NBA Power Rankings: Where Every Team Stands After First Week of 2013-14 Season
The first week of the 2013-14 NBA season is in the books, making this a perfect time to take a look at the updated power rankings.
There have been quite a few shocking teams that have greatly exceeded expectations, as well as a handful of organizations that are disappointing fans with a slow start.
Keep reading to find out where your favorite squad stands and sound off on what you think should be different in the first in-season edition of the power rankings.
1. Indiana Pacers (3-0)
The Pacers are the last remaining undefeated team in the league and it may remain that way for quite some time. This defensive powerhouse is capable of absolutely smothering the opposition with its length and is giving up just 83.7 points per game over the first three contests.
2. Houston Rockets (3-1)
Dwight Howard looks healthy and fun to watch for the first time in a while. He’s a large reason why the Rockets are near the top of the league in both scoring and rebounds. Once this team gels defensively, the rest of the NBA needs to watch out.
3. Miami Heat (2-2)
The Heat stumbled out of the gate and nearly lost three-straight in the opening week but recovered for a much-needed win against the Wizards. Rebounding has been a big issue for this group, as Miami is last in the league with just 33.3 per game. Once that issue is figured out—and there is little reason to doubt the back-to-back champs—the Heat will be fine.
4.Golden State Warriors (3-1)
The Dubs are arguably the most complete team in the league. They blew the surging 76ers out by 20 points on Monday night and are atop the NBA rankings in a number of categories. Golden State is first in assists with 29 per game, second in points with 112 per game and ninth in rebounds with 44.8.
5. San Antonio Spurs (2-1)
The Spurs' age will definitely show this season, with Tim Duncan already missing a game due to a chest contusion. Expect to see plenty of games without TD, Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker in the lineup this season. Fortunately, they have enough depth to remain competitive, as evidenced by their win over the Lakers without the Big Fundamental on the court.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-1)
The T-Wolves missed a 4-0 start after falling short against the Cavs in a 93-92 loss on Monday. However, they are another well-rounded team that has the perfect combination of shooters, rebounders and facilitators to make a run to the top of the Western Conference standings at the conclusion of the 2013-14 campaign.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1)
Russell Westbrook’s surprise return to the lineup gave this group a huge boost. The superstar point guard didn’t skip a beat, throwing up 21 points, seven assists and four rebounds in 33 minutes of a 103-96 win over the Suns.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (3-1)
The Clips are arguably the best offensive team in the league, exploding for an average 119 points per game over the first four contests. However, they give up 112.5 points per game, something that head coach Doc Rivers is going to take umbrage with. He will have this squad working harder on the defensive end by the time the playoffs come around; otherwise this team is destined for another early exit.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (3-1)
This is the surprise squad of the 2013-14 season. Many expected them to flounder about in the league’s basement and challenge for the best lottery odds. Michael Carter-Williams thought otherwise, putting up absurd numbers on the way to a 3-1 start. Whether or not they can keep it up remains to be seen, but for now the Sixers are worth a Top 10 ranking.
10. Chicago Bulls (1-2)
The Bulls rough start shouldn’t be indicative of how they will fare over the remainder of the campaign. Derrick Rose is shaking off the rust but still has a game-winner under his belt. This squad should be firing on all cylinders soon enough.
11. Brooklyn Nets (1-2)
The Nets' win over Miami is something that they were clearly focusing on in the offseason, but stumbling against the Cavs in the opener and getting blown out by 21 points by a mediocre Magic team is simply unacceptable. The Nets need to turn it around in order to have a chance at much-needed home court advantage come the playoffs.
12. Dallas Mavericks (2-1)
The Mavs are a complete dark horse this season, but Dirk Nowitzki could make things interesting if he continues to dominate as he has early on this year. Dallas needs to bolster the lineup with an in-season trade to truly contend, but should remain relevant and pester the top squads without one.
13. Memphis Grizzlies (2-2)
The Grizzlies may regret dumping former head coach Lionel Hollins, as they are struggling on the road and look lax defensively, conceding 102 points per game. It’s hard to see this team making much noise without being able to win away from Tennessee or camp down on defense.
14. Detroit Pistons (2-1)
The Pistons have been impressive out of the gate, knocking off the Wizards and Celtics, with a road loss in overtime to Memphis serving as the only blemish on their record. Brandon Jennings is back and looks better than ever, a great thing considering he holds the key to this team’s successes.
15. Portland Trail Blazers (2-1)
There will be no excuse if the Blazers miss the postseason at the end of the 2013-14 season. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard have a bolstered bench and improved supporting cast, so the wins should continue to pile up.
16. Orlando Magic (2-2)
This intriguing young squad is going to explode some nights, while also having some games that leave onlookers scratching their heads. They may not be ready for a run yet, but the future is very promising in the Magic Kingdom.
17. Los Angeles Lakers (2-2)
The Lakers went .500 in their first week without Kobe Bryant and with an ailing Steve Nash missing a game. That’s impressive and gives hope to Purple and Gold supporters of this squad remaining competitive until the Mamba returns.
18. New York Knicks (1-2)
The Knicks have been sluggish to start the year but get to take on the Bobcats twice in Week 2. If they can’t win both of those, it may be time to panic in the Big Apple.
19. Toronto Raptors (2-1)
The Raptors have to bring in a real star if they are going to be a factor in the East. Rudy Gay is decent, but he’s a complimentary piece at best and should not be a team with playoff aspiration’s top option.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2)
The Cavs rebounded from an ugly loss to Charlotte and blowout in Indiana with a Monday night win over the T-Wolves. They have been wildly inconsistent, something that isn’t a good sign for a team that is attempting to emerge from a post-LeBron James rebuilding mode.
21. Atlanta Hawks (1-2)
The Hawks have some defensive issues that they need to sort out if they are going to be a playoff team in the East. While Kyle Korver is doing his best to shoot this team to victory, his—and many of his teammates'—issues on the other side of the ball are glaring.
22. New Orleans Pelicans (1-2)
Anthony Davis is breaking out as a superstar, but his supporting cast must step up. The Brow is averaging 23.7 points, 12.3 points, 4.0 blocks, 2.7 steals and 1.7 assists per game right now and seems to have arrived, so hopefully his teammates follow suit.
23. Phoenix Suns (2-1)
The Suns are off to a decent start and have much to be excited about in the future. While it isn't likely this team makes the postseason in 2013-14, it should be making a run in the near future.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (1-2)
The Bucks cannot expect to win games by starting off so poorly. They nearly beat the Knicks on the road after going down by a huge margin and overcame a big deficit to beat the Celtics. As long as this team can stay in games early on, things should turn around in Milwaukee.
25. Sacramento Kings (1-2)
The Kings' decision to build around DeMarcus Cousins seems to be a wise one, but the rest of this team is absolutely terrible. The team brass has its work cut out and will need to work relentlessly to install decent talent around the young center over the next few seasons.
26. Washington Wizards (0-3)
The Wizards were and still are expected to make the playoffs in the East, but this terrible start has many doubting their ability and heart. There is too much talent for this team not to nab a win or two this coming week.
27. Denver Nuggets (0-2)
The Nuggets cannot afford to have stretches like this if they are going to make a playoff run in the loaded West. Every game is important when there are a handful of teams expecting to be in the running for the bottom seeds come spring.
28. Charlotte Bobcats (1-2)
Al Jefferson has to remain healthy for this team to have any chance of winning games this year. If he misses an extended amount of time with an ankle injury, this squad will remain in the basement.
29. Utah Jazz (0-3)
This team clearly needs a serviceable point guard in order to have a chance. There are some serious expectations now on the shoulders of rookie Trey Burke upon his return.
30. Boston Celtics (0-3)
Brad Stevens has the toughest job in the NBA right now and it may take a bit of time for him to get a win. However, it will be interesting to see how the Celtics look upon Rajon Rondo’s eventual return and things could drastically improve when that day comes.
