September 10th : With the NBA preseason approaching, many teams are bolstering their roster this offseason, aiming to catch up to the defending champion Thunder. ESPN has selected the 14 most noteworthy newcomers this season, whose performance may determine their teams' ceilings.

1. Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Durant, who will soon turn 37 , joins the Rockets and becomes the ultimate piece to their young core. He will take on the finishing duties at crucial moments and help the team win its third championship.

2. Desmond Bane (Magic)
The Magic spent four first-round picks in exchange for Bane, a career three-point shooter with a 41% three-point shooting percentage , which will greatly relieve the offensive pressure on Bankero and Wagner.

3. Cameron Johnson (Nuggets)
Whether he can improve his efficiency alongside Jokic by replacing Porter and joining the Nuggets is the key to whether Denver can remain competitive.

4. Mike Brown (Knicks coach)
After firing Thibodeau, the Knicks invited Brown to coach. He needs to solve the defensive shortcomings and lead the team to complete the championship mission.

5. Deandre Ayton (Lakers)
The pick-and-roll opportunities with Dončić will test Ayton, who is expected to be an upgrade on the Lakers' defense.

6. Myles Turner (Bucks)
The Bucks made a shocking signing, giving up the injured Lillard and bringing in Turner, who is both a rim protector and spacer, to help Antetokounmpo break the first-round curse.

7. Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks)
Health is the key word. If he can maintain his form, he will provide Trae Young with a defensive barrier and outside firepower.

8. Cooper Flagg (Lone Ranger)
Although the No. 1 pick Flagg needs time to polish his game, his comprehensive style of play makes people expect him to quickly integrate into the playoffs.

9. Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
Powell, who has stable shooting, will become a strong helper for Herro and Adebayo, repairing the team's weak offense.

10. Jalen Green (Suns)
After Durant left, Green ushered in a new role. Whether he can take on the organizational tasks after switching to point guard will affect the future of the Suns.

11. Ty Jerome (Grizzlies)
The Grizzlies signed Jerome, who was ranked third in the Sixth Man selection last season. He is expected to replicate the stable substitute role that Tyus Jones played in the past.

12. Bradley Beal (Clippers)
In the Clippers, his role is more reasonable. As the third scoring point, he will significantly improve the depth of the lineup.

13. Dylan Harper (Spurs)
The second overall pick may have limited opportunities in the new season, but his growth will be directly related to the future direction of the Spurs' backcourt.

14. V.J. Edgecomb ( 76ers )
He scored 28 points in his summer league debut and represents the new hope for Philadelphia's future.