2027 Pre-Season: Chamberlain

And here we have the other conference. Recall, we did away with conferences but I'm keeping them around for flavor's sake! [ 2027 Russell | 2027 Keeper Tiers ]

TeamID - Abbrev - Name (2026 Record, 2025 Record)

#9 SQSQ Squirtle Squad (11-4-2, 14-4)

Squirtle Squad have apparently discovered the secret to eternal relevance: never tell your veterans how old they are. After a league-best 14-4 campaign in 2025, Brian followed with an 11-4-2 record in 2026, giving SQSQ the best combined regular-season winning percentage over the past two seasons. Unfortunately, regular-season excellence hasn’t translated into a championship appearance. Last year’s team finished first in free-throw percentage, fourth in assists and blocks, and fifth in steals, demonstrating remarkable balance despite an increasingly prehistoric roster. At some point, though, Father Time is going to demand payment.

The keeper core has undergone a slight transformation. LeBron James and James Harden remain the franchise’s aging superstars, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard provide dependable backcourt production. Bam Adebayo, acquired from SCRM for Anthony Davis, gives the frontcourt a younger defensive centerpiece, and Saddiq Bey adds scoring depth. It’s still a competitive foundation, although the championship window around LeBron and Harden is narrowing considerably.

Brian’s 2027 draft emphasized immediate production over speculative upside. Myles Turner headlines the class, bringing shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and much-needed frontcourt versatility. Jaime Jaquez Jr. supplies scoring and playmaking from the wing, while Moussa Diabaté adds rebounding and defensive energy. Aaron Nesmith reinforces the perimeter defense, and Grayson Allen provides efficient outside shooting. It’s a veteran-friendly draft that prioritizes proven contributors over developmental gambles, perfectly suited to a franchise determined to maximize its remaining championship window.

Squirtle Squad remain dangerous, particularly if their veteran stars can sustain their production. Turner and Adebayo form an intriguing defensive partnership, and the supporting cast offers useful versatility. But this franchise has spent years dominating the regular season without reaching the Finals. Brian has assembled another team capable of winning twelve games. The question is whether the Squirtles can finally win the games that actually matter.

#10 ABCX Another Bad Creation (4-12-1, 4-13-1)

Another year, another four wins. Oliver’s Another Bad Creation franchise has now managed eight victories across three seasons, which technically represents progress after its historic 0-18 disaster in 2024. Unfortunately, progress measured in geological time isn’t particularly reassuring. ABCX finished 4-12-1 in 2026, ranking sixteenth in steals and thirteenth in scoring. Still, there were encouraging signs: sixth in rebounds and assists suggests the roster is developing some actual basketball functionality. After years of collecting promising youngsters, Oliver finally has enough talent to contemplate something radical: winning.

The keeper core is considerably stronger than its record suggests. LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey provide elite playmaking potential, while Keyonte George and Ayo Dosunmu bring additional backcourt production. Donovan Clingan and Ivica Zubac give ABCX an imposing interior foundation. It’s a young, intriguing collection, although the lack of defensive versatility and Ball’s ongoing durability concerns remain substantial obstacles.

The 2027 draft began with Darius Acuff Jr., selected fifth overall after ABCX suffered an unfortunate lottery slide. The explosive rookie guard brings another potential franchise cornerstone, although Oliver might eventually need to explain how many ballhandlers one team requires. Paul George adds veteran scoring and defensive experience, while Andrew Wiggins supplies athleticism on the wing. Tari Eason could be the draft’s defensive steal, bringing rebounding, steals, and relentless energy. Daniel Gafford reinforces an already crowded frontcourt, and Sam Hauser offers the perimeter shooting this roster desperately needs. It’s a fascinating mix of young upside and established contributors.

ABCX should finally be capable of meaningful improvement. Acuff and George raise the offensive ceiling, while Eason and Wiggins address defensive deficiencies. But the roster remains awkwardly constructed, with considerable redundancy among its guards and centers. Oliver has spent three seasons assembling the pieces. In 2027, it’s time to discover whether Another Bad Creation can become an actual good creation.

#11 BUFF Buffy (10-7, 7-10-1)

Buffy apparently prefers its winning seasons served every other year. After reaching the Finals in 2024, Roger’s franchise stumbled to 7-10-1 in 2025 before rebounding to 10-7 and another playoff appearance in 2026. The turnaround was particularly impressive considering BUFF opened last season 1-5 before winning nine of its final eleven matchups. Offensively, the team was excellent, finishing second in three-pointers and third in scoring. Defensively? Not so much. Fifteenth in steals and thirteenth in rebounds exposed significant weaknesses that prevented Buffy from joining the league’s elite.

The keeper core remains strong, with Jalen Brunson, Domantas Sabonis, Lauri Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges, and Coby White providing an impressive collection of established talent. Brunson and Sabonis orchestrate the offense, while Markkanen and Ingram supply scoring versatility. It’s a roster built to overwhelm opponents offensively, although defensive production remains the obvious concern.

Roger’s 2027 draft was unusually aggressive in addressing that imbalance. Jarrett Allen, selected ninth overall, immediately strengthens the team’s rebounding, field-goal percentage, and shot-blocking. CJ McCollum provides veteran scoring and playmaking, while Kevin Porter Jr. offers another potentially explosive backcourt weapon. Nikola Vučević adds dependable rebounding and offensive production, although his defensive limitations won’t solve everything. Tobias Harris supplies versatile forward depth, and Kyle Kuzma brings another scoring option capable of filling multiple positions. It’s a veteran-heavy draft with little developmental upside, but considerable immediate utility.

Buffy enters 2027 looking like a legitimate playoff contender, especially if Allen stabilizes the interior defense. The offense should remain among SlamNation’s best, and Roger has enough experienced contributors to withstand injuries. The concern is whether this roster possesses the defensive ceiling necessary to win four postseason rounds. Buffy has mastered the art of bouncing back. Now Roger needs to figure out how to stay up long enough to capture another championship.

#12 SOUR Sour Snails (3-13-1, 10-7)

Six championships, a Finals appearance in 2025, and then… three wins. The Sour Snails’ spectacular collapse in 2026 was one of SlamNation’s biggest surprises, as Trieu’s once-formidable dynasty stumbled to 3-13-1 and finished fifteenth overall. The statistical decline was equally alarming: twelfth in rebounds, eleventh in steals, and fourteenth in turnovers. For a franchise accustomed to setting the standard, something had clearly gone wrong. But anyone expecting Trieu to quietly accept a lengthy rebuild has apparently forgotten who runs this team.

The offseason began with a familiar foundation: Stephen Curry, Scottie Barnes, Deni Avdija, Miles Bridges, Dejounte Murray, and Ajay Mitchell. Then came a blockbuster that completely rewrote the franchise’s future. Trieu sent Barnes and Avdija to SCRM in exchange for Anthony Edwards, Derik Queen, and two 2027 draft picks. It’s a stunning gamble, sacrificing two versatile young stars for a potential franchise centerpiece. Edwards immediately becomes Curry’s heir apparent, while Queen offers another promising frontcourt building block. Suddenly, the Snails’ next era has a recognizable face.

The 2027 draft added further reinforcements. Naz Reid brings scoring and frontcourt versatility, while Jaden McDaniels supplies perimeter defense. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. offers developmental playmaking, and Dereck Lively II provides much-needed rebounding and rim protection. Jusuf Nurkić adds veteran size and passing, while Cameron Johnson contributes outside shooting. It’s a balanced six-player class that complements the Edwards acquisition, although the additional picks received from SCRM give Trieu even more options for reshaping the roster.

The Snails are suddenly one of SlamNation’s most fascinating teams. Curry remains dangerous, Edwards provides a legitimate superstar successor, and the supporting cast has been thoroughly reworked. But losing Barnes and Avdija sacrifices considerable versatility, and rebuilding a championship defense won’t happen overnight. Trieu didn’t respond to three wins by retreating. He traded for Anthony Edwards. Sour Snails may have hit rock bottom, but apparently they’re planning to leave a crater on the way back up.

#13 SBUK So Buckets (6-11, 10-8)

The So Buckets dynasty has been slowly leaking air since its 2022 championship. After consecutive 10-8 campaigns, Josh’s franchise dropped to 6-11 in 2026, finishing eleventh overall and missing the playoffs. The statistical decline was particularly concerning: fifteenth in rebounds and three-pointers, fourteenth in assists, and twelfth in scoring. Joel Embiid’s ongoing health problems and Kyrie Irving’s injuries left SBUK struggling to generate consistent production. For a franchise accustomed to competing, the message was becoming impossible to ignore: the old championship formula had expired.

Josh finally embraced the transition, moving on from Embiid while retaining Kyrie, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Alex Sarr, Ausar Thompson, and Ace Bailey. It’s a promising foundation built around younger, more versatile talent, although Irving’s durability remains a significant concern. Sarr and Thompson provide defensive upside, while Wagner and Bane anchor the offense. The franchise’s next championship window increasingly depends on its emerging stars rather than its aging veterans.

Then came the offseason’s biggest prize. After moving from sixth to third in the lottery, SBUK participated in the historic four-team trade and emerged with the first overall selection--fulfilling its karmic imbalance. Josh used it on AJ Dybantsa, the electrifying rookie wing widely considered one of the draft’s premier talents. Ryan Rollins adds scoring and playmaking, while Jeremiah Fears brings an upside guard who had a great rookie year last season. Neemias Queta provides interior size and shot-blocking, Oso Ighodaro offers athletic frontcourt versatility, and Zaccharie Risacher arrives as a former number one overall pick with some (hopefully) untapped potential. It’s a draft focused almost entirely on the future.

SBUK probably isn’t ready to return to championship contention immediately, but the rebuild has suddenly become fascinating. Dybantsa, Bailey, Sarr, and Thompson give Josh an extraordinary collection of young talent, while Wagner and Bane provide established production. After years of trying to extend the Embiid era, So Buckets finally turned the page. And with the first overall pick, Josh might have found the perfect opening sentence.

#14 SPDE Spade (12-5, 10-6-2)

Spade has become SlamNation’s most intimidating collection of basketball talent, and Randall doesn’t appear interested in making things fair. After finishing 10-6-2 in 2025, SPDE improved to 12-5 in 2026, securing the fourth playoff seed and establishing itself as one of the league’s premier contenders. The statistical profile was extraordinary: first in blocks, second in field-goal percentage, and third in free-throw percentage. With Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren patrolling the paint, opponents practically needed permission to attempt layups. Somehow, this franchise remains without the championship its roster increasingly seems destined to win.

The keeper core is arguably SlamNation’s strongest. Wembanyama and Holmgren form an unprecedented defensive partnership, while Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey provide elite perimeter scoring. Tyler Herro adds offensive firepower, and Walker Kessler reinforces an already absurd collection of shot-blockers. The talent is undeniable, although the roster’s overwhelming emphasis on frontcourt defense occasionally leaves other categories vulnerable.

Randall’s 2027 draft added another fascinating collection of veterans and developmental pieces. Damian Lillard, selected thirteenth overall, represents a major gamble on health and a potential offensive windfall if he returns to form. Day’Ron Sharpe adds rebounding and interior physicality, while DeMar DeRozan supplies dependable scoring and playmaking. Rui Hachimura brings efficient forward production, and Jrue Holiday offers defensive versatility and veteran leadership. Finally, Ben Simmons arrives as the ultimate reclamation project, a former All-Star whose fantasy value now depends entirely on whether he can remain healthy and productive. It’s a curious draft, combining championship experience with considerable medical uncertainty.

Spade enters 2027 as an obvious title favorite. Wembanyama and Holmgren provide advantages no other franchise can replicate, and the supporting cast offers extraordinary offensive potential. But championships aren’t awarded for keeper rankings or impressive spreadsheets. Randall has assembled something approaching a fantasy basketball superteam. At this point, anything short of a championship might qualify as underachievement.

#15 ILCN IL Conceived (13-4, 10-7-1)

The doctor is in, and apparently he’s collecting championship rings. After years of battling injuries and postseason frustration, Frank’s IL Conceived finally broke through in 2026, finishing 13-4, earning the top regular-season seed, and defeating FJUB in the Finals. Luka Dončić delivered the championship performance the franchise had been waiting for, while a dramatically improved defense transformed ILCN into SlamNation’s most complete team. The numbers were spectacular: first in scoring, second in rebounds and blocks, and third in three-pointers. For a franchise whose name practically invites medical catastrophe, the season ended with the healthiest possible result: a championship banner.

The keeper core remains exceptional. Dončić and Donovan Mitchell form one of the league’s most explosive offensive partnerships, supported by Paolo Banchero, Jaren Jackson Jr., Darius Garland, and rising youngster Matas Buzelis. It’s a collection of established stars and emerging talent capable of competing for years. The challenge now is defending a championship while navigating the inevitable injuries that seem permanently attached to this franchise.

Frank’s 2027 draft was designed to maintain that dominance. Rudy Gobert returns to anchor the interior defense, while Fred VanVleet provides veteran playmaking and perimeter production. Sophomore Khaman Maluach offers enormous shot-blocking upside, potentially becoming the franchise’s next defensive centerpiece. Christian Braun adds efficient wing production and defensive versatility, while Brook Lopez supplies additional rim protection and outside shooting. The final selection, Shaedon Sharpe, tore his meniscus in preseason, but could be back for a playoff run. This ILCN draft class clearly emphasized defensive depth around an already devastating offense.

ILCN enters 2027 with the championship target firmly attached to its back. Luka remains a fantasy superpower, and the supporting cast is talented enough to withstand ordinary adversity. The real danger is complacency—or another visit from the injury gods. Frank has finally cured IL Conceived’s championship drought. Now comes the follow-up appointment: proving that last season’s breakthrough wasn’t a one-time miracle.

#16 SCRM Screamin’ Eagles (12-5, 12-5-1)

Apparently, winning a championship isn’t enough for Jordan. After capturing the 2025 title behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Screamin’ Eagles traded their franchise centerpiece, retooled around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards, and promptly went 12-5 in 2026. SCRM finished first in field-goal percentage, second in scoring, and third in steals, winning its final seven regular-season matchups. Unfortunately, Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason absence derailed their title defense. Rather than run it back, Jordan responded with another blockbuster. Because apparently, stability is overrated.

A mid-draft mega-trade sent Anthony Edwards and Derik Queen to SOUR in exchange for Scottie Barnes and Deni Avdija, two versatile forwards who completely reshape the franchise. Edwards was supposed to represent SCRM’s next era after Giannis; instead, his tenure lasted just one season. Barnes and Avdija now join Gilgeous-Alexander, Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, and Anthony Davis in an exceptionally balanced roster. It’s a fascinating pivot from explosive scoring toward all-around production, with considerably more playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Jordan has essentially rebuilt a championship contender twice in two years.

The 2027 draft continued that emphasis on youth and flexibility. Collin Murray-Boyles, entering his sophomore season, brings physicality and defensive versatility, while fellow sophomore Egor Demin offers intriguing playmaking from the backcourt. Joan Beringer adds another developmental frontcourt prospect, and Yves Missi supplies rebounding and rim protection. Scoot Henderson, acquired through FUNK’s sixth-round selection in Trade #185, represents a worthwhile gamble on untapped potential. Nique Clifford rounds out the class with athletic wing depth. Jordan also traded away his third-round selection as part of the Edwards blockbuster, making this an unusually unconventional draft haul.

SCRM remains a legitimate championship contender, although the Edwards trade introduces considerable uncertainty. Barnes and Avdija should strengthen the team’s statistical balance, but replacing Edwards’ scoring won’t be automatic. Davis’ health remains another major variable. Still, Jordan has demonstrated a remarkable willingness to reinvent a winning formula rather than cling to it. First Giannis, now Edwards. The Screamin’ Eagles keep trading away superstars, yet somehow never seem to run out of championship ambitions.