ESPN's Future Power Rankings project a three-season arc for every NBA club. Oklahoma City sits atop thanks to a championship-ready young core, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s extension, and a draft asset avalanche. The Lakers benefit from a Luka Doncic era alignment, while Victor Wembanyama makes San Antonio a legitimate title sleeper within three years. Houston, Cleveland and the rest shape a volatile West and a flexible East, where cap space and asset management drive options.

James Harden leads OKC's top shooting guards, followed by Lu Dort, Andre Roberson, Thabo Sefolosha, and Alex Caruso. Harden powered OKC to the Finals and earned Sixth Man of the Year, but the 2012 trade to Houston reshaped the franchise's timeline.

Dort developed into a premier 3-and-D threat and All-Defensive pick; Roberson and Sefolosha anchored elite defenses; Caruso provided playoff-grade defense and a championship ring in a brief Thunder run.

Fans tab Alperen Sengun as the Rockets’ MVP frontrunner this season, voting 65% in Reacts over Kevin Durant.

Sengun's EuroBasket form has raised expectations; if that momentum translates to Houston and the team stays in the Western Conference playoff mix, he could become a legitimate MVP candidate. Durant remains a veteran counterpoint, but Sengun’s rising star is the focal point for the Rockets’ potential breakout.

Houston’s MVP case hinges on contending in a tough West and Sengun sustaining high usage and efficiency. If the Rockets falter, Durant’s steady production could still carry the narrative—yet the early hype centers on Sengun’s breakout impact.