Analyzing the Biggest Issues for Each NBA Franchise

The 2025-26 NBA season is just around the corner, and while front offices across the league are taking a moment to reflect on their off-season work, the reality is every team carries a significant concern into the new hoops year. From roster gaps to on-court challenges that could hinder success, let's dive into the primary issues each franchise faces as the season kicks off.

Atlanta Hawks: Historically, the Hawks' offense struggles when Trae Young is off the court, illustrated by a minus-10 points per 100 possessions last season. Despite new additions like Kristaps Porziņģis, the lack of a reliable secondary playmaker beyond Young remains troubling, making it vital for head coach Quin Snyder to identify effective offensive options quickly.

Boston Celtics: With Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury and significant shifts in their interior rotation, the Celtics' structural changes raise questions. The team has primarily replaced established players with less experienced specialists, creating fears of instability should any further injuries arise.

Brooklyn Nets: As the Nets undertake a full reset, their strategy focuses on the loaded 2026 draft class. However, the team is currently lacking seasoned players, with a heavy reliance on young talent posing risks for win-now aspirations.

Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets face uncertainty at the center position, having let go of multiple starting-caliber players last season. If veteran Mason Plumlee takes the lead, younger options should also be given opportunities to develop at this critical position.

Chicago Bulls: The lack of an elite prospect in Chicago is concerning, especially as young talents like Matas Buzelis show potential. The team is stuck in mediocrity without a clear plan for improvement, and competition might become tougher without significant development or strategic acquisitions.

Cleveland Cavaliers: With injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus at the start of the season, Cleveland has to maneuver through the early games without its key players while hoping to find adequate replacements.

Dallas Mavericks: Following Luka Dončić’s offensive adjustment, the Mavs need Kyrie Irving back on the court after dealing with an ACL tear. The addition of D'Angelo Russell provides temporary relief, but his scoring-first mindset may not suffice for a team seeking cohesion.

Denver Nuggets: Despite bolstering the roster with depth, the Nuggets’ success hinges on Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Murray's injury history raises concerns about the team’s ability to execute effectively in critical situations.

Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham now thrives as a star, but the Pistons need to find reliable co-stars to share the load. The current roster requires further development before it solidifies around Cunningham's capabilities.

Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga's new contract has bought the Warriors time, but unresolved issues stemming from potential midseason trades could hinder team dynamics during the initial months of the season.

Houston Rockets: The Rockets gained momentum through last year’s acquisitions, but Fred VanVleet's injury complicates plans. Houston aims to evaluate young talents for floor time while considering trade options.

Indiana Pacers: The loss of Tyrese Haliburton has forced the Pacers to risk significant roster changes, impacting the team’s ability to aim for luxury tax investments.

Los Angeles Clippers: With an aging roster featuring high-profile veterans seeking immediate success, the Clippers face pressure to deliver at playoff time. A longer-term vision might be required amidst their current win-now approach.

Miami Heat: With key players sidelined, the Heat's struggles with offensive efficiency could worsen, placing even greater strain on the team to develop new strategies for scoring while keeping the pressure off their absent stars.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo's drive for a championship clashes with management's ability to build a cohesive supporting cast, raising concerns about how effectively the team can break through in tough matchups.

New York Knicks: The Knicks have enhanced their second unit without fully addressing their depth issues; questions persist regarding the proficiency of their new roster players in the postseason setting.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Despite an impressive previous season, the Thunder need to enhance their three-point shooting efficiency throughout the season, especially as they face playoff challenges ahead.

Orlando Magic: After having the worst shooting stats in the league last year, the Magic are under pressure to develop young players who can shift the team’s performance metrics quickly.

Philadelphia 76ers: Health issues for Joel Embiid and Paul George dramatically threaten the Sixers' competitive standings as they navigate injury-related pre-season challenges when trying to build their roster strength.

Phoenix Suns: With uncertainty in their backcourt dynamics after trades, the Suns face challenges while trying to effectively utilize Booker as the main scoring option amidst diminished roster depth.

Portland Trail Blazers: With Damian Lillard injured and young player Scoot Henderson also sidelined, the Blazers must rely on veteran Jrue Holiday while trying to stabilize their season despite critical player absences.

Sacramento Kings: While loaded with scoring talent, the Kings need a discerning point guard to effectively distribute the ball and balance the multiple playing styles on the team.

San Antonio Spurs: With a surplus of backcourt talent, the Spurs face challenges in capitalizing on strengths without comprimising spacing and efficiency around star Victor Wembanyama.

Toronto Raptors: The Raptors could introduce congestion into their lineup. Developing spacing strategies while featuring the best players will remain vital for their competition.

Utah Jazz: Ongoing youth movement with little experience threatens to produce challenges as the Jazz discover the best mix of talent, particularly at the point guard position.

Washington Wizards: Struggling at offensive efficiency last season, the Wizards will likely test new roster dynamics to see if they can elevate their scoring capabilities this season.