NBA Power Rankings: Surprise Teams That Will Continue to Shake Up the Top 10
It is safe to say that we finally have some understanding of what the NBA season is going to be like now that we have seen teams play roughly nine games up to this point. The big surprise is not the team at the top, but rather everything going on behind them.
We have already seen a number of surprises this season, and there will likely be more to come in this abbreviated year.
But which surprises have staying power?
Philadelphia 76ers
Despite making the playoffs last year, no one really pegged the 76ers as much of a threat in the Eastern Conference. They were not going to be one of the worst teams in the league, but no one saw them having the kind of start they have had this year.
They have been outstanding, particularly on defense. They lead the league with just 85.6 points allowed per game. But they are far from a one-trick pony, ranking in the top 10 in points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game.
They are balanced on offense with five players averaging double-digits in points and another four chipping in with at least 5.2 points per game.
Atlanta Hawks
We never really talk about the Hawks as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference, probably because we have seen them stumble into the postseason in each of the last four seasons, but they are right on the brink of being able to compete with the top teams.
There are still some things that they have to improve upon in order to really challenge Chicago and Miami, like their presence in the paint, but it is not like they can't overcome their problems in a short series.
The Hawks are the second-best team in the southeast division, so don't be surprised if they linger around the top 10 of the power rankings for most of the season.
Denver Nuggets
Remember last year, when the Nuggets traded Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups? The Nuggets were supposed to fall back to earth.
Here we are nearly one year later, and this team is probably in better shape now than they were when they had those two. They aren't a perfect team, they have to work on playing defense with as much passion and intensity as they do when they have the ball, but they have looked good so far.
They have good balance on offense, which makes it difficult for opposing defenses to gear up on any one player. Don't be surprised to see this team win 40 games when all is said and done.
| 1. Miami Heat | |
| 2. Chicago Bulls | |
| 3. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
| 4. Portland Trail Blazers | |
| 5. Philadelphia 76ers | |
| 6. Indiana Pacers | |
| 7. Denver Nuggets | |
| 8. Atlanta Hawks | |
| 9. San Antonio Spurs | |
| 10. Los Angeles Lakers | |
| 11. Los Angeles Clippers | |
| 12. Orlando Magic | |
| 13. Utah Jazz | |
| 14. Phoenix Suns | |
| 15. New York Knicks | |
| 16. Boston Celtics | |
| 17. Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| 18. Dallas Mavericks | |
| 19. Minnesota Timberwolves | |
| 20. Memphis Grizzlies | |
| 21. Toronto Raptors | |
| 22. Sacramento Kings | |
| 23. Milwaukee Bucks | |
| 24. Houston Rockets | |
| 25. Golden State Warriors | |
| 26. New Orleans Hornets | |
| 27. Detroit Pistons | |
| 28. Charlotte Bobcats | |
| 29. New Jersey Nets | |
| 30. Washington Wizards |
