Watch The Throne || Sacramento Kings (2K22)

[Agent]

Time to start winning now

[The JZA]

Gentry gonna have his hands full trying to get the team above .500 and keeping them afloat

[Captain Canada]

Peace out Luke

[chosenone58]

Really loving the look.

Not surprised that Walton is out of there. Let the winning begin.

[ShamWowNY]

Last night, Kings GM Monte McNair announced that Head Coach Luke Walton had been relieved of his duties. Less than 24 hours later, the Kings pulled out a tough win over a fierce rival.

Sacramento outscored the Lakers 70-52 in the second half to win 118-108. The dynamic playmaking duo of De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton led the late charge, combining for 22 of the Kings 37 fourth quarter points.

Anthony Davis was everywhere for Los Angeles, posting a 5x4 with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks.

This game featured 10 lead changes and 5 ties, but Sacramento scored the final 9 points of the game after LA cut the lead back to one with a minute and a half remaining.

With this win the Kings move to 8-12 on the season. Next up they'll go to Memphis before three straight versus LA - hosting the Lakers on November 30th then a home-and-home with the Clippers on December 1st and 4th.


Box Scores

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[ShamWowNY]

Time to start winning now

Gentry gonna have his hands full trying to get the team above .500 and keeping them afloat

We'll see - the roster is extremely imbalanced and we really struggle to get much scoring from the bench unit. It'll be a tough climb from here!

Peace out Luke

Was surprised the Kings even retained him into this season IRL, but hey, I'm happy to can the guy

Really loving the look.

Not surprised that Walton is out of there. Let the winning begin.

Thanks man! Fingers crossed this is a new leaf for the squad.

[ShamWowNY]

We’ve officially completed the first quarter of the 2021-22 NBA season.

This 20-25 game mark is always a crucial milestone where most of those in league circles feel like the sample size is large enough for teams’ resumes to reflect who they really are. Their record may have some variance still, but the play on the court and advanced statistics are likely good representations of what to expect through the remainder of the season (barring major transactions or injuries).

For this week’s Power Rankings, we’re grading all 30 teams on their first quarter this season and doing our best to peer into the future with our The Athletic crystal ball. Will any of the struggling titans turn it around? Will the top teams sustain? Is there a sophomore breakout still to come? We’ll discuss those questions this week.

Our Power Rankings this season don’t just rank the 30 teams. We’ve divided these teams up into tiers, which any of the teams can move in and out of all season long. Here are the six tiers that teams can fall into this season.

• Rebuilding franchise – Self-explanatory
• Tired of rebuilding franchise – They’re not trying to keep rebuilding but they’re just not good enough to avoid it.
• Play-In Tournament gives them life – Normally, this team would be headed toward Tank-a-palooza, but the Play-In Tournament is keeping them alive.
• Playoff hopeful – Too good to be firmly considered a Play-In Tournament team, but not good enough to really make noise in the postseason.
• On the brink of contention – A piece away from believing they can win the title.
• Contender – Self-explanatory

As always, I am sure we will all agree on the placement of all 30 teams, especially your favorite team. Let’s give out some first quarter grades!

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Tier 1: The Contenders

1. Phoenix Suns, 18-2, +20.2 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A+

It’s hard to imagine a better start to the season for these Phoenix Suns. They ripped off 18 straight wins to start the season, the longest streak in franchise history, before losing by just three points to the Cavaliers. They dropped their second game of the season against fellow contenders in the Nets, but that was only a four point loss. Their offensive rating of 120.8 would be…the best in NBA history. The Suns also boast the second-best defensive rating in the league. Sure, their schedule hasn’t been the strongest so far, but you can only play the teams in front of you. Phoenix has destroyed the teams in front of them.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Devin Booker finally makes an All-NBA team.

Booker is 8th in points per game this season, the leading scorer for the best team in the NBA. His 27.9 points per game would be a career high, as would his 1.4 steals per contest. There is still a lot of basketball left to play, but it would appear that Booker is well on his way to an All-NBA slot, perhaps even on the first team.


2. Golden State Warriors, 15-5, +14.6 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A

Who could've expected this squad would be this cohesive this soon? Otto Porter and Nemanja Bjelica have been great additions. Gary Payton II is a defensive revelation. Andrew Wiggins is quietly having the best season of his career. Steve Kerr is playing nearly everybody every night out. It's fun. And it's working. Not to mention, Steph Curry has been absolutely cooking - he's leading the league in scoring and just last week had a 49 point game and two 41 point games. Oh, and they're still getting Klay Thompson back.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Draymond Green wins Defensive Player of the Year.

Green is one of the greatest defenders of all time. The Warriors have the league's best defense. If Green can stay healthy and Klay successfully comes back from injury and can reintegrate into the team's defensive scheme, it's hard to see a stronger narrative for anyone else.


3. Brooklyn Nets, 15-5, +8.8 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B

The Nets did not get out of the gates strong like the Suns or Warriors. They went 2-3 in their first five, dropping games to Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Miami. Since then, they've gone 13-2. They've yet to have a bad loss, unlike the next entry on this list - the closest was a 7 point loss to Boston last week. The Nets sit at fourth in the East behind Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia, but this is a team built for the long haul behind (as of right now) a binary solar system.

What is the crystal ball prediction? James Harden reverses his early season woes.

James Harden has been outscored by Patty Mills this season. His true shooting percentage is the lowest it's been since his rookie season. The first 20 games have been unkind to him. This will not sustain. Harden is too smart a player for these NBA rule changes keep him from getting buckets. He'll be at 25 points per game by the All-Star break.

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Tier 2: Brink of Contention

4. Chicago Bulls, 19-3, +13.4 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A+
Could the first quarter of this season gone any better for this Chicago squad? Simple answer: no. DeMar DeRozan is having the greatest season of his career, and it isn't particularly close. So is Zach LaVine. Both sit in the top 10 in scoring. Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball are playing impactful 2-way basketball. They Bulls are first in the East. So why Tier 2? They have some holes in their lineup that I'd expect to be exploited in the playoffs, and I'm not sure how sustainable these DeRozan numbers are. But for now, they're the top near-contender in these rankings, and an in-season move could push them into the top tier.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Patrick Williams is moved for a veteran wing this season

Williams has been playing 28 minutes a game. He has been replacement level, a tough feat for a player playing so many minutes for such a great team, but acceptable for a second-year pro. These Bulls are too good too soon to hold onto Williams. Expect him to be suiting up for a team like Detroit or Sacramento before season-end, and Jerami Grant or Harrison Barnes to be in Chicago.


5. Milwaukee Bucks, 15-6, +8.8 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B
The defending champs have missed Brook Lopez. Myles Turner and Damontas Sabonis have feasted against the Bucks twice without him, including an ugly 122-98 loss just two days ago. But, overall, the Bucks have to be mostly pleased with their season so far. They had a nice 10 game win streak, and Giannis is firmly in the far-too-early MVP discussion. Their offense spent November climbing into the top-10, and despite the occasional big-man beatdown Milwakee has a top-10 defense too. There's no need to sound any alarms here.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Demarcus Cousins will be starting by the All-Star break

Demarcus Cousins joined the Bucks after Lopez went down, and has been posting respectable numbers off the bench. He's leading the team in rebounds per-36, and Mike Budenholzer could easily decide Bobby Portis might be better as an energetic presence off the bench. I'm thinking that Cousins will earn an opportunity to start until Brook Lopez makes his return.


6. Utah Jazz, 14-7, +13.0 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B

Utah's season has been...confusing. They dropped three of their first four, including games to the Thunder and Kings. They were sitting at .500 two weeks ago. But since then something has clicked and they're on a seven game win streak. Donovan Mitchell is third in points per game with 28.2. We know this squad can be a great team in the regular season, and this run has their net rating up to fourth in the NBA. What they can do in the postseason will ultimately be what we judge them on.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Donovan Mitchell holds his top-3 position in the scoring race.

A safer prediction, but one I will stand by. Rudy Gobert's efficiency is down this season, as is Mike Conley's. Mitchell's usage is below past seasons, a trend I would have to imagine will change as the season goes on. Mitchell will finish in the top-3 for points this season.


7. Philadelphia 76ers, 16-5, +7.0 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B

For a team missing their second-best player, these Sixers have been quite impressive. Tyrese Maxey has taken a major step and is second in scoring for Philly. Georges Niang has moved up a tier as a player into the "Wait, This Bench Guy is Burning Us" category. But Joel Embiid has struggled to score as effectively as he did last season, which could spell trouble in the postseason without a stronger secondary option.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Ben Simmons is still a Sixer when the offseason starts.

Daryl Morey wants a superstar for Ben Simmons. With the current landscape of the NBA, I don't see a dance partner for him. The Wizards have been a pleasant surprise. The Blazers are solidly in the West playoff race. Is Pascal Siakam on the table? Jaylen Brown? I don't think the market that Morey wants for Simmons exists right now, which to me means Simmons will still be on the Sixers books when a champion is crowned this season.

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Tier 3: Playoff Hopefuls

8. Miami Heat, 18-3, +3.3 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A
Having the second-place team in the East this low may feel like an insult. Do not get me wrong, Erik Spoelstra has done incredible work with this team. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been as effective as ever, and Kyle Lowry an inspired addition. But they've had exceptional luck early, winning all 10 games decided by five or fewer points. Flip half of those, and 13-8 is certainly a more fitting record for a team with a 3.3 net rating.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Erik Spoelstra finishes top-3 in Coach of the Year voting.

Erik Spoelstra has once again coached a smart, cohesive unit to perform above the sum of its parts. I would not be surprised if he won the award outright, but I do think we will see some regression to the mean for this Miami team.


9. Los Angeles Clippers, 11-10, +8.9 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A-
On the other side of the coin you have the Clippers who have lost all four of their games decided by five points or less. Their net rating is fifth in the NBA, just ahead of the Bucks and Nets. This is a testament to Tyronn Lue, who is absolutely coaching his butt off this season. While we're handing out props, how about Reggie Jackson? He's scoring at a high clip and thriving in a complimentary role next to Paul George.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Kawhi suits up before the season ends.

There has been some chatter that superstar wing Kawhi Leonard has been making excellent progress in his rehab from knee surgery. With the Clippers in the middle of a Western Conference race that sees ten teams from 4th to 13th separated by four games, I see Kawhi returning earlier than expected to keep the Clippers out of play-in position.


10. Washington Wizards, 13-8, +6.7 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A
Wes Unseld Jr. has to be happy with this start to his coaching career. The Wizards have a top-5 offense led by Bradley Beal, who is having his best shooting season. Spencer Dinwiddie has grown immensely as a facilitator, averaging nine assists a game. The Wizards are the clear winners of the Russell Westbrook trade, as their depth makes them a scary team for anyone to face so far this season.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Deni Avdija will be the Wizards' designated stopper in the playoffs, which they will make outright.

Avdija has taken a surprising step forward on the defensive end this season, utilizing his length to slow down wing scorers. While he has yet to find a consistent role offensively, Avdija will be an extremely important piece if this Wizards team hopes to make any noise in the postseason.


11. Charlotte Hornets, 15-8, +1.4 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A-
Lamelo Ball has shown the progression that Charlotte was hoping for this season, currently sitting second in scoring among sophomores with 21.7 PPG. The Hornets have been average on both sides of ball, but their league-leading efforts on the boards have helped them pull out wins over teams like the Clippers, Warriors, and Wizards (twice) in recent weeks.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Lamelo Ball makes All-NBA Third Team.

Ball is leading all guards in PER right now. His slash line of 21.6/7.3/8.7 on .620 true shooting compares very well to 3rd team All-NBA guards over the last few years. He'll be competing with Damian Lillard and Trae Young for that final guard spot, and I think team success will push Ball over the top.


12. Los Angeles Lakers, 11-11, +3.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
These Lakers look a lot like last year's squad, touting a top-10 defense and generating a ton of points off of turnovers, but struggling in the halfcourt. LeBron has been forced to take on a larger load, and his efficiency has dropped accordingly.

What is the crystal ball prediction? LeBron misses All-NBA for the first time since his rookie season.

Out with the old, in with the new. Giannis, DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, and Paul George look like locks at this point in the season. Jason Tatum and Jimmy Butler are right there too. LeBron doesn't seem like he can carry the entire load of LA's halfcourt offense for the rest of the season. I know this is a meme at this point, but is LeBron over the hill? Just kidding. Unless...


13. Portland Trail Blazers, 10-11, +1.9 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C
The Blazers offense has taken a significant dip, with the team as a whole shooting 5 percentage points worse from 3 point range compared to the baseline of the last two seasons. They've had a surprisingly feisty defense under new coach Chauncey Billups, but still sit only slightly above-average in defensive rating.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The Blazers finish in 7th or 8th in the West, failing to avoid the play-in tournament.

The Blazers are in basketball purgatory. They've made the playoffs all of the last eight seasons, but lost in the first round on five of those trips. This core is not good enough to compete. It's not bad enough to tank, not that this front office seems interested in doing so anyway. A play-in game in Portland seems like destiny.


14. Boston Celtics, 10-11, +6.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C
If not for the serious spinal injury that Jaylen Brown suffered last week, the Celtics would be higher in these rankings. Their defense has turned a corner, and they currently sit 9th in Defensive Rating. But without Brown, this rotation gets ugly quick. Josh Richardson, step right up! Jayson Tatum will have to continue his MVP-level form for the Celtics to simply stay afloat.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Dennis Schroder and Juancho Hernangomez get moved.

Together, Schroder and Hernangomez's contracts add up to about $13M, and both could be expirings for a rebuilding team. Could the Celtics package them to make a move for someone like Caris LeVert or Terrence Ross to shore up their rotation on the wing? With Brown likely to miss most, if not all, of this season, I think it's very likely we see such a move.


15. Denver Nuggets, 7-13, +0.7 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
Nikola Jokic has singlehandedly dragged this team to the mean. Michael Porter Jr.'s back knocked him out in early November, but even with him they went 3-6. Jeff Green, Austin Rivers, and Will Barton have all missed time as well. But back to Jokic, who's posting one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history at a slash of 28.7/16.5/8.6. He is hoovering his teammate's missed shots, of which there are plenty.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The Nuggets figure out their shooting woes and finish top-4 in the West.

I don't buy this Denver team as a bottom-10 shooting squad the rest of the way. If they can just sink another couple threes a game, they'll win more. It really is that simple. They've played a disproportionate amount of close games, and an evening out of shooting luck will swing their record down the stretch.

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Tier 4: Play-In Tournament gives them life

16. Cleveland Cavaliers, 12-9, +1.5 net rating
First Quarter Grade: A
This is a great start for a team thats oldest starter is the 24-year-old Lauri Markkanen. Darius Garland is playing like an All-Star now that he's fully comfortable as a scorer and facilitator. Evan Mobley has been the most impactful rookie on the defensive side of the ball. Kevin Love seems to be enjoying his role and buying in again.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Cleveland rips off a huge win streak to be in top-4 position by the All-Star break.

The next two weeks will immediately test my clairvoyance. The Cavaliers play the Wizards, Bucks, Bulls, Jazz, and Heat (twice) in the next 14 days. The team is coming together under JB Bickerstaff, and I believe they win a majority of those games before going on a tear through the easier part of their schedule in January.


17. Memphis Grizzlies, 9-11, +1.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C+
I think Memphis expected to take a slightly bigger step forward this season. So far, they've been fun and feisty but not a force in a crowded Western Conference. Ja Morant has been playing at an All-Star level to lead a top-10 offense, but the other side of the ball has held this squad back. They did just clamp the Kings in a 96-73 win, which the Grizzlies can hope is a signal of things to come.

What is the crystal ball prediction? It's not a signal of things to come - Memphis struggles to contain high-octane offenses and stalls out to a play-in spot.

The squad currently sits at 9th, a half game behind the Blazers, Spurs, and Mavs, and a game ahead of the Rockets. I see them finishing right about there - the teams around them may change but I think this team will continue to struggle to find a defensive identity.


18. Dallas Mavericks, 9-10, -2.5 net rating
First Quarter Grade: D
How does a team with a generationally-talented point guard have the third-worst scoring offense in the league? I don't want to pin Dallas' early season struggles on the turnover on their sideline, as that seems a bit premature. The Mavs defense has taken a step forward from last season, which is a credit to Kidd. Doncic has been more deferent this season, with a usage rate down to 30% from 36%, but his assist numbers are paradoxically down. This is just a team that needs to knock down more shots.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Porzingis is not long for Dallas.

His shooting splits are down. His rebounding is down. He seems scared to pull the trigger, and the chemistry with Luka just isn't there this season. I feel like the Porzingis experiment will come to an end sooner rather than later.


19. Toronto Raptors, 9-12, -2.2 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
This is a team that has missed Pascal Siakam, despite valiant efforts from Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet. The Raptors have been close to average on both sides of ball and have rebounded very well - it's just not translating to wins. It seems like every player has been better than last season and the team plays cohesively, but without their best player this has been a team that's struggled to win consistently against good teams.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The return of Pascal Siakam is paired with a Goran Dragic move as the Raptors position themselves as a low seed no team wants to face.

Goran Dragic's $20M expiring contract is an interesting trade chip for Masai Ujiri, and I would have to imagine that he'll draw interest from contenders and rebuilding teams alike. If the Raptors can turn Dragic into a solid role player or two, this team won't be an easy out for anybody.



20. San Antonio Spurs, 9-10, -6.3 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B-
Only one Popovich-coached team has ever finished in the bottom 10 in defensive rating. Right now the Spurs are sitting at 23rd, sitting between such stalwart defenses as the Thunder and Knicks. Despite this, the Spurs are sitting a half-game below .500 at the quarter-mark. Their net rating indicates this isn't sustainable. On a positive note, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell have continued their growth, with Johnson getting plenty of opportunities with the ball in his hands as a playmaker.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The Spurs sputter down the stretch and offload veterans to commit to the lottery.

Thad Young and Derrick White should both draw interest from buyers at the deadline. There's likely a taker for Lonnie Walker, too, as it looks like he isn't part of the Spurs long term plans.


21. Indiana Pacers, 9-14, -1.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
The rumblings in Indy are getting too loud to be called just rumblings these days. A slow start to the season has trade rumors louder than ever. Chris Duarte has been a positive as a plug-and-play rookie, but almost everyone else has struggled. The Pacers have especially struggled to get to the line on offense, which is surprising for a team built around two bigs.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The Pacers front office chooses Myles Turner.

Both Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis are on the trade block. League sources indicate that it isn't necessarily one or the other, that both could be moved. I find that hard to envision. Turner's skillset is scalable to any number of roster constructions, and for that reason I think the Pacers will move on from Sabonis this winter.


22. Atlanta Hawks, 8-13, -2.2 net rating
First Quarter Grade: D
The Hawks have not been able to pick up where they left off from last season, when they made the Eastern Conference Finals. While they do boast one of the league's best offenses at third in offensive rating, their defense is fourth-worst. With how poor the defense has been, it's quite a testament to the firepower on the other side of the ball for Atlanta. Trae Young has had another All-Star caliber season and is second in the league in assists while cutting his turnovers to the lowest level of his career. An All-NBA selection is not off the table.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Danilo Gallinari turns it around.

Through the first quarter of the season, Gallinari has been putrid. Shooting just 34% from the field and 22% from three, this cannot sustain if he wants to continue getting minutes. It is such an aberration that I would expect some progression to the mean.

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Tier 5: Tired of rebuilding franchise

23. Sacramento Kings, 8-13, -3.7 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
The Sacramento Kings fired Luke Walton last week and handed the reins to multiple-time interim head coach Alvin Gentry. This Kings squad has had an above average offense behind a democratic gameplan that could see any of five players leading in scoring on any given night. But this lack of a true alpha has led to issues at the end of games - De'Aaron Fox hasn't been the go-to guy he's being paid to be. Their bench, outside of Buddy Hield, has been a mess. Their defense has struggled to contain elite scorers. I sense a roster shakeup coming soon in Sacramento.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The Kings trade at least two of De'Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, and Tyrese Haliburton this season.

The roster shakeup will affect all levels. There has been a developing narrative that Fox and Haliburton cannot co-exist - this doesn't seem to be true on the court, but it may well be true from a teambuilding perspective. I could see the Kings moving on from all but Haliburton from this group, or moving Haliburton alongside Barnes and/or Hield for a star-level player.


24. Minnesota Timberwolves, 7-14, -7.9 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C
Karl-Anthony Towns hasn't played since the first week of November. He's due back any day, and his return could make this rank outdated quickly - the Wolves were .500 with him early including wins over the Clippers and Nuggets. Without him, though, Minnesota has struggled. Leading sophomore scorer Anthony Edwards and Taurean Prince have missed a few games as well. Despite their floundering, they're still just a game-and-a-half out of 10th with most of the season left to play.

What is the crystal ball prediction? The full-strength Timberwolves pull together their defense and challenge for a play-in spot.
The arrival of Patrick Beverley has unlocked something new for D'Angelo Russell, making for a surprisingly solid defensive guard pairing - with the injuries this team has faced on the wing and down low, it's no surprise team defense has suffered. I see a full-strength Minnesota putting it together and making the climb as other teams such as the Spurs and Kings drop off as the season continues.

25. New York Knicks, 7-13, -9.5 net rating
First Quarter Grade: D+
After last season and the offseason moves this franchise made, you have to be disappointed with this showing to date. Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker have been poor value, regressing significantly from what they showed last season. The Knicks record is well-above Pythagorean expectation given their point differential, but there are some outliers affecting this such as a 115-157 loss to the Pacers. On the bright side, RJ Barrett is putting up the best per-36 numbers of his career across the board.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Julius Randle leads the league in minutes again this season.

Julius Randle is currently 15th in MPG. As the season wears on, we'll see some load management from other coaches. Not Tom Thibodeau! The Knicks will be fighting for that final play-in spot, so I expect the Knicks to ride their starters hard.

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Tier 6: Rebuilding franchises

26. Houston Rockets, 8-12, -12.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: B-
This team has performed better than anyone expected - that includes anyone internal to the Rockets organization. While their defense is one of the worst in the league, they've had games of surprising competence on both sides of the ball. I would note they've had an exceptionally easy schedule, playing the Thunder three times, the Knicks, and the Pistons. That's over half their wins. But enough raining on their parade! Jalen Green is leading rookies in scoring! Alperen Sengun is looking promising! Wait a second, I'm now hearing Kevin Porter Jr. punched a wall and broke his hand? Well...so much for staying positive

What is the crystal ball prediction? Kevin Porter Jr. will not play another game for the Rockets, and very well could be seen overseas or in the G League before donning an NBA jersey again.

Porter has struggled with issues in the locker room and courtroom since coming into the league in 2019. He was suspended indefinitely while playing for USC. This latest incident has put his NBA career in jeopardy.


27. Oklahoma City Thunder, 3-17, -14.1 net rating
First Quarter Grade: C-
The Thunder have been bad. Shocking. But isn't Josh Giddey interesting? He's flirting with 10/8/8 right now - he could stand to be a more efficient scorer, but early returns on the SGA-Giddey partnership show promise. Speaking of, Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't quite replicated last season's breakout. The Thunder haven't quite gotten the All-Star season they hoped for, but there's no reason to panic about his extension.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Derrick Favors returns to a significantly reduced role.

Favors is currently sidelined with a broken right leg. He is not expected to return until after the new year. By that point, the Thunder will be more than happy to play out their depth. Favors could be traded or bought out.


28. New Orleans Pelicans, 3-20, -17.7 net rating
First Quarter Grade: F
Even without Zion, the Pelicans were expecting to be a bit better than this. New Orleans has the worst defense in the NBA, which drags down their offense (which is just simply bad, rather than abysmal). Herb Jones can try all he wants, but one player cannot make a defense good on pure effort alone.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Zion doesn't play this season.

Why risk aggravating a lingering, mysterious foot injury just to play half a season for the worst team in the conference?


29. Detroit Pistons, 2-18, -17.5 net rating
First Quarter Grade: D
You can't give a 2-18 team anything higher than a D. But Cade Cunningham has looked like the player they were expecting to get with the first overall selection, which is about all the Pistons expected out of this season. Kelly Olynyk has been playing efficiently, posting the league's second-highest PER on 20 minutes a game.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Cade Cunningham wins Rookie of the Year.

It'll be an uphill climb on a bottom-dwelling team. Evan Mobley will be have the stronger argument based on impact on winning. Scottie Barnes and Cunningham are neck and neck statistically. But I think Barnes will tire over the stretch, especially with Pascal Siakam missing even more time, and Cade's statistical argument will be too strong to deny.


30. Orlando Magic, 3-19, -22.0 net rating
First Quarter Grade: D-
We didn't expect much from this Magic team. They're mid-rebuild, and those teams don't win a lot of games. Franz Wagner has been a pleasant surprise as a serviceable NBA wing right off the jump, but Jalen Suggs has struggled to say the least. He's shooting 31% from the field and 24% from three...not ideal.

What is the crystal ball prediction? Both Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs make All-Rookie teams.

Despite his struggles from the field, Suggs hasn't been half bad as a facilitator, leading rookies in assists. Wagner is sixth in scoring for rookies. I think both players improve their subpar shooting and Suggs displaces someone like the slumping Chris Duarte by the end of the year.

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[mvp]

Curious to see if those crystal ball predictions come true. Love the power rankings article, really well done. Something I always try to do, but get burned out half way through and it never comes out as great as this

[Agent]

Pacers lacking

[ShamWowNY]

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