NBA Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Destined To Fade After Quick Starts?
No matter the league there are always a couple of teams that get out of the gates quick in a surprising manner. The shortened NBA season has been no different, with a few unlikely contenders emerging during the first two weeks of play.
Here are three teams that won't be able to maintain their early pace and will eventually fade to the back of the pack.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs' potent offense has been one of the season's biggest surprises so far. They rank fourth in points per game mostly because Richard Jefferson is finally producing like the team hoped he would when they first acquired him two seasons ago.
San Antonio isn't built for the condensed schedule, though. Gregg Popovich will need to give his stars some rest, especially now that Manu Ginobili is out for an extended period. That means the Spurs will eventually fall to the bottom of the playoff pack in the Western Conference.
2. Utah Jazz
Few people expected much out of the Jazz because they lack the star power associated with winning teams. Their depth has allowed them to remain competitive, however. Teams have struggled to stop the paint duo of Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.
It's tough to imagine them remaining in the top half for much longer without a secondary offensive threat, though. Teams are eventually going to force Jefferson to pass out of double teams and force other players to make shots. The Jazz aren't built to win in that manner.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has received major contributions from six players, but no more than four points per game from anybody else. That lack of depth, especially on the interior where LaMarcus Aldridge is the only viable threat, is a weakness teams will eventually exploit.
If the Trail Blazers believe they are legitimate contenders this season, they are going to need to sacrifice some of that perimeter depth to get another big man. Until that happens, the Blazers will not be able to hang with the conference powerhouses over the long term.
| 1. Miami Heat | |
| 2. Chicago Bulls | |
| 3. Oklahoma City Thunder | |
| 4. Philadelphia 76ers | |
| 5. Portland Trail Blazers | |
| 6. Indiana Pacers | |
| 7. Denver Nuggets | |
| 8. Atlanta Hawks | |
| 9. San Antonio Spurs | |
| 10. Orlando Magic | |
| 11. Los Angeles Clippers | |
| 12. Los Angeles Lakers | |
| 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 |
