This is the dead period of the NBA offseason. Training camp doesn't begin for another few weeks and we've got full month and a half until the season starts. What do we do until then? Well, we could watch football and tinker with our fantasy lineups while suppressing our need for some hardwood awesomeness. Or, we can just bypass all of that and present to your our September NBA Power Rankings.
Tier 1 -- #1 Pick Or Bust
30. Philadelphia 76ers
Notable Additions: Carl Landry (SAC), T.J. McConnell (R), Jahlil Okafor (R), Nik Stauskas (SAC), Gerald Wallace (BOS), Scottie Wilbekin (R), Christian Wood (R)
Notable Subtractions: Luc Mbah a Moute, Jason Richardson (ATL), Thomas Robinson (BKN), Glenn Robinson III (IND), Henry Sims (PHX), Ish Smith (WAS)
Trust the process, even though the process is still years away from delivering any major results. 2016 should reward the 76ers with another high draft pick.
29. Los Angeles Lakers
Notable Additions: Brandon Bass (BOS), Roy Hibbert (IND), Larry Nance, Jr. (R), D'Angelo Russell (R), Louis Williams (TOR).
Notable Subtractions: Carlos Boozer, Ed Davis (POR), Wayne Ellington (BKN), Jordan Hill (IND), Wesley Johnson (LAC), Jeremy Lin (CHA), Ronnie Price (PHX)
Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell are all building blocks. The rest of team, not so much. Unless Roy Hibbert suddenly regains his past form and Kobe does the same, the Lakers appear primed for a tough season.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Notable Additions: Tyus Jones (R), Andre Miller (SAC), Tayshaun Prince (DET), Damjan Rudez (IND), Karl-Anthony Towns (R)
Notable Subtractions: Chase Budinger (IND), Robbie Hummel, Gary Neal (WAS)
This team could actually be really good in 1-2 seasons if players like Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns develop on schedule. For now, Minnesota is looking at another lottery pick.
27. Denver Nuggets
Notable Additions: Matt Janning (R), Nick Johnson (HOU), Nikola Jokic (R), Emmanuel Mudiay (R), Kostas Papanikolaou (HOU)
Notable Subtractions: Ian Clark (GSW), Ty Lawson (HOU)
If the Nuggets played in the East, you could talk me into calling them a dark horse playoff team. Instead, Denver needs (plenty of) time to get its footing from a rebuilding standpoint in a stacked Western Conference.
26. New York Knicks
Notable Additions: Arron Afflalo (POR), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (R), Jerian Grant (R), Robin Lopez (POR), Kyle O'Quinn (ORL), Kristaps Porzingis (R), Kevin Seraphin (WAS), Sasha Vujacic, Derrick Williams (SAC)
Notable Subtractions: Quincy Acy (SAC), Cole Aldrich (LAC), Andrea Bargnani (BKN), Tim Hardaway Jr. (ATL), Shane Larkin (BKN), Ricky Ledo, Alexey Shved, Jason Smith (ORL)
I really, really, really want Kristaps Porzingis to be good. But, he still needs a few years to develop and it's going to be hard doing that on a team that consists of Carmelo Anthony and a bunch role players. The Knicks will be in contention for the No. 1 pick, especially if they end up dealing Melo.
Tier 2 -- Lottery Tickets In Hand
25. Orlando Magic
Notable Additions: Mario Hezonja (R), Shabazz Napier (MIA), Jason Smith (NYK), C.J. Watson (IND).
Notable Subtractions: Ben Gordon, Willie Green, Moe Harkless (POR), Kyle O'Quinn (NYK), Luke Ridnour
The Magic have plenty of young pieces with talent, but they are at least a season away from putting it all together. In the awful East, the Magic could be a playoff team in a season or two.
24. Brooklyn Nets
Notable Additions: Andrea Bargnani (NYK), Wayne Ellington (LAL), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (R), Dahntay Jones (LAC), Shane Larkin (NYK), Chris McCullough (R), Quincy Miller (DET), Thomas Robinson (PHI), Donald Sloan (IND)
Notable Subtractions: Alan Anderson (WAS), Cory Jefferson (PHX), Mason Plumlee (POR), Mirza Teletovic (PHX), Deron Williams (DAL)
Deron Williams is the biggest loss on the Nets' ledgers for 2015-16, but it was time for him to go. This is shaping up to be a severely rough season for the Nets. They need an influx of young talent and quickly.
23. Sacramento Kings
Notable Additions: Quincy Acy (NYK), Marco Belinelli (SAS), Caron Butler (DET), Willie Cauley-Stein (R), Seth Curry, Kosta Koufos (MEM), Rajon Rondo (DAL)
Subtractions: Reggie Evans, Ryan Hollins, Carl Landry (PHI), Ray McCallum (SAS), Andre Miller (MIN), Nik Stauskas (PHI), Jason Thompson (GSW), Derrick Williams (NYK)
It's not that the Kings don't have talent; they do. It's just that the front office is a mess. This season could a complete disaster. Will pairing Rudy Gay, DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo work? I have no idea, but I can't wait to watch. Even if it's a trainwreck, I won't be able to look away.
22. Detroit Pistons
Notable Additions: Aron Baynes (SAS), Steve Blake (POR), Reggie Bullock (PHX), Danny Granger (PHX), Ersan Ilyasova (MIL), Stanley Johnson (R), Marcus Morris (PHX)
Notable Subtractions: Caron Butler (SAC), John Lucas III, Quincy Miller (BKN), Greg Monroe (MIL), Tayshaun Prince (MIN), Shawne Williams (MIL)
When Reggie Jackson is the focal point of your team, you're probably in for a less-than-stellar season. I really don't understand the Pistons' offseason. Jackson is getting $80 million over five years and Aron Baynes is getting $19.5 million over three. I know the cap is rising, but still...
21. Phoenix Suns
Notable Additions: Devin Booker (R), Tyson Chandler (DAL), Cory Jefferson (BKN), Jon Leuer (MEM), Ronnie Price (LAL), Henry Sims (PHI), Mirza Teletovic (BKN), Sonny Weems, Terrico White (R)
Notable Subtractions: Reggie Bullock (DET), Danny Granger (DET), Gerald Green (MIA), Marcus Morris (DET), Marcus Thornton (HOU), Brandan Wright (MEM)
I really wish the Suns played in the East. They could EASILY contend for a playoff spot. Instead, they seem destined for another middling lottery pick.
Tier 3 -- The Also-Rans
20. Charlotte Hornets
Notable Additions: Nicolas Batum (POR), Tyler Hansbrough (TOR), Aaron Harrison (R), Spencer Hawes (LAC), Frank Kaminsky (R), Jeremy Lamb (OKC), Jeremy Lin (LAL)
Notable Subtractions: Bismack Biyombo (TOR), Gerald Henderson (POR), Lance Stephenson (LAC), Noah Vonleh (POR), Mo Williams (CLE)
The Hornets are full of good, but not great, players. That means they won't go far if they happen to slide into a #7 or #8 seed in the East, but are too good to get a high draft pick. In the NBA, mediocrity is the worst possible plateau to reside on.
19. Portland Trail Blazers
Notable Additions: Cliff Alexander (R), Al-Farouq Aminu (DAL), Pat Connaughton (R), Ed Davis (LAL), Moe Harkless (ORL), Gerald Henderson (CHA), Mike Miller (CLE), Mason Plumlee (BKN), Phil Pressey (BOS), Noah Vonleh (CHA)
Notable Subtractions: Arron Afflalo (NYK), LaMarcus Aldridge (SAS), Nicolas Batum (CHA), Steve Blake (DET), Joel Freeland, Alonzo Gee (NOP), Robin Lopez (NYK), Wesley Matthews (DAL), Dorell Wright
LaMarcus Aldridge will be sorely missed and the Blazers' only returning starter is Damian Lillard. That spells regression for the once-explosive Blazers.
18. Indiana Pacers
Notable Additions: Chase Budinger (MIN), Rakeem Christmas (R), Toney Douglas (NOP), Monta Ellis (DAL), Jordan Hill (LAL), Glenn Robinson III (PHI), Myles Turner (R), Joseph Young (R)
Notable Subtractions: Chris Copeland (MIL), Roy Hibbert (LAL), Damjan Rudez (MIN), Luis Scola (TOR), Donald Sloan (BKN), C.J. Watson (ORL), David West (SAS)
The Pacers are only a few seasons removed from giving the Miami Heat a run for their money in the East. Now, their top three bigs are gone. Welcome back to the middle of the pack, Indiana.
17. Boston Celtics
Notable Additions: R.J. Hunter (R), Amir Johnson (TOR), Perry Jones III (OKC), David Lee (GSW), Jordan Mickey (R), Terry Rozier (R), Corey Walden (R)
Notable Subtractions: Chris Babb (GSW), Brandon Bass (LAL), Phil Pressey (POR), Gerald Wallace (PHI)
Brad Stevens will continue to get the most out of his team, but there just isn't enough elite talent to be much more than a #6, #7 or #8 seed in the East.
16. Dallas Mavericks
Notable Additions: Brandon Ashley (R), Samuel Dalembert, Jeremy Evans (UTA), John Jenkins (ATL), Wesley Matthews (POR), JaVale McGee, Zaza Pachulia (MIL), Deron Williams (BKN)
Notable Subtractions: Al-Farouq Aminu (POR), Tyson Chandler (PHX), Monta Ellis (IND), Richard Jefferson (CLE), Rajon Rondo (SAC), Amar'e Stoudemire (MIA)
Dirk is on his last legs, so taking fliers on Matthews, McGee and Williams is totally worth it. Regardless, it won't be enough to get them back to the top of the West.
Tier 4 -- On The Come-Up
15. Utah Jazz
Notable Additions: Trey Lyles (R), Raul Neto (R), Tibor Pleiss (R), Jeff Withey (NOP)
Notable Subtractions: Jeremy Evans (DAL)
This team has tons of young talent. It just needs someone to take that next step. Maybe it's Rudy Gobert or Derrick Favors. If the Jazz played in the East, they could easily be a five seed. In the West, they'll be a bubble team.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
Notable Additions: Chris Copeland (IND), Marcus Landry, Greg Monroe (DET), Josh Powell, Greivis Vásquez (TOR), Rashad Vaughn (R), Shawne Williams (DET)
Notable Subtractions: Jared Dudley (WAS), Ersan Ilyasova (DET), Zaza Pachulia (DAL)
The Bucks could easily finish higher than their sixth seed last season. The Greek Freak is improving and Greg Monroe was a great addition. In addition, Jabari Parker might as well be a brand-spanking new piece this season after missing the vast majority of last season.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Notable Additions: Alonzo Gee (POR), Sean Kilpatrick, Kendrick Perkins (CLE)
Notable Subtractions: Toney Douglas (IND), Jimmer Fredette (SAS), Jeff Withey (UTA)
Anthony Davis will be the consensus third-best player in the NBA at the end of the season. He's that good. The Pelicans are one piece away from being a Top 10 team overall.
12. Toronto Raptors
Notable Additions: Bismack Biyombo (CHA), DeMarre Carroll (ATL), Cory Joseph (SAS), Luis Scola (IND), Delon Wright (R)
Notable Subtractions: Landry Fields, Tyler Hansbrough (CHA), Chuck Hayes (LAC), Amir Johnson (BOS), Greivis Vásquez (MIL), Louis Williams (LAL)
An underrated team got better this offseason. The Raptors overpaid for Carroll, but he's a great defender. In the weak East, the Raptors should be a difficult out in the playoffs.
11. Washington Wizards
Notable Additions: Alan Anderson (BKN), Jared Dudley (MIL), Toure Murry, Gary Neal (MIN), Kelly Oubre (R), Ish Smith (PHI)
Notable Subtractions: Rasual Butler, Will Bynum, Paul Pierce (LAC), Kevin Seraphin (NYK)
Otto Porter flashed big-time potential late last season and is primed to take "the leap". With John Wall at point, the Wizards will always be contenders in the East as it stands.
Tier 5 -- The Contenders
10. Atlanta Hawks
Notable Additions: Tim Hardaway Jr. (NYK), Justin Holiday (GSW), Lamar Patterson (R), Jason Richardson (PHI), Tiago Splitter (SAS), Walter Tavares (R)
Notable Subtractions: Pero Antic, Elton Brand, DeMarre Carroll (TOR), Austin Daye, John Jenkins (DAL)
The Hawks don't have a traditional superstar, but they are still the budget San Antonio Spurs of the East. The Hawks are a good-to-great team who'll be in the running for the East's top seed if all falls right.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
Notable Additions: Matt Barnes (LAC), Jarell Martin (R), Brandan Wright (PHX)
Notable Subtractions: Nick Calathes, Kosta Koufos (SAC), Jon Leuer (PHX)
A team full of veterans didn't lose much in the offseason. They finished fifth in the West last season and will be in contention for a similar seed this time around.
8. Miami Heat
Notable Additions: Gerald Green (PHX), Amar'e Stoudemire (DAL), Justise Winslow (R).
Subtractions: Michael Beasley, Shabazz Napier (ORL), Henry Walker
The Heat battled through many injuries last season, but that changes this year. Justise Winslow was borderline robbery with the 10th pick in the draft, and he's an integral piece for what should be a major come-up in 2015-16.
7. Chicago Bulls
Notable Additions: Cristiano Felicio (R), Bobby Portis (R)
Notable Subtractions: Nazr Mohammed
The Bulls will go as far as Derrick Rose's knees allow them to. If he stays healthy, the Bulls will stay in the Top 10. If he gets hurt, a steep drop will follow.
6. Houston Rockets
Notable Additions: Sam Dekker (R), Ty Lawson (DEN), Marcus Thornton (PHX)
Notable Subtractions: Nick Johnson (DEN), Kostas Papanikolaou (DEN), Pablo Prigioni (LAC), Josh Smith (LAC)
The Rockets just miss out on a Top 5 spot on our list, but that doesn't mean there isn't a strong argument there for inclusion. The Rockets have top-flight talent, but the fact that they're a little thin in the frontcourt keeps them in Tier 5.
Tier 6 -- The Elite
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Notable Additions: Josh Huestis (R), Cameron Payne (R)
Notable Subtractions: Perry Jones III (BOS), Jeremy Lamb (CHA)
Kevin Durant just needs to stay healthy. If he does that, then the Thunder will be back. Like Terminator back.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Notable Additions: Cole Aldrich (NYK), Chuck Hayes (TOR), Wesley Johnson (LAL), Paul Pierce (WAS), Pablo Prigioni (HOU), Josh Smith (HOU), Lance Stephenson (CHA)
Notable Subtractions: Matt Barnes (MEM), Glen Davis, Jordan Hamilton, Spencer Hawes (CHA), Dahntay Jones (BKN), Hedo Turkoglu, Ekpe Udoh
The Clippers overhauled their bench, which was their weakness last year. Oh yeah, and they also put caution tape around DeAndre Jordan to keep him in L.A. GM Doc Rivers is putting a lot of faith in Coach Doc Rivers to get the most out of Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson. How that plays out will determine how far the Clippers go in the postseason.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Notable Additions: LaMarcus Aldridge (POR), Jimmer Fredette (NOP), Boban Marjanovic (R), Ray McCallum (SAC), Jonathon Simmons (R), David West (IND)
Notable Subtractions: Jeff Ayres, Aron Baynes (DET), Marco Belinelli (SAC), Cory Joseph (TOR), Tiago Splitter (ATL)
Adding LaMarcus Aldridge eliminated any rebuilding time once Tim Duncan retires. It'll take time for Aldridge to acclimate, but the Spurs are scary good. They brought Danny Green bank to drain threes and added Jimmer for...well, we're not sure. However, if any team can get the most out of Fredette, it's the Spurs. David West helps a frontcourt that was already deep and talented. If the Spurs have a weakness, it's an aging backcourt a bit short on proven depth.
2. Cleveland Cavs
Notable Additions: Richard Jefferson (DAL), Sasha Kaun (R), D.J. Stephens, Mo Williams (CHA)
Notable Subtractions: Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion, Mike Miller (POR), Kendrick Perkins (NOP)
Getting Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love back healthy will go a long way for the Cavs. LeBron James is still the best player in the NBA and the Cavs will continue to be among the league's best with him on the team.
1. Golden State Warriors
Notable Additions: Chris Babb (BOS), Ian Clark (DEN), Kevon Looney (R), Jason Thompson (SAC)
Notable Subtractions: Justin Holiday (ATL), David Lee (BOS)
The Warriors are the defending champions. They deserve to be No. 1 until the season starts. Case closed, especially with very little roster turnover to speak of going forward.