Cavs seventh in way-too-early NBA power rankings

The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference finals this season. That apparently wasn’t enough to crack the top five. In ESPN’s way-too-early NBA power rankings for 2026-27, released shortly after the Knicks wrapped up their championship run, Cleveland checked in at No. 7 overall. Of course, these rankings arrive before free agency, the NBA Draft and the inevitable summer trades that will reshape at least a few rosters around the league. In other words, plenty can change between now and opening night. ESPN ranked the Thunder first, followed by the Spurs, Knicks, Celtics, Pistons and Nuggets before placing the Cavs seventh....