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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20. Detroit Pistons (Up 3)

(4-5) Last week: 2-2

The Pistons are juuust doing enough to keep their heads above water whilst they await Blake Griffin's return. Contract year Andre Drummond is, of course, leading the league in rebounding (18.6 rpg). Surprisingly, he's also averaging 2.2 blocks – good for 7^th in the league. Luke Kennard's development is pleasing to see.

19. Atlanta Hawks (Down 4)

(3-4) Last week: 1-2

With Trae Young sitting with an ankle sprain, the Hawks have predictable struggled. Compounding that is the 25 game suspension of fellow franchise cornerstone John Collins for PED use. He is appealing the 25 game suspension, but in the meantime the Hawks will lean heavily on the soon to return Young with some help (on offense at least) from Jabari Parker.

18. Brooklyn Nets (Up 1)

(3-4) Last week: 2-2

The Nets blows hot and cold. After a rousing win against Houston, Brooklyn followed it up with an insipid performance against an ailing Pistons side missing Blake Griffin and half of their guard rotation. Maybe they could start by taking care of the ball? The Nets lead the league in turnovers at 19.9 per contest. Also, this timeshare between DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen has to stop. Allen is the far better player right now. Sure, Jordan's a great team mate but if he's hurting the team on the court he has to play backup minutes.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (Up 3)

(3-4) Last week: 2-0

This team is staying competitive. So far, it's only some horrible crunch time defense holding them back. The Thunder are ahead of only the woeful Wizards defense in crunch time defensive rating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is continuing his evolution into a #1 option. He's shooting the lights out from mid-range (Chris Paul's influence?).

16. San Antonio Spurs (Down 5)

(4-3) Last week: 1-3

DeJounte Murray - the skinny point guard coming off an ACL – is leading the Spurs in rebounding at over 8 per game. And he's doing it on a minutes restriction, only playing 23.3 per contest. This kid is the real deal, jump shot or not. As a team,.the Spurs continue to buck the trend, eschewing the deep threat for the mid-range. They're doing is masterfully. They currently sit 2^nd in the NBA in overall offensive efficiency.