NBA Week 2 Power Rankings: Cavs rise, Lakers bottom out
team. 20. . 0-5. . Los Angeles Lakers. 30
It’s been a public disaster for one of the league’s most storied franchises. LeBron James may have clever commercials about beating Father Time but he’s at least losing some sets to him, and that means he can’t carry a team built this poorly by himself. Russell Westbrook has been a dramatic $47 million problem, Anthony Davis keeps accruing nagging injuries, and the complete lack of shooting on this roster is appalling. They deserve the bottom spot.
64. . 1-5. . Detroit Pistons. 29. team
The optimism around this team from national media this offseason stemmed from (1) belief in Cade Cunningham and (2) excitement about their rookie class. Cunningham hasn’t made a huge leap in his second season, and the rookies look like — wait for it — rookies. This core has a bright future, but it will take a while for them to get there. Expect Detroit to stick around the bottom this season.
team. 169. . 1-5. . Houston Rockets. 28
The Houston Rockets have shown a few flashes. Jalen Green looks electric, Alperen Sengun has been wild and crafty when he has been available, and the rookie pairing of Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. look like the real deal. Package it together and you have an exceptionally young team without a veteran tentpole and with too many defensive holes. Head coach Stephen Silas needs to find something to hang his hat on here, even as the organization has their eyes on Victor Wembanyama.
Sacramento Kings. 27. team. 84. . 1-4.
The Sacramento Kings were busy this offseason, adding a new defensive-minded head coach and plenty of rotation pieces around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The result has been a team that is hanging in every game and while the record hasn’t come around yet, there is something here. Fox has been dialed in on defense, rookie Keegan Murray has been balling and the morose Lakers may leave room for the Kings to get into the Play-In Tournament.
team. 147. . 1-5. . Brooklyn Nets. 26
On paper, the Brooklyn Nets… How many times this offseason did you hear Nets analysis begin that way? Hypothetically this team has a phenomenal amount of talent, but anyone who has paid attention to the chemistry and defensive issues knew to sound the alarm on the Nets being a championship contender. The defense has been unwatchable, Ben Simmons is completely inside of his own head, and the off-court issues with Kyrie Irving are already popping up. This is a glass house and everyone is throwing stones; it’s only a matter of time before it shatters.