Welcome to Def Pen’s NBA Power Rankings. These rankings are updated every Monday. These rankings aren’t necessarily based solely on talent level or team potential.They’re about who’s better right now/who has played better as of late. If a team has lost their last 5 games, they’re probably going to drop (at least) a few spots, even if they’ve got “better” players than a team ranked above them. Alright, let’s jump in.
Note: I’m not going to point out “small sample size” every time I cite a statistic or pattern from this season because everything is based on a small sample size at this point.
Biggest Jump: Chicago Bulls, Up 13
Biggest Drop: Indiana Pacers, Down 11
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 3-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
The Cavs have started off the season strong; winning their first three games vs. the Knicks, Raptors, and Magic. It’s been the Cavs’ defense getting it done for them so far; they currently hold the second best defensive rating in basketball and have allowed the fifth fewest points per game. The big story with Cleveland was the LeBron James was going to be playing limited minutes in order to stay rested for the playoffs. So far, that has not held true. James has played 36.7 minutes per game, which, if it continues, would actually be his highest mark since returning to Cleveland.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 4-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
The Spurs look just fine in Tim Duncan’s absence. The noticeable weakness for San Antonio has been Pau Gasol, who has looked more than a step slow on defense. Another thing to watch out for: Will Patty Mills usurp Tony Parker as starting point guard?
Parker this season: 5.3 points and 3.3 assists in 24.6 minutes on 26.3% shooting, with a -7.7 plus-minus, and a net rating of -11.2
Mills this season: 13.3 points and 2.8 assists in 22.5 minutes on 51.4% shooting, with a +18.5 plus-minus and a net rating of 42.0.
We’re in the early stages of this season, but it’s something to keep an eye on. The biggest story for the Spurs, though, is Kawhi Leonard fully emerging as an MVP candidate. In his first two games, he posted back-to-back 30-point games — the first time he has ever done so. Leonard is averaging 28 points, 4.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game while shooting a .500/.267/.950. Other than the three-point shooting, he’s off to a hell of a start. This is officially Kawhi Leonard’s team.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 2-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
The Hawks have been absolutely incredible through their first two games. Admittedly, they’ve beaten up on the Sixers and a Washington team that’s struggling to figure things out. However, they’ve still been awesome. So far, they have allowed the NBA’s fewest points per game (85.5) on the lowest shooting percentage (39.1%). They also lead the league in defensive rating (80.8) and net rating (26.0). Those stats are all laughably good, which is why I hate doing these early-season rankings — so much is going on that isn’t at all sustainable.
That’s not meant as a slight to the Hawks in any way; I think that they can be quite good this season. Millsap and Howard are terrific together. It’s just hard to take away anything too significant this early in the season.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 2-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The Clippers won a close, exciting game vs. Portland, and pulled out a solid win against the Jazz. The Clippers’ defense has been top-notch thus far. They have the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA and have allowed the second-fewest points per game.
A lot of people forgot how good Blake Griffin is in his absence, and now he’s back. Griffin has averaged 22.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game thus far. The Clippers have struggled shooting the ball; their 25% shooting from three-point range is the fourth worst in the NBA. Another surprising statistic: The Clippers are averaging 14.5 assists per game — tied for fewest in the league. That’s very odd for a team with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Again, though: It’s early.
5. Chicago Bulls
Record: 2-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 19
Some things are funny because they make perfect sense, and the Bulls are not one of those things. I think it’s absolutely hilarious that the team regarded as having the NBA’s most spacing-challenged roster is, in today’s day and age, leading the league in points per game (111.5) and is third in three-point percentage (43.5%). Seriously, I’m a Celtics fan, and I couldn’t even be mad watching Dwyane Wade (66.7% from deep this season) and Jimmy Butler (50% from deep this season) rain threes vs. Boston. Even Michael Carter-Williams was getting into the shooting festivities! I love it. As unlikely as it is, I hope that the Bulls can keep this up. Wade pulling a Jason Kidd and adopting a consistent three-point shot at this point in his career would be so damn funny because it would basically be a giant middle finger to Pat Riley.
The Bulls have also rebounded the ball tremendously; they rank fourth in the league in rebounds per game and second in offensive rebounds.
6. Golden State Warriors
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Warriors losing their home opener by 29 points was something that exactly zero people predicted. The Warriors need to figure out their defense, which is absolutely not something that I expected to type this season. Players like Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Draymond Green should fortify one of the most versatile and effective defenses in the league. Things haven’t gone as planned, though, as the Warriors currently hold the fourth-worst defensive rating in the NBA. As far as offense goes, they’ll be fine. The Dubs are getting open looks, and just missing them. That won’t continue. This is the most talented shooting team on the planet, so it is unlikely that their three-point percentage stays at 30%. I mean, seriously. Stephen Curry (42.9%) is the only player on the roster shooting over 33.33% from three. Kevin Durant is shooting 30%, Draymond Green is shooting 27.3%, Klay Thompson is shooting 14.3%, and Andre Iguodala is shooting 12.5%. Aside from Curry, their entire team has been cold.
Shooting aside (he’ll pick that up), Durant is looking like a very real MVP candidate. He’s averaging 31.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Those are mind-blowingly good numbers, especially when you consider how much talent he’s playing next to.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Wow, Damian Lillard. If the Blazers can win enough games, the MVP hype surrounding the 26-year-old point guard could be very real. Lillard is averaging 35 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting a .549/.444/.905. Meanwhile, his backcourt mate C.J. McCollum is averaging 21.3 points and 5.3 rebounds on .434/.556/.929. Thanks to these two, Portland has a top-10 offensive rating and is the highest-scoring team in the league aside from Chicago. I’m not sold on a lot of this roster, but damn it Lillard is awesome. He (with some help from McCollum) will carry this squad to the playoffs.
8. Boston Celtics
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Celtics almost blew a big lead to the lowly Nets. Then, they lost to a red-hot Bulls team. They bounced back with a convincing win over the Charlotte Hornets fueled by a 31-point, 11-rebound game from Avery Bradley (on 8/11 three-point shooting). The C’s have apparently forgotten that they have a reputation as a defense-first team, as they’re leading the NBA in field goal percentage and true shooting percentage. They’re also fourth in three-point percentage, and third in offensive rating. Their defensive rating, on the other hand, is bottom-10. This is likely more early-season craziness. There’s no way that Boston’s offense is this good, nor is its defense this bad.
9. Toronto Raptors
Record: 1-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Kyle Lowry has struggled in Toronto’s opening games (27.6% shooting, eight turnovers in two games), but DeMar DeRozan’s brilliance has made up for it. DeRozan dropped 40 points in three-quarters in his debut and followed it up with a 32-point nugget. He’s been hitting some shots that are so difficult they seem to verge on impossibility. Another (literally) massive bright spot for the Raptors has been Jonas Valanciunas. The Lithuanian center is averaging 21 points and 14 rebounds. It feels like we’ve been waiting on the JV breakout season for years, and I hope it’s here.
One issue for Toronto so far: Rim protection. The Raptors are already feeling Bismack Biyombo’s absence, as they’ve only blocked three total shots in their two games. Valanciunas is good, but swatting shots is not his specialty.
Note about DeRozan: He hasn’t hit a three-pointer yet (0/3) and I love it. Until he develops a seriously consistent outside shot, he should stick to what he’s best at — Attacking the rim and shooting from the midrange.
10. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
They’re a bit late, but the Memphis Grizzlies have arrived at the modern era. Marc Gasol hit a game-tying three-pointer in Sunday night’s win over the Wizards, for crying out loud. It was a pretty deep three, too. Zach Randolph is shooting them too. This experiment has gone swimmingly for Memphis: They’re shooting 43.8% on threes, second only to the Spurs. From Grit-n-Grind to Shoot-n-Splash. Keep it up Grizz.
11.Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 3-0
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
Based on their undefeated record, you’d think that the Thunder would be much higher on this list. My reasoning against them is this: Opening your season with a schedule consisting of Philadelphia, Phoenix, and the Lakers is a laughably easy start, and the Thunder have struggled with all three. Well, they didn’t struggle with L.A. towards the end, but the Lakers kept it close for a while.
Anyways, the big story in OKC, of course, is RUSSELL FREAKING WESTBROOK. How about his averages of 38.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game? I mean, good God. He’s even shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc! Incredible. The rest of his team hasn’t been much help at all, unfortunately. Well, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter have been okay. Victor Oladipo is shooting 34% from the field, though, which needs to change ASAP. I hope Westbrook keeps this going, and I can’t even begin to express my excitement for November third (Westbrook vs. Durant).
12. Detroit Pistons
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
I was watching the Pistons in their win vs. the Bucks, and it struck me how fun this team is. Even with Reggie Jackson hurt, they have a budding three-and-D guard in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, one of the best young centers in the game in Andre Drummond, and other great pieces in Ish Smith, Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris, and Jon Leuer. Drummond had one of his trademark 20-point, 20-rebound games against the Bucks. Caldwell-Pope was awful in his first two games, but better vs. the Bucks. The Pistons really need him to be a consistent threat from outside if they want to make the leap. It’s necessary.
13. Charlotte Hornets
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 15
When looking at the Hornets’ stats, one number that stands out is their blocked shots; their 8.3 swats per game lead the NBA. Roy Hibbert has blocked five shots in the two games that he has played in. Hibbert hasn’t done much in the past couple seasons, but in his heyday (which really wasn’t that long ago) he was an elite interior defender. If he can return to that form, or close to it, Charlotte would be very pleased. Aside from Hibbert, and losing Jeremy Lin and Al Jefferson, this team is pretty much the same as last season. They have some good talent, but not enough to contend. They’re well-coached enough that they’ll very likely fight for a playoff spot. Hopefully, we can get a full season of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
14. Houston Rockets
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
The Rockets are exactly what we expected them to be. They rank in the top ten in offensive rating and bottom ten in defensive rating. Harden opened the season with a 17-assist game, which got everyone excited. Especially Mike D’Antoni, who immediately said that he wanted Harden to average 15 assists per game. Harden responded that D’Antoni was “trippin’.” No player has ever averaged 15 assists before. Harden’s right, D’Antoni is indeed trippin’. Through three games, though, Harden is averaging 29.3 points, 10.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. Those are awesome numbers, and yet Harden has to be better. He’s shooting 32% from three-point range, which isn’t good enough. He’s racked up 19 turnovers in three games, and a six-plus turnover average can’t continue if Houston is going to be a halfway decent team. Harden is great but needs to be better. He is going to have to be unbelievably good to carry this team. I nitpick because I care.
15. Sacramento Kings
Record: 2-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 27
The Kings have a positive record! Celebrate now, Sac fans. DeMarcus Cousins is awesome as always, and Rudy Gay shooting over 50% from the field is encouraging. The Kings rank dead last in the NBA in rebounds per game, though. Perhaps playing Willie-Cauley Stein more would help with that. He’s playing just 12.7 minutes per game thus far. Like the Rockets, the Kings have a top-10 offensive rating but are bottom ten when it comes to defense. The Kings rank in the bottom five teams in both blocks and steals per game.
16. Utah Jazz
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The Jazz beat a bad team (Lakers) and lost to two playoff teams (Blazers, Clippers). I will admit that I have not had a chance to watch the Clippers game, but the Blazers game was a great matchup, and Utah looked excellent. They’re starting off a bit slow, but they’ll be just fine, especially when Gordon Hayward returns.
So far, though, the numbers don’t look good for this young and talented team. Utah has somehow managed to rank in the bottom two in points, rebounds, and assists. I can’t say that I see that continuing. Especially rebounding; their front line consists of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, this should be an elite rebounding team. And those two players have rebounded just fine so far! They’re averaging a combined 22 rebounds per game. There’s just a massive drop-off after them. The next-best rebounders are Rodney Hood and Joe Johnson with 3.7 apiece. When Hayward returns, he’ll help this team with scoring, passing, and rebounding — he does it all.
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 23
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still Greekishly Freakishly awesome. Giannis is averaging 23 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and a pair of blocks per game. He’s running the floor and making smart passes. He’s even looking very confident in his midrange jumper. But this team is going to be just as spacing-challenged as they were last season. They picked up shooters in Matthew Dellavedova and Mirza Teletovic but lost their best two shooters — Jerryd Bayless to free agency and Khris Middleton to injury. Their shooting troubles are already showing; the Bucks have attempted the second-fewest three-pointers in the league, and bottom-ten in their accuracy on those shots. A positive shooter for Milwaukee has been Rashad Vaughn, who appears ready to contribute. He’s shooting almost twice as many threes as any other Buck and is converting them at a 41.2% clip.
18. Denver Nuggets
Record: 1-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 25
Through their first two games, the Denver Nuggets lead the NBA in rebounding and are third in points per game. They also play at the fastest pace in the league, which makes sense for such a young team. It’s interesting, though. Despite all those points scored, the Nuggets are a bottom-five team in offensive rating, and rank in the bottom 10 in true shooting. They’re top-10 in defensive rating, though. These stats are weird, and will probably be vastly different next week.
A definite positive for Denver: Their big man duo of Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic have been pretty solid so far.
Jokic: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 48% from the field
Nurkic: 17.5 points, nine rebounds, 59.1% from the field
Note: Related to their fast pace — Denver leads the NBA in turnovers.
19. New York Knicks
Record: 1-1
Last Week’s Ranking: 20
Just like the other Super team, the Knicks lost their debut game by 29 points. The only Knicks player who has truly impressed is Kristaps Porzingis, who has made four of his first nine three-point attempts and is averaging 18.5 points. Carmelo Anthony more or less looks like himself, but his shots aren’t quite falling yet (39.4% from the field).
The Knicks would have a pretty good shot at making the playoffs if their starters were capable of playing 48 minutes. They aren’t, though, and this team’s bench is far from good.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 0-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 17
The Timberwolves lost their first two games, but both games have been close. This team is still a bit too young to know how to properly close out tight games, whereas the teams that they’ve played (Memphis, Sacramento) have more experienced stars. The wins will come for this team. Interestingly, the Wolves have a top-five offensive rating through two games but have a bottom-three defensive rating. This is odd for a Tom Thibodeau-led team, but we can’t confuse good coaching with sorcery. Even the great Thibs will need some time.
Andrew Wiggins is off to a great start; he’s averaging 27 points on 51.5% shooting.
21. Indiana Pacers
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Based on personnel change, the Pacers appear to have abandoned defense for offense. So far, though, they’re a middling offensive team based on both offensive rating and true shooting. They have shot the three ball well, though (39.3%). They’re also moving the ball well (third most assists per game). Unfortunately, the part about the Pacers abandoning defense was correct. An elite defensive team a year ago, the Pacers are the second worst team in the NBA when it comes to both points allowed and defensive rating.
The best part of the Pacers so far has definitely been Myles Turner. The second-year big man out of Texas is averaging 21 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 61.9% from the field. Obviously, it’s way too early for any sort of awards predictions, but Turner appears to be a heavy favorite for Most Improved Player.
22. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 28
The Lakers are fun!
Statistically speaking, the Lakers have been a mediocre offensive team, but surprisingly competent on the other end. They rank 11th in defensive rating, and fourth in steals per game. D’Angelo Russell looks good, although he’s shooting just 34% from the field. He’s just fun to watch, though. He’s going to be good. The player who has probably made the biggest impression on me thus far has been Julius Randle, who is starting to live up to the praise from Draymond Green. Randle has looked comfortable with the ball and very capable in transition. He’s shooting an impressive 67.9% from the field. Jordan Clarkson also had an incredibly impressive stretch in the Houston game to clinch that win, but he’s shooting just 22.2% from beyond the arc.
Here’s where we’re at with the Lakers: They have fun, young talent. They’re already watchable, which is rare for a team that won’t eclipse 30 wins (but a Godsend for fans since they’re always on national TV). They aren’t particularly good yet, but that’s okay; they weren’t expected to be. They should just use this season to have fun and learn and let their youngsters (Luke Walton included) get their feet wet.
23. Miami Heat
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 22
Hassan Whiteside is becoming a star, and Goran Dragic, now that he isn’t sharing a backcourt with Dwyane Wade, may be returning to his Phoenix form. Whiteside is averaging 21.7 points on 64.3% shooting, to go with 14.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game. Dragic is averaging 18.3 points, 6.7 points, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting a .455/.462/.818.
Unfortunately, two or three good players do not make for a playoff team. The Heat are middling at best in both offensive and defensive stats. This team has some talent and good coaching but would need more players that can contribute now if they were hoping for a playoff spot.
24. Brooklyn Nets
Record: 1-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 30
Believe it or not, the Nets looked halfway decent in their first week. They rank fifth in scoring and have a top-10 offensive rating. So far, the Nets have been sort of spunky; they aren’t just rolling over. They beat the Pacers, and almost pulled off a huge comeback in Boston. Jeremy Lin is (other than his 38.1% shooting) off to a fantastic start, averaging 17 points, 7.3 assists, and five rebounds through his first three games.
25. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 0-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
Harrison Barnes looks good in a Mavs uniform. The former Warrior is averaging 20 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on .500/.455/.100 shooting. Perhaps Barnes will prove the world wrong and show that he can thrive in a large role. Between Barnes, Wesley Matthews, Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, J.J. Barea, and Seth Curry, the Mavs are going to shoot a lot, and already they are knocking down more three-pointers than any other team (aside from the Nets, who are tied with them in that category).
26. Washington Wizards
Record: 0-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 16
The Wizards were awful opening week. They’re a bottom-five offensive team and are dead last in defensive rating. They’re also the second-worst rebounding team so far. John Wall and Bradley Beal are both shooting under 40% from the field. Really, the only players who have really impressed are Otto Porter Jr. and Markieff Morris. They’ll figure it out, though. The Wizards are talented and much better than this ranking would suggest.
27. Phoenix Suns
Record: 0-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 26
The Suns take the ultimate L for spelling their best player’s name incorrectly wrong on his jersey:
Wait….
That’s not how you spell Eric Bledsoe’s name….
Did something change @EBled2 ? pic.twitter.com/vMwJcuIdHc
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) October 30, 2016
I mean… COME ON. How does that happen?! That’s just embarrassing. As far as actual basketball things go, this team has actually been somewhat watchable. T.J. Warren is starting to fill up the scoring column like he did in college (23.3 points per game so far this season). Devin Booker continues to struggle to turn his gorgeous shooting stroke into consistent results (20% three-point shooting) but I don’t think anybody doubts that he’ll get there.
28. New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 0-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 21
Poor, poor Anthony Davis. He broke all sorts of records this week. All the ones about being awesome but on a shitty team, basically. He’s averaging a ridiculous 37.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks per game on 50% shooting. That’s insanity.
Tim Frazier played pretty well against the Spurs on national TV, which made a lot of NBA fans ask the question: “Who the hell is Tim Frazier?” Tim Frazier is the Pelicans’ starting point guard, that’s who. Until Jrue Holiday returns to the court, anyway.
29. Orlando Magic
Record: 0-3
Last Week’s Ranking: 24
The Magic have too many damn big men. You don’t need all of Aaron Gordon, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Nikola Vucevic, and Bismack Biyombo. You just don’t. Aaron Gordon is showing signs of development, though. His shot has looked quite smooth, and he’s connected on four of the seven three-pointers that he’s tried. Orlando’s offense is bad (third-lowest offensive rating) but they have a lot of talented defensive players, which has translated into them being a top-10 defensive team thus far.
30. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 0-2
Last Week’s Ranking: 30
Joel Embiid has looked so good and I am so excited to keep watching him play. They’re easing him into things, so he’s played under 19 minutes per game. Still, though, he’s averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a pair of blocks per game. Not shabby at all.
The Sixers aren’t good, though. They came close to beating OKC, which I attribute more to OKC’s weakness than Philly being good. The 76ers are dead last in offensive rating, points per game (84.5), and field goal percentage (39%).
