New York and Minnesota have been dreadful the past couple of weeks, while Detroit is rising.
Previous Powerless Rankings:
12/23 | 12/1 | 11/17
The New York Knicks continue to hit new lows, with both teams experiencing eleven game losing streaks. Both teams still have more wins than Philadelphia, but the glaring figure of losing 11 in a row does beg the question of whether Philadelphia is actually the worst team in the NBA.
There hasn’t been a whole lot of movement over the past couple of weeks. Detroit had the highest rise of any team, moving up four spots thanks to a five game winning streak. I figured Josh Smith’s departure would give Detroit a bit of a boost, but the change has been remarkable, and the Pistons are currently the only non-playoff team in the East with a winning record over their last 10 games.
1. | New York Knicks | (5-31) Previous Ranking: 3 (-2)
The Knicks aren’t just losers of 11 straight, they’ve also lost 21 out of 22 since they beat Philadelphia on November 22nd. Unless they win soon, they will reach historically bad franchise marks.
2. | Minnesota Timberwolves | (5-27) Previous Ranking: 2 (-)
At least Timberwolves fans can take solace in the high draft pick they will receive, and with the progression of Shabazz Muhammad, who could be in the running for most improved player this season, averaging 13.8 points and four rebounds per game.
3. | Philadelphia 76ers | (4-28) Previous Ranking: 1 (+2)
We are getting to the point of the season where the Sixers are bringing in players even the most diehard basketball junkies have never heard of. Case in point; Furkan Aldemir, who has played in Philadelphia’s last six games, averaging 1.5 points in only 8.5 minutes per game. Aldemir is from Turkey, and played for Turkish giant Galatasary last season. With that bit of information, we can all say we’ve learned something.
4. | Los Angeles Lakers | (11-23) Previous Ranking: 5 (-1)
The Lakers beat Indiana last night thanks to heroics by Kobe Bryant. Unfortunately for Lakers Nation, Bryant will rest for Monday’s game against the Portland Trailblazers. This may actually be a sound decision the rest of the way; bench Kobe for the definite losses, and play him in the games they actually stand a chance. On second thought, that could backfire, as Bryant might end up shooting the Lakers out of the game.
5. | Orlando Magic | (13-24) Previous Ranking: 6 (-1)
Orlando has lost three in a row, and during this streak scored only 29 points in the first half against Charlotte (because Charlotte is Charlotte however, Orlando only managed to lose by eight). There’s disagreement on whether the players or Jacque Vaughn are more to blame for their recent skid, but things aren’t going according to plan, even for a team not expected to make the playoffs this season.
6. | Boston Celtics | (11-20) Previous Ranking: 7 (-1)
The Celtics are 1-6 since trading Rajon Rondo, which should surprise no one. They have faith in rookie Marcus Smart, but his play has been inconsistent, which is fine given how inexperienced he is. Despite their record though, the Celtics have seen improved from individual players, and have been a bit of fun to watch. The wins just aren’t there.
7. | Charlotte Hornets | (11-24) Previous Ranking: 10 (-3)
The Hornets were cruising without Lance Stephenson, winning four in a row, but then lost five in a row before breaking that streak against Orlando on Saturday. Now Al Jefferson is out for a month, and unless they can string together wins without him this month, their already slim playoff chances may be over come February.
8. | Utah Jazz | (12-22) Previous Ranking: 9 (-1)
They have good nights, and not so good nights. Their young roster is still figuring things out, but they are competing most nights, and most recently played the Eastern Conference best Atlanta Hawks tough, losing by only six.
9. | Detroit Pistons | (10-23) Previous Ranking: 4 (+5)
Credit the Pistons for immediately turning things around following Josh Smith’s departure. There’s only one quality win during their five game win streak, and that was a blowout win against Cleveland, but who cares, they’ve already matched the amount of wins they had with Josh Smith in the roster.
10. | Sacramento Kings | (14-20) Previous Ranking: 13 (-3)
Sacramento’s bubble seems to have burst following Mike Malone’s firing. The team removed the interim tag on Ty Corbin, but the team has not played well, and DeMarcus Cousins is reverting back to the type of on-court behavior he’s been criticized for in the past.
11. | Indiana Pacers | (13-22) Previous Ranking: 8 (+3)
The Pacers still aren’t healthy, with George Hill expected to miss more time due to injury. They are however, 5-5 in their last ten, and are still right in the playoff mix.
12. | Denver Nuggets | (14-20) Previous Ranking: 11 (-1)
Aside from blowing out Memphis by 29 at home, the Nuggets have been faltering in recent weeks once again. Denver looks like a team that should be better on paper, but health continues to be an issue. They’ve been in limbo the past couple of seasons, and despite the talent on the roster, they aren’t making significant improvements. If they are out of the playoffs completely in February, they should start thinking about the future.
13. | Miami Heat | (15-20) Previous Ranking: 14 (-1)
Despite beating the Brooklyn Nets last night (the last team in Powerless Rankings), Miami is 3-7 in their last ten games and have been far from convincing as the eight seed. The teams behind them trying to make the playoffs will hope the Heat continue to struggle.
14. | Brooklyn Nets | (16-17) Previous Ranking: 13 (+1)
While also unconvincing, the Nets have at least climbed up the standings, going 6-4 in their last ten. Still, seventh in the East is not what Brooklyn was hoping for, and there’s a chance they’d be willing to deal the likes of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez in order to clear cap space and build for the future.
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