Cavs seventh in way-too-early NBA power rankings

The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals this season. That apparently wasn’t enough to crack the top five.

In ESPN’s way-too-early NBA power rankings for 2026-27, released shortly after the Knicks wrapped up their championship run, Cleveland checked in at No. 7 overall.

Of course, these rankings arrive before free agency, the NBA Draft and the inevitable summer trades that will reshape at least a few rosters around the league. In other words, plenty can change between now and opening night.

ESPN ranked the Thunder first, followed by the Spurs, Knicks, Celtics, Pistons and Nuggets before placing the Cavs seventh.

ESPN noted that reaching the Eastern Conference finals represented progress for a Cleveland franchise that advanced further than it had since 2018.

At the same time, the network pointed to the Cavs’ four-game sweep at the hands of New York as a reminder that questions remain about whether the current roster is close enough to true championship contention.

ESPN also highlighted comments from president of basketball operations Koby Altman, who indicated a major overhaul isn’t expected this offseason. Still, the Cavs remain a team to watch as they search for ways to take another step forward.

Frankly, that’s what makes these rankings tricky.

They’re based on today’s rosters. And if NBA history has taught us anything, today’s roster rarely looks like tomorrow’s.