NBA preview 2026-27: Zach Kram tiers all 30 teams

Zach Kram’s latest preseason outlook ranks every franchise ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign. With six weeks left until opening night, his tier list offers a snapshot of which clubs are projected to contend for the championship and which will likely fight for playoff spots.

The Atlanta Hawks sit at 46‑36, currently #6 in the Eastern Conference and #13 in the league’s power rankings, with a net rating of +2.4. Their recent form of 6‑4 in the last ten games reflects a modest bounce‑back after a one‑game losing streak. The Hawks’ position will be a focal point as Kram evaluates whether they can climb higher in the tier hierarchy, especially given recent roster moves that saw the waiving of guards Devin Carter and Lamont Butler as well as forward Keyshawn Bryant.

The preview also references broader league context, including the NBA Future Power Rankings that outline three‑year outlooks for all 30 teams and upcoming owners’ meetings that could shape league policies. Additionally, the league’s partnership with Nike on new “Specter” uniforms for its oldest franchises highlights a branding shift that may affect team identities but does not directly impact on‑court performance.