NBA Power Rankings: Spurs are No. 1; Cavaliers move into contenders tier

In the spirit of the season, we're recognizing one player per team with what we're calling the Frontier Award.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:07pm

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The NBA Power Rankings are back, and this week we're handing out the Frontier Award to one player per team. The San Antonio Spurs remain at the top of the rankings, while the Cleveland Cavaliers have moved into the contenders tier. The Spurs' Julian Champagnie and the Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell are among the Frontier Award recipients.

Why it matters

The NBA Power Rankings provide a snapshot of the league's landscape, highlighting the top teams and players. The Frontier Award recognizes unsung contributors who have played a key role in their team's success this season.

The details

The Power Rankings feature five tiers, with the Spurs and Thunder leading the way. Other Frontier Award winners include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, Cade Cunningham of the Pistons, and Derrick White of the Celtics. The rankings also touch on the Cavaliers' strong week, the Knicks' recent struggles, and the Nuggets' improved health and winning streak.

  • The NBA Power Rankings are released weekly.
  • This edition covers Week 24 of the 2026 NBA season.

The players

Julian Champagnie

An undrafted player who has become a fixture in the Spurs' starting lineup this season, Champagnie has been durable and consistent, playing in every game and hitting 38.3% of his 3-pointers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's All-Star guard has been the league's MVP frontrunner, leading the team's success and outscoring the entire Knicks team 10-7 in the final 5:12 of a recent game.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' young star has had a better impact on winning this season, despite his individual stats being slightly down from last year. His absence due to a lung injury could cost him an All-NBA spot.

Derrick White

The Celtics' guard has been a remarkably consistent and stable force for the team on both ends of the floor, leading the team in assists, steals, blocks, and 3-pointers.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' All-Star has been a consistent presence for the team this season, reaching 65 games played and helping Cleveland split a home miniseries with the Heat.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The NBA Power Rankings showcase the league's top teams and players, with the Frontier Award recognizing unsung contributors who have played a key role in their team's success this season. The rankings highlight the Spurs' continued dominance, the Cavaliers' rise into the contenders tier, and the impact of players like Champagnie, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Mitchell.