Week 4 Power Ranking
Nov 6, 2018 14:29:32 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors (Caleb), Oklahoma City Thunder (Loren), and 3 more like this
Post by The Athletic on Nov 6, 2018 14:29:32 GMT -5
Hey everyone sorry i'm late on this one, I was back in Oregon visiting some friends- so didn't have the time to give my thoughts on what was an awesome week three in basketball dynasty. Let's get into it
News Items:
12. Sacramento Kings (2-1)- The Kings got a big win against the Spurs on the back of fives games from Ben Simmons. The Kings are good, but they are a tier below the top teams right now. They need more Goran, Gordon, and CJ. The Kings play the league's top dog in the Pelicans in week 4 and will need some big performances for an upset.
11. Dallas Mavericks (2-1)- After a tough week 1 the Mavs have rebounded beautifully. This week the Mavs took down a hot Lakers squad despite monster performances from Joel Embiid. The Mavs are clearly led by Lebron James, but Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay have been really solid as the guys behind Lebron this year. Gasol, Gay, and Lebron are the guys on this team so it is clear the window is right now. Not sure if the Mavs are a contender but they're a playoff team right now.
10. Atlanta Hawks (2-1)- Wow go Trey. After a week 1 loss Trey's Hawks have rebounded and are now at 2-1. The Hawks took care of the Bucks easily en route to 700+ points, without Harden for most of the week. Lillard is locked in and the bench around Harden and him have been so solid this year. I'm not ready to call this team a championship contender but this is the most legit team Trey has ever put together.
9. New York Knicks (1-1)- The Knicks remain in the same spot as last week after a tough loss to the 76ers. The match-up definately lived up to the hype, and the Knicks really couldn't have played much better, Klay went off and broke the record for most threes in a game, and Derrick Rose turned back the clock and dropped 50. It's a tough loss but the Knicks have to like where the squad is at right now.
8. Toronto Raptors (3-0)- After a down year Perk and the Raps are back. They won about as easy a game as you can get against the Celtics. The pre-tip off trade that sent Hayward and Bradley to Sacramento for Lowry has to be considered as one of the top moves of the off-season. Lowry continues to ball out and doesn't look like he'll be slowing down anytime soon. I still need to see a prove it to me win before I start calling this team elite, and week 4 is the perfect place to start as the Raps will head down to Brooklyn.
7. Brooklyn Nets (2-0)- The Nets had the week off but continue to look like a front runner in the East. Kevin Durant has been completely locked in to start the season. Caris Levert has taken a big leap, and while Aaron Gordon is off to a little bit of a slow start i'm sure the 40 million dollar man will figure things out. Doncic has been as good as you could ask of a 19 year old so things are looking pretty good in Brooklyn. The Nets will face their first real test in the Toronto Raptors week 4.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (2-1)- The Grizzlies drop a spot from last week with a tough loss to the Warriors. Portis is out which hurts, but he should be back in time for the playoffs so that's really all that matters. Chris Paul hasn't quite been himself this year, but he came alive against Brooklyn this week to remind us just how good he is. WCS continues to play well, and DJ just looks comfortable in Dallas. The Grizzlies will look to rebound against a solid Clippers team.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)- The Sixers won a a huge game over the Knicks this week. It's early but those are the type of wins that you look back at down the line before the playoffs. KAT had some monster games, and with Harden out Melo had a productive string of games as well. The big X-factor has been the play of Demar Derozan, he's really embraced his move to San Antonio and is balling out. 76ers look real good to start they year.
4. Denver Nuggets (2-0)- The Nuggets enjoyed the week off a made a splash of a trade. They acquired Paul George and Thad Young for Nikola Vucevic and Ricky Rubio in a trade that many feel they won. They are as deep as anyone in the league and will look to continue their unbeaten run against a Lakers team that has yet to win a game. Victor Oladipo finally started to come alive and that bodes well for this teams championship hopes.
3. Golden State Warriors (3-0)- The Warriors got a huge win against the Grizzlies and have gotten off to a really nice 3-0 start. Caleb took some heat for his trade, but he isn't backing down from Pels and will continue to do what he can to try and win his first championship in basketball dynasty 26. Blake and Steph are playing amazing basketball right now, and the rest of the team continues to chip in night after night. It doesn't get any easier for the Warriors as they head to Dallas to played Royce's squad.
2. Chicago Bulls (3-0)- Pels gets all the hype in the league as the top squad, and it's deserved, but this Bulls team has been just on fire since the season started. Nemanja has been a revalation in Sacramento and while i'm not sure i'm 100% sold on him, he's going to be atleast servicable the rest of the year. Everyone on this squad is just doing their job and this is probably the deepest team outside of the Pelicans. While Pelicans is the clear favorite I don't think the Bulls are quite as far behind as people think, and Boogie isn't even back yet. Gonna be very fun to watch this Bulls team week in and week out. The Bulls finally get a challenge with the Knicks in week 4.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-0)- The Pelicans have cruised to a 3-0 start despite dealing with some injuries. Russ who has been awesome this year just done with what looked like a scary injury, Draymond just got hurt, and James Johnson has been out all year. It's still far to early to really worry about injury troubles with this squad, but it's something to keep an eye on. The Pelicans will face the Kings this next week.
News Items:
- Sixers win a huge one against Knicks- It's still early but the 6ers solidified themselves as title contenders with a huge early win against the Knicks. We knew KAT couldn't stay down forever and the young big man came alive with some monster games this week. The Knicks played really well and had a huge game from D-Rose but it wasn't quite enough
- The Jo-Jo Show- Embiid and his Sixers played 5 times this week. Embiid was amazing this week, although it just wasn't quite enough to lead the Lakers to a victory over the Mavs. Embiid has been dominant all year and the Lakers have to feel good about him being the cornerstone of their franchise moving forward.
- Hawks continue to show they are legit- Trey has had teams that have gotten off to flukey good starts before, but this team really seems legit. The Hawks made quick work of the lowly Bucks to the tune of 765+ fantasy points with Harden hurt almost all week. It's early but this Hawks team looks really good.
30. Milwaukee Bucks (0-3)- Giannis has been ridiculous this year, but these Bucks are in tough shape. It's a rebuilding year for them this year and I expect them to be back next year, but right now this team is basically just Giannis.
29. Charlotte Hornets (0-3) - The Hornets remain last in this weeks power rankings, but there was some improvement. Lonzo looks a lot more comfortable this year, and John Collins may be back soon-ish. The Hornets aren't good but at least it isn't all bad.
28. Boston Celtics (0-3)- The Celtics got crushed by the Raps in what should be pretty common all year long. The Celtics are bad, and honestly the supposed cornerstones in Jackson and Fultz still have a lot of work. This is a long term project in Boston.
27. Miami Heat (0-3) - The Heat fell to 0-3 with another loss this time to the Pacers. The Heat are still a year or two away, but the future is bright. Ayton, Bagley, and Fox all have had really exciting starts to the season.
26. Washington Wizards (0-3) - Yikes talk about a free fall. This Wizards team has been an easy playoff team every year that's not looking like the case this year. The Wizards got doubled up by the Bulls. Management has been actively looking for help picking up free agents here and there, but it's clear management needs to blow this thing up.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2) - The Thunder have had by far the most brutal start to the season, they're 0-2 but easily could be 2-0. Nonetheless they still have work to do. Bogey and Barton are hurt, but atleast Kyrie has started to pick it back up. The Thunder have a critical match-up this week against division rival Jazz.
24. Los Angeles Lakers (0-3) - The Lakers fell to 0-3 despite putting up 600+ points. This Lakers team really is set up to be good fairly soon. Embiid is a monster, Prince has shown flashes and Dunn will be back soon. A fun development for the Lakers is the resurgence of Serge Ibaka, expect him to be headed to a different city by the deadline.
23. Portland Trailblazers (1-1) - The Blazers lost a tough one to the Jazz and are now 1-1. The team needs Laurri back ASAP. Kemba is balling this year, and Beal has been okay, but outside of those two this Blazers team needs help. Maybe they sneak into the playoffs if Markkanen can get healthy but the Blazers are probably on the outside looking in on this one.
22. Utah Jazz (1-2) - Despite a really nice win the Jazz stay in the same spot, and it's mostly because this was kinda a fluky week and also because the Jazz finally moved on from Tristan. It was a smart move for the Jazz and helps create a lot more flexibility, but Tristan was one of the teams most productive pieces and as such the Jazz will score even probably a little less the rest of the way.
21. Houston Rockets (1-2)- The Rockets took a tough loss to the Clippers this week, and I'm still not quite sure where to peg this team. This team as a ton of depth but really no star power, so their production week to week really could swing a lot of different ways depending on which role players step up. The Rockets probably aren't quite a playoff team but there is a lot to like about this squad, and I could see them squeaking in if everything goes perfectly. Teague being out definitely hurts right now, but at least we are getting some Boban action.
20. Orlando Magic (1-2)- The Magic got a hueg win against the Pistons, but with 482 it really wasn't that impressive, it was more lucky Kawhi sat, and Kevin Love is out. The Magic have talent but through 3 weeks it's clear this team leans more towards pretender than actual contender. Kanter looks like he'll be coming off the bench this year, and Turner continues to be disappointing. Still a win is a win.
19. San Antonio Spurs (1-2)- The Spurs took a tough loss to the Kings, and it's tough when Ben Simmons plays five games in a week. Still this spurs team has been pretty underwhelming this year. Capela has been pretty good to start, and Danny Green and Ariza are playing well, but it is starting to become pretty clear this isn't a contender. The playoffs wouldn't surprise me, but this Spurs team needs some work.
18. Detroit Pistons (2-1)- The Pistons have had some good and some bad to start the year. The good- Zach Lavine has been amazing. He's balling out it doesn't look like he is going to stop anytime soon. The bad, Kevin Love is going to be out for awhile and the Cavs have no reason to rush him back. The Pistons lost a tough one to the Magic missing Kawhi for most of the week. If the Pistons can put everything together none of the top dogs will want to play this team in the playoffs.
17. Phoenix Suns (1-2)- The Suns moved up despite another loss- this week to the Pelicans. The Suns have had a tough schedule so this far so 1-2 isn't indicative of their play. Nonetheless they are still 1-2 and probably face a slight up hill climb if they want to make the playoffs. The team is just so deep and has been really fun to watch. The squad should get even deeper with Demarre Carroll coming back soon. Mo Bamba looks really good.
16. Cleveland Cavs (2-1)- The Cavs take a big jump this week for two reason. The first being they took care of business and improved to 2-1 after a win against the Hornets. Secondly the team added Tristan Thompson who is getting decent run in Cleveland. The Cavs probably aren't a true contender yet but they took a step forward. The Cavs will look to take advantage of a Wizards team that is in pretty bad shape right now.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-3)- I continue to fight for the Wolves but I can't have them higher than 14 after an 0-3 start. John Wall just doesn't look great right now, and AD isn't fully healthy either. Jaylen Brown is dealing with some foot problems and that has probably been the reason behind his slow start. Either way, chances are AD is going to get fully healthy, and John Wall and Brown will figure it out. This team isn't a title contender but they are a playoff team if they put it all together.
14. LA Clippers (2-1) - The Clippers got the job done against an upstart Rockets team. This Clippers team is going to be pretty up and down all year just because of the personnel. Jimmy is sitting out back to backs, Hassan has the potential to be a monster every night but also has a really low floor on any given night as well. On top of that Trae is the definition of boom or bust right now. This still is a really fun team and I team I like to make the playoffs. The Clippers will get the Grizzlies in week 4.
13. Indiana Pacers (2-1)- The Pacers beat the Heat and are right back on track after a tough loss to start the year. Drummond has put together a couple monster games, but the Pacers are going to need Mitchell to get right soon, and need guys like Adams, DSJ, and Randle to be more consistent throughout the year. The window for the Pacers is right now, so it's all in over in Indiana.
29. Charlotte Hornets (0-3) - The Hornets remain last in this weeks power rankings, but there was some improvement. Lonzo looks a lot more comfortable this year, and John Collins may be back soon-ish. The Hornets aren't good but at least it isn't all bad.
28. Boston Celtics (0-3)- The Celtics got crushed by the Raps in what should be pretty common all year long. The Celtics are bad, and honestly the supposed cornerstones in Jackson and Fultz still have a lot of work. This is a long term project in Boston.
27. Miami Heat (0-3) - The Heat fell to 0-3 with another loss this time to the Pacers. The Heat are still a year or two away, but the future is bright. Ayton, Bagley, and Fox all have had really exciting starts to the season.
26. Washington Wizards (0-3) - Yikes talk about a free fall. This Wizards team has been an easy playoff team every year that's not looking like the case this year. The Wizards got doubled up by the Bulls. Management has been actively looking for help picking up free agents here and there, but it's clear management needs to blow this thing up.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2) - The Thunder have had by far the most brutal start to the season, they're 0-2 but easily could be 2-0. Nonetheless they still have work to do. Bogey and Barton are hurt, but atleast Kyrie has started to pick it back up. The Thunder have a critical match-up this week against division rival Jazz.
24. Los Angeles Lakers (0-3) - The Lakers fell to 0-3 despite putting up 600+ points. This Lakers team really is set up to be good fairly soon. Embiid is a monster, Prince has shown flashes and Dunn will be back soon. A fun development for the Lakers is the resurgence of Serge Ibaka, expect him to be headed to a different city by the deadline.
23. Portland Trailblazers (1-1) - The Blazers lost a tough one to the Jazz and are now 1-1. The team needs Laurri back ASAP. Kemba is balling this year, and Beal has been okay, but outside of those two this Blazers team needs help. Maybe they sneak into the playoffs if Markkanen can get healthy but the Blazers are probably on the outside looking in on this one.
22. Utah Jazz (1-2) - Despite a really nice win the Jazz stay in the same spot, and it's mostly because this was kinda a fluky week and also because the Jazz finally moved on from Tristan. It was a smart move for the Jazz and helps create a lot more flexibility, but Tristan was one of the teams most productive pieces and as such the Jazz will score even probably a little less the rest of the way.
21. Houston Rockets (1-2)- The Rockets took a tough loss to the Clippers this week, and I'm still not quite sure where to peg this team. This team as a ton of depth but really no star power, so their production week to week really could swing a lot of different ways depending on which role players step up. The Rockets probably aren't quite a playoff team but there is a lot to like about this squad, and I could see them squeaking in if everything goes perfectly. Teague being out definitely hurts right now, but at least we are getting some Boban action.
20. Orlando Magic (1-2)- The Magic got a hueg win against the Pistons, but with 482 it really wasn't that impressive, it was more lucky Kawhi sat, and Kevin Love is out. The Magic have talent but through 3 weeks it's clear this team leans more towards pretender than actual contender. Kanter looks like he'll be coming off the bench this year, and Turner continues to be disappointing. Still a win is a win.
19. San Antonio Spurs (1-2)- The Spurs took a tough loss to the Kings, and it's tough when Ben Simmons plays five games in a week. Still this spurs team has been pretty underwhelming this year. Capela has been pretty good to start, and Danny Green and Ariza are playing well, but it is starting to become pretty clear this isn't a contender. The playoffs wouldn't surprise me, but this Spurs team needs some work.
18. Detroit Pistons (2-1)- The Pistons have had some good and some bad to start the year. The good- Zach Lavine has been amazing. He's balling out it doesn't look like he is going to stop anytime soon. The bad, Kevin Love is going to be out for awhile and the Cavs have no reason to rush him back. The Pistons lost a tough one to the Magic missing Kawhi for most of the week. If the Pistons can put everything together none of the top dogs will want to play this team in the playoffs.
17. Phoenix Suns (1-2)- The Suns moved up despite another loss- this week to the Pelicans. The Suns have had a tough schedule so this far so 1-2 isn't indicative of their play. Nonetheless they are still 1-2 and probably face a slight up hill climb if they want to make the playoffs. The team is just so deep and has been really fun to watch. The squad should get even deeper with Demarre Carroll coming back soon. Mo Bamba looks really good.
16. Cleveland Cavs (2-1)- The Cavs take a big jump this week for two reason. The first being they took care of business and improved to 2-1 after a win against the Hornets. Secondly the team added Tristan Thompson who is getting decent run in Cleveland. The Cavs probably aren't a true contender yet but they took a step forward. The Cavs will look to take advantage of a Wizards team that is in pretty bad shape right now.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-3)- I continue to fight for the Wolves but I can't have them higher than 14 after an 0-3 start. John Wall just doesn't look great right now, and AD isn't fully healthy either. Jaylen Brown is dealing with some foot problems and that has probably been the reason behind his slow start. Either way, chances are AD is going to get fully healthy, and John Wall and Brown will figure it out. This team isn't a title contender but they are a playoff team if they put it all together.
14. LA Clippers (2-1) - The Clippers got the job done against an upstart Rockets team. This Clippers team is going to be pretty up and down all year just because of the personnel. Jimmy is sitting out back to backs, Hassan has the potential to be a monster every night but also has a really low floor on any given night as well. On top of that Trae is the definition of boom or bust right now. This still is a really fun team and I team I like to make the playoffs. The Clippers will get the Grizzlies in week 4.
13. Indiana Pacers (2-1)- The Pacers beat the Heat and are right back on track after a tough loss to start the year. Drummond has put together a couple monster games, but the Pacers are going to need Mitchell to get right soon, and need guys like Adams, DSJ, and Randle to be more consistent throughout the year. The window for the Pacers is right now, so it's all in over in Indiana.
12. Sacramento Kings (2-1)- The Kings got a big win against the Spurs on the back of fives games from Ben Simmons. The Kings are good, but they are a tier below the top teams right now. They need more Goran, Gordon, and CJ. The Kings play the league's top dog in the Pelicans in week 4 and will need some big performances for an upset.
11. Dallas Mavericks (2-1)- After a tough week 1 the Mavs have rebounded beautifully. This week the Mavs took down a hot Lakers squad despite monster performances from Joel Embiid. The Mavs are clearly led by Lebron James, but Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay have been really solid as the guys behind Lebron this year. Gasol, Gay, and Lebron are the guys on this team so it is clear the window is right now. Not sure if the Mavs are a contender but they're a playoff team right now.
10. Atlanta Hawks (2-1)- Wow go Trey. After a week 1 loss Trey's Hawks have rebounded and are now at 2-1. The Hawks took care of the Bucks easily en route to 700+ points, without Harden for most of the week. Lillard is locked in and the bench around Harden and him have been so solid this year. I'm not ready to call this team a championship contender but this is the most legit team Trey has ever put together.
9. New York Knicks (1-1)- The Knicks remain in the same spot as last week after a tough loss to the 76ers. The match-up definately lived up to the hype, and the Knicks really couldn't have played much better, Klay went off and broke the record for most threes in a game, and Derrick Rose turned back the clock and dropped 50. It's a tough loss but the Knicks have to like where the squad is at right now.
8. Toronto Raptors (3-0)- After a down year Perk and the Raps are back. They won about as easy a game as you can get against the Celtics. The pre-tip off trade that sent Hayward and Bradley to Sacramento for Lowry has to be considered as one of the top moves of the off-season. Lowry continues to ball out and doesn't look like he'll be slowing down anytime soon. I still need to see a prove it to me win before I start calling this team elite, and week 4 is the perfect place to start as the Raps will head down to Brooklyn.
7. Brooklyn Nets (2-0)- The Nets had the week off but continue to look like a front runner in the East. Kevin Durant has been completely locked in to start the season. Caris Levert has taken a big leap, and while Aaron Gordon is off to a little bit of a slow start i'm sure the 40 million dollar man will figure things out. Doncic has been as good as you could ask of a 19 year old so things are looking pretty good in Brooklyn. The Nets will face their first real test in the Toronto Raptors week 4.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (2-1)- The Grizzlies drop a spot from last week with a tough loss to the Warriors. Portis is out which hurts, but he should be back in time for the playoffs so that's really all that matters. Chris Paul hasn't quite been himself this year, but he came alive against Brooklyn this week to remind us just how good he is. WCS continues to play well, and DJ just looks comfortable in Dallas. The Grizzlies will look to rebound against a solid Clippers team.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)- The Sixers won a a huge game over the Knicks this week. It's early but those are the type of wins that you look back at down the line before the playoffs. KAT had some monster games, and with Harden out Melo had a productive string of games as well. The big X-factor has been the play of Demar Derozan, he's really embraced his move to San Antonio and is balling out. 76ers look real good to start they year.
4. Denver Nuggets (2-0)- The Nuggets enjoyed the week off a made a splash of a trade. They acquired Paul George and Thad Young for Nikola Vucevic and Ricky Rubio in a trade that many feel they won. They are as deep as anyone in the league and will look to continue their unbeaten run against a Lakers team that has yet to win a game. Victor Oladipo finally started to come alive and that bodes well for this teams championship hopes.
3. Golden State Warriors (3-0)- The Warriors got a huge win against the Grizzlies and have gotten off to a really nice 3-0 start. Caleb took some heat for his trade, but he isn't backing down from Pels and will continue to do what he can to try and win his first championship in basketball dynasty 26. Blake and Steph are playing amazing basketball right now, and the rest of the team continues to chip in night after night. It doesn't get any easier for the Warriors as they head to Dallas to played Royce's squad.
2. Chicago Bulls (3-0)- Pels gets all the hype in the league as the top squad, and it's deserved, but this Bulls team has been just on fire since the season started. Nemanja has been a revalation in Sacramento and while i'm not sure i'm 100% sold on him, he's going to be atleast servicable the rest of the year. Everyone on this squad is just doing their job and this is probably the deepest team outside of the Pelicans. While Pelicans is the clear favorite I don't think the Bulls are quite as far behind as people think, and Boogie isn't even back yet. Gonna be very fun to watch this Bulls team week in and week out. The Bulls finally get a challenge with the Knicks in week 4.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (3-0)- The Pelicans have cruised to a 3-0 start despite dealing with some injuries. Russ who has been awesome this year just done with what looked like a scary injury, Draymond just got hurt, and James Johnson has been out all year. It's still far to early to really worry about injury troubles with this squad, but it's something to keep an eye on. The Pelicans will face the Kings this next week.
