New York Knicks: NBA Offseason Power Rankings

No. 30: Brooklyn Nets

As mentioned, Brooklyn will start over in the upcoming season with retreads and young players in the starting lineup. Lopez steps onto the court as the team’s best player with Lin as his Robin.

Don’t expect the Nets to win more than their 21-win total last year. It’s a less experienced lineup that must work out the kinks before moving forward. Will Rondae Hollis-Jefferson play the 2- or 3-spot? Can Lin excel as a starting point throughout a full season? When does LeVert play after multiple foot injuries?

For the Nets, it’s all about answering questions as opposed to winning games in the upcoming season.

No. 29: Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers move up one spot and no longer sink to the bottom as the worst team in the league. The organization trusted the process long enough to land No. 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons who gives the offense some flow with his passing skills.

The 76ers have trade assets in Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel due to Joel Embiid’s potential debut at the center position in 2016. Philadelphia will probably pull the trigger on a trade deal to add a shooting guard to the lineup at some point during the season.

As constructed, the 76ers still have a better starting five compared to the Nets. Point guard T.J. McConnell should put together a decent year in the starting lineup.

Next: Nos. 27-28