The Ringer NBA Show: Preseason Power Rankings, Part 6 | Group Chat

Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: Justin Verrier (A), Wosny Lambre (Wos/C), Rob Mahoney (B)
Theme: Dramatic conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA Group Chat preseason power rankings — revealing and debating the top five teams heading into the season, team-building hypotheticals, and deep-dive analysis on rosters, existential questions, and projections for both the regular season and playoffs.

Episode Overview

The Group Chat crew wraps up their comprehensive preseason power ranking series with a deep dive into the NBA’s top five teams for the 2025-26 season. The hosts mix in personal and professional banter, preview each contender’s outlook, highlight existential questions facing their rosters, and debate who’s positioned best for the title. This is the final installment in a six-part series, loaded with offbeat digressions, player-level analysis, coaching talk, and forward-looking projections.

Opening Segment: Personal Reflections & Team Building ([00:00]–[08:15])

Hosts joke about wardrobe repetition and the production process.
In continuing a running tradition: Rob leads the group in an icebreaker, asking what each has dreamed of doing but hasn’t yet attempted.
- Wos dreams of visiting Japan for its culture and style:
  “I’ve just always wanted to go to Japan… The art, the food, their reinterpretation [of] our culture…” [02:13, Wos]
- Rob’s curiosity about bushcraft and survival camping, despite not being a camper:
  “I got deep into a bushcraft YouTube rabbit hole… I am not a camper by type, but could I be?” [03:23, Rob]
- Justin wishes to complete a work of fiction:
  “Mine’s a little bit more common… I would like to complete a work of fiction.” [05:10, Justin]
Light-hearted debate on empathetic writing, AI dialogue, and the challenge of writing authentic characters.

Power Rankings Segment: The Top 5 Revealed

#5: Cleveland Cavaliers ([08:43]–[25:56])

Key Discussion Points

Cavs enter with injuries: Darius Garland (turf toe, uncertain return), Max Strus (Jones fracture), longevity questions for Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance.
Coaching impact: Kenny Atkinson credited with transforming Cavs' identity last season:
“What he achieved with this team, completely changing the way they operate... is one of the better coaching jobs we’ve seen in like the last 10 years.” [10:37, Wos]
Core Four’s Future: Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, Allen—are they headed for a Boston/Celtics-like “last dance” season if they don’t break through?
Regular Season vs. Playoff Sophistication:
“They’re really good at creating system baskets at a buzz saw level… and then you need some of that counterpunching.” [13:18, Rob]
Mobley’s next leap needed: Greater offensive responsibility, versatility, and aggression are required for a Finals-level breakthrough.
Garland’s health is crucial:
“Garland needs to be part of that equation. And if both of those guys are playing at… all-star level, they’re going to be tough to beat.” [14:30, Wos]
Mobley’s development & “muscle watch” headlines:
“He looks swole as shit… it matters more for someone like Mobley.” [19:49, Justin]
Payroll pressures: Only team in the second luxury tax apron; resigning Mitchell means a one-year window for this group.
New faces & depth: Lonzo Ball as an X-factor, potential rotation for Craig Porter Jr.

Notable Quote:
“This might be the last time that they get this chance. They’ve had their opportunities… but this is it. It is them and the Knicks.” [21:39, Rob Mahoney]

#4: New York Knicks ([25:56]–[41:19])

Key Discussion Points

Halo after upset playoff run: Fans excited after slaying the Celtics and seeing an open East.
Mike Brown as new head coach: Emphasis on a more modern, free-flowing offense and willingness to experiment.
- “If we port what Mike Brown did in Sacramento… way more egalitarian, way more ball movement… upgraded this team to something that’s even closer to serious championship contender.” [27:43, Wos]
- “Brown… already talking about wanting to play fast. Now that’s a coach GPT sort of thing to say… but I believe him for the reasons Wos is laying out.” [28:19, Justin]
Lineup & rotation debates:
- Whether to start Mitchell Robinson or go double-big with “Cat” (Karl-Anthony Towns) at the 5.
- Heavy bench overhaul: Jordan Clarkson, Deuce, Malcolm Brogdon, Garrison Mathews, etc.
McHale Bridges’ adjustment: Signed big extension, expectations for a leap with change in coaching style.
- “He has to be somewhere between Suns Mikhail Bridges and Nets McHale Bridges. He erred a little too much toward the Suns model offensively.” [34:35, Rob]
Depth, flexibility, and financial constraints:
Multiple lineup options, high payroll (“second apron club”), management focused on squeezing value out of the back end of the roster.
Notable “vibes” around the team:
- Player-friendly coaching, flexible systems, and high accountability.
- “I am coming around to Brown as a value add for this team... if he has that disposition with his players, everyone’s playing a little bit more free… that’s exactly what this team needs.” [37:07, Justin]

#3: Houston Rockets ([43:56]–[56:11])

Key Discussion Points

Fred VanVleet injury (torn ACL): Massive blow to a team with championship aspirations.
- “He is the rug that brings the room together in a lot of ways…” [44:24, Rob]
- Loss reveals thinner guard/playmaker depth than anticipated.
Existential question: Replace in-house (Ahmed Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday) or make a trade for a playmaker?
- “If these guys haven’t shown themselves consistently enough, filling the void… by February, you kind of gotta make a move, man.” [47:09, Wos]
Two-track dilemma: Balancing win-now with developing their young talent—the KD trade raised expectations and made this a priority.
Impressive defense, offense lagging:
- Young players expected to develop quickly.
- Potential to trade for a “real” point guard (e.g., Derrick White).
Jabari Smith as a fit with KD and Sengun
Depth:
- Tari Eason, Dorian Finney Smith, Steven Adams, Clint Capela all potentially available to support unique frontcourt rotations.
Kevin Durant's offensive burden: Lacks playmaking support with Fred out, now required to "save them" more often.
- “What he might unlock… the blow the ceiling off potential is a little tamped down.” [55:29, Rob]

#2/#1: Oklahoma City Thunder & Denver Nuggets ([56:11]–[71:59])

The panel splits the top two spots between OKC (majority pick) and Denver (Justin’s pick) and spends the rest of the episode examining their relative strengths, weaknesses, and existential questions.

Denver Nuggets

Why Denver #1?

Playoff experience, “bankable” Jokic, improved bench, and proven ability to survive playoff adversity when healthy:
- “The most bankable thing in the league is Jokic… Jokic is out there all the goddamn time.” [57:14, Justin]
Key concern: Brittleness — health of Murray and Aaron Gordon, aging core, but supporting rotation finally upgraded (Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown back, Tim Hardaway Jr.).
Depth upgrades support Jokic's minutes/durability:
- “Valanciunas… just allows Jokic to get that much more rest… There were so many games last year where Jokic sits, it was just disastrous.” [61:57, Wos]
Core existential question:
Can their bench and young prospects (Strother, Watson, Jalen Pickett) contribute enough, or is the window defined by how long the core holds together amid financial constraints?
- “If you get to the Finals, that pitch writes itself… as we name some guys here, I think the important one to name is David Adelman…” [69:28, Justin]

Oklahoma City Thunder

Majority Pick for #1 & Title

Why OKC #1?
- Versatility, offensive/defensive flexibility, adaptability to any playoff style or opponent.
- “They can deal with so many different things… they can carve out a victory. And… at the end of that Pacer series… Shay just like, get the fuck out of my way, I’m just going to do this, you know, I’m going to carry the team… that’s what makes them the best team.” [75:46, Wos]
Depth and youth as superpower: Essentially “a Mickey 17 team,” one injury isn’t fatal, deep roster continuity, seamless integration of new prospects (Nikola Topic, A.J. Mitchell, Caruso).
Key existential question:
- “Is this the Chet Holmgren leap” season? Will he become the clear second option and develop consistency/physicality to fill playoff gaps?
- “If Chet’s not taking the leap offensively… they’re still going to have that weakness. I believe that they're going to live on the sort of whims of shooting hotness or coldness.” [77:44, Wos]
- Balance between individual player development (Kaysan Wallace as more than a 3&D guy) and keeping the 60+ win juggernaut machine running.
Front Office/Coaching/Development:
- Elite at player development, growth while winning, “logistics porn” for working in young talent.
Title pick rationale:
- “They do have just an incredible chin… many things can go wrong and we’ll still be right there.” [75:46, Wos]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“You either die a hero or you live long enough to change your opinion.” [56:32, Justin]
“It is funny that the Thunder are basically like a Mickey 17 team, where it’s just, one goes down, it’s like, oh, we have the exact replica… a little bit different, but they’re basically the same guy.” [59:29, Justin]
“I think Chet needs strength for obvious reasons, but I also think he needs the confidence that strength will give him.” [80:19, Justin]
“I have zero doubt that the Thunder will step aside the disease of more potential complication because they’re probably the best team in the league balancing both personal development, individual development with just like team-wide goals.” [82:37, Justin]
Concluding banter:
- The hosts reflect on the grind of six pods, joke about off-season plans, and shower the production team with gratitude.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Personal Team-Building Banter: 00:00–08:15
Cleveland Cavaliers Deep Dive: 08:43–25:56
New York Knicks Analysis: 25:56–41:19
Houston Rockets' Existential Crisis: 43:56–56:11
Thunder vs. Nuggets #1 Debate: 56:11–74:07
Thunder Title Ceiling & Development: 74:07–87:40
End-of-Episode Banter and Sign-Off: 87:40–end

Final Thoughts

The Ringer Group Chat team delivers their signature blend of analytical candor, humor, and in-depth roster talk to cap off preseason power rankings. The final five teams present intriguing storylines: Cleveland and New York are grappling with climbing the playoff mountain amidst injury and expectation, Houston is thrown into uncertainty by a major injury but boasts massive upside, Denver’s proven formula is feeling its age but revitalized by new depth, and Oklahoma City stands atop as a youthful champion seeking to dodge the “disease of more” while pushing for back-to-back titles.

Next up: Season tip-off, with all eyes on whether balance, star power, or depth reigns supreme.

For past episodes or further breakdown by team, check the full six-part Preseason Power Rankings series on The Ringer NBA Show feed.

The Ringer NBA Show: Preseason Power Rankings, Part 6 | Group Chat

Episode Overview

Opening Segment: Personal Reflections & Team Building ([00:00]–[08:15])

Hosts joke about wardrobe repetition and the production process.
In continuing a running tradition: Rob leads the group in an icebreaker, asking what each has dreamed of doing but hasn’t yet attempted.
- Wos dreams of visiting Japan for its culture and style:
  “I’ve just always wanted to go to Japan… The art, the food, their reinterpretation [of] our culture…” [02:13, Wos]
- Rob’s curiosity about bushcraft and survival camping, despite not being a camper:
  “I got deep into a bushcraft YouTube rabbit hole… I am not a camper by type, but could I be?” [03:23, Rob]
- Justin wishes to complete a work of fiction:
  “Mine’s a little bit more common… I would like to complete a work of fiction.” [05:10, Justin]
Light-hearted debate on empathetic writing, AI dialogue, and the challenge of writing authentic characters.

Power Rankings Segment: The Top 5 Revealed

#5: Cleveland Cavaliers ([08:43]–[25:56])

Key Discussion Points

Cavs enter with injuries: Darius Garland (turf toe, uncertain return), Max Strus (Jones fracture), longevity questions for Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance.
Coaching impact: Kenny Atkinson credited with transforming Cavs' identity last season:
“What he achieved with this team, completely changing the way they operate... is one of the better coaching jobs we’ve seen in like the last 10 years.” [10:37, Wos]
Core Four’s Future: Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, Allen—are they headed for a Boston/Celtics-like “last dance” season if they don’t break through?
Regular Season vs. Playoff Sophistication:
“They’re really good at creating system baskets at a buzz saw level… and then you need some of that counterpunching.” [13:18, Rob]
Mobley’s next leap needed: Greater offensive responsibility, versatility, and aggression are required for a Finals-level breakthrough.
Garland’s health is crucial:
“Garland needs to be part of that equation. And if both of those guys are playing at… all-star level, they’re going to be tough to beat.” [14:30, Wos]
Mobley’s development & “muscle watch” headlines:
“He looks swole as shit… it matters more for someone like Mobley.” [19:49, Justin]
Payroll pressures: Only team in the second luxury tax apron; resigning Mitchell means a one-year window for this group.
New faces & depth: Lonzo Ball as an X-factor, potential rotation for Craig Porter Jr.

Notable Quote:
“This might be the last time that they get this chance. They’ve had their opportunities… but this is it. It is them and the Knicks.” [21:39, Rob Mahoney]

#4: New York Knicks ([25:56]–[41:19])

Key Discussion Points

Halo after upset playoff run: Fans excited after slaying the Celtics and seeing an open East.
Mike Brown as new head coach: Emphasis on a more modern, free-flowing offense and willingness to experiment.
- “If we port what Mike Brown did in Sacramento… way more egalitarian, way more ball movement… upgraded this team to something that’s even closer to serious championship contender.” [27:43, Wos]
- “Brown… already talking about wanting to play fast. Now that’s a coach GPT sort of thing to say… but I believe him for the reasons Wos is laying out.” [28:19, Justin]
Lineup & rotation debates:
- Whether to start Mitchell Robinson or go double-big with “Cat” (Karl-Anthony Towns) at the 5.
- Heavy bench overhaul: Jordan Clarkson, Deuce, Malcolm Brogdon, Garrison Mathews, etc.
McHale Bridges’ adjustment: Signed big extension, expectations for a leap with change in coaching style.
- “He has to be somewhere between Suns Mikhail Bridges and Nets McHale Bridges. He erred a little too much toward the Suns model offensively.” [34:35, Rob]
Depth, flexibility, and financial constraints:
Multiple lineup options, high payroll (“second apron club”), management focused on squeezing value out of the back end of the roster.
Notable “vibes” around the team:
- Player-friendly coaching, flexible systems, and high accountability.
- “I am coming around to Brown as a value add for this team... if he has that disposition with his players, everyone’s playing a little bit more free… that’s exactly what this team needs.” [37:07, Justin]

#3: Houston Rockets ([43:56]–[56:11])

Key Discussion Points

Fred VanVleet injury (torn ACL): Massive blow to a team with championship aspirations.
- “He is the rug that brings the room together in a lot of ways…” [44:24, Rob]
- Loss reveals thinner guard/playmaker depth than anticipated.
Existential question: Replace in-house (Ahmed Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday) or make a trade for a playmaker?
- “If these guys haven’t shown themselves consistently enough, filling the void… by February, you kind of gotta make a move, man.” [47:09, Wos]
Two-track dilemma: Balancing win-now with developing their young talent—the KD trade raised expectations and made this a priority.
Impressive defense, offense lagging:
- Young players expected to develop quickly.
- Potential to trade for a “real” point guard (e.g., Derrick White).
Jabari Smith as a fit with KD and Sengun
Depth:
- Tari Eason, Dorian Finney Smith, Steven Adams, Clint Capela all potentially available to support unique frontcourt rotations.
Kevin Durant's offensive burden: Lacks playmaking support with Fred out, now required to "save them" more often.
- “What he might unlock… the blow the ceiling off potential is a little tamped down.” [55:29, Rob]

#2/#1: Oklahoma City Thunder & Denver Nuggets ([56:11]–[71:59])

Denver Nuggets

Why Denver #1?

Playoff experience, “bankable” Jokic, improved bench, and proven ability to survive playoff adversity when healthy:
- “The most bankable thing in the league is Jokic… Jokic is out there all the goddamn time.” [57:14, Justin]
Key concern: Brittleness — health of Murray and Aaron Gordon, aging core, but supporting rotation finally upgraded (Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown back, Tim Hardaway Jr.).
Depth upgrades support Jokic's minutes/durability:
- “Valanciunas… just allows Jokic to get that much more rest… There were so many games last year where Jokic sits, it was just disastrous.” [61:57, Wos]
Core existential question:
Can their bench and young prospects (Strother, Watson, Jalen Pickett) contribute enough, or is the window defined by how long the core holds together amid financial constraints?
- “If you get to the Finals, that pitch writes itself… as we name some guys here, I think the important one to name is David Adelman…” [69:28, Justin]

Oklahoma City Thunder

Majority Pick for #1 & Title

Why OKC #1?
- Versatility, offensive/defensive flexibility, adaptability to any playoff style or opponent.
- “They can deal with so many different things… they can carve out a victory. And… at the end of that Pacer series… Shay just like, get the fuck out of my way, I’m just going to do this, you know, I’m going to carry the team… that’s what makes them the best team.” [75:46, Wos]
Depth and youth as superpower: Essentially “a Mickey 17 team,” one injury isn’t fatal, deep roster continuity, seamless integration of new prospects (Nikola Topic, A.J. Mitchell, Caruso).
Key existential question:
- “Is this the Chet Holmgren leap” season? Will he become the clear second option and develop consistency/physicality to fill playoff gaps?
- “If Chet’s not taking the leap offensively… they’re still going to have that weakness. I believe that they're going to live on the sort of whims of shooting hotness or coldness.” [77:44, Wos]
- Balance between individual player development (Kaysan Wallace as more than a 3&D guy) and keeping the 60+ win juggernaut machine running.
Front Office/Coaching/Development:
- Elite at player development, growth while winning, “logistics porn” for working in young talent.
Title pick rationale:
- “They do have just an incredible chin… many things can go wrong and we’ll still be right there.” [75:46, Wos]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“You either die a hero or you live long enough to change your opinion.” [56:32, Justin]
“It is funny that the Thunder are basically like a Mickey 17 team, where it’s just, one goes down, it’s like, oh, we have the exact replica… a little bit different, but they’re basically the same guy.” [59:29, Justin]
“I think Chet needs strength for obvious reasons, but I also think he needs the confidence that strength will give him.” [80:19, Justin]
“I have zero doubt that the Thunder will step aside the disease of more potential complication because they’re probably the best team in the league balancing both personal development, individual development with just like team-wide goals.” [82:37, Justin]
Concluding banter:
- The hosts reflect on the grind of six pods, joke about off-season plans, and shower the production team with gratitude.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Personal Team-Building Banter: 00:00–08:15
Cleveland Cavaliers Deep Dive: 08:43–25:56
New York Knicks Analysis: 25:56–41:19
Houston Rockets' Existential Crisis: 43:56–56:11
Thunder vs. Nuggets #1 Debate: 56:11–74:07
Thunder Title Ceiling & Development: 74:07–87:40
End-of-Episode Banter and Sign-Off: 87:40–end

Final Thoughts

Next up: Season tip-off, with all eyes on whether balance, star power, or depth reigns supreme.

For past episodes or further breakdown by team, check the full six-part Preseason Power Rankings series on The Ringer NBA Show feed.

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Summary

The Ringer NBA Show: Preseason Power Rankings, Part 6 | Group Chat

Episode Overview

Opening Segment: Personal Reflections & Team Building ([00:00]–[08:15])

Power Rankings Segment: The Top 5 Revealed

#5: Cleveland Cavaliers ([08:43]–[25:56])

Key Discussion Points

#4: New York Knicks ([25:56]–[41:19])

Key Discussion Points

#3: Houston Rockets ([43:56]–[56:11])

Key Discussion Points

#2/#1: Oklahoma City Thunder & Denver Nuggets ([56:11]–[71:59])

Denver Nuggets

Oklahoma City Thunder

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

The Ringer NBA Show: Preseason Power Rankings, Part 6 | Group Chat

Episode Overview

Opening Segment: Personal Reflections & Team Building ([00:00]–[08:15])

Power Rankings Segment: The Top 5 Revealed

#5: Cleveland Cavaliers ([08:43]–[25:56])

Key Discussion Points

#4: New York Knicks ([25:56]–[41:19])

Key Discussion Points

#3: Houston Rockets ([43:56]–[56:11])

Key Discussion Points

#2/#1: Oklahoma City Thunder & Denver Nuggets ([56:11]–[71:59])

Denver Nuggets

Oklahoma City Thunder

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts