So if you were one of those people who thought the Nets were sacrificing too much when they acquired James Harden, and that the lack of depth and potential defensive issues would hurt Brooklyn, how are you feeling now?
I was one of those who didn’t love the idea of the Nets giving up so much to get the 2018 NBA MVP, but it’s worked out beautifully for Brooklyn—so far—since they’ve been playing like juggernauts the past two weeks and haven’t even had the services of Kevin Durant. The Nets are an elite team, a nightmare on offense and a capable defensive squad, and took a noticeable leap near the top of our latest rankings while the middle remains a jumbled mess and the Rockets are a disaster.
Quick note regarding these power rankings: If you’re unfamiliar with net rating, know that it’s a team’s average point differential, or more specifically the difference between a team’s offensive rating per 100 possessions compared to its defensive rating per 100 possessions. We’re featuring it because NBA champions almost always end up owning a top 5 net rating—team’s that barely score more points than they allow usually do not end up having deep playoff runs. So it’s kind of noteworthy/important.
We’ll be updating the rankings every other week, so there are no massive knee jerk reactions to a few bad games. Take a break from scouting NBA Top Shot for a minute to find out where we stand six days before Sunday’s All-Star showcase in Atlanta.
30. Timberwolves
29. Rockets
28. Pistons
27. Magic
26. Cavaliers
25. Thunder
24. Kings
23. Wizards
22. Pelicans
21. Hawks
20. Bulls
Record: 15-17
Net Rating: -0.08
Previously: 24
Chicago is 7-4 over its last 11 and finds itself in the 8th in the East. Not bad for a Bulls squad few thought was capable of playing like a playoff team. The Bulls actually coughed up a fourth quarter lead against Phoenix last week. Beat the red-hot Suns and we may have moved Chicago up a few more slots.
19. Hornets
18. Grizzlies
Record: 15-15
Net Rating: 0.36
Previously: 20
After losing to the Suns and Mavericks, then splitting a pair with the Clippers before smoking the Rockets Sunday by 49 points, the Grizzlies are treading water. Currently 10th in the West, the Grizzlies are happy to have the services of Justise Winslow again after he went for 20 against Houston in just his fourth game back from a year-plus absence.
17. Pacers
Record: 15-17
Net Rating: 1.06
Previously: 11
Indianapolis hit a rough patch. Four losses in over its last five with a couple of postponements in Texas following that horrible winter storm. The Pacers are just 3-7 over their last 10 and have fallen precipitously in the standings (currently 9th in the East).
16. Raptors
15. Knicks
14. Mavericks
13. Celtics
12. Heat
11. Spurs
10. Warriors
9. Nuggets
Record: 18-15
Net Rating: 4.39
Previously: 8
The end of that Wizards game just about sums up the frustrating season the Nuggets have had so far. They should be better than their mediocre record, currently good enough for 7th in the West. But they just can’t string together enough wins to make you think they’ve turned some kind of corner. Nor can they avoid losing to teams they should pummel like Washington (twice in six games).