NBA Power Rankings: Midseason Edition
15. Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are one the most versatile teams in the league. But, it’s the injuries that have derailed their growth. There also needs to be a trade as the frontcourt has become crowded with the addition of Mason Plumlee. Look for Kenneth Faried to be on the move.
14. Chicago Bulls: It’s safe to say that the Bulls have failed in the first half. A team that features 2016 assists leader, Rajon Rondo, one of the best two guards in Dwyane Wade and a two-way player in Jimmy Butler is supposed to be where the Celtics are.
13. Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are looking for a second scorer to help take the pressure off Paul George. Jeff Teague has been outstanding but a move must be made if they want to make that strong push into the playoffs.
[Mark]12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook has taken the team as far as he can. He needs some help now. It’s up to Victor Oladipo to provide the scoring that Kevin Durant once did.
11. Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroder has played well while running the Hawks. Dwight Howard needs to be more assertive in demanding the ball and Pul Millsap has continued to prove that he’s underrated as a PF.
10. Los Angeles Clippers: Injuries. That’s the issue with the Clippers. There is no drama surrounding the team, the unit has played well but they haven’t done it together. First Blake Griffin and now Chris Paul. Just keep the ship steady until they are whole again.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley has played well but not top salary good. The frontcourt is not getting any younger with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The Grizzlies are still waiting for the Rockets version of Chandler Parsons to appear.
8. Utah Jazz: How long will the Jazz continue to stay under the radar? They’ve done nothing much but manage a 35-22 record and have done so with the struggles of Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors. What happens when they get their games back on track?
7. Toronto Raptors: It was sort of an up and down battle in the first half but the addition of Serge Ibaka will help a defense that lacks a true enforcer in the post.
6. Washington Wizards: The Wizards have finally decided to play as a team and not as a group of iso players. The results have been one heck of a run that has taken them from the bottom to the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
5. Boston Celtics: Despite two straight playoff appearances, who saw this coming? Isaiah Thomas is for real and the rest of the cast has played their position to a tee. Can they make that necessary move at the trade deadline to put them over the Cavs?
4. Houston Rockets: James Harden has led the team to a great first half record and the Rockets look to be a threat in the tough West. Eric Gordon has been great off the bench and the steady play of Clint Capela and Ryan Anderson has also been vital.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Maybe the Cavaliers are just coasting through the season and that’s the reason we have seen a decline in their last few games. The injury to J.R. Smith has hurt as well but the Cavs have been here before and know how to deal with lingering issues. Their lead in the East is getting smaller but their main goal has always been a championship, not regular season success.
2. San Antonio Spurs: Much like the Jazz, the Spurs are quietly putting together another dominating season. Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge have formed a great duo but we won’t get to see their full potential until Pau Gasol makes his presence felt.
1. Golden State Warriors: Would anything change with the addition of Kevin Durant? No. The Warriors are still dangerous and each player has adjusted with the new addition. Steve Kerr is a remarkable coach and that doesn’t get mentioned enough as it should.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
