NBA: Power ranking the top 10 teams as preseason begins

Brooklyn Nets trio (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets trio (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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Kevin Durant
Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

T-1. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers both stick out from the rest of the league as the two teams to beat this upcoming season. The East and West coast powerhouses both have chips on the shoulder and a whole lot on the line to prove.

Brooklyn’s big three in Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving not only rank at the top of the league but also carry the most pressure across the league to perform at the highest level and reach the very top. No team has anywhere near the amount of anticipation the Brooklyn Nets have built up as the 2021 season closes in, especially after their heartbreaking loss to Milwaukee in the second round.

Brooklyn is built to be the best team in the league, commanded by a trifecta of unmatchable scoring and ball-handling. This team can shoot the lights out of any stadium, even if one of their big three sits out.

This is Brooklyn’s year to finally cement themselves as the best team in the NBA. The pressure is on, and in less than three weeks we’ll see for ourselves if they have what it takes.