NBA Power Rankings

We're two weeks into the NBA season, which means that we can start to look at some early season trends with slightly more certainty. What have we seen so far?

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25. Washington Wizards (Down 3)

(2-5) Last week: 1-2

The East Coast Pelicans! The Wiz are fantastic at putting the ball in the basket. Davis Bertans & rookie Rui Hachimura have gelled nicely. Bradley Beal is still elite. But that defense......wow. A question, dear reader. What's worse: giving up 159 to the Rockets, or 131 to a T'Wolves side missing Karl Anthony Towns. A reminder that both games were not overtime contests.

24. Sacramento Kings (Up 5)

(2-6) Last week: 2-1

Signs of life from the Kings this week. It came from a couple of unlikely sources: Richaun Holmes and Nemanja Bjelica. In home wins against the Jazz and Knicks these two combined to average 21.5 points, 13.5 boards and 6.5 assists. Their threat to hit the three opened up the key for D'Aaron Fox to make a welcome return to form.

23. Chicago Bulls (Up 4)

(3-6) Last week: 2-2

Welcome to the season, Otto Porter. The high-prices wing finally broke out with strong performances Detroit and the Lakers. This team is still struggling though. Second year centre Wendell Carter is still the only Bull with a positive net rating on the season.

22. Memphis Grizzlies (Up 2)

(2-5) Last week: 1-2

Jaren Jackson Jr went down with a knee last week, meaning it's all Ja Morant, all the time. Currently hovering at around a 30% usage rate, he is the favourite for Rookie of the Year, assuming Zion Williamson doesn't play enough games.

21. Charlotte Hornets (up 5)

(4-3) Last week: 2-0

Could it be that we have a foundation in Charlotte? After years of relying on veterans on bloated contracts (Marvin Williams, Nic Batum, Bismack Biyombo), the Hornets have a foundation made entirely of their own draft picks. Malik Monk, Cody Zeller, Miles Bridges and flame throwing rook PJ Washington, along with 2^nd round steals Devonte Graham and Dwayne 'Crispy' Bacon finally give the Hornets something to build on. Or this is just smoke and mirrors and we'll see Charlotte slip back into their customary 25 win pace in short order.