NBA Front Office Rankings: Celtics and OKC Lead, Mavericks Fall After Luka Deal, But They’re Not Last

The 2023-2024 NBA season isn’t just a battle on the hardwood—it’s also a fierce competition among team front offices. Recently, the rankings evaluating the effectiveness of NBA front offices were released, with notable names like the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) taking the top spots. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks disappointed as they fell in the rankings following moves surrounding Luka Dončić, though they managed to avoid landing in the very last place.

Celtics and OKC: Masterminds of Strategy

The Boston Celtics continue to solidify their position as the top-ranked front office. With shrewd decisions in roster construction, particularly in retaining Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while adding key pieces like Kristaps Porziņģis, the Celtics have built a balanced and formidable team. The negotiation skills and strategic vision of Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations, are highly praised.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also made a strong impression, securing the second spot. Under the leadership of Sam Presti, OKC has successfully assembled a young, promising roster featuring stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, along with a treasure trove of future draft picks. Presti’s “asset accumulation” strategy is beginning to pay off, making OKC one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA.

Mavericks Slide: Luka Dončić Can’t Do It Alone

The Dallas Mavericks, home to superstar Luka Dončić, are facing significant challenges in building a competitive roster. After acquiring Kyrie Irving mid-season last year, many expected the Mavericks to make a leap forward. However, the pairing of Luka and Kyrie has yet to fully click, and the team continues to struggle with finding the right balance.

The lack of quality defensive pieces and depth on the bench has caused the Mavericks to drop significantly in the front office rankings. Despite this, they avoided the bottom spot, thanks largely to the presence of Luka Dončić, who remains a beacon of hope for the franchise.

Who’s at the Bottom?

The last place in the rankings belongs to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite having young talents like LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have yet to find a clear direction in building their roster. Questionable decisions in player recruitment and development have made them the least effective front office in the league.

Conclusion

The NBA front office rankings once again highlight the importance of strategy and vision in building a successful team. While the Celtics and OKC are being praised for their savvy decisions, the Mavericks and Hornets need to quickly find solutions to turn things around. The season is still long, and things can change, but it’s clear that the race isn’t just on the court—it’s also happening behind the scenes.