ESPN Projects Thunder for 60.7 Wins as Giannis, LeBron and Brown Reshape 2026-27 NBA
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Oct 19
ESPN Projects Thunder for 60.7 Wins as Giannis, LeBron and Brown Reshape 2026-27 NBA
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Oct 19
Summary
60.7 projected wins put defending West champion Oklahoma City atop ESPN’s preseason rankings, with the Thunder still favored despite losing Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
59.1 wins for San Antonio and 51.7 for defending champion New York underscore a crowded top tier, with Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs and Jalen Brunson’s Knicks looming as major title threats.
Philadelphia became the East’s biggest wild card after adding 41-year-old LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while Miami’s Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard reunion reshaped the conference.
The West also saw major backcourt upheaval, with LaMelo Ball joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, Ja Morant landing in Portland and Luka Doncic entering a fully LeBron-free Lakers era alongside new center Walker Kessler.
ESPN framed the season as one of the league’s most volatile in years, with blockbuster offseason moves and a deep 2026 rookie class widening both contender paths and playoff uncertainty.