NBA Team Roster Gaps: Key Issues Every Franchise Must Address for the 2025-26 Season

With the NBA offseason nearing its end and training camps on the horizon, teams have largely finalized their rosters for the 2025-26 season. However, several franchises still face significant gaps that could impact their performance. ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton breaks down the most pressing issues for each team.

Atlanta Hawks

Biggest Roster Hole: Second-Unit Playmaking The Hawks' offensive efficiency plummeted by 10 points per 100 possessions when Trae Young was off the court last season. While the addition of Nickeil Alexander-Walker improves the backcourt, he’s not a primary ball handler. The team will rely on Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Luke Kennard to share playmaking duties when Young rests.

Boston Celtics

Biggest Roster Hole: Two-Way Center Play With Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis no longer in the mix, the Celtics are starting fresh at the center position. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are potential options, but neither has proven they can handle starting duties in a playoff game.

Brooklyn Nets

Biggest Roster Hole: Playmaking Experience After a disappointing season, the Nets are relying on young, inexperienced ball handlers like Egor Demin and Nolan Traore. The lack of veteran playmaking could be a significant hurdle for the team.

Charlotte Hornets

Biggest Roster Hole: Starting Center With Mark Williams traded to the Phoenix Suns, the Hornets are likely to turn to Ryan Kalkbrenner or Moussa Diabate to fill the starting center role. Both players have shown promise but may be better suited for limited roles.

Chicago Bulls

Biggest Roster Hole: Defensive Disruption The Bulls ranked 29th in forcing turnovers last season and have lost Lonzo Ball, their steals leader. Isaac Okoro, acquired in the trade for Ball, has never averaged a steal per game. The team will need to rely on solid team defense rather than individual disruption.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Biggest Roster Hole: Perimeter Depth With Darius Garland recovering from toe surgery and Max Strus out until at least December, the Cavaliers' perimeter depth will be tested. The team will need to manage injuries carefully to maintain their competitive edge.

Dallas Mavericks

Biggest Roster Hole: Playmaking Despite a strong frontcourt with Anthony Davis, the Mavericks lack a reliable playmaker. Until Kyrie Irving returns, the team will depend on D'Angelo Russell, who struggled with consistency last season.

Denver Nuggets

Biggest Roster Hole: Point Guard Depth The Nuggets are betting on Jalen Pickett as the primary backup to Jamal Murray. However, Pickett was a non-factor in last year’s playoffs, and the team may need to explore other options for the postseason.

Detroit Pistons

Biggest Roster Hole: Sure Ballhandling The Pistons ranked 21st in turnover rate last season and lost Dennis Schroder, one of their most reliable ball handlers. With Jaden Ivey as the backup point guard, the team could struggle with turnovers again.

Golden State Warriors

Biggest Roster Hole: Official Contracts Due to Jonathan Kuminga’s ongoing restricted free agency, the Warriors have only 10 players under contract. The team is expected to sign Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton once Kuminga’s situation is resolved.

Houston Rockets

Biggest Roster Hole: PG Depth The Rockets are hoping Reed Sheppard can step up in his second season to address the team’s point guard depth. Sheppard struggled to maintain a regular rotation role as a rookie, and the team may need to rely on veteran Aaron Holiday.

Indiana Pacers

Biggest Roster Hole: Two-Way Center Play With Myles Turner now in Milwaukee, the Pacers will rely on Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson to fill the center role. Neither player has proven they can start regularly.

LA Clippers

Biggest Roster Hole: Young Contributors The Clippers have loaded up on veterans but lack depth in young talent. Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser may not contribute immediately, leaving a gap in the rotation.

Los Angeles Lakers

Biggest Roster Hole: On-Ball Defense The Lakers’ perimeter trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves is potent offensively but limited defensively. The addition of Marcus Smart helps, but the team may still struggle against quick guards.

Memphis Grizzlies

Biggest Roster Hole: Wing Size The Grizzlies lack a good matchup for bigger forwards and are hoping rookie Cedric Coward can fill that role. However, Coward may need time to adjust to the NBA.

Miami Heat

Biggest Roster Hole: Foul Drawing After trading Jimmy Butler, the Heat struggled to get to the free-throw line. The addition of Norman Powell should help, but the team will need to improve its ability to draw fouls.

Milwaukee Bucks

Biggest Roster Hole: Reliable PG Play With Damian Lillard’s injury, the Bucks are relying on unproven point guards like Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Cole Anthony. None of these players has shown they can start on a contender.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Biggest Roster Hole: Wing Depth The Timberwolves are counting on recent draft picks like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark to step into larger roles. The team’s wing depth will be tested early in the season.

New Orleans Pelicans

Biggest Roster Hole: Center The Pelicans invested heavily in centers this offseason but lack a clear starter. Rookie Yves Missi may be the team’s best option, but his shooting efficiency is a concern.

New York Knicks

Biggest Roster Hole: More Depth The Knicks have added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele but still lack depth. The team may need to add another veteran option to bolster the rotation.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Biggest Roster Hole: New Arena The Thunder’s biggest issue is off the court, with the construction of a new arena set to begin in 2026. On the court, the defending champions return their entire rotation.

Orlando Magic

Biggest Roster Hole: 3-Point Shooting The Magic shot just 32% from three last season, the worst in the NBA. The addition of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones should help, but three-point shooting remains a major weakness.

Philadelphia 76ers

Biggest Roster Hole: Power Forward The Sixers lack a clear starter at power forward between Paul George and Joel Embiid. The team may need to start small, but this could leave them vulnerable when George is out.

Phoenix Suns

Biggest Roster Hole: Point Guard The Suns are expecting Jalen Green to start at point guard, but the team may be better off with Collin Gillespie, who showed promise last season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Biggest Roster Hole: Point Guard Depth With Damian Lillard sidelined, the Blazers lack depth at point guard. The team may need to use Deni Avdija as a point forward if Scoot Henderson or Jrue Holiday miss time.

Sacramento Kings

Biggest Roster Hole: Frontcourt Reserves After trading Jonas Valanciunas, the Kings have questions behind Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Drew Eubanks and Maxime Raynaud will compete for the backup center role.

San Antonio Spurs

Biggest Roster Hole: Guard Shooting The Spurs’ ball handlers struggle from beyond the arc, with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper all shooting below 35% last season. The team needs to improve its perimeter shooting.

Toronto Raptors

Biggest Roster Hole: Efficient Shot Creation The Raptors lack efficient shot creators, with only Immanuel Quickley and Chris Boucher posting above-average true shooting percentages last season. Brandon Ingram could help, but the team needs more consistent scoring.

Utah Jazz

Biggest Roster Hole: Backcourt Experience The Jazz are relying on young guards like Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, and Keyonte George. The lack of veteran experience could be a challenge for the team.

Washington Wizards

Biggest Roster Hole: Power Forward The Wizards lack a true power forward, with Marvin Bagley III more likely to play center. The team may need to rely on wings like Justin Champagnie and Kyshawn George to fill the position.