We’re a few pre-season games, trades, and media days into the start of this season. These rankings reflect some of that movement. If a team has moved then it’s mainly because of activity or inactivity.
- Denver Nuggets – Until all preseason votes, projections, etc say otherwise, they stay pat. Unless Jokic quits….
- Los Angeles Lakers – 2 games in and this young core is already clicking. Still, the defense shown vs GS and Brooklyn definitely needs work.
- Boston Celtics – Preseason Porzingis is looking in Mid-season form. Holiday acquisition looks more and more relevant now.
- Bucks – Great addition with Cameron Payne to make up for the loss of Grayson Allen (PHX). No games to judge on yet
- Golden State Warriors – The defense isn’t up to par (again), but the CP3 addition is looking go so far!
- Phoenix Suns – Added depth thanks to the Damian Lillard trade. Acquired decent 3 and D players, I’d Nurkic better than Ayton?
- Miami Heat – Down from 2 spot, mainly for lack of acquisitions and a whiff on the Lillard trade. Jimmy’s hair saved a dive though.
- New York
- Brooklyn Nets – Preseason looks great on this team that’s managed to put the Lakers on the brink of a loss. If they can learn to dig out of holes (and stay out) they’ll improve in these rankings.
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Sacramento Kings
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Cleveland Cavs
- Philadelphia
- Atlanta Hawks
- San Antonio Spurs – Still unproven, but Wembanyama looks good. We’re still waiting to see what game 10 in the regular season looks like.
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Chicago Bulls
- Toronto Raptors
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Orlando Magic
- Charlotte Hornets – Kai wants out. Should vault this team UP then, right?
- Houston Rockets
- Indiana Pacers
- Washington Wizards
- Dallas Mavericks
- Utah Jazz
- Detroit Pistons
- Portland Trailblazers
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