NBA Week 2 Power Rankings: Cavs rise, Lakers bottom out
211. . 4-2. . Memphis Grizzlies. 10. team
The Memphis Grizzlies are down multiple players to start the year, but they have still navigated those absences to land at 4-2, with a bad loss to the Dallas Mavericks the only true blemish. Ja Morant has been the most fun player in the league as he has absolutely detonated on opposing defenses. Santi Aldama has been their latest find, stepping up to start in Jaren Jackson Jr.’s absence, while Desmond Bane looks like an All-Star candidate alongside Morant.
3-3. . Golden State Warriors. 9. team. 41.
The defending champions look really good…except when they don’t. Their transition defense has been painfully bad, and they are clearly still figuring out the best rotation options to meld the young with the new. Stephen Curry has been magnificent, Andrew Wiggins could be in the mix for an All-Star repeat, and Draymond Green has been locked in. They should shake off the early stumbles and creep back to the top, but for now they land here.
79. . 2-3. . Dallas Mavericks. 8. team
The Dallas Mavericks have the league’s third-best net rating, in large part due to demolishing the Memphis Grizzlies and each of their losses being close affairs. Still, losing to the Thunder is a bad look for a supposed contender, and while Luka Doncic has been excellent the depth around him has been shaky. Jason Kidd looks like he is struggling to keep this group pointed in the same direction.
Utah Jazz. 7. team. 118. . 5-2.
The Utah Jazz aren’t supposed to be here. They traded their two big stars and multiple veterans and were expected to tank for Victor Wembanyama. They still might, but the players they have left have been playing hard and inside of a cohesive system instilled by new head coach Will Hardy. Lauri Markkanen is having a career year, Jordan Clarkson has blossomed as a starter and Kelly Olynyk is likely going to be flipped for real value at the deadline.
Boston Celtics. 6. team. 18. . 3-2.
The Boston Celtics are just 3-2 but look like a team poised to contend again in the East once Robert Williams III is healthy. Jayson Tatum has been incredible to start the year, while Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon look like perfect running mates. The problem is depth beyond their top 6, and it cost them in the loss to the Cavaliers on Friday night.