The 2025-26 NBA season is loaded with parity, with emerging cores challenging the league’s established powers. Here’s a look at the league’s true contenders — ranked in ascending order — based on talent, chemistry, ceiling, defense and experience. The Spurs are the NBA’s dark horse and maybe its most fascinating experiment. Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore season could redefine greatness: a legitimate MVP campaign paired with a likely Defensive Player of the Year award. Surrounding him are Devin Vassell, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle — a nucleus that might be the best young core of the 21st century. Defensively, Dallas will be elite. With Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Max Christie forming a switchable, towering rotation, the Mavs have the tools to contend for the league’s best defense. Their weakness remains shooting, and the absence of a clear number one scorer (yet). Flagg’s impact could rewrite expectations. Hot take: he’ll lead the team in points and assists as a rookie,
