NBA Power Rankings: Post-Harden trade standings
James Harden is a Brooklyn Net, and in turn, the NBA’s hierarchy is in need of rearranging. Just over three weeks into the season, and with multiple notable players already on the move, here is NBC Sports Chicago’s latest power rankings.
Record: 2-9 (Last Five: 1-4)
O-Rating: 106.2 (24th)
Jerami Grant is making the most of his expanded role, but the team-wide results have met expectations. Two of Detroit’s rookies -- Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart -- at least, are showing promising early returns, though Killian Hayes is set to miss extended time with a labral tear in his right hip.
Record: 3-8 (Last Five: 1-4)
O-Rating: 105.5 (26th)
After winning their first two games, a wrist injury to Karl-Anthony Towns spurred a seven-game losing streak. He’s back now, but the play-in push hoped for this offseason already looks far-fetched.
Record: 3-8 (Last Five: 2-3)
O-Rating: 113.6 (7th)
They still don’t defend a lick, Thomas Bryant is done for the season and Russell Westbrook may now miss three-to-four weeks. What’s more, a team that struggled out of the gate was swept by COVID-19 -- and protocol-related absences, which have led to two straight postponements -- at a tough time. The Athletic reported Friday morning that the team is up to five positives.
Bradley Beal is balling, averaging an efficient 34.9 points. Could he soon be doing so in a different uniform?
Record: 5-6 (Last Five: 3-2)
O-Rating: 103.0 (29th)
Under first-year coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder have scrapped their way to respectability through 11 games. That could continue, but the bottom eventually falling out wouldn’t surprise either. Those lottery balls Sam Presti accrued need counting.
Record: 5-6 (Last Five: 3-2)
O-Rating: 105.1 (27th)
Extended absences for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. (who says his return is “not that far away”) have stymied a chance at a full-fledged breakout. For now.
Record: 4-7 (Last Five: 2-3)
O-Rating: 110.6 (14th)
Things are going better under Billy Donovan, to be sure. The Bulls are playing a competitive, entertaining brand of basketball and seeing steps forward from multiple core players, with Lauri Markkanen poised to return from a seven-game absence.
But the wins have yet to pile up. Porous defense and a handful of blowouts mar subtle early-season progress. The new front office could begin wheeling and dealing with its largely-inherited roster -- save for the thus far impressive Patrick Williams -- at a moment’s notice.
Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 2-3)
O-Rating: 111.5 (12th)
The Kings are the perfect up-and-down team for this wonky season. Already, they’ve secured multiple impressive victories, ceded multiple demoralizing drubbings and seen Marvin Bagley III’s father invoke a trade request on behalf of his son via social media (since deleted). At least Tyrese Haliburton looks like the steal of the draft and a strong Rookie of the Year candidate.
Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 1-4)
O-Rating: 104.5 (28th)
Dealing with a novela-length early-season injury list, the Knicks have begun falling back to reality, losing four straight contests. But Tom Thibodeau has clearly injected some life into the group. Julius Randle is making the most of weighty minutes totals. A few improbable comeback victories dot their resume. And eighth overall pick Obi Toppin has still hardly played.
Record: 5-7 (Last Five: 1-4)
O-Rating: 99.8 (30th)
Give them all the centers. The Cavaliers nabbed another for their forrestal frontcourt by flipping a late first-rounder (from the Bucks) for Jarrett Allen as a hanger-on of the James Harden trade. Meanwhile, their hyper-active big-man rotation has propelled them to a top-three defensive rating and some impressive early season play -- that is, before injuries struck.
Record: 6-5 (Last Five: 2-3)
O-Rating: 105.5 (25th)
Another team struggling with availability, the Magic lost Markelle Fultz for the season to a torn ACL just as he appeared poised for a leap. Jonathan Isaac is due back in 2021-22. Even Evan Fournier is hampered by a back ailment. The Steve Clifford coached team should find its way into the play-in or (lower) playoff picture, but not much further.
