This is my take on an ESPN NBA Feature that ranks all 30 NBA Teams in 5 categories in an effort to rank their relative strength going forward for the 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014 seasons.
The categories are: Players, Management, Money, Market, Draft
Players: Current players and their potential for the future, factoring in expected departures
Management: Quality and stability of front office, ownership, coaching
Money: Projected salary-cap situation; ability and willingness to exceed cap and pay luxury tax
Market: Appeal to future acquisitions based on team quality, franchise reputation, city's desirability as a destination, market size, taxes, business and entertainment opportunities, arena quality, fans
Draft: Future draft picks; draft positioning
Points are assigned for each category: Players 0-400; Management and Money 0-200 each; Draft 0-150; Market 0-100
After assigning values to each the results I came up with fell into fairly clear tiers.
TIER ONEMiami Heat
Oklahoma City Thunder
TIER TWOLA Lakers
Chicago Bulls
Houston Rockets
Orlando Magic
Portland Trailblazers
TIER THREEUtah Jazz
Denver Nuggets
TIER FOURSan Antonio Spurs
Boston Celtics
Dallas Mavericks
TIER FIVELA Clippers
Sacramento Kings
New York Knicks
Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks
Milwaukee Bucks
New Jersey Nets
Indiana Pacers
TIER SIXMemphis Grizzlies
Detroit Pistons
Phoenix Suns
New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors
Golden State Warriors
TIER SEVENMinnesota Timberwolves
Cleveland Cavaliers
Charlotte Bobcats