UPDATE: With the 2025-26 NBA season approaching, teams are racing to address critical roster gaps before training camps commence. As of now, several franchises are grappling with significant holes that could impact their performance this season.
The urgent need for teams to solidify their rosters stems from new restrictions in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, which complicates offseason moves. Major contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are fresh off a championship, face minimal issues, while others, including the Golden State Warriors, are anxiously awaiting the resolution of Jonathan Kuminga‘s restricted free agency status. This uncertainty leaves Golden State with only 10 players under contract as training camp looms.
Across the league, each team has identified its most pressing roster need. The Atlanta Hawks desperately seek a second-unit playmaker, as their offensive rating plummeted by 10 points per 100 possessions when star guard Trae Young was off the court last season. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are in search of two-way center play, with uncertainties surrounding new additions Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
The Brooklyn Nets are also feeling the heat, now lacking experienced playmakers after letting D’Angelo Russell go. Their young guards, Egor Demin and Nolan Traore, will need to step up quickly to avoid another disappointing season following last year’s sixth-worst record.
In Charlotte, the Hornets are counting on either Ryan Kalkbrenner or Moussa Diabate to fill the starting center role after trading away Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns. The Chicago Bulls are struggling to gain defensive disruption after losing their steals leader, Lonzo Ball, and must now rely on newcomers without established defensive prowess.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are grappling with depth issues on the perimeter, as injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Max Strus have put their season’s depth in jeopardy. Similarly, the Dallas Mavericks face a critical need for playmaking, especially until Kyrie Irving returns to action.
In the West, the Denver Nuggets are betting on Jalen Pickett to emerge as a reliable backup point guard for Jamal Murray after their offseason moves left them with questions about depth. The Detroit Pistons must find sure ballhandling after losing Dennis Schroder, while the LA Clippers are eager to integrate their new veterans but need young contributors to step up.
On the East Coast, the Miami Heat are hoping to improve their foul-drawing capabilities, having struggled in that area after trading Jimmy Butler III. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers face concerns about power forward depth, relying on Paul George to fill a gap that could prove problematic.
Despite these challenges, some teams are taking bold steps. The New Orleans Pelicans have made significant investment in their center position, yet still face uncertainty, while the San Antonio Spurs are looking for guard shooting to enhance their frontcourt’s spacing.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the season, all eyes will be on how these teams address their roster deficiencies. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see which teams can fill these gaps and position themselves for a successful 2025-26 campaign.
Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason progresses and training camps commence. The urgency to fill these roster holes remains high, and the implications for each team could be profound as they strive for success in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
