Exploring the most overrated and underrated NBA teams, featuring the Celtics, Spurs, Nuggets, and others
Exploring the Most Overrated and Underrated NBA Teams: Celtics, Spurs, Nuggets & More
As the NBA offseason enters its lull, anticipation for next season is rising—and so is the debate over which teams are primed to surprise or disappoint. With the restricted free agent market stalled and trade talks simmering, predictions are flying for which franchises are punching above or below their perceived weight. ESPN’s early power rankings for 2025-26 have only fanned the flames, igniting discussion about the pecking order in both conferences. But do these rankings really reflect reality, or are certain squads being unjustly hyped—or ignored?
Nuggets: The Sleeper Powerhouse
ESPN placed the Denver Nuggets at No. 3, trailing behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. While OKC undeniably deserves frontrunner status entering the season, industry insiders argue that Denver might be the biggest threat to their throne. The Nuggets made strategic moves in the offseason, bringing in experienced depth with Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. According to analytics consultant Mark Evans, “Denver finally solved their depth problem—they’re no longer dependent on an inexperienced bench. If anything, they’re being underrated in projections.”
Johnson’s transition to a Jokic-led offense, after starring with the Nets, is especially noteworthy. Nikola Jokic remains the consensus best player in the league for the fifth year running, and with a fortified supporting cast, Denver’s window for another championship appears more open than ever.
Celtics: The Downward Spiral?
One of the most controversial rankings is the Boston Celtics at No. 17. The Celtics face a daunting season, with star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined after an Achilles tear, and critical absences piling up: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet are all missing from the projected rotation.
Team sources acknowledge that Boston is bracing for a potentially lost season, with an eye toward youth development and draft positioning. “They’re not going to rush Tatum or jeopardize his health, which means a lot of young, untested players will be thrust into big roles,” says longtime NBA beat writer Chris Donovan. “It’s the weakest frontcourt in the league on paper, and their depth issues are glaring.”
Spurs: Underrated and Ready to Rise
Often overlooked, the San Antonio Spurs land at No. 16 but could easily climb higher. The return of Victor Wembanyama after an early season-ending injury has fans and analysts buzzing. Only five games into his partnership with De’Aaron Fox last season, the potential was already obvious. “Wemby is set to become a top-10 player in the world this year,” notes former scout Jake Matthews. “With added depth from Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk, and rookies like Dylan Harper ready to contribute, this is not a team to underestimate.”
San Antonio’s upgraded roster flexibility and veteran bench presence could well push them up the Western Conference standings. For a closer look at the Spurs’ recent draft strategy, check out this analysis.
Mavericks: A Reality Check
Ranked at No. 13, the Dallas Mavericks are facing some tough questions. With Kyrie Irving likely out for the year and a thin backcourt, concerns about ball handling and shooting abound. D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum are essentially the only natural point guards on the roster. ESPN still ranks Dallas as the eighth-best in the West, but many experts disagree. “This could be a lottery team,” predicts basketball commentator Sam Rowe. “Their three-point shooting is suspect, and the defense may not be able to compensate.” Look for more context on teams in flux in this offseason roundup.
Charlotte Hornets: A Shot at Redemption
Hovering at No. 27, the Charlotte Hornets may be the East’s dark horse. Improvement hinges on LaMelo Ball’s health and playmaking, Brandon Miller’s next step, and rookie Kon Knueppel making a strong entry. The recent addition of Collin Sexton adds stability to the bench, and with former top pick Tidjane Salaun ready for more minutes, Charlotte’s outlook is much brighter than rankings suggest. Young coach Charles Lee aims to harness the team’s shot-creation and offensive potential for a surprisingly competitive campaign. Dive deeper into overlooked prospects at this feature.
Bucks: Overrated and Facing Uncertainty
The Milwaukee Bucks, at No. 14, have taken risks to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, including waiving Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. As Turner replaces Brook Lopez, the question is whether this bold shift is enough. Without a true starting point guard and with uncertainty on the wing, expectations may be outpacing reality. “They need 82 games of MVP-level Giannis just to tread water,” observes former GM Ted Harris.
For more coverage on blockbuster deals and the ripple effects across the league, visit this breakdown and this stars-on-the-move piece.
With the league’s landscape in flux and training camps on the horizon, teams like the Nuggets and Spurs are poised to rise above early skepticism. Meanwhile, established franchises such as the Celtics and Mavericks must confront harsh realities. As preseason storylines build, fans and experts alike should keep a close eye on these squads—the gap between perception and performance might be the story of the season.
Source: www.sbnation.com