End of season NBA power rankings

After seven long, entertaining months, the regular season is finally over.

The 2015-16 regular season was one of the most interesting, drama-filled seasons in recent memory.

With over 2,600 games played we the fans were treated to a season full of shattered records, cryptic tweets, insane stat lines, video game-like plays and a farewell to one of the game’s all-time greats.

With the playoffs starting this Saturday, something tells me the best is yet to come.

Sixteen teams survived the obstacles that came up over their past 82 games. All that matters now is that each of these 16 teams is only 16 wins away from capturing this year’s Larry O’Brien trophy.

For the other 14 teams, this year was filled with disappointment, shattered dreams and drama. All of this culminates with a trip to the draft lottery come June.

That said, now that each team has officially wrapped up its 82 game regular season schedules, here is my power rankings for all 32 teams this league has to offer (based on regular season results and current outlook):

Golden State Warriors, 73-9

After an insane 73-win season, the greatest (regular season) team of all-time has occupied the top spot on everyone’s power rankings all year long. A league leading 10.8 point differential, 400 three pointers by the upcoming, back-to-back MVP Steph Curry, and a crazy 114 PPG on offense are just some of the crazy stats that stick out from this record-breaking squad.

San Antonio Spurs, 67-15

If it were not for the record breaking season the Warriors just had, the Spurs would hold the top spot on this list. With a 10.6 point differential (trailing only the aforementioned Warriors) and the league’s best defense, which held opponents to only 92.9 PPG, the Spurs ran through the regular season yet again. With superstars Kawhi Leonard and Lamarcus Aldridge leading this dominant squad to their 19th straight postseason trip, the Spurs rightfully hold down the number two spot on this list.

Cleveland Cavaliers, 57-25

After another drama-filled, up and down season, the East-leading Cavaliers are once again back in the playoffs. With the Big Three of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love leading this squad, they are (once again) the all-on favorite to represent the East in this year’s Finals. While the regular season was bumpy, the Cavaliers still finished the season with a top five defense (98.3 PPG) and top five point differential (6.0 PPG). When focused and playing hard (like they will come playoff time), the Cavaliers play like, arguably, the best team in the league. On this list, they finish number three.

Los Angeles Clippers, 53-29

Some people might take exception to the Clippers being ranked so high on this list. But after the season they just had, it is hard to put them any lower. The Blake Griffin injury was this team’s saving grace. Griffin’s injury allowed the Clippers to discover a new, highly effective small-ball lineup and also develop a legitimate bench. With Chris Paul playing some of the best ball of his career, Deandre Jordan holding down the defense, and Griffin returning just in time for the playoffs, this Clippers squad is primed for a deep postseason run.

Oklahoma City Thunder, 55-27

The Thunder may be ranked as a top five team on this list, but something still feels off with them. The Thunder feature one of the league’s best scorers in Kevin Durant and the league’s best athlete and walking triple-double Russell Westbrook. However, the Thunder have been wildly inconsistent all season and do not have the feel of a team that can realistically win the championship. The Thunder still finished with the league’s second best offense, scoring 110 PPG. But if the Thunder cannot figure out a way to play as a collective unit, this number five team on this list will be headed to another long offseason.

Toronto Raptors, 56-26

This season, the Raptors finished with a franchise record 56 wins. To go along with 56 wins, the Raptors finished with the league’s third best defense (98.2 PPG) and the East’s number two seed. Lead by star guards Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan, one of the league’s best backcourts, the Raptors are (finally) primed for a deep postseason run.

Miami Heat, 48-34

While the absolute collapse against the Celtics during their final game of the season was disappointing, the Heat still put together a very solid regular season. The Heat finished with a top five defense in the league (98.4 PPG) and another Southeast division title. Lead by franchise player and star guard Dwyane Wade, as well as a rising star in Hassan Whiteside, this Heat squad was able to overcome the loss of star power forward Chris Bosh. With talented players like Joe Johnson, Goran Dragic, Luol Deng and Justise Winslow rounding out the rotation, expect Wade and the Heat to make a deep run this postseason.

Atlanta Hawks, 48-34

While the Hawks finished with 12 less wins than last year, this squad was still able to secure a top four seed in the Eastern Conference. With the dynamic frontcourt duo of Al Horford and Paul Millsap leading the charge, this Hawks team was still able to rack up 48 wins on the season. With a talented roster that plays as collectively as any team in the league, the Hawks were able to fly into a top-10 spot on this list.

Portland Trail Blazers, 44-38

Lead by their star backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum (the favorite to win the Most Improved Player award), the Trail Blazers shattered everyone’s expectations of them this season. After losing four starters in free agency, most people were expecting the Trail Blazers to contend with the Sixers for the number one overall pick. However, Coach of the Year candidate Terry Stotts did a masterful job of leading this squad to an unlikely postseason berth. With Lillard and McCollum leading the charge, do not be surprised if this team makes some noise in the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers, 45-37

This Paul George-lead Pacers squad fought and clawed their way to a 45 win regular season and a well-deserved playoff spot. While they might not have the “draw” of the other playoff teams in the East, this Pacers squad is full of hard-working players who know their roles and play within the system. With Paul George putting together a Comeback Player of the Year campaign for the ages, after suffering one of the most horrific injuries ever seen on live TV, it feels like nothing is impossible for this Pacers squad (including a first-round upset of the Raptors).

Boston Celtics, 48-34

What’s not to like about these Celtics? They are a feisty, uber-competitive squad full of under-appreciated players that Coach of the Year candidate Brad Stevens has navigated to the playoffs. With electrifying guard Isaiah Thomas leading the charge and blue-collar players like Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and Amir Johnson chipping in across the board, this Celtics team wrestled their way to 48 wins and the East’s six seed. No team works harder on a nightly basis than the Celtics, who will be a tough out for whoever they play during this postseason.

Charlotte Hornets, 48-34

The Hornets, led by Most Improved Player candidate Kemba Walker, and Coach of the Year candidate Steve Clifford, have played their way into the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Losing starting small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the year was a crushing blow. As was playing without Al Jefferson, one of the league’s most underrated centers. However, acquiring guard Courtney Lee at the deadline (while getting rid of the sporadic Lance Stephenson) has helped push this bunch into the NBA’s “second season.” With Walker, Jefferson, Nicolas Batum and sixth man Jeremy Lin leading the charge, the Hornets will be a fun team to watch come playoff time.

Dallas Mavericks, 42-40

What to say about these Mavericks? Dirk Nowitzki has found the fountain of youth (again) and put together another fabulous season. Deron Williams has bounced back, in a major way, from an ugly tenure with the Nets. Rick Carlisle is still a top five coach in the league. Meanwhile, talented, hard-nosed role players like JJ Barea, Wesley Matthews, David Lee and Zaza Pachulia have all taken turns leading the Mavericks to unlikely wins this season. With a new, slowed-down pace and efficient offense, this Mavericks squad can compete with anyone come playoff time.

Detroit Pistons, 44-38

The Pistons’ accelerated rebuild, led by their dynamic duo of Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson, has come full circle this season with the Pistons clinching the final spot in the East playoffs. Stan van Gundy has done an absolutely masterful job this season. He has been the catalyst behind Drummond’s ascent to superstardom, Reggie Jackson’s growth, as well as the move to acquire the talented Tobias Harris at the deadline for pennies on the dollar (and what is left of Brandon Jennings). While a scary first-round date looms with the Cavaliers, the Pistons are no doubt excited about the future after what they were able to accomplish this year.

Memphis Grizzlies, 42-40

In a season filled with devastating injuries, major trades and roster turnover, the Grizzlies were able to play their way into a Western Conference playoff spot. Entering the season, the Grizzlies were viewed as title contenders. After losing Marc Gasol and Mike Conley to season-ending injuries, while also shipping out long-time starters in Jeff Green and Courtney Lee, the Grizzlies were “lucky” enough to secure the seventh seed in the West. Give most of the credit to Coach of the Year candidate Dave Joerger. The Grizzlies should be back in the same position next year. But with Conley entering free agency and some major questions marks on the roster (Gasol’s health, Zach Randolph’s and Tony Allen’s age), this could be a much different Grizzlies squad come next October.

Houston Rockets, 41-41

The Rockets might have been this season’s biggest disappointment (other than Chicago). While star guard James Harden continued his high-scoring ways, he also coughed up an NBA single season record 374 turnovers while also putting in no effort on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Dwight Howard has seemingly taken five steps back since he first arrived in Houston and feels more and more invisible as each game passes by. Firing former coach Kevin McHale was supposed to help the Rockets move forward after a Western Conference Finals appearance last season. The Rockets’ reward for this awful, disappointing season? A date with the 73 win Warriors in the first round (and a loss of their first round pick to the Nuggets).

Utah Jazz, 40-42

What a disappointing end to a solid season for the Jazz. In a make or break game against the Mavericks, the Jazz came up small and unfortunately lost themselves a playoff spot because of it. However, the future is very bright for this up and coming Western Conference power. The frontcourt trio of Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert is one of the most talented trio’s the NBA has to offer. Shooting guard Rodney Hood has also put together a great second season and will form a dynamite two-guard combo with Alec Burks who will be returning from injury next season. Additionally, the Jazz will have another chance to add legitimate talent with their lottery pick this season and will get their prized point guard, Dante Exum, back next season. Expect the Jazz to be back in the playoffs come this time next year.

Washington Wizards, 41-41

If it were not for the Bulls and Rockets, the Wizards would win the “Biggest Disappointment” award this season. Where to start? Bradley Beal has once again failed to live up to his immense talent. In a contract year, Beal came up small and cost himself a couple million dollars. Star guard John Wall put together another solid season, but take a few steps back on defense and still has not solved his jump shot issue. Meanwhile, the front-court trio of Otto Porter, Nene and Marcin Gortat proved to be decent, but all-around underwhelming. Does anyone actually think Markieff Morris (acquired at the deadline) is the answer? To make matters worse, the Wizards shipped their first-round pick to the Suns in that Morris deal. The Wizards were supposed to use this season in order to appeal to free agent-to-be Kevin Durant in hopes of luring him back home this offseason. However, this season has provided more questions than answers. Add “who will be the next head coach?” to the list of off-season questions that need answers immediately.

Chicago Bulls, 42-40

Where to start with these Bulls? They were supposed to contend for the Eastern Conference crown this year. Now, they are left watching the playoffs from the outside this year. Derrick Rose simply is not the 20 million dollar a year player he is being paid to be. Face it, he will never be the MVP talent he was back in 2010. Jimmy Butler, the supposed “face of the franchise,” has come up extremely small in the leadership department and repeatedly clashed with teammates and coaches. Speaking of coaches, is Fred Hoiberg really the answer? That remains to be seen. But with an offseason in which the Bulls could lose players like Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah in free agency (as well as Butler and Rose via trade), expect the summer to be just as dramatic as this past season for these Bulls.

Minnesota Timberwolves, 29-53

While 29 wins might seem unimpressive, there is plenty to be excited about in regards to this Timberwolves franchise. Upcoming Rookie of the Year, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the previous Rookie of the Year, Andrew Wiggins, have given the Timberwolves one of the league’s premier youngster duos moving forward. Meanwhile, guards Ricky Rubio and Zach Lavine have both show major improvements on the offensive and defensive ends, while forward/center Gorgui Deing has given Towns a viable frontcourt running mate for the future. Additionally, the Timberwolves will be adding a likely top-five pick to the roster this offseason, have plenty of cap space for the summer, and will be hiring a legitimate head coach to lead this squad back to the playoffs next season.

New Orleans Pelicans, 30-52

The Pelicans may have only won 30 games this season, but they are in good hands moving forward. Alvin Gentry is a solid coach and with a healthy Anthony Davis next season, he will help get the Pelicans back in the playoff mix. Additionally, the Pelicans can add a top-10 talent in the draft while also getting Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans back on a full-time basis next season. Expect a major bounce back season next year for these Pelicans.

Milwaukee Bucks, 33-49

To be fair, these Bucks had a very disappointing season after an offseason full of lofty aspirations. It all starts with star-in-the-making Giannis Antetokounmpo set to transition to point guard full time this offseason. Luckily, he has an all-time great point guard (and one of the league’s best, young coaches) in Jason Kidd to help show him the way. Meanwhile, Jabari Parker had a nice season after bouncing back from an ACL tear in his rookie year. The Bucks have a solid young core with Antetokounmpo, Parker, Greg Monroe and Khris Middleton leading them going forward. With a likely top 10 pick on the way, expect this talented Bucks squad to be back in the playoffs next year.

Orlando Magic, 35-47

The Magic have been one of the NBA’s worst teams over the past few seasons. That all seems to be changing now though. With young, up and coming players like Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton, the Magic are in good hands. Center Nikola Vucevic is a double-double machine down low. Vucevic is a really good center, but might be an even better trade chip that can be used to land a star (Jimmy Butler anyone?). With another offseason to add talent and develop their youngsters, the Magic are in a great position moving forward.

Denver Nuggets, 33-49

The Nuggets are a solid offseason away from being back in the playoff picture. Point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, this year’s first round pick, has shown flashes of stardom and looks poised to lead this team into the future. Meanwhile, their big man trio of Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic offer the Nuggets a wide array of solid, low-post options. Sixth Man of the Year candidate Will Barton has also helped add a solid option coming off the bench. Meanwhile, if forwards Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler can stay healthy, the Nuggets will have a pair of dynamic wing players to go along with the rest of their young core. Make no mistake, this is a franchise on the rise.

Phoenix Suns, 23-59

This season was supposed to be a playoff season for this Suns squad. Instead, it is a season full of disappointment, injuries and questions moving forward. The Suns have a very talented trio at the guard spots with Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Devin Booker leading the charge. Last time this happened, the Suns had to blow up the trio and ship away Goran Dragic and Isaiah. Outside of the guard spots, everything else is a mess. Small forward TJ Warren showed some promise, but then suffered a broken foot. PJ Tucker is not the answer at small forward either. The big man rotation is a mess. Alex Len is a decent option, but needs to make major strides this offseason in order to shore up the center position, because Tyson Chandler and his 52 million dollar contract certainly were not the answer. Meanwhile, the Suns need to decide whether or not Earl Watson is the answer at head coach, because former head coach Jeff Hornacek (fired mid-way through this season) certainly was not. With a (likely) top five draft pick on the way, the Suns have a chance to rebound quickly. But this offseason will be huge in terms of providing answers to all of the Suns’ questions moving forward.

New York Knicks, 32-50

The Knicks are a mess. That is as obvious as the result you get when Steph Curry is left wide open beyond the arc (hint: three points for the Warriors). Outside of sensational rookie Kristaps Porzingis, the roster is a disaster. Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo are not giving the Knicks’ fans hope for their backcourt moving forward. While star forward Carmelo Anthony is saying he wants to help rebuild the Knicks, the only way he might be able to do that is by waving his no-trade clause (could Cleveland come calling?). Meanwhile, Kurt Rambis is not really the guy the Knicks need to lead them into the future. With a murky head-coaching situation, talent-stripped roster and potential star on his way out the door, this Knicks squad has a dramatic offseason coming up.

Sacramento Kings, 33-49

This franchise is, once again, a disaster. It took every fiber in my body to not put them as the worst team on this list. They went through yet another head coach. This time, they fired coaching legend George Karl. If a coach with over 1,100 wins cannot lead this team out of the NBA cellar, who can? One has to wonder if the Kings are going to endure a full-scale reboot this offseason. That includes getting rid of the talented, yet extremely dramatic and hot-headed Demarcus Cousins. Cousins seems more concerned with throwing temper tantrums than leading the Kings to a winning season. Meanwhile, they have no stability at head coach and one has to wonder if general manager Vlade Divac is the one that can help rebuild this team. With another sub-.500 season in the books, the Kings are once again back in the draft lottery. Maybe a change in scenery will help usher in a new era of successful basketball for the Kings.

Brooklyn Nets, 21-61

The Nets are in an absolutely horrible spot. They have no consistency at head coach. Tony Brown is not the answer. Neither was Lionel Hollins…or Jason Kidd…or PJ Carlesimo. Meanwhile, the roster is a mess. Outside of star center Brook Lopez and athletic/talented forward Thaddeus Young, the roster is extremely devoid of talent. Thanks to former general manager Billy King, orchestrator of that awful Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce to Brooklyn trade, the Nets do not have any drafts picks to help them replenish talent over the next few seasons. The one saving grace for these Nets is that outside of Young and Lopez, the Nets do not have any major contracts on their roster. With Jay-Z, the Barclays Center and Brooklyn itself as some solid selling points, the Nets should be able to add some talent in free agency, even if they will have to overpay to do so. Nonetheless, newly minted general manager Sean Marks has a tall task ahead of him.

Philadelphia 76ers, 10-72

Yes, the Sixers only won 10 games this year. Yet another lost season for these tanking Sixers. While Sam Hinkie is now gone, he definitely left the Sixers in a solid position moving forward. Before his injury, Jhalil Okafor was showing some serious promise down low for this Sixers squad. Meanwhile, the high-flying, shot-blocking big man Nerlens Noel has also made some nice strides this offseason. With any luck, the Sixers will also be able to add a healthy Joel Embiid (former number three overall pick) to the mix too. The Sixers will get the chance to add a franchise player in the draft this summer as well. Even though this season was rough for the extremely loyal and passionate fans of this franchise, they will get front row seats to the Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram show next season. With some serious young talent being infused into this squad, and some serious cap space to play with this offseason, new general manager Bryan Colangelo (and his father, Jerry Colangelo) should have this Sixers franchise pointed in the right direction moving forward.

Los Angeles Lakers, 17-65

If it were not for Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour, the Lakers might have had the most embarrassing regular season of all time. Kobe’s “going away party” covered up a lot of the major issues that general manager Mitch Kupchak has to deal with going into this offseason. First off, will head coach Byron Scott actually be back next season? It certainly does not feel that way. Next up is Deangelo Russell. Russell was picked second overall in this year’s draft with the expectation that he would be the next face of the Lakers’ franchise. However, after the ridiculous drama between him and Nick Young, which shook up the entire Lakers’ franchise, there is no guarantee Russell is even on the roster next season. Meanwhile, the roster is in need of some serious talent. Kobe is officially gone after an insane 60-point farewell game against the Jazz. Jordan Clarkson, one of the most promising talents on this team, could be gone this summer if a team tosses a serious amount of money at him (which will most likely happen). Outside of their forward Julius Randle, the entire roster is full of some serious questions. Additionally, with the state of this franchise right now, which free agents are actually going to want to come and play here? The one positive for the Lakers is that they have a likely top-two pick on their hands and should be able to land either Simmons or Ingram in the upcoming draft. With the Kobe era officially ending, a new era of basketball is beginning for this storied franchise. It just so happens that this new era is one full of major question marks.

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