Official /r/nba Power Rankings #0 (10.19.2022)

[30/30 rankers reporting this week.](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1–xX0VpsDJBfsTPlnpVkF2IRD0RMEfIzX1wEyOxDP7Q/edit?usp=sharing) /R/NBA’s Power Rankings are published every two weeks which is a bit different from most rankings. Other than that we rank the teams the same way as our competition. If write ups are left blank the team rep decided not to submit. We encourage any user to fill in the blanks in the comment section.

\# | Team | Δ | Record | Comment |
–: | :– | :– | :-: | :– |
1 | [](/GSW) Warriors | | 0-0 | It was a quiet off season after the Championship until Draymond superman punched Poole. Fights appears to be common in the league but the video leak does make this one seem different. We will see if it tears the Warriors apart or maybe it invigorates them. Outside of this drama the Warriors off season had little off season movement outside of losing a couple key role players in OPJ and GPII. Warriors are hoping these minutes can be replaced by a combination of their young prospects and a couple new role players in JaMychal Green and Donte DiVincenzo. |
2 | [](/MIL) Bucks | | 0-0 | After coming up short of defending their title in the ’22 Playoffs, the Bucks are back with basically the exact same team as last year and should still be among the favorites to win the ‘chip — the only notable changes being the loss of lead assistant Darvin Ham who took over as HC of the Lakers and the additions of 24th pick Marjon Beauchamp (a defensive-minded wing), and free-agent-signee Joe Ingles (who will miss the first half-ish of the season due to injury). Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton will also miss the start of the season due to injury so the first month or so of the season could be a challenge depth-wise. The story of the preseason/camp has been the terrific play of Jevon Carter who has seemingly secured the backup PG role over George Hill and looks likely to take Grayson Allen’s starting spot if he sustains this level of play in the regular season. Some other things to watch for are, if Giannis’ free throw % continues to improve (he shot 84% in eurobasket), if Brook Lopez’s mobility gets even worse (he seems extra slow this preseason), and if any of Sandro Mamukelashvili, Jordan Nwora, or Beauchamp can break into the rotation (probably not). |
3 | [](/PHI) 76ers | | 0-0 | The Sixers might be one of the most highly anticipated teams of the entire season. With a completely revamped roster based on “dawg mentality,” the Sixers have finally filled in one of their greatest needs; rebounding and defense. PJ Tucker might be a few months from collecting social security checks, but his ability to defend and still splash 3s from the corner can be a huge addition to this team. With slim Harden, an even more emboldended Maxey, and Embiid (who will finally win MVP), the Sixers have clearly earned the position of being in the “championship contender” tier. |
4 | [](/BOS) Celtics | | 0-0 | The Celtics offseason was about as eventful as possible without actually losing anyone to free agency. They should be rocking and rolling into this season, but instead they’re limping in. Ime Udoka is suspended for the season and presumably gone, Robert Williams is out for at least the first month of the season due to knee surgery, Danilo Gallinari tore his meniscus and is likely out for the season, Malcolm Brogdon is dealing with a sore knee, and Jaylen Brown appears to be slowly following in Kyrie’s footsteps. This team is a complete question mark. On paper they should be one of the top contenders in the league. In reality, they could be in for another slow start to the season as they adjust and recover. |
5 | [](/DEN) Nuggets | | 0-0 | Gather around, children, as we start reading the story of the 2023 NBA champion Denver Nuggets. Is this blind optimism? Yes. Will NuggLife strike once again and foil our championship aspirations? Possible, if not likely. However, with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. finally returning from their long recoveries (giving our fat, sloppy, reigning back-to-back MVP some much needed help), a reloaded bench unit led by Bruce Brown and Bones Hyland, the starting lineup swap of Will Barton for [Kentavious Caldwell-Poop](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNe-d3cnQnQ), and most importantly, the signing of MVP frontrunner DeAndre Jordan, this Nuggets squad on paper looks stronger than the bubble squad which made a Conference Finals appearance in 2020. Championship aspirations are in the air around Denver, still riding the high from their sibling hockey team winning the Cup last year, but NuggLife still looms in the shadows, waiting to strike. Is this the year that NuggLife is slain once and for all? |
6 | [](/LAC) Clippers | | 0-0 | It’s been a while since the whole gangs been back together. Halfway through last season we acquired some pretty big contributors who didn’t have the chance to really blend with the entire team. With a good backup PG, some new great shooting, and hopefully the same great talent everyone’s been hyped about, I’m looking forward to a good season. |
7 | [](/PHX) Suns | | 0-0 | The Suns are hoping the offensive presence of Cam Johnson will offset the lost defense from Jay Crowder. Last season the Suns had the 5th ranked offense and 3rd ranked defense. A swap of those would be a success. Just gotta figure out this bench… |
8 | [](/MEM) Grizzlies | | 0-0 | This is the year that we’ve been building for. We finally have all our great role players to build around our star player who is finally thrusted into the starting line up. That’s right, it’s the season of Santi “3rd highest single game +/- in NBA history” Aldama who will be seeing significant minutes in the absence of JJJ. He’s looked fantastic in the summer league and preseason from three and as long as he can be competent on defense he could open the floor for Ja in ways that come second to only Desmond Bane. |
9 | [](/MIA) Heat | | 0-0 | Another season full of hopes and dreams has arrived. I’m sure everyone’s got their own hopes for the Miami Heat this year but the main thing I want is some players to take the next step. Our depth is weaker than past years but the roster is still capable to make noise in the East and maybe compete in the ECF. Tyler Herro got paid this offseason which should be good but the Heat did not do anything noteworthy outside of that. We drafted Nikola Jovic who seems to be a promising player but we have always had a tendency to trade young guys for contributors today so too risky to get attached to what he could be. Although things can get pretty dicey especially with the lack of investment in new players. Expectation for the season is playoffs between 4th and 7th seed and making the 2nd round of the playoffs at a minimum. Only time will tell if it happens but at least we’ve had a good stretch of not missing playoffs to help support the idea that we’ll get there once again (last time we missed playoffs was 2019 and looking at the roster that year it makes sense why we missed it). [Let’s go Heat!](https://www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/burnie-e1457358319822_39595483_ver1.0.jpg) |
10 | [](/DAL) Mavericks | | 0-0 | The Mavericks are putting out a bokld strategy for the 2022-23 season following Luka Doncic’s most successful season: Let Luka Doncic run the team entirely, and surround him with role players to make his job & life easier every night. Losing Jalen Brunson puts a lot of responsibility on Spencer Dinwiddie’s shoulders, and new center Christian Wood is the most unique big man Luka Doncic has played with in his NBA career. Can the Mavs’ unconventional approach get them safely out of the play-in game? One key thing to look for is how the Mavs start the season. Last year, they tried implementing Igor Kokoskov’s offense for the first few months, but shifted towards a different approach before finding their rhythm. Having early-season success and staying healthy will be key swing factors for this Mavs team in 2023. |
11 | [](/BKN) Nets | | 0-0 | It’s crazy the NBA totally cancelled all of last year but I had this weird dream that the Nets devolved into a dysfunctional amalgamation of big egos and toxic communication. Ah well, it’s a fresh season now and the Nets actually have pieces that fit together. KD is still one of the best players in the league and Kyrie is still a incredible shot maker that can’t keep his opinions to himself – they combine into one of the most exciting duos in the game today. The biggest X-factor potentially in the entire NBA is Ben Simmons – how will he play alongside a seemingly perfect group of players that will allow him to utilize his strengths? He will be surrounded by shooters aside from Claxton but their defensive potential together is exciting. Royce O’Neale already looks like an amazing acquisition for the team and while Markieff Morris isn’t popular, he will be a much needed voice of reason throughout the year. |
12 | [](/MIN) TWolves | | 0-0 | Wolves made some moves this offseason. The Wolves backcourt of Rudy Gobert and KAT looks to bring two towers to the Twin Cities. On paper it’s clear Gobert’s presense will be a godsend among the offensive minded young TWolves players. Outside of the core 4 the Wolves will be looking at new acquisitions Kyle Anderson, Bryn Forbes and Austin Rivers, as well as rookie Wendell Carter and third year Jaden McDaniels to provide production off the bench. |
13 | [](/CLE) Cavaliers | | 0-0 | The Cleveland Cavaliers were the 3 seed in the East at the 2022 all-star break. An injury plague would cause the Cavs to finish the season 9-15 after the all-star break while giving up 11 PPG more than pre-break, before being eliminated with losses to BKN & ATL in the play-in. Losing allowed us to retain the FRP we sent for LeVert, which was used to draft Ochai Agbaji. Koby Altman then utilized him, RFA Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen to acquire Donovan Mitchell. As a result, the Cavaliers will be fielding the same team that showed enough to be the 3 seed at the all-star break, but -Markkanen, +Mitchell. That, plus regaining Ricky Rubio, led the NBA GMs to choose the Cavaliers as the team with the best overall offseason moves. Mitchell brings something that the Cavs did not have outside of Darius Garland last year, a trigger happy, ball dominant guard. Garland shot 6 3PA/g, and no other guard shot more than 3 3PA/g for us.. while Mitchell fired off 10 3PA/g last season. JB has mentioned running Spida at the 1 when Garland is resting until the return of Rubio, and our deep rotation will all have a chance to contribute and compliment Spidaland/Frobley. It is very likely that either LeVert or Okoro will take turns starting at the 3, but you can certainly expect more tall ball as there have been whispers of Mobley sliding down to put out an end-of-game lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, Love and Allen. |
14 | [](/TOR) Raptors | | 0-0 | The raptors off-season went about as boring as it could, although perhaps for the best. While rumours existed at times, ultimately the team decided not to pursue any large trades, and focus on internal development. A lot of the success this year depends on the growth of Scottie Barnes (will he hit a sophomore wall?), Precious Achiuwa (is his shooting stroke a fluke, and can he improve his finishing ability?), and Dalano Banton (are his improved handles and ability to run a second unit in preseason going to transfer to the regular season?). Last year the raptors also struggled heavily with their bench contributions and injuries. Pickups of Otto Porter Jr, healthy Khem Birch, and a full season of Thad Young should help tremendously. There’s also a potentially interesting rookie in Christian Koloko, who could play a valuable bench role as our only 7 footer. Ultimately this season will rely heavily once again on the health of our starting five, the ability of new players to get used to the switch heavy defensive schemes we run, and improvements (if possible) to our half court offensive system. At the end of the year, most raptors fans would likely be happy with making the second round of the playoffs. |
15 | [](/ATL) Hawks | | 0-0 | Much like last season, the success of the Hawks will be almost entirely determined by their defense. Another season of being top 5 on the offensive end of the floor and bottom 5 on the defensive end isn’t going to cut it. Bringing in Dejounte Murray as the new primary point of attack defender is certainly going to help with that, but Clint Capela returning to the form he had two seasons ago is probably even more important than that. De’Andre Hunter also needs to take a big step in his development and show why the Hawks traded up to draft him 4th overall. If everything breaks right for the Hawks, their ceiling is a top 3 seed in the east and their floor is a play-in game. With most of the Eastern Conference being much improved, expect the Hawks to land somewhere in the middle. |
16 | [](/NOP) Pelicans | | 0-0 | It’s time. The bell gongs. The fat man has returned (no, not one of the many tourists trolling Bourbon past their bed time). The bloody mary’s been made, the gumbo’s a-cookin’, the second line rolls down the street. Willie Green has been in a hunting shack deeeeeep in the bayou meditating, reaching his second form. Naruto has been read through three times each by everyone on staff. SASUKEEEEEEEEE! the bell gongs again, but this time it sounds eerily like the Natchez’ organ. Baby King Cake arises from solitary confinement below Tipitina’s. All make their way to the Blender, as the dawn rises from their final Bender before the season. Suit Up, Bow Down, and let’s dance. The Pelicans are coming for your children, and Alvardo to commit Grand Theft Auto. I’m absolutely buzzing, let’s ride. |
17 | [](/LAL) Lakers | | 0-0 | For a off-season filled with trade rumors on Westbrook, specially followng the acquistion of Pat Bev. It’s shocking that the team is staying put with this ‘Big 3′. The team has gotten younger and athletic and it shows on the court, not that its a high bar from last year’s catastrophe. However, wing defense and shooting is still a concern. The centers don’t seem serviceable as advertised, the team has too much guards including a late signing of Schroder, Darvin Ham even tested bringing Russ off the bench, who coincidentially(or not) injured his hamstring. A new head coach and the younger talent may pack some more fight and wins this year compared to last year’s, however barring a carry job from LeBron-AD and/or a trade that brings in some talent to this roster, the ceiling seems to be a play-in spot in a packed Western Conference. It would be genuinely promising if they somehow stay at .500 or above through the first 10 games. |
18 | [](/CHI) Bulls | | 0-0 | Let’s get hype, Chicago! The healthy version of this year’s team is an improvement over the healthy version of last year’s team. We’re waiting on Lonzo Ball to return to action and form DeBallZach (and to see how severe this lingering issue is), for year two of Trying. Year TWO. Given the potential we showed in the early-mid season I’m quite shocked people have soured so quickly on the Bulls. DeMVP and Zach are still here, Pat Williams and Caruso are returning, Ayo and Javonte have taken another step, and we got veteran signings Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic to fill us out. I’m ready to sit back and enjoy the ride of a Contending Chicago Sports Team! |
19 | [](/POR) Trail Blazers | | 0-0 | The roster is new and shiny, and probably the most talented that Dame has had since Aldridge left town. After an off-season of excitement, though, pre-season has left a lot of fans worried about this new squad. Despite adding Grant and GPII are they still terrible at defense? Are they really starting a three guard lineup again? |
20 | [](/NYK) Knicks | | 0-0 | “A wise man teaches a man to fish. A wiser man teaches a man to fish and also gives him a fish.” The Knicks have made the wiser man’s move, much to the chagrin of the media vultures who circle us like some great beached whale. Instead of sinking cost and mortgaging our youth in the inflated Donoval Mitchell sweepstakes, we bought ourselves a most precious and rare feature to grace the Garden’s court- the efficient Point Guard. At a more than reasonable salary, Jalen Brunson has joined a team which has had a hole in his exact shape and size for over two decades. Far be it from me to call him a Silver Bullet however, as no team has an *I* in it: RJ Barrett, the Duke of York, is leading a team that seems overflowing with potential. Should his shot keep falling consistently, and should he improve underneath the basket, the skillsets of the rest of the team will flourish. Already we’ve seen Obi Toppin and Mitchell Robinson show off in the preseason, with Obi’s newly revealed all-around game and Mitch’s continued defensive dominance being key points in our victories. Immanuel Quickley, saved from lead guard responsibilities by Brunson’s arrival, is able to focus on his combo-guard brilliance that has made him the darling of NBA Stat Nerds the coutry over. Evan Fournier, perhaps the best long-range shooter the Knicks have ever had, finds himself in a unique position with 3-and-D hype train Quentin Grimes hot on his heels. By all accounts my French Countryman is graciously teaching Grimes all that he should know, placing the team first in the inevitable case that Grimes wrestles the lead Shooting Guard position away from Fournier in the near future. And I’d be truly remiss (and hunted by a certain phophet of Jokic) if I did not mention Isaiah Hartenstein, who is a spacing, rim protecting big with court vision that the Knicks haven’t had since, I don’t know, David Lee? Oh yeah, and D Rose is back. Hope he gets the 6MOY award with us that he’s deserved for quite some time now. Let’s see, let’s see, we’ve gone through Brunson, the youngsters, Fournier… Ah right. The 250-lb Elephant in the Room… Julius Randle is one of the most interesting cases I’ve ever seen as a Knicks fan. He joins the team as a less-than-sonsolaiton prize for KD and Kyrie, plays badly, then comes back the following year in one of the most inspired MIP campaigns I’ve ever seen, gripping the adulation of New York fans and willing what should by all means be a bad team to a high playoff seeding, only to lose in the first round to sheer talent. A cinderellla story. Then, disaster. A poor attitude to strat the season led to the poorest choice a New York athlete could make… antagonizing the fans. And the season never really recovered from there. Body language issues, lack of present leadership, and a quick temper spearheaded a disappointing season. That said, I have not lost faith in Julius. His issues last season were those of someone who cares too much, not too little. The passion and volition to win are present- and now that we have a legitimate Point Guard for the first time in Randle’s tenure we should finally see what he’s like as an efficient player not trying to do to much with the ball in his hands.To all my fellow fans, I wish you all a great season filled with pleasant surprise, a high level of competition and that inimitable New York spirit. To all the rest, *Bing Bong* |
21 | [](/SAC) Kings | | 0-0 | Once again, the Sacramento Kings finish preseason with a 4-0 record! Will the off-season pickups change the losing course that typically follows? Under Mike Brown this roster appears to have bought into the defensive mentality and fast paced offense. Concerns heading into the season is size, currently this roster is unequipped to handle some of the bigger rosters. This team is capable of countering size with speed and shooting as this is one of the most balanced rosters fans have seen in years. All eyes are on NBA Summer league MVP rookie sensation Keegan Murray who offers both size and versatility. Although it looks like he is destined to come off the bench to start the season his minutes will most likely mirror that of most of the starters. Kings fans are ready to end this 16-year playoff drought and hoping this team supplies the rain. |
22 | [](/WAS) Wizards | | 0-0 | It is that time of the year where the Wizards fans tell themselves, “You know what, I don’t hate this line-up.” There is a lot to the Wizards that makes them a potential “good regular season” team — the forgotten incredible scorer who isn’t coming off of a knee injury, very good talent in the wing position, presentable point guards and depth at the five. Rui Hachimura is going to be playing for a contract this season and could finally have his breakout year. It is also the first real off-season for a first time head coach in Wes Unseld Jr and he finally has the team to get his structure set. The Wizards will not be a contender but if they don’t tank for Victor Wembanyama (or the equally incredible Scoot Henderson who probably will be the better immediate player given the reality of what a guard can accomplish right away versus a center), they’ll more than likely be an easy play-in lock. This season likely will be the continuation of what has been frustration since the House of Guards era. But hopefully, it might just be a little more entertaining this time around. |
23 | [](/CHA) Hornets | | 0-0 | The Hornets are poised for a terrible season. We had the coach drama thing and the Miles Bridges arrest and subsequent indefinite suspension. We will eventually have the Hayward injury thing, and we persistently have the “who is our starting center / let’s draft 3 more and see if someone’s actually good” thing. It’s a team at rock bottom that’s stashing a generational talent in LaMelo Ball. Some Hornets fans may not want to admit it, but this season is all about tanking for a second young star to pair with Lamelo. The future may be bright, but the present is so, so dark. |
24 | [](/DET) Pistons | | 0-0 | Our preseason was uninspiring. However we did have many vet injuries (already) in new acquisitions of Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks as well as holdovers Hamidou Diallo and now Marvin Bagley. Our core roster, regardless of the vets, is still raw and learning to play within their roles. There will be some flashiness mixed with growing pains from Jaden Ivey. He has shown in preseason the different gears that he has to work with and can get to the lane with ease to help open up a sputtering offense. Jalen Duren will probably be eased into our offense more slowly, but is an athletic rim runner who can rebound which should find him some minutes early on. Beef Stef has a 3 point shot now (evidenced by him showing out with 4-10 in our last preseason game – his previous season high was 63 total attempts from deep). Killian Hayes looks like he belongs in the NBA based on the preseason! Look for this team to have many growing pains that will ultimately hinge on the efficiency of Saddiq Bey and Cade. We will very likely be in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. |
25 | [](/ORL) Magic | | 0-0 | Drafting Paolo has the fandom buzzing with excitement. Along with Wendell and Franz having strong showings during the preseason, the Magic’s future in the frontcourt looks bright. With continued growth from Coach Mose and the rest of the roster, don’t be surprised if the Magic make a run for the playoffs. And maybe with a little bit of success comes the often rumored rebrand? |
27 | [](/HOU) Rockets | | 0-0 | It is yet too early to be collecting dividends from the rebuild. With the trade of Christian Wood, and the likely departure of Eric Gordon at the trade deadline, the team will be leaning even further on the young core for this season. In theory, Sengun and Green should take a step up in their second year, but without the vets, it’s unlikely that the team will improve that much overall. The expectation is a small step forward, but not a big leap. |
27 | [](/IND) Pacers | | 0-0 | Well, the Pacers certainly find themselves in uncharted waters heading into the 2022-23 season. After decades of mediocre-at-the-absolute-minimum basketball, Indiana finally has embraced the tank, and looks to let the youth movement reign supreme with Tyrese Haliburton running the show. Rookie Bennedict Mathurin has looked excellent in both the Summer League and preseason; could the Pacers accidentally win too many games and remove themselves from the Wembanyama sweepstakes? |
28 | [](/UTA) Jazz | | 0-0 | 9910 points. That’s how many points Jazz players scored last season as a team. 3157 points. That’s how many points were scored last season by Jazz players that are still on the team’s roster. The Utah Jazz enter a new era after a dramatic off-season which saw them trade All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell for a return of 7 first round picks, 3 first round pick swaps, 2 first round draftees and 7 other players. The commitment to a rebuild will be an adjustment period for the franchise who has won at least 40 games in 35 of the last 38 years with the new vision a stark difference from years prior. Players to watch for this season include Lauri Markkanen, fresh off a EuroBasket tournament where he averaged 28/8 on 54/41/91 splits for Finland and Collin Sexton who will look to prove himself after a season on the sidelines through injury. Ultimately though, there’s only one goal for the Jazz truly this season: Tank for the Lank, Play Bad for the French Lad, Win mañana for Wembanyana |
29 | [](/OKC) Thunder | | 0-0 | Despite Chet Holmgren being out for the season – the Thunder have A LOT to be excited about. Preseason was a very impressive showing from the new rookies and veteran (lol) sophomores. Another year of improvement for the rest of the guys with Coach Daig at the helm will do wonders for cohesion. Expect the Thunder to be a surprisingly good defensive team. |
30 | [](/SAS) Spurs | | 0-0 | I am under no delusions this year; we are going to be B-A-D bad. However, I think I’m going to have a lot of fun watching the young guys develop. Keldon has dropped 20 lbs and is finally playing his natural position at the 3 and has looked much more comfortable on offense and defense during the preseason. Vassell looks like he’s taken a leap, and Primo has shown flashes. Additionally, the Spurs’ No. 9 pick, Jeremy Sochan, is the second coming of Dennis Rodman and already looks to be one of the players you love to have on your team and hate to play against. He’ll be slotting into the starting 5 with the aforementioned wings, Tre Jones at PG and Jakob Poeltl at C (likely midseason trade-bait). There won’t be too many high points this season if it goes as everyone expects, so I’m going to use these writeups to say something nice about a different player on the team every ranking. Buckle up Spurs fans, we’re officially in the tank now. |