Week 2 Power Rankings
Oct 21, 2018 23:09:07 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors (Caleb), Toronto Raptors (Perk), and 8 more like this
Post by The Athletic on Oct 21, 2018 23:09:07 GMT -5
Hey everyone! A terrific week one is in the books, and what a week it was! We had some incredible individual performances, some down to the wire matchups, and some questions about teams during the first six days of action. Today, I'm going to recap the biggest news items of the week, along with getting to our first power rankings of the 2018 season. A couple teams have already made me feel sheepish from my season previews edition. Here we go!
News Items
30. Miami Heat (0-1) - The Miami are still probably the worst team in the league right now, but i'm sure they don't mind because they have their first. Things are looking a lot more encouraging down in south beach. Ayton and Bagley showed some really fun flashes of brilliance in the first week and it's going to be really fun to watch their development. Good things are coming soon for the Heat.
29. Charlotte Hornets (0-1) - Ouch. A really tough start to the season for a Hornets team that almost grabbed a playoff spot last year. The John Collins injury couldn't have come at a worse time, and while they'll rise more when he comes back, they are going to struggle to score while hes out. Hornets has refused to move Ingram or Ball and it looks like both will need a little time to get used to Bron. Still a lot of potential but it may be a rough season in Charlotte.
28. Boston Celtics (0-0) - The Celtics had the dreaded opening week bye. The Celtics may not be good this year, but they have a lot of young talent. Fultz flashed some talent, Josh Jackson looks like he has worked on his jumper, and I'm all aboard the SGA hype train. This will be a rebuilding season in Boston, but there's a lot of fun talent to keep an eye on.
27. Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) - Wow how this team has fallen from the past two years. This team is Giannis and that's about it. Joe Ingles had a couple good games, but he'll most likely be trade bait for a team that looks to rebuild and make another push next year. The Bucks really are missing Kristaps.
26. LA Lakers (0-1) - The Lakers were without Dunn this week and that kinda is factored into the ranking. They're probably a better team on paper than the Rockets when everyone is healthy but because of their loss I can't rank them higher. The Lakers will have some big weeks, and should finish the year higher than 26, but with their bad week and loss to likely bottom dweller Houston I have him as worst team out West right now. Joel looks locked in for a big year though.
25. Houston Rockets (1-0) - The Rockets got off a nice start with a win against the Lakers. Harrison Barnes will provide a boost, but this team likely still isn't a playoff team. Teague looks to be aggressive this year, and could be a pretty useful trade chip moving forward. The Rockets will have a tough week 2 match up against the Warriors.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) - Tough loss for the Thunder in the opening week of the season as they got absolutely waxed by the league's best team. It looks like Kyrie is going to have to work his way back with so many options for Boston. Another concerning development is KO's playing time, Sabonis also still looks to be a reserve this year. Bogdan and Roberson are still out, and this team will win some games, but for now 24 is about right.
23. Washington Wizards (0-1) - The Wizards got smacked by the Knicks in the opening week and there are definitely some holes on this team. Russ just came back so Schroeder's increased usage only lasted for a couple games. Reggie Jackson is starting in Detroit but doesn't look like a franchise piece. JV is a beast but looks to be used based on match-ups instead of being an every night option. Otto's usage is also down. There's a lot of basketball left, but things don't look to great in DC.
22. Utah Jazz (0-1) - The Jazz wasted a monster week from Niko in what was probably a must win game for them. There is talent on this team, but it's not going to be enough to make any real type of run, wonder if Utah decides to blow things up.
21. Phoenix Suns (0-1) - The Suns had a really solid week 1, but just ran into a buzz-saw in the LA Clippers. I was pretty down on this team in the off-season but there are a lot of really fun pieces. The newly cashed out Gary Harris had a big week, and it looks like Jarrett Allen is going to be a really valuable piece moving forward. The Suns stock is on the rise.
20. Portland Trailblazers (0-0) - The Blazers had a bye week opening week. There were some positives and negatives to take away from week 1. It looks like Kemba is going to have a pretty big year in a much more up tempo Hornets offense. Bryn Forbes will be playing a lot more minutes moving forward and looked ready to handle it. Lauri is still out which hurts, and it remains to be seen if Wiggins can take a step forward in his consistency. This Blazers talent level is probably higher than 20, but with the uncertainty this is where I have them now.
19. Cleveland Cavs (1-0) - The Cavs got a huge win against an Eastern title contender Indiana Pacers. Most would probably have them higher but I'm not going to overreact. This team has a lot of talent and Jokic should have an absolute monster year, but he's going to need more help. He won't have a 94 point game every week, so I'm going to need to see a little bit more before I move Cavs too high up. Great week 1 result though, the Cavs head to Atlanta for a huge game next week.
18. Detroit Pistons (1-0) - The Pistons got a very important W against the Milwaukee Bucks in week 1. The Pistons have a really nice trio with Leonard, Lavine, and Kevin Love. There really is no depth around them, but those three alone are going to win this team some games. Detroit host the rebuilding Heat next week.
17. Dallas Mavericks (0-1)- The Mavs got killed by the defending champs and it looks like they might be in some trouble. Lebron is still Lebron, but his usage is down in LA. The Murray injury hurts a ton, and Gasol hasn't quite looked like himself yet. Still Lebron and Gasol alone will win this team some games, but Dallas is in trouble.
16. Orlando Magic (0-1)- The Magic had a tough loss at the hands of new Eastern power house Brooklyn Nets. Turner is apparently in the best shape of his life, but still needs become more consistent before being considered a star. Enes looked awesome, and Tatum is just incredible. The Magic will be in a playoff fight all year, but could use depth moving forward.
15. Atlanta Hawks (0-1)- The Hawks took a tough luck loss against last year's Eastern Conference champ Bulls. Trey's Hawks look like a threat this year. Lillard and Harden are as good a 1-2 combo in the league, and it actually looks like the two will get some help from guys like Harrell, Harris, Zeller, and Wes. The Hawks head to Cleveland for a huge early season match-up with the Cavs.
14. San Antonio Spurs (1-0)- The Spurs got a huge week 1 win against Tj's Jazz. Chris knows how to win ball games. The team lacks star power, but Capela and Batum look locked in for big years. Danny Green looks like he's foudn a nice home in Toronto and Payton looks like he's in for a big year in New Orleans. BTW Chris ESPN never let us add the points. Luckily it didn't cost the W but we will have it documented in case it comes into effect for playoff seeding / draft order. GoSpursGo.
13. LA Clippers (1-0)- Clippers came out with an absolute week 1 bang. This team looks ready to really compete out West. Trae Young went absolutely pyshco in his first week as a pro and so i'm going to wait a little bit longer before having Clippers too high. Either way, Trea, Hassan, Jimmy, and Dwight is a very solid top 4. The Clippers head to Sacramento for a huge week 2 match-up. If they go beat the Kings expect a leap into the top 10 next week.
12. Indiana Pacers (0-1)- I'm still very high on this Pacers team but I can't have them higher than 12 after a week one loss to the Cavs. The Pacers would have won if they started Huerter and it still took an insane effort from Jokic to even have the Cavs in position, but that's why the games are played. The Pacers are still loaded and should look to bounce back in week two match-up against the lowly Bucks.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) - The Timberwolves had a really nice week one with 500+ points, but suffered a tough loss to a very good Memphis Grizzlies team. It's clear this team is led by John Wall and Anthony Davis and with that duo there they will be in every single game. Outside of those two it gets a little bare. Looney looked good, and Jaylen, Wendell, and Carter Jr. are talented but they need to show more consistency. The Wolves head to Dallas in a game they are favored to win.
10. Toronto Raptors (1-0)- The Raptors probably had the most impressive week 1 performance relative to where they were/are predicted to finish. The Raps led the East in scoring with a monstrous 587 point performance. Still it's unlikely Nik has the week he has again, Jae had a very good week, and who knows how long Gallo will be healthy. It was a great performance from the Raptors, but i'm going to have to see more before I move this team into say the top 5. Raptors head to Orlando for a big week 2 game.
9. Sacramento Kings (0-1)- The Kings suffered a tough week 1 loss to division rival Warriors, but played well overall. They had some tough injury luck with Hayward, Simmons, and Wilson Chandler all missing time. I can't have them higher than 9 because of the loss, but this is still a very good team. Look for them to bounce back with a huge divisional game against the surging Clippers.
8. New York Knicks (1-0)- This top eight gets pretty tricky and for now I am going to go with the lowest scoring of the eight this week and the New York Knicks. This was a self-proclaimed rebuild year for the Knicks that kinda sorta turned back into a competing year. The Knicks are focused more on the future, but have still put together a very good roster. They probably aren't a title contender yet, but very easily could be. Jrue and Middleton are two of the most underrated players in the game. The Knicks get the week off in week two.
7. Brooklyn Nets (1-0)- The Nets got their season off to a really good start with a win against a pesky Magic team. The team looks looked and loaded and Durant and Aaron Gordon are both in for big years. Doncic showed why the Nets traded Donovan for him, and his game really is tailor made for a league like this. A sneaky development is the play of Caris Levert. He looks like he could be the third man and a star for this Nets team. The sky is the limit for this Nets team.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (1-0)- It wasn't looking good at the start but the Grizzlies pulled out a huge win against the Twolves. This team is unbelievably deep. WCS looks to have taken a leap, Chris Paul is elite in this league, Portis is in for a big year, and Deandre looks really good in Dallas. This team is probably more talented top to bottom then the Nuggets and maybe even the Warriors but I have them here to show respect to the defending champs. The Grizz will head to LA to play the Lakers and should be on their way to a 2-0 start.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (1-0)- The 76ers whalloped the Hornets in the opening week and have solidified themselves as a title contender. They were at the top of league in scoring without any real monster games from KAT and those games will come. Reke has a solid role in Indy, Demar looks comfortable in SA, and D-Russ is getting better in Brooklyn. The team is deep and has stars, and that's a dangerous combo. Philly heads to Washington to face a decent team in the Wizards, but a team they should have no trouble beating.
4. Chicago Bulls (1-0)- The Bulls got the job done against a really sneaky good Hawks team in week 1. The Bulls are without Demarcus Cousins for awhile, but they should have no trouble rolling their way through the East. Tobias and Lamarcus will look to do the heavy lifting most of the year, but the Bulls have a lot of depth as well. The Bulls have an easy week 2 match-up against the rebuilding Hornets in week 2.
3. Golden State Warriors (1-0)- The Warriors got a huge week 1 win against their division rival Sacramento Kings. The team will obviously be led by Steph, Blake, and PG all year. Aslong as those three are healthy they'll have a shot to beat anybody in the league, but health is obviously not a given. Kevin Knox is out for a little bit, but McGruder has stepped up huge so far.
2. Denver Nuggets (1-0)- The Nuggets started the week slow, but by the weekend they were back to their ways from last year. The Nuggets easily handled the Mavs and are right back on track. Vucevic is one of the most underrated players in the game and should continue to be a monster. Vic hasn't fully rounded into form, but this Nuggets team is one of the deepest in the league. The Nuggets have the week off this week.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-0)- Dear God this is a special squad. Despite injuries to James Johnson and Russell Westbrook, this team still was at the top of the league in terms of scoring. This team has virtually no weaknesses and Pelicans has been a prime example of turning picks into assets. At this point it's basically them against the field. It's going to take some injuries and another team getting hot to knock them off, but hey that's why we play the games. The Pelicans will head to Utah to push poor TJ's shit in. It'll get ugly.
Week 2 Match-up of the Week: LA Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings
That's about it for this week, thanks for tuning in.
News Items
- Kyle Lowry leads Raptors to the highest score out East
After a pretty disappointing year last year, The Raptors seem to be back in the thick of it out East. Kyle led the Raps to a monster scoring week as they easily disposed of the lowly heat. Lowry looks to be locked in for a big year and while it's still early it looks like this Raptors team could be a true championship contender. - Cavaliers go into Indiana and upset the Pacers
When the Cavs traded Kyrie Irving for a Jarren Jackson package it seemed as if this would still be a rebuilding year. It's still early but the Cavs got off to a great start with a huge W against a very good Pacers team. Nikola Jokic was absolutely fantastic an had a 90+ point effort in the second game of the season. Jarren Jackson had a huge game as well, and while this team is still very young this team may not be as far off as we originally thought. - Divisional Showdowns
The West had some early critical divisional showdowns. The Warriors and Kings went at it all week in what is one of the bigger rivialries in the league, it came down to Sunday but the Warriors pulled it out with some help from Hayward and Simmons injuries. The Clippers won a critical early game against a young and fun Suns team.
- Defending champs take it to the Dallas Mavericks
There's been a lot talk about how the Nuggets have regressed this year and that maybe this could be a down year for them. They started off a little slow this week but burst onto the scene this weekend leading them to a pretty comfortable win over a solid Mavs team. It's still early, but don't sleep on the reigning champs, they look ready to make another run at it.
30. Miami Heat (0-1) - The Miami are still probably the worst team in the league right now, but i'm sure they don't mind because they have their first. Things are looking a lot more encouraging down in south beach. Ayton and Bagley showed some really fun flashes of brilliance in the first week and it's going to be really fun to watch their development. Good things are coming soon for the Heat.
29. Charlotte Hornets (0-1) - Ouch. A really tough start to the season for a Hornets team that almost grabbed a playoff spot last year. The John Collins injury couldn't have come at a worse time, and while they'll rise more when he comes back, they are going to struggle to score while hes out. Hornets has refused to move Ingram or Ball and it looks like both will need a little time to get used to Bron. Still a lot of potential but it may be a rough season in Charlotte.
28. Boston Celtics (0-0) - The Celtics had the dreaded opening week bye. The Celtics may not be good this year, but they have a lot of young talent. Fultz flashed some talent, Josh Jackson looks like he has worked on his jumper, and I'm all aboard the SGA hype train. This will be a rebuilding season in Boston, but there's a lot of fun talent to keep an eye on.
27. Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) - Wow how this team has fallen from the past two years. This team is Giannis and that's about it. Joe Ingles had a couple good games, but he'll most likely be trade bait for a team that looks to rebuild and make another push next year. The Bucks really are missing Kristaps.
26. LA Lakers (0-1) - The Lakers were without Dunn this week and that kinda is factored into the ranking. They're probably a better team on paper than the Rockets when everyone is healthy but because of their loss I can't rank them higher. The Lakers will have some big weeks, and should finish the year higher than 26, but with their bad week and loss to likely bottom dweller Houston I have him as worst team out West right now. Joel looks locked in for a big year though.
25. Houston Rockets (1-0) - The Rockets got off a nice start with a win against the Lakers. Harrison Barnes will provide a boost, but this team likely still isn't a playoff team. Teague looks to be aggressive this year, and could be a pretty useful trade chip moving forward. The Rockets will have a tough week 2 match up against the Warriors.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) - Tough loss for the Thunder in the opening week of the season as they got absolutely waxed by the league's best team. It looks like Kyrie is going to have to work his way back with so many options for Boston. Another concerning development is KO's playing time, Sabonis also still looks to be a reserve this year. Bogdan and Roberson are still out, and this team will win some games, but for now 24 is about right.
23. Washington Wizards (0-1) - The Wizards got smacked by the Knicks in the opening week and there are definitely some holes on this team. Russ just came back so Schroeder's increased usage only lasted for a couple games. Reggie Jackson is starting in Detroit but doesn't look like a franchise piece. JV is a beast but looks to be used based on match-ups instead of being an every night option. Otto's usage is also down. There's a lot of basketball left, but things don't look to great in DC.
22. Utah Jazz (0-1) - The Jazz wasted a monster week from Niko in what was probably a must win game for them. There is talent on this team, but it's not going to be enough to make any real type of run, wonder if Utah decides to blow things up.
21. Phoenix Suns (0-1) - The Suns had a really solid week 1, but just ran into a buzz-saw in the LA Clippers. I was pretty down on this team in the off-season but there are a lot of really fun pieces. The newly cashed out Gary Harris had a big week, and it looks like Jarrett Allen is going to be a really valuable piece moving forward. The Suns stock is on the rise.
20. Portland Trailblazers (0-0) - The Blazers had a bye week opening week. There were some positives and negatives to take away from week 1. It looks like Kemba is going to have a pretty big year in a much more up tempo Hornets offense. Bryn Forbes will be playing a lot more minutes moving forward and looked ready to handle it. Lauri is still out which hurts, and it remains to be seen if Wiggins can take a step forward in his consistency. This Blazers talent level is probably higher than 20, but with the uncertainty this is where I have them now.
19. Cleveland Cavs (1-0) - The Cavs got a huge win against an Eastern title contender Indiana Pacers. Most would probably have them higher but I'm not going to overreact. This team has a lot of talent and Jokic should have an absolute monster year, but he's going to need more help. He won't have a 94 point game every week, so I'm going to need to see a little bit more before I move Cavs too high up. Great week 1 result though, the Cavs head to Atlanta for a huge game next week.
18. Detroit Pistons (1-0) - The Pistons got a very important W against the Milwaukee Bucks in week 1. The Pistons have a really nice trio with Leonard, Lavine, and Kevin Love. There really is no depth around them, but those three alone are going to win this team some games. Detroit host the rebuilding Heat next week.
17. Dallas Mavericks (0-1)- The Mavs got killed by the defending champs and it looks like they might be in some trouble. Lebron is still Lebron, but his usage is down in LA. The Murray injury hurts a ton, and Gasol hasn't quite looked like himself yet. Still Lebron and Gasol alone will win this team some games, but Dallas is in trouble.
16. Orlando Magic (0-1)- The Magic had a tough loss at the hands of new Eastern power house Brooklyn Nets. Turner is apparently in the best shape of his life, but still needs become more consistent before being considered a star. Enes looked awesome, and Tatum is just incredible. The Magic will be in a playoff fight all year, but could use depth moving forward.
15. Atlanta Hawks (0-1)- The Hawks took a tough luck loss against last year's Eastern Conference champ Bulls. Trey's Hawks look like a threat this year. Lillard and Harden are as good a 1-2 combo in the league, and it actually looks like the two will get some help from guys like Harrell, Harris, Zeller, and Wes. The Hawks head to Cleveland for a huge early season match-up with the Cavs.
14. San Antonio Spurs (1-0)- The Spurs got a huge week 1 win against Tj's Jazz. Chris knows how to win ball games. The team lacks star power, but Capela and Batum look locked in for big years. Danny Green looks like he's foudn a nice home in Toronto and Payton looks like he's in for a big year in New Orleans. BTW Chris ESPN never let us add the points. Luckily it didn't cost the W but we will have it documented in case it comes into effect for playoff seeding / draft order. GoSpursGo.
13. LA Clippers (1-0)- Clippers came out with an absolute week 1 bang. This team looks ready to really compete out West. Trae Young went absolutely pyshco in his first week as a pro and so i'm going to wait a little bit longer before having Clippers too high. Either way, Trea, Hassan, Jimmy, and Dwight is a very solid top 4. The Clippers head to Sacramento for a huge week 2 match-up. If they go beat the Kings expect a leap into the top 10 next week.
12. Indiana Pacers (0-1)- I'm still very high on this Pacers team but I can't have them higher than 12 after a week one loss to the Cavs. The Pacers would have won if they started Huerter and it still took an insane effort from Jokic to even have the Cavs in position, but that's why the games are played. The Pacers are still loaded and should look to bounce back in week two match-up against the lowly Bucks.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-1) - The Timberwolves had a really nice week one with 500+ points, but suffered a tough loss to a very good Memphis Grizzlies team. It's clear this team is led by John Wall and Anthony Davis and with that duo there they will be in every single game. Outside of those two it gets a little bare. Looney looked good, and Jaylen, Wendell, and Carter Jr. are talented but they need to show more consistency. The Wolves head to Dallas in a game they are favored to win.
10. Toronto Raptors (1-0)- The Raptors probably had the most impressive week 1 performance relative to where they were/are predicted to finish. The Raps led the East in scoring with a monstrous 587 point performance. Still it's unlikely Nik has the week he has again, Jae had a very good week, and who knows how long Gallo will be healthy. It was a great performance from the Raptors, but i'm going to have to see more before I move this team into say the top 5. Raptors head to Orlando for a big week 2 game.
9. Sacramento Kings (0-1)- The Kings suffered a tough week 1 loss to division rival Warriors, but played well overall. They had some tough injury luck with Hayward, Simmons, and Wilson Chandler all missing time. I can't have them higher than 9 because of the loss, but this is still a very good team. Look for them to bounce back with a huge divisional game against the surging Clippers.
8. New York Knicks (1-0)- This top eight gets pretty tricky and for now I am going to go with the lowest scoring of the eight this week and the New York Knicks. This was a self-proclaimed rebuild year for the Knicks that kinda sorta turned back into a competing year. The Knicks are focused more on the future, but have still put together a very good roster. They probably aren't a title contender yet, but very easily could be. Jrue and Middleton are two of the most underrated players in the game. The Knicks get the week off in week two.
7. Brooklyn Nets (1-0)- The Nets got their season off to a really good start with a win against a pesky Magic team. The team looks looked and loaded and Durant and Aaron Gordon are both in for big years. Doncic showed why the Nets traded Donovan for him, and his game really is tailor made for a league like this. A sneaky development is the play of Caris Levert. He looks like he could be the third man and a star for this Nets team. The sky is the limit for this Nets team.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (1-0)- It wasn't looking good at the start but the Grizzlies pulled out a huge win against the Twolves. This team is unbelievably deep. WCS looks to have taken a leap, Chris Paul is elite in this league, Portis is in for a big year, and Deandre looks really good in Dallas. This team is probably more talented top to bottom then the Nuggets and maybe even the Warriors but I have them here to show respect to the defending champs. The Grizz will head to LA to play the Lakers and should be on their way to a 2-0 start.
5. Philadelphia 76ers (1-0)- The 76ers whalloped the Hornets in the opening week and have solidified themselves as a title contender. They were at the top of league in scoring without any real monster games from KAT and those games will come. Reke has a solid role in Indy, Demar looks comfortable in SA, and D-Russ is getting better in Brooklyn. The team is deep and has stars, and that's a dangerous combo. Philly heads to Washington to face a decent team in the Wizards, but a team they should have no trouble beating.
4. Chicago Bulls (1-0)- The Bulls got the job done against a really sneaky good Hawks team in week 1. The Bulls are without Demarcus Cousins for awhile, but they should have no trouble rolling their way through the East. Tobias and Lamarcus will look to do the heavy lifting most of the year, but the Bulls have a lot of depth as well. The Bulls have an easy week 2 match-up against the rebuilding Hornets in week 2.
3. Golden State Warriors (1-0)- The Warriors got a huge week 1 win against their division rival Sacramento Kings. The team will obviously be led by Steph, Blake, and PG all year. Aslong as those three are healthy they'll have a shot to beat anybody in the league, but health is obviously not a given. Kevin Knox is out for a little bit, but McGruder has stepped up huge so far.
2. Denver Nuggets (1-0)- The Nuggets started the week slow, but by the weekend they were back to their ways from last year. The Nuggets easily handled the Mavs and are right back on track. Vucevic is one of the most underrated players in the game and should continue to be a monster. Vic hasn't fully rounded into form, but this Nuggets team is one of the deepest in the league. The Nuggets have the week off this week.
1. New Orleans Pelicans (1-0)- Dear God this is a special squad. Despite injuries to James Johnson and Russell Westbrook, this team still was at the top of the league in terms of scoring. This team has virtually no weaknesses and Pelicans has been a prime example of turning picks into assets. At this point it's basically them against the field. It's going to take some injuries and another team getting hot to knock them off, but hey that's why we play the games. The Pelicans will head to Utah to push poor TJ's shit in. It'll get ugly.
Week 2 Match-up of the Week: LA Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings
That's about it for this week, thanks for tuning in.
