Houston Rockets Projected Top NBA Offense, Ranked Second in Future Power Rankings

The Houston Rockets are positioned as one of the NBA's brightest futures, currently ranked second in ESPN's future power rankings for the 2025-26 to 2027-28 seasons, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. This rapid rise is attributed to the hiring of coach Ime Udoka, the acquisition of veteran scorer Kevin Durant, and a talented young core including Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard, who are expected to offset Durant's aging in coming years. The Rockets' offense, once mediocre, is predicted to improve significantly and potentially become a top-five unit next season, with Durant leading the charge and young players developing their skills. In contrast, the Phoenix Suns face a bleak future, ranked last in ESPN's power rankings due to a lack of tradeable draft picks, substantial dead money, and an unclear path to rebuilding despite having All-Star Devin Booker. The Suns' struggles include uncertainty at key positions and a roster heavy on defensive wings and raw big men with limited offensive production. Other teams like the Brooklyn Nets are also in rebuilding phases but face skepticism about their progress, ranked 27th due to poor current roster talent despite strong draft assets and financial flexibility.