By Matt Krasnoff

In a summer filled with perfect games in baseball and World Cup matches, it’s the NBA that has been in the driver’s seat when it comes to sports in the media. The draft is behind us, and most of the big name free agents have signed to play somewhere in the fall.

So let’s take a look at which teams made the right moves this summer. No report card grades here; just a list from 10 to 1 to see which teams are truly committed to dethroning Kobe and the Lakers.

10. Washington Wizards- Why? Two words: John Wall. They didn’t go out and make moves in free agency, but they got the big prize in this year’s draft. Wall has a chance to be a super-duper star, and if the Wiz are able to move Gilbert Arenas, he’ll really get a chance to blossom with a decent group of young, athletic role players and shooters.

9. Oklahoma City Thunder- While one NBA super-duper star decided to flee his small-market team in hopes of finding a ring, another — Kevin Durant — decided to sign an extension, in hopes of cultivating his own title worthy team.  Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Green are a really nice first four, while Serge Ibaka, Byron Mullens, and Cole Aldrich all appear to be the right type of complementary center. This team is still very young, but look for the Thunder to make a push for a top-four seed in the West.

8. Los Angeles Lakers- The champs started their off-season early by signing Kobe to a three-year extension just before the regular season ended. They then locked down head coach Phil Jackson for another year, while resigning veteran PG Derek Fisher. The loss of Jordan Farmar was negated by the signing of Steve Blake, who is more than a serviceable backup to Fisher. The Lakers have two intriguing rookie prospects — Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter — both of whom have looked impressive so far in the NBA Summer League.

7. Los Angeles Clippers- Like a few other teams, the Clippers were unable to ink one of the top free agents this summer. Fortunately for them, they did a good job drafting to add to an already talented young core. PG Eric Bledsoe and SG Willie Warren may each be considered steals of this draft when it’s all said and done. The Clips also signed free agent PG/SG Randy Foye, and will get last year’s No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin back at PF. A lot of people forget that Griffin was expected to be last season’s Rookie of the Year in what was a much stronger draft than this year’s. Lastly, while I’m not a huge fan of Vinny Del Negro as the team’s choice to be the new head coach, I will say that anything is an upgrade from Mike Dunleavy.

6. Boston Celtics- This generation’s first “Big Three” could have seen itself split up this off-season. Luckily for Celtics fans, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen decided to come back to Boston for another crack at a title. Doc Rivers will return to coach the reigning Eastern Conference Champions, who were one of league’s top defensive teams the past three seasons. The question this year will be whether or not their aging roster can continue to keep up with the youth and athleticism of the East.

5. Dallas Mavericks- I thought the Mavs would be the team to challenge the Lakers in the West last spring. I was wrong. But they resigned starting center Brandon Heywood, and were able to bring back the face of the franchise, Dirk Nowitzki. An already deep roster, the Mavs then traded for Tyson Chandler. Their bench could realistically feature Chandler, Jason Terry, and Shawn Marion. A name to keep in mind is second year combo guard Rodrigue Beaubois. On a team loaded with weapons, I have a feeling he could emerge as the third or even second option offensively.

4. Phoenix Suns- It is tough to judge teams that are still building their rosters, or were prepared to lose their top gun. The Suns fit both of those categories. Phoenix lost its top scorer from a year ago, but brought in Hedo Turkoglu, Hakeem Warrick, and Josh Childress through free agency and trades. Second year PF Earl Clark is an intriguing prospect and resigning Channing Frye fills an important role in their offense. Like Dallas, it’s going to take another strong season from a veteran PG to ensure the offense is effective.

3. New York Knicks- New York may not have the type of roster as some of the other teams listed above, but it’s certainly better than last year’s. After signing Amar’e Stoudemire and missing out on LeBron James, the Knicks focused their attention on maintaining cap flexibility. They have done just that, while also adding some good pieces in the process. No one expected them to keep David Lee, so getting Anthony Randolph and company in a sign-and-trade was a bonus. With the right minutes and mentality, Randolph could be a special talent. They continued filling out their roster with free agent PG Raymond Felton and Russian C Timofey Mozgov — who some considered the top international free agent. No, the Knicks aren’t going to win 60 games and make a run for the Finals. But they will fight for a playoff spot, and will have room next year to go after Carmelo Anthony.

2. Chicago Bulls- Another team that missed out on LeBron got much better this summer. Carlos Boozer is the ideal PF to be paired with Joakim Noah, and a great pick and roll/pop player for Derrick Rose to play with. They then added former Jazz sharpshooter Kyle Korver, and have made an offer to J.J. Reddick that the Magic are unlikely to match. Throw in first time head coach Tim Thibodeau — the former Celtics’ defensive minded assistant — and this team looks ready to challenge anybody in the newly renovated Eastern Conference. I’m taking Chicago as the early favorite to win the East, and Derrick Rose to be in the MVP conversation with Wade, James, Kobe, Dwight Howard, and Durant as the dark horse.

1. Miami Heat- “In this fall, I am going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” Those were the words that made the new “Big Three” a reality. James, Bosh, and Wade are the biggest trio of stars on one team since Bird, McHale, and Parish took on Magic, Worthy, and Kareem in the 80’s.  The Heat also brought back Udonis Haslem and added three-point specialist Mike Miller to roam the perimeter. With Pat Riley as its architect and the-behind-the-scenes guy, this team obviously has a shot to be special. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Heat are going to make the NBA very fun to follow this year.