From SI · · 2m
Anonymous NBA Scouts Give Unfiltered Thoughts on All 30 Teams
Anonymous NBA scouts share candid takes on every 2026-27 team roster.
In brief
Anonymous NBA scouts share candid takes on every 2026-27 team roster. Anonymous NBA scouts provide unfiltered assessments of all 30 teams for the 2026-27 season. Originally reported by SI.
Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson has room to improve but needs players around him to reach another level.
“Jalen Johnson is the one guy they have with room to improve, but he's going to need players around him”
Boston Celtics
Joe Mazzulla's coaching makes Celtics competitive but Paul George's role remains uncertain.
“I think they'll be good just because Joe Mazzulla is a really good coach”
Brooklyn Nets
Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. won't help young players develop as needed.
“The thing that I don't understand is you bring in Julius Randle and you have Michael Porter Jr”
Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller needs work ethic to develop into a great small forward.
“Brandon Miller could be a great small forward if he develops the work ethic to be that”
Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson will be a strong three-guard but team faces growing pains.
“I think Caleb Wilson is going to be really good”
Cleveland Cavaliers
Kenny Atkinson's coaching and James Harden's age create team questions.
“I think the questions with them start with Kenny Atkinson”
Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving's return helps defense and playmaking for Mavericks.
“Kyrie Irving returning will be a big help”
Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr.-Cam Johnson trade was a net loss for Nuggets.
“The Michael Porter Jr.-Cam Johnson swap didn't really work out”
Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham needs to play off the ball to avoid playoff schemes.
“Cade Cunningham proved he was a top-10 guy last season”
Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry remains dominant but team needs Jimmy Butler to return.
“Steph Curry is amazing. Other than the injuries, there's no regression”
Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson's humble approach could help Rockets but he needs to improve.
“Amen Thompson is an interesting player. He still can't really shoot”
Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton's return and Zubac's role create Pacers' challenges.
“I don't know if they're just going to jump right back to where they were before Tyrese Haliburton's injury”
Los Angeles Clippers
Brandon Ingram has flaws but Clippers face no easy answers.
“The Clippers are going to be interesting to watch. But I'm not sure there will be any easy answers for them”
Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers face defensive trouble with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
“I think the Lakers are going to be in trouble defensively”
Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer is a sure bet for rookie class with playmaking potential.
“Cameron Boozer is the surest bet of this rookie class”
Miami Heat
Heat need playmaking and shooting with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“They need playmaking and shooting. I mean, those two, Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo”
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee at development stage with Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez.
“Milwaukee is going to be at the development stage. Tyler Herro's a heck of a player”
Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball may help Timberwolves' offensive focus but impact is unclear.
“I don't know how much LaMelo Ball moves the needle”
New Orleans Pelicans
Derik Queen's performance and Zion Williamson's role create Pelicans' issues.
“They invested a lot in Derik Queen, but I don't see it”
New York Knicks
Knicks need health to replicate 2026 success with Mitchell Robinson's absence.
“For the Knicks, it is about staying healthy. Mike Brown did a great job managing minutes last year”
The one thing
Anonymous NBA scouts provide unfiltered assessments of all 30 teams for the 2026-27 season.
