ESPN announced the top five NBA team strength rankings: Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets, Cavaliers and Knicks!

6th to 10th are the Timberwolves, Clippers, Magic, Warriors and Lakers

11-20 Pistons Eagles Mavericks Bucks Grizzlies Spurs Celtics Heat 76ers Pacers

21-30 Trail Blazers Kings Bulls Raptors Suns Pelicans Hornets Wizards Nets Jazz

Analysis of 6-10 under Jazz

6. Minnesota Timberwolves Previous ranking: 2

Notative new players: None

Notative departures: Nickel Alexander Walker (via free agent)

After trying to make a major change for Kevin Durant, Minnesota chose a more local approach: relying on its young core. That means continuing to rise by relying on Anthony Edwards (23), Jaden McDaniels (24) and Naz Reid (25) but also counting on coach Chris Finch to use 20-year-old Rob Dillingham and 24-year-old Terrence Shannon Jr. in the rotation more than last season. After entering the division finals twice in a row, the team looks basically the same, except for prioritizing Julius Randle's contract renewal and cap space, leading Nickel Alexander Walker to the Hawks

7. Los Angeles Clippers Previous rankings: 10

Notable additions: Bradley Beal (via free agent), John Collins (via trade), Brooke Lopez (via free agent), Chris Paul (via free agent)

Notable departures: Norman Powell (via trade)

Clippers are clearing the cap space to sign one or two stars in the next two summers. But at the same time, they have successfully improved a team that won 50 games last season and lost to Nikola Jokic and Denver in Game 7 of the first round. The Clippers renewed a new two-year contract with James Harden, which gave them the flexibility to cap, trade Norman Powell to Miami and get power forward John Collins. They also beat Brook Lopez's other suitors in free agent market. They also signed the defender after Bradley Beal was bought out by the Suns. The Clippers then brought Chris Paul back to end their busy summer. Their starting five could be one of the best fives in the West when healthy, adding shooting ability, greater depth and having one of the best frontlines in the league, with Ivica Zubac and Lopez. Collins gave Harden one goal above the rim and allowed Kawhi Leonard to move to the small forward. The Clippers are a little older and have to manage their health, but if Leonard can stay healthy, they will succeed in the playoffs,

8. Orlando Magic Previously Ranking: 13

Notable Supplements: Desmond Bain (by trade), Tyasse Jones (by free agent)

Notable Leaving: Cole Anthony (by trade), Kentavius Caldwell-Pope (by trade)

Orlando attacked early and sent four first-round picks—including this year's No. 16 draft pick—to Memphis for Desmond Bain. Adding Bain’s shots and scores to the backcourt puts the Magic among the Eastern Conference contenders, assuming the continued development of forwards Paul Bankairo and Franz Wagner. Orlando also strengthened his defender rotation by signing veteran Tyames Jones as a backup to starter Jaylen Sages, who missed the final three months of last season due to knee surgery. Jeff Weltman, president of basketball operations, said in June that Suggs' recovery was "on-time"

9. Golden State Warriors' previous ranking: 8

Notable new players: None

Notable departures: Kevin Looney (via free agent)

As August approaches, there are only nine players on the Warriors' roster. But many in the league believe that once Jonathan Cumingga’s restricted free agent market is resolved, Al Horford, D’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry will eventually get tickets to the Golden State Warriors, adding some tried-and-tested veterans to the rotation that needs it. Kumingga's situation is not resolved and his return (if he does, as well as the level of support) remains problematic. But the Warriors are primarily dependent on Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green's ability to fight the aging process. That's where they make their two season bets. Curry (37), Butler (35) and Green (35) will make a total of $286.6 million in the next two seasons. All three contracts will expire in the summer of 2027

10. Los Angeles Lakers Last Ranking: 9

Notable Supplements: DeAndre Aiton (by free agent), Marcus Smart (by free agent)

Notable Leaving: Jordan Goodwin (by free agent), Trey Jamison III (by free agent), Shaq Milton (by free agent), Dorian Finney-Smith (by free agent)

After a disappointing performance against Minnesota in the first round, Los Angeles needs to make a big decision: re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith, who is one of the five players who have played in the second half of Game 4, or let the 3D The forward leaves to get the mid-level exception. The Lakers took the second route, turning the ceiling into two players: center DeAndre Ayton and wing Jack Laravia. Los Angeles later gave up Jordan Goodwin to get a twice-year exception and sign Marcus Smart. All of this is to give Luca Doncic a better chance of success in his second season with LeBron James.