ESPN offseason power rankings place Knicks behind Thunder, Spurs

The Knicks just won their first championship in 53 years. ESPN still isn’t ready to put them at No. 1.

In its first offseason NBA power rankings, ESPN placed the defending champion Knicks third overall, behind the Thunder and Spurs.

Oklahoma City claimed the top spot after winning 64 games despite injuries, while ESPN pointed to the Spurs’ young core led by Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper as reasons San Antonio could challenge for a title again next season.

The Knicks checked in at No. 3 after their championship run. ESPN noted that New York faces several roster decisions this offseason, including potential contract situations involving Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Rounding out the top 10 were the Celtics, Pistons, Nuggets, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Lakers and Rockets.

ESPN’s top 10 entering the offseason:

1. Thunder
2. Spurs
3. Knicks
4. Celtics
5. Pistons
6. Nuggets
7. Cavaliers
8. Timberwolves
9. Lakers
10. Rockets

The rankings were compiled by ESPN NBA reporters and centered not only on how teams finished this season, but how they project entering 2026-27.

Whether Knicks fans agree with No. 3 is another story.

After all, New York is the team currently holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy.