Media day has ended, bringing the 2026-2027 NBA season much closer. Players in new team colors cement their arrival as photos make it permanent. Preseason begins in early October, and many teams will flaunt new talent and experiment with new lineups as they head into the season’s official start.
Three Must-watch teams have made drastic roster changes in the last two years and look to make an impact this season.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the San Antonio Spurs and the year before that in the Western Conference Finals by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Safe to say the Timberwolves have been knocking on the door for an NBA Finals appearance but just can’t get over the hill. With star guard Anthony Edwards leading the team in scoring, the added accessory of former Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball brings a youthful boost to the Wolves’ offense. With pieces like Ayo Dosunmo, Bones Hyland, Jaden McDaniels, and Jonathan Kuminga, the Timberwolves are stacked with a fast and explosive Forward/Guard package.
The locker room already seems in good spirits, as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported, “LaMelo Ball says the early indications are that he has a fast bond with Anthony Edwards.”
“We got the same personality, cool, confident. That’s like my brother,” LaMelo Ball said via The Athletic.
2. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat haven’t made an impactful playoff push since the 2022-2023 season when they lost to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. However, the Eastern Conference looks to be back in order with the addition of multiple league superstars. Former Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo has “taken his talents to South Beach,” as the Bucks traded him to the Heat in July. The G-Man battled injury last year, and his team noticeably suffered with a 32-50 record. Rumors surfaced during the 2025-’26 season that Antetokounmpo was unhappy and being shopped, but nothing was finalized until this summer. The 2021 NBA champion is joining forces with six-time All-Defensive selection Bam Adebayo, and together they will be a force to be reckoned with in the paint.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra is optimistic about Antetokounmpo and looks to use him efficiently.
“Obviously, we need everybody’s best version this year, and hopefully, it’s career-best years from a lot of guys. And that might not just necessarily be what people think on the outside, points per game; no, it’s efficiency,” Spoelstra said via The Athletic.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Perhaps the most anticipated team to watch for the coming NBA season is the Philadelphia 76ers. After losing in the Conference Finals to NBA champion New York Knicks, the 76ers went all out this offseason. In early July, Philly acquired 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. 20 days later, they signed four-time NBA champion LeBron James as he parted ways with the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons. The two superstars join 2022 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey, and rookie-year standout VJ Edgecombe. A team stacked with scoring talent of that caliber can either flop or be the most prolific organization that NBA fans have ever witnessed.
“The vibes were high. The smiles were bright,” Tony Jones of The Athletic wrote. “The hope for a spectacular season is tangible. A 76ers team that has struggled with belief, on Monday, had as much hope for a championship as there has been in over two decades. How it all adds up is still a guess.”
Brown addressed what the Sixers aim to accomplish this season during media day on Monday.
“There will definitely be phases for sure,” Brown said via The Athletic. “But every day for us is going to be a step forward. We’re trying to put our best foot forward. It will definitely take sacrificing, but we’re ready to do it.”
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