Ranking Every NBA Contender: Are the Warriors Back? Thunder Still No. 1?

In this episode of RealGM Radio, NBA experts Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore break down the 2025 NBA contender tiers, diving into early-season surprises, elite teams, and breakout stars. From the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense to Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric leap, this deep dive explores how early trends shape the championship race.

The duo also examines the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, debating who truly belongs in the top tier. Later, they discuss under-the-radar teams like Houston, Milwaukee, and San Antonio, plus what’s gone wrong for squads like Orlando and Atlanta. Packed with sharp insights, stats, and smart banter, this is your must-listen guide to where every team stands in the NBA’s title chase.

00:00 – Intro: Breaking down the NBA contender tiers
01:25 – Early-season overreactions and meaningful trends
03:55 – OKC Thunder: defending champs or vulnerable?
06:12 – Thunder depth and star power discussion
08:25 – Tier Two: Denver Nuggets & Cleveland Cavaliers
11:40 – Denver’s defensive issues and Jokic’s dominance
14:15 – Can Cleveland’s defense carry them to the Finals?
14:41 – Tier Three: Warriors and Timberwolves analysis
16:45 – Golden State’s “Jimmy Butler era” & aging core
24:37 – Minnesota’s defense and trade deadline potential
28:52 – Tier Four: Spurs, Rockets, Bucks & Knicks
32:12 – Victor Wembanyama’s rise into NBA’s elite
39:53 – Houston’s struggles and the Fred VanVleet effect
45:09 – Giannis and the Bucks’ identity; Knicks’ hero-ball
49:21 – Mid-tier teams: Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Magic, etc.
59:51 – Miami’s fast-paced offense & elite conditioning
1:03:23 – Disappointments: Celtics, Hawks, Pelicans
1:06:39 – The Cooper Flagg problem in Dallas
1:13:00 – Lamelo Ball’s frustrations and Charlotte’s direction
1:15:51 – Utah & Washington’s surprising progress
1:17:31 – Trade deadline talk and rebuilding futures
1:19:15 – Outro: final thoughts on NBA tiers

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