Ranking the bottom 14 teams of the NBA, for your pleasure.
Starting this week, The Lottery Mafia will post a bi-weekly Powerless Rankings, which looks at 14 teams that have regressed over the past couple of weeks. This list is not based on which teams are below the playoff line, but rather who has played poorly over a stretch of two weeks. The top ranking indicates the team at the “bottom,” and so forth.
1. | Philadelphia 76ers | (0-9)
Depending on who you ask, this season is going according to plan so far. They don’t have a win this season, though did come close against Houston. However, a 53 point loss to Mavericks highlights just how little talent is on this team.
2. | Los Angeles Lakers | (1-9)
The Lakers are off to their worst start in franchise history. They’re giving up more points per game than any team in the league, and despite Kobe Bryant’s best efforts, simply not have enough talent.
3. | Denver Nuggets | (2-7)
It’s been a nightmare start for Denver, who believed they could compete for a playoff spot in the West. The return of Arron Afflalo has been a disappointment, Danilo Gallinari is a shell of his former self, and Brian Shaw looks more and more on the hot seat with each loss.
4. | Minnesota Timberwolves | (2-7)
Things weren’t terrible until Ricky Rubio was sidelined with an ankle sprain. The young talent will make the losses bearable, but they’ve given up over 130 points in each of the last two games, and these losses are offering a glimpse of just how valuable Rubio is to the roster.
5. | New York Knicks | (3-8)
They started out 2-1, but have since gone 1-7, with a couple of last second losses that have stung. The Knicks aren’t terrible, but the slight belief that the playoffs were attainable this season is starting to disappear.
6. | Detroit Pistons | (3-7)
Fixing the Pistons was not going to be easy, and the putting Smith, Monroe, and Drummond in the same lineup still isn’t working. Brandon Jennings play has been erratic once again, but there is good news; the Pistons rank 3rd in rebounds per game, and 10th in points allowed. The bad news? They rank 26th in points per game.
7. | Boston Celtics | (3-5)
Brad Stevens has them competing once again, but there are so many question marks around Rajon Rondo’s future. They’re having any easy time scoring points, averaging 106.6 per game, but can’t stop teams from scoring either, giving up 108.4.
8. | Oklahoma City Thunder | (3-8)
Durant and Westbrook’s injuries show just how valuable they are to the Thunder, who are struggling to find wins, and are dead last in points per game. Durant and Westbrook’s return will be a huge boost, but they have a big hole to climb out of.
9. | Orlando Magic | (4-7)
They started the season slow, but have won the last two out of three. Oladipo’s return will help, but there’s still growing pains to be had, and Aaron Gordon’s injury puts a damper on things.
10. | Utah Jazz | (4-7)
The Jazz have been a bit of a surprise, thanks in large part to Gordon Hayward’s strong start to the year. They still aren’t quite a playoff team, but it’s looking like this season could be a step in the right direction as the young talent continues to develop.
11. | Indiana Pacers | (4-7)
Another team ravaged by injuries, they picked up a strong win against the Bulls in Chicago this weekend. Roy Hibbert has bounced back after last year’s late season slump, and A.J. Price has really helped ease the point guard burden left by George Hill’s injury.
12. | Charlotte Hornets | (4-6)
Their recent West Coast road trip was brutal, going 1-3. They lost by 15 to the Lakers, blew a 20 point lead against Portland, and were shot out of the gym by Golden State. There is talent on the roster, but they are still trying to figure out how the new pieces fit, particularly Lance Stephenson.
13. | Brooklyn Nets | (4-5)
The West was tough on Brooklyn as well, as they went 0-3 with losses to Phoenix, Golden State, and Portland. Still, there are things to like about the Nets, but they need to stay healthy.
14. | Phoenix | (5-5)
The point guard trio of Dragic, Bledsoe, and Thomas has been effective at times this season, but Phoenix needs a little more consistency. Wins against Golden State and Brooklyn were followed with losses to Charlotte at home, and the Clippers on the road.
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