon, given how expensive Drummond and Griffin will get in future seasons.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 18)

 

Spoiler

22. Dallas Mavericks
Rank | Score
Players: 26 | 27.5
Management: T-13 | 47.5
Money: 7 | 80.0
Market: T-9 | 55.0
Draft: 7 | 72.5
Overall: 41.3

The goal for Dallas in the near future should not be on a quick fix but continuing the slow rebuild that began last season. The Mavericks are still in the early stages of putting together a team that can compete for a playoff spot.

The good news is that they have two foundational pieces in Dennis Smith Jr. and Harrison Barnes. Besides those two, the roster is depleted of talent even if Dirk Nowitzki (team option) and Wesley Matthews (player option) return.

The Mavericks do have three attributes -- money, the draft and a market to sell free agents -- that should help accelerate the rebuild.

Of course, a serious concern for Dallas is within management. Rick Carlisle continues to be one of the top coaches in the NBA. However, the current investigation into sexual harassment and domestic violence by former employees has put a negative light on the organization. There's uncertainty surrounding what the allegations will bring forth and the possible repercussions for owner Mark Cuban.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 20)

23. New Orleans Pelicans
Rank | Score
Players: T-16 | 47.5
Management: 24 | 27.5
Money: 25 | 20.0
Market: T-23 | 35.0
Draft: T-22 | 35.0
Overall: 39.8

Few teams face more uncertainty about their long-term future than the Pelicans, whose fortunes are tied to star big man Anthony Davis. The three-year window for these rankings takes us into Davis' 2020-21 player option, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020. Realistically, if Davis is unwilling to commit to a designated player extension, New Orleans will have to consider moving him as soon as the 2019 trade deadline to assure maximum return.

The Pelicans also have to navigate the free agency of All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins, coming off a ruptured Achilles. Is New Orleans willing to max out Cousins coming off an injury that will likely leave him less effective going forward? The Pelicans won't have much flexibility to replace Cousins in free agency, though adding Nikola Mirotic allows them to continue playing a four-out style if Cousins leaves.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 23)

24. New York Knicks
Rank | Score
Players: T-24 | 30.0
Management: 29 | 17.5
Money: 12 | 60.0
Market: 3 | 85.0
Draft: T-5 | 75.0
Overall: 38.8

Let's start with the good news: The Knicks finally seem committed to building around young talent like a normal team, and they've got all their own first-round picks going forward -- starting with one likely to be in the top 10 this year.

Unfortunately, part of the reason New York ranks fifth in the draft category is the expectation the team won't win in the near future. Kristaps Porzingis' torn ACL not only ended the Knicks' hopes of competing this season but could hamper their 2018-19 as well.

New York is also at least one more season away from being a player in free agency. Most likely, the Knicks will wait for Joakim Noah's ill-fated contract to come off their books in 2020, leaving Tim Hardaway Jr. and Porzingis (presuming he extends his contract or re-signs as a restricted free agent) as their lone big-money deals.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 24)

25. Phoenix Suns
Rank | Score
Players: T-24 | 30.0
Management: 30 | 15.0
Money: 10 | 67.5
Market: T-9 | 55.0
Draft: T-1 | 92.5
Overall: 37.9

The Suns have found a building block in Devin Booker and have seen rookie Josh Jackson improve after a poor start to his NBA campaign, but they still aren't much closer to reaching the playoffs than at any point since they traded Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas at the 2015 deadline. Only the Sacramento Kings have a worse point differential this season.

This year's draft looms as an important one for Phoenix, which could have two extra picks (one from the Heat, another from the Bucks if it lands between Nos. 11 and 16) to go with the team's own lottery selection. Between those picks and restricted free agent Elfrid Payton, the Suns will hope to identify their point guard of the future. Phoenix's front office will also have to determine whether Jay Triano has done enough in an interim role to merit remaining head coach.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 26)

26. Orlando Magic
Rank | Score
Players: T-27 | 22.5
Management: T-19 | 42.5
Money: 13 | 55.0
Market: T-13 | 50.0
Draft: T-5 | 75.0
Overall: 35.2

Six years removed from their last playoff appearance, the Magic appear no closer to putting together a core that can return to contention. After trading Elfrid Payton at the deadline, Orlando will likely be looking to draft another point guard of the future. And the one above-average player the Magic have on the roster, Aaron Gordon, figures to get expensive as a restricted free agent this summer.

None of this can be blamed on Orlando's well-regarded front office led by president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and GM John Hammond, who arrived in the Magic Kingdom last summer, but it's going to take them time to rebuild the roster. Because nearly every key player save Gordon is under long-term contract, the Magic don't even have much salary flexibility. So Orlando will have to do what it hasn't done since Dwight Howard: draft and develop a star player.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 21)

27. Memphis Grizzlies
Rank | Score
Players: T-22 | 32.5
Management: 28 | 20.0
Money: T-14 | 47.5
Market: T-25 | 30.0
Draft: 10 | 60.0
Overall: 33.8

The 2018-19 season looms as make or break for the Grizzlies, who are headed to the lottery for the first time since 2010. Memphis surely hopes to use a top pick as a springboard back to competing. If the Grizzlies don't return to the playoffs, however, they might have to make decisions about the futures of veteran stars Marc Gasol (33) and Mike Conley (30). Gasol has made it clear he's not interested in rebuilding.

Memphis' future is complicated by the protected pick (top eight in 2019, top six in 2020 or unprotected in 2021) owed to the Celtics, as well as the team's unsettled ownership situation. Minority owners Steve Kaplan and Daniel Straus exercised a buy/sell option that forces controlling owner Robert Pera to buy them out or sell them his shares, with the team's valuation set to be more than $1 billion, the Memphis Business Journal reported last week.

-- Kevin Pelton

(Previous rank: No. 22)

28. Atlanta Hawks
Rank | Score
Players: 30 | 15.0
Management: 21 | 37.5
Money: 6 | 85.0
Market: 20 | 42.5
Draft: T-1 | 92.5
Overall: 33.3

There is hope in Atlanta even with a ranking this low.

When new GM Travis Schlenk took over, the mindset going in was that Atlanta was going to build from the ground up -- even if that meant taking several steps back. That included missing the playoffs this season for the first time since 2006-07.

As evident by a roster that ranks No. 29 in players, Atlanta has put a focus on its pieces, primarily Taurean Prince and John Collins.

The good news is that there is a clear path to rebuilding. Ranked No. 1 in the draft largely because of the possibility of five first-round picks in the next two years -- including a likely top-five pick in 2018 -- the Hawks can shape the roster with controllable contracts. They rank No. 6 in money and can take the approach of acquiring contracts teams are looking to dump (with a draft pick), or take advantage of free agency when there is a foundation in place.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 28)

 

Spoiler

29. Sacramento Kings
Rank | Score
Players: T-27 | 22.5
Management: 27 | 22.5
Money: 28 | 25.0
Market: 28 | 25
Draft: T-12 | 52.5
Overall: 30.6

The Kings have remained at No. 29 largely due to a young roster that is still in the development stages.

Saddled with nine former first-round picks when the season started, Sacramento has faced growing pains. Only De'Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Willie Cauley-Stein project to be starters.

The one area of concern is that Sacramento has wasted draft picks the past two years. While Kings management can justify that they have a surplus of young players, missing an opportunity in the lottery when they drafted Georgios Papagiannis (No. 13 in 2016) only to release him two years later sets back an organization. In addition, Malachi Richardson -- part of the 2016 draft class (No. 22) -- is no longer on the roster, traded to Toronto for seldom used Bruno Caboclo.

The Kings do rank No. 5 in money, but there will be pressure on management not to overspend this summer. Sacramento could be a landing spot for free agents, but only if the roster develops.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 29)

30. Charlotte Hornets
Rank | Score
Players: 29 | 17.5
Management: T-25 | 25.0
Money: T-20 | 27.5
Market: T-23 | 35.0
Draft: T-12 | 52.5
Overall: 24.0

No team has seen a bigger decline here than the Hornets.

There are two reasons for the sudden drop-off: the future of the roster and no resolution on the next GM.

Charlotte dropped from No. 19 in players largely due to having a lottery team (for the second consecutive season) that returns 11 out of 14 players on the roster next season -- with little upside. Four of those players -- Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Cody Zeller and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist -- are also under contract for at least the next two seasons. Plus, All-Star Kemba Walker is set to enter the last year of his contract and will become a free agent in 2019.

The roster and lack of flexibility to improve in the offseason -- based on contracts that offer little value in return (outside of Walker) -- has Charlotte facing a rebuild but without a clear plan to do so.

-- Bobby Marks

(Previous rank: No. 19)