The bottom 10 teams in The Daily News’ 2024 NBA Power Rankings have already been revealed, with the Brooklyn Nets ranked dead last and the Los Angeles Clippers falling to 21st.
Now, we shift focus to the middle of the pack, where the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat find themselves in basketball purgatory — without a clear path to a title run and no viable route to tank for a better draft position.
This is Installment No. 3 of our NBA Power Rankings, covering teams ranked 20 through 16. Among these teams is a burgeoning Western Conference contender poised to take a leap — just not this season.
Check back Monday for Installment No. 4, featuring teams 15 through 11.
20 – CHARLOTTE HORNETS
- Additions: HC Charles Lee, F Tijane Salaun (#6), G KJ Simpson (#42), G Devonte Graham, G Seth Curry, C Taj Gibson, G Reggie Jackson (via DEN), G Josh Green (via DAL)
- Subtractions: HC Steve Clifford (fired), F Davis Bertans (ETO), F Gordon Hayward (retired), G Frank Ntilikina (overseas), G Ish Smith (UFA)
- Best 5: Ball, Miller, Green, Bridges, Williams
- Next 5: Micic, Mann, Martin, Williams Richards
Charles Lee is a culture driver, Brandon Miller is poised for a Year 2 leap, and with some luck, LaMelo Ball will finally stay healthy for a full season.
Ball has played in just 58 games over the past two years, while Miller showcased his scoring prowess as the Rookie of the Year runner-up to Victor Wembanyama. The Hornets’ decision to hire Lee, replacing the outdated Steve Clifford, appears to be a step in the right direction.
If the team stays healthy, Charlotte could secure the 10th seed and make their first Play-In Tournament appearance since 2016 — their only playoff appearance since rebranding from the “Bobcats” in 2014.
Better or worse?
Noticeably better hinging on Ball’s health.
19 – HOUSTON ROCKETS
- Additions: G Reed Sheppard (#3), C Steven Adams (injury recovery), F AJ Griffin (via ATL)
- Subtractions: G Pelle Larsson (#44 – via MIA)
- Best 5: VanVleet, Green, Brooks, Smith Jr., Sengun
- Next 5: Thompson, Sheppard, Whitmore, Eason, Adams
All aboard: The Houston Rockets’ train is set to depart in one year.
The Rockets used the Brooklyn Nets’ 2024 first-round pick from the James Harden trade to select Reed Sheppard, adding another weapon to their backcourt alongside the dynamic Jalen Green.
When Fred VanVleet’s $44 million salary comes off the books next summer (assuming Houston declines his third-year option), the Rockets will have enough cap space to pull off a move similar to the Philadelphia 76ers this summer: signing a max player in free agency and locking in their own young stars with extensions.
This Rockets team, built around future All-Stars Green and Alperen Sengun, could be one piece away from their first playoff appearance since the Harden era.
Better or worse?
A little bit better. Much better in two years.
18 – GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
- Additions: G Buddy Hield (via PHI), G De’Anthony Melton (via PHI), F Kyle Anderson (via MIN)
- Subtractions: G Klay Thompson (via DAL), G Chris Paul (via SAS), F Dario Saric (via DEN)
- Best 5: Curry, Podziemski, Wiggins, Kuminga, Green
- Next 5: Melton, Hield, Anderson, Jackson-Davis
Klay Thompson is gone, and with him, the Warriors’ championship hopes — at least as currently constructed. LeBron James isn’t coming through that door.
So, what’s next for the Warriors? Stephen Curry is nearing the end of his legendary career, but the team is ill-equipped to compete with the Western Conference’s elite.
Will they swing for the fences in a blockbuster trade? Will they consider trading Curry to a contender like the Lakers? Or will they stand pat, not good enough to compete but not bad enough to tank?
At least #30 will sell-out the Chase Center and give Warriors fans a reason to believe.
After his explosive Olympic performance, who says Curry doesn’t have one more miracle run in the tank?
Better or worse?
About the same.
17 – MIAMI HEAT
- Additions: G Alec Burks, G Pelle Larsson (#44), G Patty Mills (via UTA), G Josh Christopher
- Subtractions: F Caleb Martin (via PHI), G Kyle Lowry (via PHI)
- Best 5: Rozier, Herro, Butler, Jaquez Jr., Adebayo
- Next 5: Richardson, Robinson, Highsmith, Jovic, Love
The Heat are in familiar territory: on paper, not good enough to make a serious title run. They also lost key players Caleb Martin and Kyle Lowry to the 76ers, who were already a stronger team.
Yet, there’s always something about a Pat Riley-led team, especially one coached by Erik Spoelstra, led by Jimmy Butler, and anchored by Bam Adebayo.
Even when the odds seem insurmountable, the Heat find a way. Spoelstra will once again need to work his magic.
Better or worse?
The same, but don’t count them out.
16 – LOS ANGELES LAKERS
- Additions: HC J.J. Redick, F Dalton Knecht (#17), G Bronny James (#55)
- Subtractions: HC Darvin Ham (fired), F Taurean Prince (via MIL), one year off of LeBron James’ basketball clock
- Best 5: Russell, Christie, Reaves, James, Davis
- Next 5: Vincent, Knecht, Hachimura, Vanderbilt, Wood
The Lakers made two significant moves this summer — and drafting LeBron’s son, Bronny James, wasn’t one of them.
First, they replaced Darvin Ham with J.J. Redick, a respected offensive mind. Then, they re-signed Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal.
Christie played in 67 games last season, averaging just 4.2 points per game, but the Lakers see untapped potential in the 6’6″ third-year guard. This is one of the few ways forward for a franchise strapped for cash and assets, built around aging stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
They are destined for a Play-In Tournament berth and, more than likely, an early offseason.
Better or worse?
About the same.