NBA Preseason Power Rankings: How Each Team Is Looking in Preseason
The NBA regular season is still a little less than two weeks away, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun with some preseason power rankings.
Remember, fans, that this particular list is based solely on each team's preseason performance. There are bound to be teams on this list that are looking good now but will be toward the bottom of the list in regular-season rankings.
For instance, you won't find the Golden State Warriors at the top of this list, but you would in a regular-season power ranking. The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs are at the bottom because they're both winless in the preseason.
Each of the following slides will look something like this:
1). Wins/losses.
2). The good.
3). The bad.
4). Where to go next?
As always, defend your colors in the comments section below.
Let's do this.
No. 1: Charlotte Hornets
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Record: 4-0.
The good: The Charlotte Hornets are (at time of publication) the only 4-0 team in the NBA preseason. They're enjoying a plus-18.2 point differential, third-best in the league.
The bad: Despite that substantial difference in points, the Hornets are 28th in the NBA in terms of points scored with 94.2.
Also, third-year player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is expected to miss about six months recovering from a torn right shoulder labrum.
Where to go next? Although it's only the preseason, Charlotte's defense is getting after it. The team has allowed 97.3 points per game so far, seventh-best in the league. That needs to be maintained.
Moving into the regular season, Charlotte must avoid getting into losing streaks—the Hornets lost six straight games to end last season.
No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder
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Record: 3-0.
The good: Russell Westbrook and the Thunder offense is scoring 104 points per game, fifth-best in the NBA. It has resulted in Oklahoma City having a plus-21.7 point differential, which is best in the league.
The bad: The effectiveness of Kevin Durant is still unknown after he underwent another foot surgery in March. So far in the preseason, he's averaging 12.7 points per game and his field-goal percentage sits at 50. Take it for what you will.
Where to go next? Keep Enes Kanter involved as much as possible. The fourth-year center is averaging eight rebounds per game while also averaging 14.7 points per game, second-best on the team.
Kanter is nursing a sprained ankle and will miss Friday's preseason game, according to Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman.
No. 3: Atlanta Hawks
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Record: 3-0.
The good: Atlanta is allowing 97.1 points per game in the preseason, fifth-best in the NBA. Point guard Jeff Teague is shooting 59.1 percent from the field and leading the team with 13.3 points per game.
The bad: The Hawks are only getting 5.7 offensive rebounds per game. So far, it's been offset by 41.7 defensive rebounds but, overall, the Hawks are 28th in the NBA when it comes to rebounds per game.
Where to go next? It'll be hard for Atlanta to follow up last year's 60-win season, no doubt. But this team is still talented and must play hard in a competitive division that includes Washington, Orlando and Miami.
No. 4: Memphis Grizzlies
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Record: 3-0.
The good: The Grizzlies' defense has yet to allow a team to put up 90 points on them this preseason, resulting in the NBA's second-best defense in terms of points allowed per game with 95.1.
The bad: Memphis' 2014 first-round pick Jordan Adams is missing valuable playing time due to a nagging knee injury, as reported by Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal. He will likely play in the regular season at some point, however.
Where to go next? The Grizzlies hope their veteran leadership shines this season and can grind out gritty wins as the team did last year. Also, Memphis must get better at three-point shooting. The Griz shot a combined 33.9 percent in that area last season.
No. 5: New York Knicks
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Record: 3-0.
The good: A year after being the laughing stock of the NBA, the Knicks are playing with good pace this preseason. They rank seventh in the NBA in that category (pace is measured in number of possessions per 48 minutes). Take that for what you will.
The bad: New York is ranked last in the NBA in terms of points scored per game so far with 91.9. The Knicks' nightmarish scoring problems from a year ago are making themselves present in the preseason.
Where to go next? Keep building. It's only a matter of time until Derek Fisher settles into his coaching role and the Knicks turn things around...Maybe.
No. 6: Indiana Pacers
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Record: 3-1.
The good: Indiana's defense is playing well. At 97 points allowed per game, the unit ranks fourth in the NBA in that category.
The bad: The question still remains as to how this team will handle not having Roy Hibbert, who led the team in rebounds and blocks per game last season. The Pacers also rank 24th in the NBA in points scored per game with 97.3.
Where to go next? The Pacers must return to playing the kind of defense they were playing in 2013-2014. So far, so good, but it is only the preseason.
No. 7: Boston Celtics
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Record: 3-0.
The good: Isaiah Thomas continues to be impressive for the Celtics. He currently leads the team in the preseason with 16.7 points per game. Veteran center David Lee is also averaging nine rebounds in the preseason.
The bad: The Celtics are allowing 101.2 points per game, 21st in the NBA in that category.
Where to go next? Coach Brad Stevens showed last year he deserves to be at the NBA level. Now, it's a matter of him building off that success in year two. His roster isn't full of big names, but it's talented nonetheless.
No. 8: Denver Nuggets
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Record: 3-1.
The good: Rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay is already establishing a name for himself. He played 31 minutes in a Tuesday win against Dallas, scoring 17 points and adding five assists.
Already named a starter by coaches, Mudiay will be fun to watch this season.
The bad: Denver's defense isn't playing well, allowing 105 points per game (27th in the NBA) and totaling 2.2 blocks in the preseason.
Where to go next? Mudiay is about to be featured a lot this season, so the Nuggets would do well to give him all the help he needs from the players around him.
Those guys will need to be alert, though—Mudiay is averaging 4.8 turnovers per game in the preseason.
No. 9: Washington Wizards
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Record: 2-1.
The good: Otto Porter, a former third-overall draft pick, has earned the starting small forward spot in Paul Pierce's absence. He isn't the seasoned veteran Pierce was, but he infuses the Wizards' starting lineup with youth.
The bad: Forward Alan Anderson won't be playing for Washington any time soon after undergoing his second ankle operation since May. There is no timetable for his return.
Where to go next? Washington needs to deal with injuries and the departure of veteran Paul Pierce as best as possible and develop Porter as a consistent starter. As we saw last year, the Wizards can be wicked in the playoffs—they just have to worry about getting there.
No. 10: New Orleans Pelicans
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Record: 2-1.
The good: According to Matt Moore of CBS Sports, Anthony Davis is "a radioactive-fire breathing winged dragon-man that's going to start shooting 3's. So that's awesome." Accurate.
The bad: Norris Cole was recently injured and the team is filling that hole with Nate Robinson, according to an ESPN report. Robinson isn't a terrible downgrade, but he's no Norris Cole, either.
Where to go next? Keep building on what's been started in New Orleans—specifically, developing Anthony Davis as a more consistent offensive powerhouse.
No. 11: Sacramento Kings
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Record: 4-1.
The good: DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings are ranked ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game with 44.2. They're also staying healthy, up to this point.
The bad: The 105 points per game allowed so far in the preseason ranks 28th in the NBA.
Where to go next? The Kings must improve their defense, because they simply don't have the talent to keep up with opposing teams if they're allowed to score 100-plus points per game.
No. 12: Toronto Raptors
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Record: 3-2.
The good: Toronto's offense is crushing opponents in the preseason, scoring 104 points per game. Much of that success is attributed to point guard Kyle Lowry, who is averaging an insane 30.3 points per game.
The bad: Not a single other Raptor is averaging more than 10.8 points per game. It's only the preseason, but this offense is looking unbalanced.
Where to go next? The Raptors need to take advantage of their division once the regular season begins. With the Knicks, Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets in their current states, Toronto seems primed for another division title.
No. 13: Phoenix Suns
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Record: 2-1.
The good: Rookie shooting guard Devin Booker had a breakout game against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, scoring 20 points in 22 minutes on the court. It's always good to see that kind of performance out of a first-year player.
The bad: Depth issues. Who is going to step up during the season when or if starters become injured? This is the biggest question surrounding the Suns this season.
Where to go next? Work on improving a defense that's surrendered 103.3 points per game in the preseason.
No. 14: Golden State Warriors
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Record: 2-3.
The good: The Warriors should be a unanimous championship pick entering the regular season. In the preseason, Golden State is scoring 110 points per game, first in the NBA.
The bad: It's more unfortunate than bad, but head coach Steve Kerr is still missing time while recovering from back surgery to fix a rare spinal fluid leak.
A recent report from Kurt Helin of NBC Sports suggests Kerr is slowly becoming more involved with the team, however.
Where to go next? Keep the Championship formula flowing. There's no doubt this team is ready to make a run at a repeat championship season.
No. 15: Houston Rockets
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Record: 2-2.
The good: As expected, the Rockets offense is off to a good start. The team has scored 103.9 points per game this preseason, sixth in the NBA.
The bad: Houston plays in the Southwest division, which should be one of the toughest in basketball this season.
Where to go next? Another deep playoff run seems inevitable with the Rockets. Not a lot of roster turnover has taken place in Houston, so getting back to the postseason is an absolute must.
No. 16: Portland Trail Blazers
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Record: 2-2.
The good: Strictly speaking in terms of the preseason, the Blazers are putting up good numbers—they rank ninth in terms of points scored per game and second in rebounds (102.8 and 45.9, respectively).
The bad: Lots of roster shakeup. LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Arron Afflalo are all gone from last year's successful campaign.
Where to go next? The Blazers' season will come down to how well—and how quickly—coach Terry Stotts can get his new roster to gel. It will be easier said than done.
No. 17: Detroit Pistons
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Record: 2-3.
The good: Center Andre Drummond is having a nice preseason. He leads the team in points per game (15.6) and rebounds per game (11.6).
The bad: The NBA's Central division includes Indiana and Miami, both of which will likely be better than Detroit this season.
Where to go next? In the aforementioned division, the Pistons are a wild card. In the preseason, they rank in the middle of the pack in terms of points and assists per game as well as points allowed. That mediocrity will likely continue in the regular season.
No. 18: Philadelphia 76ers
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Record: 2-2.
The good: Rookie Jahlil Okafor has the potential to be a difference maker in the NBA. He has been limited in preseason play, however, as he rests a sore right knee according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The bad: Some pundits believe this Sixers team isn't much better than the ones from previous seasons. Preseason stats don't disprove that sentiment—Philadelphia is 29th in points scored per game (92) and 20th in points allowed per game with 101.
Where to go next? Feature Okafor as much as possible when he's 100 percent healthy and give fans something to cheer about. This was an 18-win team last season, after all.
No. 19: Utah Jazz
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Record: 2-2.
The good: In the preseason, the Jazz are first in the NBA in terms of points allowed per game with 94.9. Guard Gordon Hayward and center Rudy Gobert form an intriguing young duo in the Western Conference.
The bad: The Jazz are second-worst in the NBA this preseason in terms of assists, with 19.9 per game.
Where to go next? Gordon and Gobert have begun forming a legitimate core for the Jazz, but where else do they look to get production? Even still, Utah could fight for the eighth playoff seed in the West.
No. 20: Chicago Bulls
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Record: 2-3.
The good: The Bulls have a plethora of experienced players, which could be the team's saving grace this season.
The bad: Derrick Rose is hurt once again, leaving fans with an all-too-familiar feeling of having their best player on the sideline. At least Rose is trying to stay positive, telling Bulls media, "I'm just happy that it's not my knees."
Rose's good attitude is commendable.
Where to go next? New coach Fred Hoiberg benefits from the aforementioned experience on this roster, but he must give this Bulls team an identity as soon as possible. It's unclear to this point where the organization is headed.
No. 21: Orlando Magic
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Record: 3-2.
The good: A core of young players gives the Magic potential this season. Shooting guard Victor Oladipo has hit 16-of-26 shots in three preseason games so far, good for a shooting percentage of 61.5.
The bad: The Magic are coming off a dreadful 25-win campaign, and preseason rankings don't indicate much improvement. Orlando is ranked 25th in points scored and rebounds, and 23rd in assists and points allowed per game.
Where to go next? The youth on this roster must produce this season, or the Magic will be in the same position they were last season. It's as simple as that.
No. 22: Brooklyn Nets
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Record: 1-3.
The good: Like the Bulls, the Nets have a lot of veteran talent. Center Brook Lopez figures to be the focal point of the team again this season, as he's scored 15 points per game in the preseason.
The bad: Although coach Lionel Hollins is trying to develop a defense-first mentality according to ESPN, it hasn't shown in the preseason. Against Boston, the Nets let six Celtics end up with double-digit point totals.
Where to go next? Begin working in rookie talent Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as much as possible while trying to compete for a second-straight season with a playoff berth. Also, that defensive mentality needs to take hold sooner rather than later.
No. 23: Miami Heat
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Record: 1-3.
The good: Rookie Justise Winslow looks to infuse some young talent on a roster set to make a playoff run. In his last preseason game, Winslow posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He also added three assists and two blocks.
The bad: The Heat are ranked last in the league in assists and rebounds per game this preseason.
Where to go next? Hope that the post-LeBron blues of last season are behind them and make a run in the East. Also, the Heat hope the injury bug doesn't sting them as it did last season.
No. 24: Los Angeles Lakers
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Record: 1-4.
The good: The addition of Roy Hibbert at center should help the Lakers become a better defensive team this season, and forward Julius Randle's preseason is inspiring after he nearly missed all of last year—he's shooting 52.8 percent from the field.
The bad: The Lakers defense is allowing 105.3 points per game, 29th in the NBA.
Where to go next? This franchise is finally beginning to build something good again. That being said, the health of veterans Hibbert and Kobe Bryant may prove to be the make-or-break factor in their season.
No. 25: Minnesota Timberwolves
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Record: 1-3.
The good: Center Gorgui Dieng, 2014-15 rookie of the year Andrew Wiggins and rookie center Karl-Anthony Towns give the Timberwolves a very intriguing, young group of players to watch this season.
The bad: Young talent rarely translates to immediate wins.
Where to go next? Interim coach Sam Mitchell, in place for Flip Saunders as he battles cancer, needs to get his inexperienced team gelling as soon as possible. If he does, Minnesota could make some unexpected noise in the Northwest Division this year.
No. 26: Milwaukee Bucks
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Record: 1-2.
The good: Center Greg Monroe was a stellar free-agent pickup for the Bucks. In his last preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Monroe scored 19 points, and added 13 rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes on the court.
The bad: The Bucks rank 22nd in the league in terms of points scored per preseason game with 97.8.
Where to go next? Milwaukee is arguably better than it was a year ago and has a chance to get to the playoffs again this season. A healthy Jabari Parker will help the cause, although he is still inexperienced.
No. 27: San Antonio Spurs
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Record: 0-3.
The good: Despite a winless record in the preseason, the Spurs are third in the NBA in terms of points allowed (97) and seventh in points scored per game with 103.2.
The bad: The Spurs are currently dealing with injuries to newly acquired LaMarcus Aldridge and veteran Tony Parker, but both are listed as day-to-day. There isn't much else bad about this Spurs team.
Where to go next? It's no secret coach Gregg Popovich knows the winning formula in the NBA, and there's no reason to believe his team won't be successful again this season. As Matt Moore of CBS Sports puts it: "The Spurs will be good for the 200th year in a row."
No. 28: Cleveland Cavaliers
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Record: 0-5.
The good: The Cavaliers are one very talented basketball team. Arguably the most talented in the league. There are too many good aspects of this team to fit here, so we'll leave it at that.
The bad: The Cavs' health is somewhat concerning. LeBron James recently had a precautionary back injection and guard Iman Shumpert is scheduled to miss 10-12 weeks with a wrist injury.
Where to go next? Crush the Eastern Conference en route to another deep playoff run. Just hope King James not only stays healthy but has some weight lifted off his shoulders by the talented roster surrounding him.
No. 29: Dallas Mavericks
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Record: 0-3.
The good: In the preseason, the Mavericks are scoring 105.2 points per game, third in the NBA.
The bad: This team, on the surface, appears aged and brittle. Shooting guard Wesley Matthews is coming off an Achilles injury, the clock is ticking on Dirk Nowitzki's incredible career and the team's options at center are less than inspiring.
Where to go next? The Mavs will try to make the most with what they have (duh), but this team is on thin ice. It's nearing time to rebuild in Dallas.
No. 30: Los Angeles Clippers
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Record: 1-3.
The good: In the preseason, the Clippers are scoring 106.7 points per game, second in the NBA. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul are set to have good seasons again.
The bad: Despite scoring all those points, the Clippers find themselves with a minus-16.8 point differential, worst in the NBA this preseason. It's why they're last on this list.
Where to go next? Doc Rivers is a good coach and a great leader, and needs to steer his team clear of any Lamar Odom drama as the season begins.
These Clippers are certainly talented enough to go back to the playoffs, and keeping the team's focus will be integral to that potential flourishing.
