As the NBA heads toward its milestone 80th season in 2025-26, we are getting hungrier for storylines. At the forefront are teams brimming with star power, from defending champions to squads boasting high-profile additions. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the league’s newest dynasty, anchor the conversation, having capped off an electrifying campaign with a historic championship run and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.
Of course, we can't discount NBA franchises located in major destinations such as Los Angeles, and even the Houston Rockets have captivated audiences in the offseason, thanks to a blockbuster Kevin Durant acquisition and an unprecedented 28 nationally televised games lined up for the upcoming season.
We are also hyped about the presence of some talented rookies heading onto the NBA stage, and some other contending teams have added some key pieces to become relevant and exciting. So, which teams are the most exciting to follow and watch moving forward? Let's rank them.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder are the defending NBA champions, capitalizing on a dream run last season that saw them dominate with record-setting point differentials on the way to their title. Sam Presti and head coach Mark Daigneault have positioned the team to sustain excellence with their core intact, and they deserve all the credit in the world.
Still, this offseason has been measured but impactful. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inked a record-setting four-year, $285 million supermax extension, locking in the face of the franchise. Hotshot forward Chet Holmgren and breakout wing Jalen Williams also secured extensions, solidifying the core. Meanwhile, rookie additions like Thomas Sorber (2025 first-round pick) and second-rounder Nikola Topic reinforce the pipeline of young talent the Thunder are known for.
Watchability? It’s part story, part hype. A reigning champion anchored by an MVP-caliber star, a blend of youth, and a culture of togetherness, OKC represents stability with a championship identity, offering drama as they defend their crown. Personally, we can't wait to see if they can repeat as champions.
2. Houston Rockets
Houston’s offseason move of the summer turned heads: the blockbuster acquisition of Kevin Durant from Phoenix in a seven-team trade, instantly transforming the Rockets into immediate title contenders. Paired with coach Ime Udoka, recently rewarded with a contract extension after a strong 52-30 season, the narrative is on full throttle.
Beyond Durant, the Rockets deepened their roster with veterans like Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and guards Fred VanVleet (re-signed) and Josh Okogie, reinforcing both defense and spacing. Plus, they boast a hefty schedule of 28 nationally televised games, up from 11, promising maximum exposure and marquee matchups, like opening night against the Thunder or a Christmas battle with the Lakers.
Why tune in? Elite star power, veteran savvy, franchise-changing commitment, and high-visibility programming, Rockets games promise to be must-see television as Houston chases glory.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James returns, teamed with Luka Doncic as the Lakers remain one of the NBA’s biggest attractions. This offseason, Los Angeles addressed their interior needs with Deandre Ayton, bringing rim protection and lob threat, plus fortified their guard depth by adding veteran Marcus Smart.
The Lakers’ storyline is a potent mix of superstar duos, playoff pedigree, and a hunger to reclaim NBA royalty. With national exposure and a championship-ready roster, Lakers matchups always deliver ratings, and the drama that always enfolds is what most NBA fans dream of.
Their watchability skyrockets as LeBron and Luka chase another title under reinforcements, a classic Hollywood script being written in real time. We won't go as far as to say that the Lakers are the favorites to win a championship, but seeing them go for it will be more than entertaining.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas stays compelling thanks to their already electric star duo of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, and now fortified by their top draft pick, Cooper Flagg, who brings defensive versatility and multi-positional upside right away. Adding experienced scorer D’Angelo Russell further deepens their backcourt rotation.
A mix of established talent and high-upside youth makes the Mavericks intriguing, particularly as Irving rebounds and Flagg adapts. Their blend of smooth offense, playoff fights, and headline-makers ensures they remain a fixture on highlight reels.
Expect fireworks when Dallas takes the floor, watchability anchored in star charisma and intrigue around Flagg. On paper and considering everyone stays healthy, the Mavericks will be legitimate title contenders, but as we know, whether they can achieve that remains to be seen. Still, seeing Flagg handle superstar pressure will be a major storyline for the majority of the campaign.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers staged a renaissance this summer by adding Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez, forming one of the oldest but most experienced rosters in the league. Chris Paul returns on a one-year $3.6M deal, delivering leadership and nostalgia in what may be his final season.
Notably, Beal graciously offered Paul his iconic No. 3 jersey in a gesture that underscores team culture and storylines. Despite age concerns, this veteran assembly creates narratives around redemption and hustle. The “old but talented” Clippers are a storyline to follow as stars chase that elusive ring.
Watchability equals emotional investment, CP3’s homecoming, James Harden and Beal’s ring chase, and the high-stakes denial of expectations. Of course, it all boils down to how Kawhi Leonard can stay on the court because as long as he plays, the Clippers have a chance against anybody.
6. Golden State Warriors
Golden State remains a perennial visual treat, anchored by Stephen Curry and his enduring appeal. This offseason was low-key, with no blockbuster moves, just the drafting of Alex Toohey and Will Richard in the second round to supplement their culture-first development strategy.
While whispers abound about roster changes, Golden State's continuity, combined with playoff experience and Curry’s highlight-making ability, keeps them among the most compelling to watch. Anytime the Warriors hit the floor, there will be intrigue.
Their games still ooze nostalgia, passion, and execution, especially with Curry at the center of every shine. The Warriors will need to sort out the Jonathan Kuminga situation and hope Jimmy Butler doesn't lose a step because of his age.
7. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs continue to be a dynamic watch, driven by Victor Wembanyama’s ascent into true superstar territory. Though the offseason has been quiet on paper (other than drafting Dylan Harper), the intrigue lies in how the young phenom will interact with veteran structure and how the Spurs develop around him.
Adversity, growth, and a generational talent all converge for San Antonio, making them must-see, especially in the West’s deep race. Fans tune in for glimpses of Wembanyama-youngcraft and the potential trajectory of a future contender.
If Wemby can stay healthy, there is hope that the Spurs can field some of the NBA's finest talent: De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, around him. If they get off to a hot start, the Spurs will be one of the teams to follow for sure.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota took the “boring is beautiful” route this offseason, choosing continuity over splashy moves. They re-signed Julius Randle and Naz Reid, retaining the bulk of the roster that reached the conference finals, and added depth with one-year veteran Johnny Juzang and two-way signee Enrique Freeman.
There's real narrative potency in stability; the Timberwolves are betting on cohesion, growth, and internal chemistry, led by Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert, who signed a massive extension earlier. Their team is certainly solid, but they might be missing a piece or two.
Watchability lies in their flow, playoff potential, and the evolving arcs of rising core pieces; sometimes, the slow burn is the most compelling. Of course, there is also the fact that Anthony Edwards is one of the most exciting players over the last decade.
9. New York Knicks
The Knicks are entering a new era under head coach Mike Brown, who was hired in July 2025 following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau. Brown’s arrival marks a strategic shift toward a more dynamic, pace-driven style. To bolster the bench, a weakness in the prior playoff run, they signed Jordan Clarkson, a proven sixth man known for his scoring punch, on a $3.6 million deal, and Guerschon Yabusele, a versatile frontcourt presence with impressive efficiency (11.0 ppg on 50.1% shooting last season).
Coach Brown has praised the duo's versatility, noting that “Clarkson’s scoring at all three levels” and Yabusele’s size provide depth and flexibility previously lacking in New York’s rotation. Golden State’s signature, Jalen Brunson, is once again a focal point, not just as franchise anchor but as a point of comparison among elite lead guards.
He might be behind only the likes of Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Steph Curry, but ahead of stars like Damian Lillard and Trae Young. With a strong roster, including Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson in Mike Brown’s expected nine-man rotation, New York stands poised to turn its Eastern Conference Finals run into a true title push.
10. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have aggressively retooled around Nikola Jokic, trading Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick for sharpshooter Cam Johnson, adding much-needed shooting and spacing, especially crucial alongside Jokic in playoff scenarios. Complementing Johnson, Denver re-signed Bruce Brown and added Tim Hardaway Jr., both on one-year deals, to bolster perimeter scoring, depth, and defensive versatility.
The Nuggets’ title odds have surged thanks to these strategic upgrades. Moreover, a fresh leadership structure is now in place, new head coach David Adelman, along with Executive Vice Presidents Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, signaling a bold organizational shift after Michael Malone’s departure earlier this year.
The convergence of revamped leadership, sharpened roster flexibility, and Jokic’s continued brilliance makes Denver one of the most compelling watchable teams heading into the season.
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