In his recent NBA team rankings, ESPN's Brian Windhorst placed the defending Western champions, Dallas Mavericks, among the top five teams for the 2024-25 season.

Leading the list is the Boston Celtics, who dominated last season and retained their core players. Following them are the Oklahoma City Thunder, bolstered by new signings, and the Denver Nuggets, who secured Jamal Murray with a major extension. The Minnesota Timberwolves also showcased a strong roster, just ahead of the Mavericks.