Preseason power rankings

I am doing something new this year, weekly power rankings! The hope is that this will be published every Monday throughout the season (there is a world where this stops but I am going to try my best). My hope is to keep these relatively short and just give a quick take or two on each team (though that doesn’t seem to be what is going to happen). Also, please note these rankings and my standings predictions don’t exactly line up, I do know that but this is where I think these teams rank right now, not where they’ll rank in April. The = sign means it is the same spot as last week and there will be + and - used for teams that rise and fall. Go read my season predictions from last week. 

30. Bucks (0-0, =)

I’ve said it a lot but the Bucks are the worst team in the league. Too many of their top paid players are bad and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Tyler Herro is traded.

29. Kings (0-0, =)

I really feel for Ben Simmons, who tore his Achilles. The Kings are putting a lot of their stock in Darius Acuff Jr. and I think it’s a good bet, he is awesome.

28. Clippers (0-0, =)

Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler are the reason to watch the Clippers. Will they be able to mesh and be the backcourt of the Clippers future?

27. Nets (0-0, =)

Egor Demin, Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle are an interesting trio. Not a good trio but one that could be interesting to watch. Porter Jr. is also a trade name to watch.

26. Pelicans (0-0, =)

I really don’t know what is going on with the Pelicans but what I do know is I’d like more Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen. Having Dejounte Murray for the whole year is big for them as well.

25. Bulls (0-0, =)

The Josh Giddey, Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis trio should be really good in the future. They just aren’t ready to win games quite yet but this team will play fast.

24. Warriors (0-0, =)

Have I mentioned I think Golden State is bad? There was a scare last night with Stephen Curry but he seems to be okay.

23. Grizzlies (0-0, =)

This is lower than I thought I’d have Memphis but I’m not sure how good they are right now. What I do know is that if this team is going to be good Cameron Boozer needs to be the reason why.

22. Hornets (0-0, =)

The loss of LaMelo Ball looms large over this team. They are also waiting on Kon Knueppel’s return from a hamstring injury but he could be good to go for Wednesday’s opener.

21. Trail Blazers (0-0, =)

I really don’t like the Damian Lillard and Ja Morant back court. I understand who those players are at their best but there is a real chance they hold Portland back on both ends of the floor.

20. Jazz (0-0, =)

The lack of centers and rebounding is a big worry for the Jazz. Their offense will get them some wins but I don’t think they’re defense is ready to compete just yet.

19. Mavericks (0-0, =)

Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are an elite duo. It could take a minute for Dallas to click together but I do think they will make the playoffs.

18. Wizards (0-0, =)

Have we considered the fact that Washington might be really good? I don’t think that will be the case but I do see a world where this clicks really well.

17. Suns (0-0, =)

The Mark Williams injury looms large and I still think this was the best Ja Morant trade spot. The Miles Bridges trade remains one of my least favorite offseason moves.

16. Hawks (0-0, =)

I think the Hawks should start C.J. McCollum and have Lu Dort come off the bench. This is a team that is likely to regress in the east, however.

15. Magic (0-0, =)

When does Orlando trade either Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner? I’d rather keep the three guards they have because those lineups were very good last year.

14. Cavaliers (0-0, =)

I am low on this Cleveland team. While they’ve won a lot of regular season games in recent years, how many times do we have to see something until you believe it?

13. Pistons (0-0, =)

Cade Cunningham is awesome but where is the other offense coming from? The Pistons will need more from Jalen Duren than what he gave them in the playoffs.

12. Heat (0-0, =)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is here and he could make Miami a really good team. That paired with their defense gives the Heat a shot to be really good.

11. Lakers (0-0, =)

Luka Doncic remains a Laker so Los Angeles will be good. I think the LeBron loss is being understated, however, he did so much for their offense.

10. Nuggets (0-0, =)

I think Denver is a good team but the league has passed them by. This isn’t a team that can realistically compete in the west with the Thunder and Spurs.

9. 76ers (0-0, =)

The offense will be awesome, they have too many great players for that to not be the case. However, their defense is what I think holds them back, I really am struggling to see how they get enough stops to win the east. 

8. Pacers (0-0, =)

I think Indiana is really good and this spot could be too low for them. Not sure if you have heard but Tyrese Haliburton is back and that raises their ceiling to a real threat in the east.

7. Raptors (0-0, =)

Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes are a top 5 duo in the NBA. I think the depth around them could be spotty but there are enough good players that this team should be awesome.

6. Rockets (0-0, =)

I am back in on the Houston Rockets. The offense is troubling but their rebounding and defense should have this team as one of the best in the west.

5. Timberwolves (0-0, =)

I don’t see a world where the Wolves don’t have a top 5 offense in the NBA. If they can keep LaMelo healthy and have a top 12 defense, this is the biggest threat to the Spurs and Thunder out west.

4. Celtics (0-0, =)

Sure, call me biased but the Celtics are very good. Jayson Tatum is a top 5 player when he is himself and I think he will prove that this year. Pair that with what should be a top 3 defense in the league and you have a real threat in the east.

3. Knicks (0-0, =)

I think the Mitchell Robinson loss looms larger than people are saying for the Knicks because the defensive downgrade from him to Andre Drummond is monumental. That said, the Knicks are awesome and the favorites in the east.

2. Spurs (0-0, =)

The Spurs come back this year with a better team than last year. The three guard lineup is going to start so that will be something to keep an eye on but with Wemby on the team, they’re going to be awesome no matter what.

1. Thunder (0-0, =)

I picked the Thunder to win the title because they have the best player on the planet and the top 15 guy who missed much of the playoffs is healthy and back. The defense also remains the best in the league.