Baseless Bayless Power Rankings
Jan 2, 2017 15:31:00 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors (Caleb), Grizzlies GM (Royce), and 3 more like this
Post by Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst) on Jan 2, 2017 15:31:00 GMT -5
Hello it's Skip Bayless aka "Baseless" Bayless here. This is the first edition of my Bball 26 power rankings through 10 weeks of the regular season. Maybe I can do better than those before me and actually keep it going for more than one week. For the top 15 teams, I include one reason why the team is ranked where it is ranked, and one concern for the future. Instead of one concern, the bottom 15 teams have one silver lining to consider heading into the final 5 weeks of the season. Also, don't forget to catch my new show UNDISPUTED on FS1 every morning 10est/9ct
1.
Memphis Grizzlies (10-0) GM: Memphis Grizzlies (Luke)
Just knocked off the previously undefeated Warriors with a league high 903 points. Heading into a bye week, the team is looking good, but Tim Frazier has fallen out of the Pelican's rotation and hurts the Grizz's depth.
2.
Utah Jazz (9-0) GM: Charlotte Hornets (TJ)
The Jazz are rolling along as the other undefeated team in the league at the moment. The schedule has been kind to them so far, but an upcoming four game finish against Sacramento, Golden State, Memphis, and Dallas will test the championship merit of this team.
3.
Golden State Warriors (8-1) GM: Golden State Warriors (Caleb)
A tough loss to the Grizz is no concern because 870 points would have beaten almost any other team this week. As we reach the second half of the season, key guys like Brook Lopez and Batum will need to be monitored closely as they have a lengthy history of injuries that could affect their availability for a championship run.
4.
Atlanta Hawks (9-1) GM: John
An impressive win over the previously undefeated Bucks launches them over the Bucks in the rankings. The magic of Harrell could fade quick when Capela returns and Rose's health can never be taken for granted.
5.
Milwaukee Bucks (8-1) GM: Milwaukee Bucks (Jacob)
The magic of CP3 and Giannis has carried this team thus far to an impressive 8-1 record. CP3 has become increasingly injury prone over the past few years, especially during the second half of the season. If this trend continues, this team will have a tough time making it far in the playoffs.
6.
Detroit Pistons (8-1) GM: Detroit Pistons (Irwin)
Deeeeetroit Basketballllll is back with Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Love, and Zach Lavine leading the way. What is even more impressive is George Hill has been out the majority of the season and they're still 8-1. This is one of the more all around teams out there, but guys like Lavine and Hill could all regress in the second half of the season as they're performing above expectations thus far.
7.
San Antonio Spurs (9-1) GM: San Antonio Spurs (Chris)
My San Antonio Spurs are riding a 9 game win streak without one true star. The lack of starpower on this team will hurt them and I expect them to come falling back to earth after a brutal three game stretch against the Grizzlies, Warriors, and Mavericks to end the year.
8.
Chicago Bulls (6-3) GM: Chicago Bulls (Charlie)
Charlie has put together a star-studded and deep enough team that's better than their 6-3 record shows. The biggest concern is the status of Rajon Rondo, who has worn out his welcome on yet another team.
9.
Dallas Mavericks (7-3) GM: Grizzlies GM (Royce)
James Harden has led this team almost single-handedly to a 7-3 record. Trading Brook Lopez for Tobias Harris and Troy Daniels has worked out so far with Harris blossoming off the bench in Detroit. The health of Andrew Bogut and JJ Barea is a huge concern as both have missed chunks of time thus far this season.
10.
Denver Nuggets (7-2) GM: Denver Nuggets (Kevin)
This is a team that I expect to only rise in the power rankings from here on out. Favors and Malcolm Brogdon are improving while KD has fit in seamlessly at Golden State. The PG spot is the biggest concern for this team is Brogdon does not keep up his recent hot streak. Darren Collison and Beno Udrih have not gotten the job done.
11.
Toronto Raptors (7-2) GM: Toronto Raptors (Perk)
Draymond Green hasn't fell of one bit after the addition of Durant. The midseason trade for Avery Bradley has really improved this team. After investing a high pick in Devin Booker, the Raptors have to be disappointed with his 18 FPG through 10 weeks. They will need him to improve to become a true contender.
12.
Washington Wizards (7-3) GM: Washington Wizards (octstuff)
The emergence of Otto Porter coupled with reemergence of Dwight Howard has made this team a force to deal with so far. The main concern is whether or not this team has the depth to keep up with the big dogs in the East.
13.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-4) GM: Philadelphia 76ers (Chris)
Embiid has made 76ers fans trust "The Process" so far. Zingod's continued development is a plus for this team. This team has very little depth and won't be able to hold up if any of its key players suffers an injury.
14.
Indiana Pacers (5-4) GM: Indiana Pacers (Jon)
Westbrook, Westbrook, and more Westbrook. Nerlens Noel getting traded to a better situation could push this team to the next level. My biggest concern is any dropoff from Westbrook as he is currently having a absolutely ridiculous season.
15.
Sacramento Kings (6-3) GM: Sacramento Kings (Dave)
After a hot start to the year, Blake Griffin's injury has torpedoed this team's production. With Griffin out a few more weeks, this 3 game losing streak could stretch even longer.
16.
New York Knicks (4-5) GM: New York Knicks (Tyler)
The Knicks have struggled to a 4-5 record so far, but have shown signs of life in recent weeks. The improvement of TJ Warren and Stanley Johnson could help this team to a big last 5 weeks.
17.
Oklahoma City Thunder (3-6) GM: Oklahoma City Thunder (Loren)
Millsap is having another monster season and will continue to carry this team. The potential return of Jeremy Lin will help this team a bunch.
18.
Los Angeles Lakers (3-6) GM: @justin1
PG13 and Serge Ibaka are performing very well so far, but there is still room for growth. If Demarcus Cousins gets traded, WCS could become a beast.
19.
Miami Heat (3-7) GM: Heat GM (Bryan)
This team needs to get rid of some of its old players if they don't plan to compete this year. Trading Gasol, Wade, and Marvin Williams could net this team some valuable young assets/picks.
20.
Charlotte Hornets (3-7) GM: @wolvesgm
This team has nothing notable to speak of right now behind Marc Gasol. Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram should only improve from here on out which will really help this team reach its potential. The future is very bright.
21.
Phoenix Suns (3-6) GM: @kevin124
Kris Dunn hasn't played well enough to supplant Rubio thus far and another Alec Burks injury doesn't help. Schroder has played very well so far in his new role as the starting PG for the Hawks. If he continues to improve, he could reach 30 FPG territory soon enough.
22.
Houston Rockets (2-8) GM: @zoolander
Whether its for lack of GM activity or lack of cap space, this team's lack of depth has killed them. They should be much better than they currently are with the play of Harrison Barnes and Horford above expectations. Fans of this team will have cause for excitement if the GM starts to make moves. Big if...
23.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2-7) GM: Boston Celtics (Brandon)
Anthony Davis has been relatively healthy so far, but this team is still a disappointing 2-7. Exum is only a year or so removed from his ACL injury so he could still be working himself into game shape. He should improve.
24.
Brooklyn Nets (2-7) GM: Josh
The tank hasn't panned out so far as this team is 2-7 and above some of the worst teams in the league. Jabari Parker is awesome and the cap space this team has in the future is very promising.
25.
Orlando Magic (1-9) GM: Orlando Magic (Perry)
I'm actually very surprised this team is 1-9. Are they not setting their lineup? Hmmmm. The return of Cam Payne will help and Myles Turner will continue to develop into a monster.
26.
Portland Trailblazers (1-8) GM: @camel
Wiggins not being able to provide more peripheral stats is definitely a concern. Chandler Parsons is finally getting healthy, and this could help the Blazers make noise at the finish line. Albeit most likely white noise.
27.
Los Angeles Clippers (0-9) GM: Atlanta Hawks (Trey)
Trey somehow has 0 wins again, but Simmons has been hurt and Tyreke Evans is just getting back. IT has been absolutely sensational and this team can make real noise as well towards the end of the year.
28.
Boston Celtics (1-8) GM: Yacob (freelance idiot)
Yacob has blown up this team, but it has a bright future because of it. Trading Rondo was a good move and nabbing Dirk can give them some short term production. Jokic has turned it around after a slow start and it looks like he will be a beast from here on out. Unlike the other teams near the bottom of this list, Yacob is one of the best owners in the league and the team will be just fine.
29.
Cleveland Cavaliers (1-8) GM: Cleveland Cavaliers (Jon)
Not sure how this team is that bad, but they are. Buddy Hield doesn't look good so far. If Larry Nance returns and has a sizable role in the rotation he could bring some optimism to an otherwise dismal season.
30.
New Orleans Pelicans (0-10) GM: New Orleans Pelicans (Alex)
Jeez, 0-10. Drummond hasn't been able to help this team win a game and the big contracts of Delly and Gerald Henderson cloud the future of this team. Justice is coming along nicely and Portis needs to get better.
1.
Memphis Grizzlies (10-0) GM: Memphis Grizzlies (Luke) Just knocked off the previously undefeated Warriors with a league high 903 points. Heading into a bye week, the team is looking good, but Tim Frazier has fallen out of the Pelican's rotation and hurts the Grizz's depth.
2.
Utah Jazz (9-0) GM: Charlotte Hornets (TJ) The Jazz are rolling along as the other undefeated team in the league at the moment. The schedule has been kind to them so far, but an upcoming four game finish against Sacramento, Golden State, Memphis, and Dallas will test the championship merit of this team.
3.
Golden State Warriors (8-1) GM: Golden State Warriors (Caleb) A tough loss to the Grizz is no concern because 870 points would have beaten almost any other team this week. As we reach the second half of the season, key guys like Brook Lopez and Batum will need to be monitored closely as they have a lengthy history of injuries that could affect their availability for a championship run.
4.
Atlanta Hawks (9-1) GM: John An impressive win over the previously undefeated Bucks launches them over the Bucks in the rankings. The magic of Harrell could fade quick when Capela returns and Rose's health can never be taken for granted.
5.
Milwaukee Bucks (8-1) GM: Milwaukee Bucks (Jacob) The magic of CP3 and Giannis has carried this team thus far to an impressive 8-1 record. CP3 has become increasingly injury prone over the past few years, especially during the second half of the season. If this trend continues, this team will have a tough time making it far in the playoffs.
6.
Detroit Pistons (8-1) GM: Detroit Pistons (Irwin) Deeeeetroit Basketballllll is back with Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Love, and Zach Lavine leading the way. What is even more impressive is George Hill has been out the majority of the season and they're still 8-1. This is one of the more all around teams out there, but guys like Lavine and Hill could all regress in the second half of the season as they're performing above expectations thus far.
7.
San Antonio Spurs (9-1) GM: San Antonio Spurs (Chris) My San Antonio Spurs are riding a 9 game win streak without one true star. The lack of starpower on this team will hurt them and I expect them to come falling back to earth after a brutal three game stretch against the Grizzlies, Warriors, and Mavericks to end the year.
8.
Chicago Bulls (6-3) GM: Chicago Bulls (Charlie) Charlie has put together a star-studded and deep enough team that's better than their 6-3 record shows. The biggest concern is the status of Rajon Rondo, who has worn out his welcome on yet another team.
9.
Dallas Mavericks (7-3) GM: Grizzlies GM (Royce) James Harden has led this team almost single-handedly to a 7-3 record. Trading Brook Lopez for Tobias Harris and Troy Daniels has worked out so far with Harris blossoming off the bench in Detroit. The health of Andrew Bogut and JJ Barea is a huge concern as both have missed chunks of time thus far this season.
10.
Denver Nuggets (7-2) GM: Denver Nuggets (Kevin) This is a team that I expect to only rise in the power rankings from here on out. Favors and Malcolm Brogdon are improving while KD has fit in seamlessly at Golden State. The PG spot is the biggest concern for this team is Brogdon does not keep up his recent hot streak. Darren Collison and Beno Udrih have not gotten the job done.
11.
Toronto Raptors (7-2) GM: Toronto Raptors (Perk) Draymond Green hasn't fell of one bit after the addition of Durant. The midseason trade for Avery Bradley has really improved this team. After investing a high pick in Devin Booker, the Raptors have to be disappointed with his 18 FPG through 10 weeks. They will need him to improve to become a true contender.
12.
Washington Wizards (7-3) GM: Washington Wizards (octstuff) The emergence of Otto Porter coupled with reemergence of Dwight Howard has made this team a force to deal with so far. The main concern is whether or not this team has the depth to keep up with the big dogs in the East.
13.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-4) GM: Philadelphia 76ers (Chris) Embiid has made 76ers fans trust "The Process" so far. Zingod's continued development is a plus for this team. This team has very little depth and won't be able to hold up if any of its key players suffers an injury.
14.
Indiana Pacers (5-4) GM: Indiana Pacers (Jon) Westbrook, Westbrook, and more Westbrook. Nerlens Noel getting traded to a better situation could push this team to the next level. My biggest concern is any dropoff from Westbrook as he is currently having a absolutely ridiculous season.
15.
Sacramento Kings (6-3) GM: Sacramento Kings (Dave) After a hot start to the year, Blake Griffin's injury has torpedoed this team's production. With Griffin out a few more weeks, this 3 game losing streak could stretch even longer.
16.
New York Knicks (4-5) GM: New York Knicks (Tyler) The Knicks have struggled to a 4-5 record so far, but have shown signs of life in recent weeks. The improvement of TJ Warren and Stanley Johnson could help this team to a big last 5 weeks.
17.
Oklahoma City Thunder (3-6) GM: Oklahoma City Thunder (Loren) Millsap is having another monster season and will continue to carry this team. The potential return of Jeremy Lin will help this team a bunch.
18.
Los Angeles Lakers (3-6) GM: @justin1 PG13 and Serge Ibaka are performing very well so far, but there is still room for growth. If Demarcus Cousins gets traded, WCS could become a beast.
19.
Miami Heat (3-7) GM: Heat GM (Bryan) This team needs to get rid of some of its old players if they don't plan to compete this year. Trading Gasol, Wade, and Marvin Williams could net this team some valuable young assets/picks.
20.
Charlotte Hornets (3-7) GM: @wolvesgm This team has nothing notable to speak of right now behind Marc Gasol. Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram should only improve from here on out which will really help this team reach its potential. The future is very bright.
21.
Phoenix Suns (3-6) GM: @kevin124 Kris Dunn hasn't played well enough to supplant Rubio thus far and another Alec Burks injury doesn't help. Schroder has played very well so far in his new role as the starting PG for the Hawks. If he continues to improve, he could reach 30 FPG territory soon enough.
22.
Houston Rockets (2-8) GM: @zoolander Whether its for lack of GM activity or lack of cap space, this team's lack of depth has killed them. They should be much better than they currently are with the play of Harrison Barnes and Horford above expectations. Fans of this team will have cause for excitement if the GM starts to make moves. Big if...
23.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2-7) GM: Boston Celtics (Brandon) Anthony Davis has been relatively healthy so far, but this team is still a disappointing 2-7. Exum is only a year or so removed from his ACL injury so he could still be working himself into game shape. He should improve.
24.
Brooklyn Nets (2-7) GM: Josh The tank hasn't panned out so far as this team is 2-7 and above some of the worst teams in the league. Jabari Parker is awesome and the cap space this team has in the future is very promising.
25.
Orlando Magic (1-9) GM: Orlando Magic (Perry) I'm actually very surprised this team is 1-9. Are they not setting their lineup? Hmmmm. The return of Cam Payne will help and Myles Turner will continue to develop into a monster.
26.
Portland Trailblazers (1-8) GM: @camel Wiggins not being able to provide more peripheral stats is definitely a concern. Chandler Parsons is finally getting healthy, and this could help the Blazers make noise at the finish line. Albeit most likely white noise.
27.
Los Angeles Clippers (0-9) GM: Atlanta Hawks (Trey) Trey somehow has 0 wins again, but Simmons has been hurt and Tyreke Evans is just getting back. IT has been absolutely sensational and this team can make real noise as well towards the end of the year.
28.
Boston Celtics (1-8) GM: Yacob (freelance idiot) Yacob has blown up this team, but it has a bright future because of it. Trading Rondo was a good move and nabbing Dirk can give them some short term production. Jokic has turned it around after a slow start and it looks like he will be a beast from here on out. Unlike the other teams near the bottom of this list, Yacob is one of the best owners in the league and the team will be just fine.
29.
Cleveland Cavaliers (1-8) GM: Cleveland Cavaliers (Jon) Not sure how this team is that bad, but they are. Buddy Hield doesn't look good so far. If Larry Nance returns and has a sizable role in the rotation he could bring some optimism to an otherwise dismal season.
30.
New Orleans Pelicans (0-10) GM: New Orleans Pelicans (Alex) Jeez, 0-10. Drummond hasn't been able to help this team win a game and the big contracts of Delly and Gerald Henderson cloud the future of this team. Justice is coming along nicely and Portis needs to get better.
