2015-16 NBA Power Rankings: Tip-Off Edition

November 14, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35, top) fights for a loose ball with Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, bottom) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1) Golden State Warriors: Regardless of what the Clippers or anyone thinks, the Golden State Warriors are the defending champs and are the team to beat. It remains to be seen how they perform while Steve Kerr is out recovering from back surgery, but the Warriors coach should be back soon.

2) Oklahoma Thunder: When you have a $70 million man coming off the bench, you know that your starters are really good. Kevin Durant is rested and raring to go. For the moment, they have a roster full of healthy players. As long as this continues to be the case, the Thunder are going to be very, very good this year.

3) Cleveland Cavaliers: Is Tristan Thompson’s contract going to limit Cavaliers’ ability to get impact free agents in the coming years? Does it matter?

4) San Antonio Spurs: Adding LaMarcus Aldridge and David West are undeniably upgrades over what the Spurs had last year. Whether or not they fit Pop’s scheme remains to be seen.

Next: Second Tier