UPDATE: As the 2025-26 NBA season rapidly approaches, teams are scrambling to address critical roster gaps before training camps begin. With just weeks left before the season kicks off, several franchises face pressing needs that could impact their performance and playoff aspirations.
The urgency is palpable as teams like the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors seek to solidify their rosters in light of the NBA’s restrictive new collective bargaining agreement. While some teams have made strides in filling their gaps, others are still struggling to find the right pieces to complete their lineups.
Starting with the Atlanta Hawks, their most significant issue lies in second-unit playmaking. Last season, the Hawks’ offensive rating plummeted by 10 points per 100 possessions when star guard Trae Young sat out. Despite adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker to bolster the backcourt, the Hawks still lack a primary ball-handler for critical moments.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are facing a major transformation at center. With Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis no longer in the picture, they are banking on Neemias Queta and Luka Garza to fill the void, despite concerns over their readiness for playoff pressure.
In Brooklyn, the Nets have a glaring hole in their playmaking experience after losing D’Angelo Russell to free agency. With a rookie-heavy backcourt featuring teenagers Egor Demin and Nolan Traore, the pressure is on to develop these young talents quickly.
The Charlotte Hornets are also in a tough spot, having traded away Mark Williams. They will likely rely on either second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner or Moussa Diabate to step into the starting center role, which may be a stretch given their limited experience.
Similarly, the Chicago Bulls are looking for defensive disruption after ranking 29th in forcing turnovers last season. With the departure of Lonzo Ball, who was instrumental in creating turnovers, the Bulls are left with a defense-first strategy that lacks the necessary aggressiveness.
In a swift move, the Dallas Mavericks are aiming to bolster their playmaking capabilities, especially in the absence of Kyrie Irving. As they rely on D’Angelo Russell to facilitate the offense, questions remain about his ability to thrive under the spotlight.
The Denver Nuggets are banking on Jalen Pickett to provide depth behind star guard Jamal Murray. Newcomer Bruce Brown could also play a crucial role in augmenting their guard rotation as they head into the season.
As the buzz continues, the Memphis Grizzlies are on the lookout for wing size to counter larger forwards. Their hope rests on first-round pick Cedric Coward to bring much-needed physicality to the lineup.
In Miami, the Heat are desperate to improve their ability to draw fouls after trading Jimmy Butler III. The addition of Norman Powell, who averaged 4.4 free throw attempts per game, may help alleviate this shortcoming.
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a precarious situation with unproven point guards stepping up following Damian Lillard‘s injury. As the team explores options, the lack of reliable playmaking could hinder their title aspirations.
Looking at the New Orleans Pelicans, their investment in centers this summer raises eyebrows. With the addition of Derik Queen and Kavon Looney, the Pelicans still face uncertainty about who will anchor their frontcourt effectively.
As a new season looms, all eyes are on how teams will address these urgent roster issues. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these developments will unfold as the clock ticks down to the start of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season approaches, and teams work to fill their pressing gaps before the first tip-off.