The Ringer NBA Show: "Future Power Rankings" (Group Chat) – March 6, 2026

Host: Justin Verrier
Panelists: Rob Mahoney, Big Wos (Wosny Lambre)
Key Theme: Future Power Rankings – Which NBA teams are best positioned for success over the next several years?

Episode Overview

This episode of Group Chat is a classic "Future Power Rankings" discussion. Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Big Wos reunite to rank and debate the teams with the brightest outlooks in the NBA from 2026 onward. The conversation weaves together player development, roster flexibility, coaching, and organizational competence, as the trio compares teams’ present situations and future trajectories. The pod also features healthy doses of banter, food and lifestyle tangents, and sharp insight into league trends and behind-the-scenes factors like ownership philosophy.

Episode Breakdown

1. Opening Banter & Setting the Stage

• The guys reminisce about old pod moments and Wos’s evolving NBA media career, including amusing contrasts between appearing on The Ringer and NBA TV.
• On the Bulls Ownership and Apathy
  • Wos shares a quote from a Bulls fan: "The Reinsdorfs have turned me into a casual." [04:24]
  • Discussion about how uninvolved or unambitious ownership can set a bleak tone for a franchise, using Bulls and Hornets as examples.
  • "Ownership is probably the most underrated advantage, slash disadvantage in the NBA." — Wos [05:54]

2. Future Power Rankings: Methodology

• The hosts clarify they're picking their top five teams for the future (not all 30).
• Distinctions are drawn between teams in immediate contention and those with longer runways or impressive asset stockpiles.
• They reminisce about old predictions (e.g., Bucks ranking) and the longevity of the Future Power Rankings format.
• Notable meta-moment:
  • "Most podcasts don't have this longevity where a take from four years ago can actually be referenced..." — Wos [08:44]

3. The Number 5 Spot: Knicks, Pistons, Nuggets Debate

• Contenders for #5: Knicks, Pistons, Nuggets:
  • Wos: Knicks make his list due to a strong, well-aged, cohesive core and committed ownership.
    • "Their guys all being between 26 and 29, having played together... I kind of like their future." — Wos [17:27]
  • Nuggets are edged out due to fresh concerns about Jokic’s health and organizational cheapness.
    • “If Jokic is actually going to feel injuries now and might actually miss extended time… that’s when I’m just like, damn, Denver kind of doesn’t slot in for me..." — Wos [17:03]
• Rob and Justin probe whether Denver’s aging and tight finances threaten their longer-term prospects.
  • “There’s a real fatalism kind of creeping in with Jokic…” — Justin [20:03]
• Knicks’ Championship Potential
  • Wos doubles down, calling the current Knicks “a championship contender” and noting their playoff mettle and prime age distribution. [23:43]
• Rob and Justin remain skeptical about the Knicks’ ceiling and asset flexibility, with Rob saying:
  • "At any given point in time, [the Knicks] could kind of fall apart at the seams—that worries me." [25:53]

4. Celtics as the #5 Team

• Both Justin and Rob put Boston at #5, with Wos even higher.
• Praise for Joe Mazzulla’s coaching and Brad Stevens’ GM work in building depth and culture amid injury adversity.
  • "Brad just goes out, does the work. And look at the goddamn results: championships, beating expectations, just empowering coaches." — Wos [32:37]
• Boston’s adaptability is hailed, as even role players thrive and system fits remain strong.

5. #4 Ranks: Timberwolves & Pistons

• Wos: Minnesota Timberwolves at #4 for having the transcendent Anthony Edwards as a “North Star,” and positive momentum in front office aggressiveness.
  • "To me, that's the guy that can detonate any matchup, no matter who it is. There are no answers for this kid." — Wos [40:31]
• Rob: Detroit Pistons for roster versatility, upside in its young core (Cade, Duren, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland), and the organization’s readiness to make aggressive moves.
  • "It's not just Cade… There's a great mix of guys who just make natural sense with Cade, and then there's the mystery box elements..." — Rob [46:11]

Sidebar: Heavy debate over how playoff-ready Detroit truly is, with Wos less sold:

• "Detroit still got a lot to do in terms of making this roster more well balanced." [45:44]

6. Charlotte Hornets’ Surge: Are They for Real?

• Justin stumps for Charlotte as a future powerhouse, noting their remarkable second-half run and upside.
• Panel skeptical they’ve done enough yet, but agree the core (LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Diabaté) is enticing.
  • "Single handedly they've rescued [League Pass] 4pm games.” — Wos [55:22]
• Rob: "If we have this conversation in a couple months I might be ready..." [55:54]

7. Top 3: Boston, Indiana Pacers, and Others

• Celtics as high as #3 for some; more love for their program and resilience.
• Indiana Pacers—Rob’s #3: Advocates for them as "a team that just went to the NBA Finals and improved their roster this year." [56:38]
  • Debate over whether their breakneck style/approach is sustainable, or more “lightning in a bottle,” with Wos likening them to the 2014 Spurs.
• Under-the-radar Pacers asset: possibility of a top-four pick and trade capital for continued improvement.

8. The Top Tier: Thunder and Spurs

• Unanimity at the Top: OKC Thunder and San Antonio Spurs universally acknowledged as far-and-away the NBA’s best-positioned teams for the future.
• OKC Thunder:
  • Remarkably deep roster, asset war chest, and three max-caliber talents (Shai, Chet, Jalen Williams).
  • Some concern about fitting all contracts in future CBA and cycling in new contributors to keep the talent pipeline flowing.
  • "Their whole roster is just like adult... these guys are bona fide high-level rotation players." — Wos [64:04]
• San Antonio Spurs:
  • The power of Wembanyama—described as a “1 of 1 historic freak”—puts them at or near the top, despite some open questions in guard rotation and experience.
    • "He might be the third best player in the league right now... just might be a one of one." — Justin [71:18]
  • Panel universally awed by how Wemby’s attitude, efficiency, and selfless play have catalyzed the franchise.
  • Rob emphasizes, "Wemby makes you say some stupid things… He’s the guy you want to bet on." [73:52]
• Both teams’ incredible draft asset stashes are cited as critical to maintaining sustained success.

9. Honorable Mentions, Fringes & Cold Cases

• Rockets: Overtaken in the top tier due to lack of a true superstar and stalling development curve, despite a stockpile of young assets and a current strong record.
  • "There's no top-five, lift-all-boats, conquer-the-world style of player." — Justin [78:42]
• Hawks, Cavs, Lakers: Noted as on the outside looking in; worries about roster construction, front office moves, and whether centerpieces can be built on going forward.
• Lakers: Discussion about new ownership/management structure, skepticism about direction, and critical words on Luka’s ceiling with the team.
  • "I think we've seen the best Luka we're ever going to see.” — Wos [82:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ownership and Ambition:
  "You can't be cheap and uninspired. It's just not going to get you really anywhere." — Rob [05:46]

• On Jokic’s Durability:
  “If like, Jokic is actually going to feel injuries now… Denver kind of doesn’t slot in for me here." — Wos [17:03]

• On the Knicks:
  "This version of the Knicks is a championship contender." — Wos [23:43]

• On Celtics’ Resilience:
  "Brad just goes out, does the work. And look at the goddamn results. Championships, beating expectations..." — Wos [32:37]

• On Minnesota's Star Power:
  "That's the guy that can detonate any matchup, no matter who it is. There are no answers for [Edwards]." — Wos [40:31]

• On the Pistons’ Playoff Ceiling:
  "[Detroit has] a consolidation trade just kind of waiting for them... All these young guys that they're hoping to be something else feels like a Costco bulk pack..." — Justin [51:07]

• On the Spurs’ Future:
  "It's just the big wide view. It's the IMAX theater. And I'm just like, oh, I'm just... waiting to be completely overwhelmed because I don't know what's going to happen." — Justin [67:18]

• On Wembanyama’s Attitude:
  "My job is to keep doing the same thing and if the defense doesn't adjust, then we just... feast off of the advantages..." — Wemby (paraphrased by Rob) [72:27]

• Meta Quote on Podcast Longevity:
  "Most podcasts don't have this longevity where a take from four years ago can actually be referenced…" — Wos [08:44]

Key Timestamps

• [04:24] — Bulls ownership and apathy; value of ambitious ownership
• [17:03] — Jokic’s injury effects on Denver’s future ranking
• [23:43] — Wos calls this version of Knicks a championship contender
• [28:40] — Boston Celtics’ resilience without Tatum
• [40:31] — Anthony Edwards as the Timberwolves’ North Star
• [45:44] — Pistons debate: upside v. worries about playoff utility
• [55:22] — Charlotte Hornets’ League Pass charm and skepticism about sustainability
• [67:18] — The Spurs’ limitless potential likened to “the IMAX theater”
• [72:27] — Wembanyama’s selfless view of his role
• [82:27] — Downbeat forecast for Luka Doncic’s future peak

Tone & Style

The discussion is candid and analytical but loose, with lots of wisecracks, New York/L.A. life detours, and affection between the hosts. There’s clear mutual respect for differing ranking logic and a healthy openness to revising takes ("Happy to eat shit if Detroit makes the conference finals" — Wos). The episode is both fun and densely informed—a hallmark of the Group Chat formula.

Conclusion

This episode is a masterclass in the art of future-casting in the NBA—balancing cold analytics, inside knowledge, franchise culture, and the pivotal role of young superstars. If you want to know why the Thunder and Spurs are generational bets, which teams have hidden flaws, and why even the best-laid plans hinge on ownership and organizational vision, this Group Chat delivers every angle with wit and insight.