The new season is less than three weeks away and training camps are in full swing across the league. And while established stars are using the preseason to prepare for the grind of another campaign, others are using it as an opportunity to showcase their development.
In this training camp edition of ESPN’s NBA Power Rankings, we’re taking stock of the latest league hierarchy while breaking down one player on each team that could be on his way to becoming a household name in 2019-20.
Note: These rankings are based on where voters — more than 40 ESPN NBA reporters, insiders and editors — think teams belong heading into the 2019-20 season. Title odds for 2019-20 were provided by Caesars Sportsbook. ESPN.com’s Malika Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon and Royce Young contributed the following information.
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1. LA Clippers
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: +400
Previous rank: No. 3
Breakout candidate: Landry Shamet
Shamet shot 45% from beyond the arc last season with the Clippers, and he will help open up the floor for offseason acquisitions Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Now that Shamet has more solid footing in the league, the No. 26 overall pick in 2018 has an opportunity to help the new-look Clippers win a title — and show the rest of the league what it missed in the process. — Nick Friedell
2. Milwaukee Bucks
2018-19 record: 60-22
2020 title odds: +550
Previous rank: No. 1
Breakout candidate: Pat Connaughton
The Bucks’ starting lineup, headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo, is well-known. It wasn’t the team’s starters, however, that gave Milwaukee its advantage in the first two rounds of the 2019 playoffs; it was the bench. One of the leaders of Milwaukee’s “Bench Mob” was Connaughton. He played his first three years in the league in Portland, and while athletic, he didn’t see much playing time until his third NBA season. Last season, he averaged a career-high 20.7 minutes per game. Expect him to throw down flashier-than-expected dunks and once again be a key bench player. Plus, he is one of Antetokounmpo’s favorite workout partners. — Malika Andrews
3. Philadelphia 76ers
2018-19 record: 51-31
2020 title odds: +800
Previous rank: No. 4
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Breakout candidate: Josh Richardson
Richardson was a real success story in Miami, growing into a productive starter after being a second-round pick in 2015. But now that he has arrived in Philadelphia as part of the summer’s Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade — and, as a result, going from a borderline playoff team to one with aims of competing for a championship — Richardson has a chance to become a nationally recognized player, one whose game seems perfectly suited to fit seamlessly in Philadelphia’s massive starting five. — Tim Bontemps
4. Los Angeles Lakers
2018-19 record: 37-45
2020 title odds: +300
Previous rank: No. 6
Breakout candidate: Alex Caruso
Caruso has a chance to build on his cult-like popularity in Los Angeles by showing everyone that he can play at an even higher level this season. With LeBron James and now Anthony Davis in the fold, Caruso should get a lot more space on the floor to operate. At 25 years old, he still has plenty of time to grow his game in a lineup with a lot of star power. — Friedell
5. Houston Rockets
2018-19 record: 53-29
2020 title odds: +900
Previous rank: No. 5
Breakout candidate: Danuel House Jr.
House is a rarity for the Rockets: a young, athletic, ascending talent in a Houston rotation that is stocked with veterans. He struggled on the playoff stage, in part due to a sore toe. But House showed enough promise for Houston to give him a three-year, $11 million deal this summer, a significant vote of confidence in a 26-year-old who had to fight for a two-way deal last fall. He has potential to be a phenomenal complement to Houston’s ball-dominant stars as a springy 3-and-D force. — Tim MacMahon
6. Denver Nuggets
2018-19 record: 54-28
2020 title odds: +1200
Previous rank: No. 2
Breakout candidate: Michael Porter Jr.
There is chatter around Porter and his possible impact on a contending team as he enters his official rookie season. Some believe he could be one of the biggest offseason acquisitions, as he fits into a role the Nuggets were missing last season. Assuming good health and an ability to carve out time in a fairly stacked rotation, Porter’s skills at his size (6-foot-10) will have fans drooling over his potential. — Royce Young
7. Utah Jazz
2018-19 record: 50-32
2020 title odds: +1400
Previous rank: No. 9
Breakout candidate: Royce O’Neale
O’Neale has emerged as an excellent role player since coming to the Jazz as an under-the-radar overseas find. At 6-foot-6 and 226 pounds, he probably is the Jazz’s best perimeter defender, and he also can hold his own against a lot of power forwards, including on the glass (6.6 rebounds per 36 minutes in his NBA career). He was a low-usage role player who hit 38.6% from 3-point range last season, but don’t be surprised if O’Neale starts for the Jazz. He certainly will be a significant part of the rotation for a Western Conference contender. — MacMahon
8. Golden State Warriors
2018-19 record: 57-25
2020 title odds: +800
Previous rank: No. 11
Breakout candidate: Kevon Looney
Steve Kerr has repeatedly sung Looney’s praises as a core piece for the organization. After signing a three-year, $15 million contract in the offseason, Looney figures to get plenty of minutes in a transition season for a Warriors group that is intent on proving to doubters that its championship window isn’t closed. In order for it to stay open, Looney must take another step in his development this season. –– Friedell
9. Boston Celtics
2018-19 record: 49-33
2020 title odds: +2200
Previous rank: No. 7
Breakout candidate: Robert Williams
The most memorable thing about Williams’ rookie season was his missing his introductory news conference. What is undeniable, though, is that he has all the potential to be an impact player in Boston. And with Al Horford’s departure, not to mention coming off a summer in which Williams has been praised repeatedly for his work habits, he is going to get an opportunity to follow through on that potential. — Bontemps
10. Portland Trail Blazers
2018-19 record: 53-29
2020 title odds: +2500
Previous rank: No. 8
Breakout candidate: Zach Collins
We got a glimpse in the 2019 playoffs, particularly in the Blazers’ second-round series against the Nuggets during which Collins became an X-factor defending Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap. But as Jusuf Nurkic continues to recover and with the departures of Enes Kanter and Meyers Leonard, there’s more opportunity for Collins. He needs more offensive consistency, but Collins is a savvy pick-and-roll player with elite defensive potential. — Young
11. Brooklyn Nets
2018-19 record: 42-40
2020 title odds: +3500
Previous rank: No. 12
Breakout candidate: Caris LeVert
It looked as if LeVert was on his way to an All-Star berth when he got off to a hot start last season, only for an injury to derail those hopes instead. The Nets then showed their belief in LeVert’s potential by inking him to a contract extension this summer. Now fully healthy — and with Kevin Durant likely out the entire season — LeVert has a chance to blossom into a star next to Kyrie Irving. — Bontemps
12. Toronto Raptors
2018-19 record: 58-24
2020 title odds: +5000
Previous rank: No. 10
Breakout candidate: OG Anunoby
The combination of personal issues and injuries turned 2018-19 into a lost season for Anunoby — something that wound up not mattering for Toronto, as Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to their first championship. But now that Anunoby has had a whole summer to get his body right, and with both Leonard and Danny Green leaving via free agency, Toronto really needs Anunoby to become the player it appeared he could be after his impressive rookie year. If that happens, the Raptors will be sitting pretty with Anunoby and Pascal Siakam to build around in the years to come. — Bontemps
13. San Antonio Spurs
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: +4000
Previous rank: No. 13
Breakout candidate: Dejounte Murray
Murray was expected to have a breakout season a year ago, but he tore the ACL in his right knee during the preseason. Murray, 23, already has proved to be a premier defender, earning All-Defensive recognition as a part-time starter in 2017-18. It will be fascinating to see how his offensive game blossoms as he reaps the benefits of working with one of the league’s best player development staffs. — MacMahon
14. Miami Heat
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: +5000
Previous rank: No. 14
Breakout candidate: Bam Adebayo
The 6-foot-10, 255-pound Adebayo put up 11.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 28 starts last season while averaging 28.2 minutes per game. With Hassan Whiteside shipped off to Portland, the starting center spot is Adebayo’s to lose, with only Meyers Leonard as competition. There was a reason the Heat tried to keep Adebayo when the team was engaged in Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook discussions this offseason. — Andrew Lopez
15. Dallas Mavericks
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: +7500
Previous rank: No. 18
Breakout candidate: Delon Wright
Wright likely will have an opportunity to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career after the Mavs gave him a three-year, $28 million deal. Dallas needs Wright to be a defensive stopper first and foremost. He’ll be a complementary ball handler, with point forward Luka Doncic as the primary initiator of the Mavs’ offense. The big question is whether Wright can knock down the open 3s that the attention around Doncic will generate. — MacMahon
16. New Orleans Pelicans
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: +10000
Previous rank: No. 17
Breakout candidate: Frank Jackson
Did you know: In 13 March games before a concussion sidelined him for the last month of the previous campaign, Jackson averaged 15.5 points on 45.6% shooting, 37.5% from deep and 72.4% from the free throw line. His role will be a little less defined this season, as the Pelicans have to sort out where Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart and JJ Redick all fit together around superstar rookie Zion Williamson. But Jackson has the chance to be a considerable bench factor. — Young
17. Indiana Pacers
2018-19 record: 48-34
2020 title odds: +5000
Previous rank: No. 15
Breakout candidate: Domantas Sabonis
After the Pacers lost star Victor Oladipo last season due to injury, Sabonis played a significant role in keeping the Pacers’ playoff push afloat. He posted 10.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, and his performance off the bench put Sabonis in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. If his game evolves to include more 3-pointers, Sabonis has a real chance to become an All-Star. With Oladipo out for at least the beginning of the season, Sabonis’ progress will be even more important to Indiana. — Andrews
18. Sacramento Kings
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: +15000
Previous rank: No. 20
Breakout candidate: Harry Giles
The flashes have been there at times for Giles. He has the ability in his game; now he just needs the consistency. If he can develop, the Kings have a chance to crack into the playoffs this season with a young, exciting core that includes De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield. — Friedell
19. Detroit Pistons
2018-19 record: 41-41
2020 title odds: +25000
Previous rank: No. 16
Breakout candidate: Joe Johnson
Wait, 38-year-old Joe Johnson? Sure, breakout candidates are usually young, under-the-radar players, but Iso Joe is in the running for another reason. After a stint in the BIG3, Johnson used Ice Cube’s league as a springboard, and he now finds himself back in the NBA with something to prove. Many know Johnson’s name, but some might have forgotten his impact. He has the shooting capacity to help space the floor and aid Pistons’ stars Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. For the Pistons to capture a playoff win that eluded them last season, the team needs a healthy Griffin and guards to give Drummond some space to operate in the paint. Johnson could be one of those guards. — Andrews
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
2018-19 record: 36-46
2020 title odds: +50000
Previous rank: No. 21
Breakout candidate: Josh Okogie
He will be on an All-Defense team at some point in his career, and it might be this season. As a rookie, Okogie was handed the biggest assignments, from defending Russell Westbrook to James Harden to Damian Lillard. He is a dogged defender with sneaky offensive pop and will be pushed to discover an even larger scoring role this season. — Young
21. Orlando Magic
2018-19 record: 42-40
2020 title odds: +12500
Previous rank: No. 19
Breakout candidate: Jonathan Isaac
Isaac, a former No. 6 overall pick, went from 5.4 points per game to 9.6 points last season, and he should continue to see his production increase. Following the All-Star break last season, Isaac shot 38.2% from deep, after shooting just 28.7% to that point. Despite Orlando’s logjam in the frontcourt, Isaac should continue to carve out a role at the small forward spot. — Lopez
22. Oklahoma City Thunder
2018-19 record: 49-33
2020 title odds: +50000
Previous rank: No. 24
Breakout candidate: Terrance Ferguson
It has gone somewhat unnoticed, but at just 21 years old, Ferguson already has 86 NBA starts to his name. And last season, he quietly emerged as a quality 3-and-D player, hitting nearly 37% from deep on almost four attempts a game. He is an elite athlete with sneaky size (6-foot-7), but he has obvious areas to improve, specifically in attacking the paint off the dribble. OKC wants him to have the ball in his hands more, and there will be an opportunity to see where his game can go during the Thunder’s transition. — Young
23. Chicago Bulls
2018-19 record: 22-60
2020 title odds: +15000
Previous rank: No. 23
Breakout candidate: Wendell Carter Jr.
Before a season-ending thumb injury derailed his rookie year, Carter quickly was becoming a fan favorite. He threw down flashy dunks, averaged 10.3 points and seven rebounds per game and was a bright spot in the Bulls’ otherwise disappointing season. In the locker room, he often offered his honest opinions and became a voice of leadership. If Carter can stay healthy and take a step forward in his development, he could become a breakout star this season. Eventually, his skill combined with his magnetic personality could even earn him an All-Star bid. — Andrews
24. Atlanta Hawks
2018-19 record: 29-53
2020 title odds: +25000
Previous rank: No. 22
Breakout candidate: Kevin Huerter
The casual NBA fan knows about young stars Trae Young and John Collins, but the most they might know about Huerter is that he was the player Dwyane Wade chose to swap jerseys with last season. Huerter shot 38.5% from deep last season, and among Hawks players, only Young made more 3-pointers. — Lopez
25. Washington Wizards
2018-19 record: 32-50
2020 title odds: +100000
Previous rank: No. 27
Breakout candidate: Thomas Bryant
Bryant was a cap casualty for the Lakers in the 2018 offseason, and the Wizards quickly scooped him up off waivers. After he played sparingly as a rookie for Los Angeles in 2017-18, Bryant turned around and put up 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds a night for the Wizards last season and was rewarded with a three-year deal worth $25 million. Washington will hope he produces like he did over the final 10 games, though, when he put up 16.5 points and 10.2 rebounds in just under 32 minutes per game. — Lopez
26. Memphis Grizzlies
2018-19 record: 33-49
2020 title odds: +100000
Previous rank: No. 26
Breakout candidate: Grayson Allen
It was going to be tough for Allen to crack the rotation in Utah, but he should have plenty of opportunity in Memphis, after being sent to the Grizzlies as part of the Mike Conley trade. He has the tools to develop into a good complement to the Ja Morant-Jaren Jackson Jr. core. Allen arrived in the NBA as a hard-nosed (or dirty, depending on the view) shooter, but he also is a springy finisher. — MacMahon
27. Cleveland Cavaliers
2018-19 record: 19-63
2020 title odds: +100000
Previous rank: No. 30
Breakout candidate: Collin Sexton
Entering his second NBA season, Sexton certainly is talking as if he is ready to be the Cavaliers’ new leader. Cleveland bobbled after the departure of LeBron James and repeated injury blows to their remaining core, but Sexton was one of the few sunny sports in an otherwise dreary 2018-19 season. Sexton shot 40% from 3 and 83% from the free throw line, and he averaged 16.7 points per game, stats that put him alongside Larry Bird and Stephen Curry as the only rookies in league history to tally those numbers. — Andrews
28. Phoenix Suns
2018-19 record: 19-63
2020 title odds: +50000
Previous rank: No. 25
Breakout candidate: Mikal Bridges
Playing alongside point guard Ricky Rubio should give Bridges even more chances to shoot from all over the floor. Bridges closed the final month of last season shooting 38.9% from deep, and he will create even more trust within new coach Monty Williams’ system if he can hit more from long range. On a team hoping to make a jump this season, Bridges has enough talent to be a catalyst. — Friedell
29. New York Knicks
2018-19 record: 17-65
2020 title odds: +25000
Previous rank: No. 28
Breakout candidate: Mitchell Robinson
Robinson was a revelation for the Knicks last season. The 2018 second-round pick shot 69% from the field and blocked 161 shots in just 1,360 minutes (19 starts). Now, with a clear role as the Knicks’ starting center, New York needs Robinson to build on his promising rookie season and become a true foundational piece in what will be yet another rebuilding season at Madison Square Garden. — Bontemps
30. Charlotte Hornets
2018-19 record: 39-43
2020 title odds: +100000
Previous rank: No. 29
Breakout candidate: Miles Bridges
Last season as a rookie, Bridges found himself in a starting role at the end of the season and saw his production levels begin to rise going from 6.5 points as a reserve to 9.6 points per game as a starter. But his production levels aren’t why he could be poised for a breakout season. It’s his dunks. He was a participant in the 2019 Slam Dunk Contest, but what he showed in summer league — a Eurostep into a windmill during a game — could put him on the radars of all NBA fans as nightly highlight producer. — Lopez
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