{"id":119821,"date":"2024-10-29T21:50:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T14:50:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=119821"},"modified":"2024-10-29T21:50:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T14:50:49","slug":"nba-power-rankings-celtics-and-thunder-at-the-top-plus-a-big-question-for-all-30-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=119821","title":{"rendered":"NBA Power Rankings: Celtics and Thunder at the top, plus a big question for all 30 teams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>For the first time in the 2024-25 season, we bring you <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/\">NBA<\/a> Power Rankings here at <em>The Athletic.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>You may remember me from such films as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5471416\/2024\/05\/05\/clippers-nba-offseason-kawhi-leonard-paul-george-western-conference\/\">the 213 LA Clippers era<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLw48mW1SNe_BLodvl_yVmzaQz5xf9wvDe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Epitome Game Series<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5136654\/2023\/12\/29\/justin-bieber-basketball-the-league-los-angeles\/\">Justin Bieber\u2019s teammate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5852478\/2024\/10\/21\/nba-player-rankings-tiers-reliability-introduction\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1730200986569260&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Bh3k1Sd71DDn_AHr4kkm0\">The Reliability Tiers<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5795353\/2024\/09\/30\/2024-nba-team-position-rankings-projecting-all-30-teams-depth-charts\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1730201000395243&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HLobq2wDgqhPyyDwe2ZaX\">Positionless is a Scam<\/a>. This year, I\u2019ll be your Power Rankings caretaker.<\/p>\n<p>Week 1 just ended, and right now, it\u2019s the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"71\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/celtics\/\">Boston Celtics<\/a> taking the lead as the defending champions. But they\u2019re not just any defending champion. They have retained almost their entire rotation, unlike most teams that have attempted and failed to repeat since the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"88\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/warriors\/\">Golden State Warriors<\/a> were denied a three-peat in 2019. The Celtics somehow maintained a chip on their shoulder throughout the offseason, with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"3O7MInr4zV5KKhZ5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jayson-tatum-3O7MInr4zV5KKhZ5\/\">Jayson Tatum<\/a> racking up DNP-CDs in the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/olympics\/\">Olympics<\/a> that didn\u2019t feature <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"EAiBkBxmqCrObLg7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jaylen-brown-EAiBkBxmqCrObLg7\/\">Jaylen Brown<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And now we have this season, where it\u2019s not just about who can contend with the Celtics, but how the game is played. How are rosters being put together? What are the right amount of 3s, and what are the right kind of 3s?<\/p>\n<p>We have all season to discuss so much. We\u2019ll usually have a theme for these Power Rankings, which won\u2019t just rank every team. We\u2019ll retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers each week:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Top Contenders<\/strong> \u2013 Locked at five, these are the class of the league<\/li>\n<li><strong>In a Good Place<\/strong> \u2013 Could be one team, could be seven teams<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Bubble<\/strong> \u2013 Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack<\/li>\n<li><strong>Not the Tier to Fear<\/strong> \u2013 Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do<\/li>\n<li><strong>Basement Floor<\/strong> \u2013 Bringing up the rear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What to expect from Power Rankings:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>These are my subjective rankings. I will consider a variety of objective measures, but it\u2019s my final call.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>These rankings are not just a review of the past week \u2014 we are projecting forward as well, so it is a balance of the two.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>These are subjective, but not biased. There are no agendas in the Power Rankings, and we strive for an inclusive meritocracy<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Enjoy the games, and enjoy the rankings, please!<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For Week 1 of <em>The Athletic<\/em> NBA Power Rankings, we will explore The Big Question for each team. Win-loss records are through Monday night, and other statistical data is through Monday\u2019s action for this week. (Last ranking is based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5625293\/2024\/07\/16\/nba-power-rankings-offseason-celtics-mavericks\/\">offseason Power Rankings from July 16<\/a> by lead Bounce chairman emeritus Zach Harper.):<\/p>\n<h2>Tier 1: Top Contenders<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Boston Celtics (4-0)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 1<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"68\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/knicks\/\">Knicks<\/a>, W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"63\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/wizards\/\">Wizards<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"76\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/pistons\/\">Pistons<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"77\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/bucks\/\">Bucks<\/a><br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 126.1 (first place)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 111.2 (14th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Is it simply 3-point or bust?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Through four games, the Celtics are averaging 21.5 made 3s on 50.0 attempts. Both would set league records. But what is equally important for the Celtics to begin the season is how well they are defending the 3. Only two teams have allowed fewer made 3s (10.0) than Boston, allowing the Celtics to overcome what has been the least frequent paint-scoring offense in the league.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881837\/2024\/10\/29\/doc-rivers-says-championship-unlocked-celtics-derrick-white-al-horford-agree\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29032304\/holiday.1028-scaled-e1730186615609-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Doc Rivers says championship unlocked Celtics. Derrick White, Al Horford agree<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>2. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"80\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/thunder\/\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> (3-0)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 2<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"82\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/nuggets\/\">Nuggets<\/a>, W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"73\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/bulls\/\">Bulls<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"65\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/hawks\/\">Hawks<\/a><br \/><strong>Offensive rating: <\/strong>109.2 (17th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 90.8 (first)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How do they hold up without <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"hjMEcIELScZcAVNC\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/isaiah-hartenstein-hjMEcIELScZcAVNC\/\">Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Thunder didn\u2019t make it out of the preseason without a major injury. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, whom Oklahoma City lured from the New York Knicks with a three-year contract, fractured his left hand and won\u2019t debut until sometime in late November. Only the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"64\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/hornets\/\">Charlotte Hornets<\/a> and Washington Wizards were worse rebounding teams than the Thunder last season, and Oklahoma City is actually worse in overall rebounding percentage to start the season (from 48.4 percent down to 47.2, ranking 27th in the league). It hasn\u2019t mattered so far though, as the Thunder force the most turnovers in the league.<\/p>\n<h3>3. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"87\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/mavericks\/\">Dallas Mavericks<\/a> (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 3<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"86\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/spurs\/\">Spurs<\/a>, L at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"91\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/suns\/\">Suns<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"79\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/jazz\/\">Jazz<\/a><br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 109.9 (15th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 107.3 (fifth)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Can the late-season defense from 2023-24 carry over for a full year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Through 62 games last season, the Mavericks were 34-28 and allowing 117.3 points per 100 possessions, ranking 23rd in the NBA. But in the last 20 games, the Mavericks sprinted to a 16-4 finish while allowing a league-low 107.2 points per 100 possessions. Even with widespread personnel changes, Dallas is off to a solid start defensively.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882156\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-caption-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5882156 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29072721\/rnalde-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-credits\">\n<div class=\"inline-credits-container\">\n      <span class=\"table-cell-span\"\/><br \/>\n      <span class=\"credits-text\">Julius Randle is still getting acclimated in Minnesota. (Jesse Johnson \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>4. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"78\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/timberwolves\/\">Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 4<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"89\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/lakers\/\">Lakers<\/a>, W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"92\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/sac-kings\/\">Kings<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"72\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/raptors\/\">Raptors<\/a><br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 112.2 (12th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 109.8 (11th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How long does it take <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ZOBqK4RMFKL7YI2Q\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/julius-randle-ZOBqK4RMFKL7YI2Q\/\">Julius Randle<\/a> to get acclimated?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Randle had a nondescript regular-season debut for the Timberwolves after getting traded with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"5yeG2wUB9RTaEEGd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/donte-divincenzo-5yeG2wUB9RTaEEGd\/\">Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> for Karl-Anthony Towns, scoring only 16 points on 10 shots against the Lakers. He was much better against the Kings and Raptors, and he has at least four assists in each of the three games with the Timberwolves. Towns had one three-game streak of at least four assists all of last season.<\/p>\n<h3>5. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"74\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/cavaliers\/\">Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> (4-0)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 15<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Raptors, W vs Pistons, W at Wizards, W at Knicks<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 122.3 (second)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 106.0 (fourth)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Is this the year <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"W7q1n9hiubBbXJMk\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/evan-mobley-W7q1n9hiubBbXJMk\/\">Evan Mobley<\/a> becomes a star?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mobley has his second NBA head coach in Kenny Atkinson, who was a former assistant coach with the Warriors and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"90\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/clippers\/\">LA Clippers<\/a> after helping the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"70\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/nets\/\">Brooklyn Nets<\/a> complete their late 2010s rebuild. Cleveland kept its entire rotation together and decided to move on from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Mobley is looking like an early beneficiary, increasing his 3-point and free-throw volume to start the season while being everywhere defensively. If Mobley keeps up the solid percentages (51 percent field goals, 50 percent 3s on 2.0 attempts per game, 88.2 free throws), then he could be a first-time All-Star.<\/p>\n<h2>Tier 2: In a Good Place<\/h2>\n<h3>6. Phoenix Suns (3-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 12<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Clippers, L at Lakers, W vs Mavericks, W vs Lakers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 111.5 (13th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 108.3 (sixth)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Did they figure out the point guard situation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Suns zagged hard last season, hiring a defensive guru head coach in Frank Vogel and punting on traditional point guards so that <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"4wodYWTaBEfNXJjo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/devin-booker-4wodYWTaBEfNXJjo\/\">Devin Booker<\/a> could be the lead ballhandler with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"mb7gZfksSkvZCBxf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/bradley-beal-mb7gZfksSkvZCBxf\/\">Bradley Beal<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ho6h1sijyi2PAURU\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/kevin-durant-ho6h1sijyi2PAURU\/\">Kevin Durant<\/a>. It worked fine, as long as the Suns didn\u2019t need to do anything in fourth quarters, when they were by far the worst team in the league. New head coach Mike Budenholzer has assist-turnover ratio merchants <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"fEErT6Ik9wCLDFY4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/tyus-jones-fEErT6Ik9wCLDFY4\/\">Tyus Jones<\/a> and Monte Morris at the position. Those two small guards have combined for 32 assists and four turnovers, and the Suns are actually outscoring foes in the fourth quarter to start the season.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 16<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W vs Timberwolves, W vs Suns, W vs Kings, L at Suns<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 117.3 (fifth)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 114.3 (20th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How to keep <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"dxRvkEThnxpMbhcr\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/lebron-james-dxRvkEThnxpMbhcr\/\">LeBron James<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"YhDofdcmUKoYKV18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/anthony-davis-YhDofdcmUKoYKV18\/\">Anthony Davis<\/a> from wearing out?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The last time the Lakers started a season 3-0, Phil Jackson was defending an NBA championship in 2010. It has been an impressive start for new head coach JJ Redick, who has been able to keep James\u2019 minutes down somewhat (34.7 per game). Davis has looked like an MVP candidate, but he is clocking in 37.1 minutes per game through four games; Davis has never played more than 36.4 minutes per game, and that was back in 2018 with the <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"85\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/pelicans\/\">New Orleans Pelicans<\/a>. Both James and Davis played more than 70 games and had six-year highs in total minutes, then spent their summers earning gold medals. Their durability and endurance bears watching, especially given their respective histories and the fact that the Lakers are dead last in bench points per game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881473\/2024\/10\/29\/jj-redick-lakers-loss-suns\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29083513\/redvince-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">JJ Redick angry with himself after Lakers&#8217; first loss. His players love the passion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>8. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"67\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/magic\/\">Orlando Magic<\/a> (3-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 11<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"66\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/heat\/\">Heat<\/a>, W vs Nets, L at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"83\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/grizzlies\/\">Grizzlies<\/a>, W vs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"75\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/pacers\/\">Pacers<\/a><br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 115.5 (seventh)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 108.7 (eighth)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Can the offense take the necessary steps forward?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Magic made the playoffs comfortably last season even though they were a bottom-five team in turnover percentage while making the fewest 3s in the league. So far, Orlando is off to a good start in both categories. Only four teams have made more 3s per game, while the Magic are 16th in turnover percentage. All of this, and that\u2019s with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"4AtM6kuhg6XMXsS1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/paolo-banchero-4AtM6kuhg6XMXsS1\/\">Paolo Banchero<\/a> struggling with his 3-point shot and turnovers in a game in which he was an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881449\/2024\/10\/28\/paolo-banchero-scores-50-points-magic-pacers\/\">assist away from a 50-point triple-double<\/a> on the Pacers.<\/p>\n<h3>9. LA Clippers (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 17<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Suns, W at Nuggets, W at Warriors<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 107.4 (24th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 103.2 (third)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: When will <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ZVBR9DRffqJpzLHV\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/kawhi-leonard-ZVBR9DRffqJpzLHV\/\">Kawhi Leonard<\/a> play?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"kIIUTtsJtSpaZfu1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/paul-george-kIIUTtsJtSpaZfu1\/\">Paul George<\/a> left in free agency, <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"6Eb0XPY16UzzJWbc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/russell-westbrook-6Eb0XPY16UzzJWbc\/\">Russell Westbrook<\/a> was traded, and Leonard\u2019s surgically repaired right knee hasn\u2019t been right in seven months. The expectations for the Clippers are the lowest they have been in six years. The <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"xj359Qh34ugWFbVp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/james-harden-xj359Qh34ugWFbVp\/\">James Harden<\/a>-led offense is a grind, but there is still a lot of talent and coaching for the Clippers to give themselves a chance to win games. They\u2019re a few possessions of better execution away from being the most surprising team in the league, but Leonard\u2019s continued injury rehabilitation is still the primary curiosity with this group.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5878852\/2024\/10\/28\/ivica-zubac-clippers-offense\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/28062827\/2180794247-1024x683.jpeg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Ivica Zubac&#8217;s sudden offensive outburst is anchoring the Clippers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>10. Golden State Warriors (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 13<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/blazers\/\">Trail Blazers<\/a>, W at Jazz, L vs Clippers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 117.4 (fourth)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 95.9 (second)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Have they addressed all their defensive inconsistencies?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One benefit to having a 12-man rotation is that it gives players a better chance to be at their best defensively since no player has to be too concerned with playing an outsized role. Last year\u2019s Warriors were the lowest-ranked defense (15th) of Steve Kerr\u2019s tenure as head coach, other than the nightmare fuel that was the 2019-2020 season. New lineups, new players and a new philosophy have the Warriors defending at a high level again. It remains to be seen whether the defense holds up with guards <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"toS7DgUD3IIt7uds\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/stephen-curry-toS7DgUD3IIt7uds\/\">Stephen Curry<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"vBKwxnLRDiw6TF9d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/deanthony-melton-vBKwxnLRDiw6TF9d\/\">De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/a> missing time with injury to begin Week 2.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5879097\/2024\/10\/28\/stephen-curry-injury-warriors-depth\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/28072423\/GettyImages-2180806559-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Thompson: Stephen Curry&#8217;s injury provides Warriors first big test of their depth<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Tier 3: The Bubble<\/h2>\n<h3>11. Miami Heat (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 20<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Magic, W at Hornets, W vs Pistons<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 108.9 (18th place)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 109.6 (10th place)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How does <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"FoDQq5KwBJ26j2rd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jimmy-butler-FoDQq5KwBJ26j2rd\/\">Jimmy Butler<\/a> approach this regular season?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Butler has been one of the scariest playoff competitors in the league since joining the Heat in 2019, leading the franchise to six postseason victories as a lower seed. But Butler couldn\u2019t add to that list last year, missing the postseason with a knee injury after a regular season that saw the Heat fail to avoid the Play-In Tournament for the second year. Butler has a $52.4 million player option in the 2025 offseason and just turned 35 years old last month, so his activity level is something to watch out for in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882164\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-caption-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5882164 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073036\/jimmy-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-credits\">\n<div class=\"inline-credits-container\">\n      <span class=\"table-cell-span\"\/><br \/>\n      <span class=\"credits-text\">Can Jimmy Butler be Regular Season Jimmy as well as Playoff Jimmy? (Jim Rassol \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>12. New Orleans Pelicans (2-1)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 7<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W vs Bulls, W at Trail Blazers, L at Trail Blazers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 107.8 (23rd)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 110.4 (12th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: What is this team supposed to be exactly?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This month has been full of false starts, like the Pelicans were the Saints\u2019 offensive line (a team that is not bad at false-start penalties, for what it\u2019s worth). Hurricane Milton canceled a preseason game, so the Pelicans had only three opportunities to sort things out. Center <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"6YEYoGmoBlSfpHhs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jonas-valancinas-6YEYoGmoBlSfpHhs\/\">Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas<\/a> left in free agency, and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"f5oLZZUnA6YoXneZ\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/daniel-theis-f5oLZZUnA6YoXneZ\/\">Daniel Theis<\/a> started all of the preseason games because someone was always out. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"2qhGZCDXJ36YwTGU\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/brandon-ingram-2qhGZCDXJ36YwTGU\/\">Brandon Ingram<\/a> wasn\u2019t traded. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"l6xjgWmi8X4OMdjm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/zion-williamson-l6xjgWmi8X4OMdjm\/\">Zion Williamson<\/a> missed the season opener due to illness, and trade acquisition <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"tm3kUMS7SqPU8gXQ\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/dejounte-murray-tm3kUMS7SqPU8gXQ\/\">Dejounte Murray<\/a> broke his left hand and needed surgery. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"OHIwHNCdjPaGfh6W\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/trey-murphy-iii-OHIwHNCdjPaGfh6W\/\">Trey Murphy III<\/a> got a contract extension, but he\u2019s missing the start of a season for the second year in a row. New Orleans might not see its best six players on the floor at the same time, and for the first time, until after Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5879285\/2024\/10\/28\/pelicans-dejounte-murray-trey-murphy\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/28070555\/pels-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Lifeless loss to Blazers shows that Pelicans have a lot of work to do<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>13. New York Knicks (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 6<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L at Celtics, W vs Pacers, L vs Cavaliers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 118.3 (third)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 118.5 (29th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Is this team too top-heavy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Knicks used six future first-round picks to acquire <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"dmZgViDJ3He5ZrQp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/mikal-bridges-dmZgViDJ3He5ZrQp\/\">Mikal Bridges<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"hLzEwRUGfKRoGAbX\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/karl-anthony-towns-hLzEwRUGfKRoGAbX\/\">Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a>, while also sacrificing Donte DiVincenzo. It gives New York an awesome group of talent while still maintaining an acceptable quota of Villanova players, but only one other player on the roster right now is worthy of playing more than 20 minutes per game, and that is shooting guard <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"oAGqFrARL1YNNWPT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/miles-mcbride-oAGqFrARL1YNNWPT\/\">Miles McBride<\/a>. Sure, New York will get injured bigs <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"s25YBLtNjSYZidSy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/precious-achiuwa-s25YBLtNjSYZidSy\/\">Precious Achiuwa<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"w8R3xsrQqLB0GSYj\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/mitchell-robinson-w8R3xsrQqLB0GSYj\/\">Mitchell Robinson<\/a> back at some point, but that\u2019s part of the concern as well: When do you know a Tom Thibodeau team to make it to and through a postseason in one piece?<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border-radius: 12px;\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/6wesmQIyEgzNH3EShnLL3l?utm_source=generator&amp;theme=0\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>14. Denver Nuggets (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 5<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Thunder, L vs Clippers, W at Toronto<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 102.9 (29th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 109.4 (ninth)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Where are the shooters?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Speaking of bench play, the Nuggets finished dead last in 3-point attempts last season. The loss of starting shooting guard <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"l5E2diAwkPs8PAta\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/kentavious-caldwell-pope-l5E2diAwkPs8PAta\/\">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a> made the team even thinner, with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"BZhwd0QnZZ2gcsCw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/christian-braun-BZhwd0QnZZ2gcsCw\/\">Christian Braun<\/a> stepping into the starting lineup. You\u2019d be shocked to learn that Denver did not add a respectable shooter to the roster; the only new Nuggets who have attempted 3s so far this season are <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"rl7YXRfvxeWdESaN\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/dario-saric-rl7YXRfvxeWdESaN\/\">Dario \u0160ari\u0107<\/a> (0-of-1) and Russell Westbrook (1-of-10).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881622\/2024\/10\/29\/nuggets-raptors-nikola-jokic-jamal-murray\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29002458\/USATSI_24611452-scaled-e1730175912992-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Nikola Joki\u0107 and Jamal Murray had a moment, but the Nuggets are still finding themselves<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>15. Milwaukee Bucks (1-3)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 9<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Sixers, L vs Bulls, L vs Nets, L at Celtics<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 111.2 (14th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 116.4 (26th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Is this team too old to defend?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The only team older than the Bucks last season was the Clippers, and the Clippers were determined to get at least a little younger this offseason. Now, the Bucks are the oldest team in the league, and they look like it to start the season, especially defensively. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"sMaLBnq5ceeeGMPE\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/coby-white-sMaLBnq5ceeeGMPE\/\">Coby White<\/a>, <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"8e5vWoHnvxG1j6f1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/cam-thomas-8e5vWoHnvxG1j6f1\/\">Cam Thomas<\/a> and Payton Pritchard have torched them.<\/p>\n<h3>16. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"69\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/sixers\/\">Philadelphia 76ers<\/a> (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 8<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Bucks, L at Raptors, W at Pacers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 107.4 (24th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 113.5 (18th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: When will <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"jcKI7IrySH9vZuXQ\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/joel-embiid-jcKI7IrySH9vZuXQ\/\">Joel Embiid<\/a> play?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I guess we can add Paul George to this after he missed Week 1 with a knee bone bruise, but it all begins and ends with Embiid after what has been a rocky 2024. The Sixers haven\u2019t exactly faced the strongest defenses the league has to offer, and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ZaAqNko77dWsPkHu\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/tyrese-maxey-ZaAqNko77dWsPkHu\/\">Tyrese Maxey<\/a> (34.9 percent field goals) is having a whale of a time finding easy looks compared to February and March when Embiid was out.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882176\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-caption-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5882176 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073345\/pascal-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-credits\">\n<div class=\"inline-credits-container\">\n      <span class=\"table-cell-span\"\/><br \/>\n      <span class=\"credits-text\">How do Pascal Siakam and the Pacers follow up their Eastern Conference finals showing? (Nathan Ray Seebeck \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>17. Indiana Pacers (1-3)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 10<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Pistons, L at Knicks, L vs Sixers, L at Magic<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 108.3 (21st)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 115.8 (23rd)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Can they build on their run to the Eastern Conference finals?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not many had the Pacers defeating the Knicks in May\u2019s second round, no matter how many players wound up getting hurt for New York. Like Dallas, the Pacers traded for a power forward during the season (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"O4WMbrh2Eb51D9jq\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/pascal-siakam-O4WMbrh2Eb51D9jq\/\">Pascal Siakam<\/a>) and were eventually more competitive defensively. The return of <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"qGbe9pT28TRLKEBR\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/bennedict-mathurin-qGbe9pT28TRLKEBR\/\">Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> after shoulder surgery ended his season prematurely last winter could bolster an already deep bench, but it has been a difficult start to the season for center <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"LwTytE5qn88aGduz\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/myles-turner-LwTytE5qn88aGduz\/\">Myles Turner<\/a> on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n<h3>18. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"84\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/team\/rockets\/\">Houston Rockets<\/a> (2-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 19<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Hornets, W vs Grizzlies, L at Spurs, W at Spurs<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 113.5 (ninth)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 108.6 (seventh)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Can the offense take the next step?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Last season, head coach Ime Udoka and veterans <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"DJq74red8aTFXbfg\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/fred-vanvleet-DJq74red8aTFXbfg\/\">Fred VanVleet<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"8nCbv4hpPQdqLjbo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/dillon-brooks-8nCbv4hpPQdqLjbo\/\">Dillon Brooks<\/a> helped make the neophyte Rockets competitive defensively. Now, the work needs to be done on the other end. Young players are getting paid now, as <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"JvM9bnWhEgouBn16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jalen-green-JvM9bnWhEgouBn16\/\">Jalen Green<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"c2JzOuogTXer3fD4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/alperen-engun-c2JzOuogTXer3fD4\/\">Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn<\/a> have new rookie-scale contract extensions. There is too much theoretical talent and cohesiveness for the Rockets to be bottom five in field goal percentage again.<\/p>\n<h3>19. Chicago Bulls (2-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 25<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L at Pelicans, W at Bucks, L vs Thunder, W at Grizzlies<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 106.4 (27th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 111.1 (13th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Will they acknowledge the 3-point line?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Last season, with <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"tMtLoCWZDDcQEuAS\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/zach-lavine-tMtLoCWZDDcQEuAS\/\">Zach LaVine<\/a> sidelined after January after foot surgery, the Bulls allowed 255 more 3s than they made. The next closest team on that woeful list was the Lakers, and they \u201conly\u201d allowed 201 more 3s than they made. Math was a significant issue for the Bulls last year. So far, only the Celtics and Warriors have made and attempted more 3s than the Bulls, led by Coby White and LaVine.<\/p>\n<h3>20. Sacramento Kings (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 14<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Timberwolves, L at Lakers, W vs Trail Blazers<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 115.7 (sixth)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 113.1 (16th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How does this roster get stops?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mike Brown expects the Kings to be an elite offensive team that gets just enough stops for it to matter. Brown\u2019s difficulty lies in the fact that his three most important players are a small guard (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"HK4MAggNlmQ7dgSa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/deaaron-fox-HK4MAggNlmQ7dgSa\/\">De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a>), a ball-dominant veteran wing (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"1sVXxgSdLOq7XZwu\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/demar-derozan-1sVXxgSdLOq7XZwu\/\">DeMar DeRozan<\/a>) and a center who struggles to rim protect at a high level (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"P1iXY4NkyOp3D6Vw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/domantas-sabonis-P1iXY4NkyOp3D6Vw\/\">Domantas Sabonis<\/a>). Sacramento has an identity offensively with its direct handoff game, but a lot has to go right for the Kings to defend at a decent level.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881941\/2024\/10\/29\/kings-win-beam-lakers-tatum-takeaways\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29060227\/fox-1024x683.jpg?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Tuesday Takeaways: The Kings finally light the beam, and Jayson Tatum&#8217;s swagger returns<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear<\/h3>\n<h3>21. Memphis Grizzlies (2-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 18<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Jazz, L at Rockets, W vs Magic, L vs Bulls<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 114.0 (eighth)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 115.9 (24th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question:<\/strong> <strong>Is the return of <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"O9seJiOia3fxGmjz\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/ja-morant-O9seJiOia3fxGmjz\/\">Ja Morant<\/a> all this team needs?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Morant was limited to only nine games last season because of suspension and injury, and his return has many looking at the Grizzlies of 2022 and 2023 that ascended to the top of the West. But Morant and the Grizzlies aren\u2019t as fine in the West as they used to be. Sure, Morant, <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"RMfzp7Dmg0eKlvuF\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/desmond-bane-RMfzp7Dmg0eKlvuF\/\">Desmond Bane<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"3KAZAQAjmgeKKdDD\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jaren-jackson-jr-3KAZAQAjmgeKKdDD\/\">Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> playing a reasonable amount of games should mean the Grizzlies aren\u2019t the worst offense in basketball like last year\u2019s sabbatical season. But Memphis is not as big on the wing, not as experienced up front and not as talented on the bench to dominate teams like it used to, and that\u2019s before the persistent durability issues that make it hard to trust the Grizzlies throughout a season. Case in point: Morant and Jackson have already missed time this season.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5882187\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-caption-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5882187 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/29073602\/risch-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-credits\">\n<div class=\"inline-credits-container\">\n      <span class=\"table-cell-span\"\/><br \/>\n      <span class=\"credits-text\">The Hawks\u2019 Zaccharie Risacher runs into the Wizards\u2019 Bub Carrington on Monday night. (Dale Zanine \/ Imagn Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>22. Atlanta Hawks (2-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 22<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W vs Nets, W vs Hornets, L at Thunder, L vs Wizards<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 112.2 (11th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 116.9 (27th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How can <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"Zng3Zo5hhgflPsWe\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/zaccharie-risacher-Zng3Zo5hhgflPsWe\/\">Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> make his mark next to <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"pMqz7IIVkDhPCk6P\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/trae-young-pMqz7IIVkDhPCk6P\/\">Trae Young<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not all No. 1 picks are created equal. For the past 10 years, every top pick has been a ball-dominant player, a big who can be force-fed or both. Markelle Fultz is a possible exception, and with all due respect, no one should be trying to emulate the trials and tribulations associated with Fultz\u2019s early career. Fultz started his career with fellow top pick <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"xfSMIwcIYOvLWzUw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/ben-simmons-xfSMIwcIYOvLWzUw\/\">Ben Simmons<\/a>, who played Fultz\u2019s position, and Embiid. Risacher gets to start his career next to Young, who is newly freed from his arranged association with Dejounte Murray. Young is back to touching the ball more than any player in the league except for <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"bCjsyLGuQMrMSWNr\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/nikola-jokic-bCjsyLGuQMrMSWNr\/\">Nikola Joki\u0107<\/a>. In a related story, there\u2019s not a single rookie averaging double figures scoring through the first seven days of the season, with Risacher at 7.3 points on 30.3 percent shooting.<\/p>\n<h3>23. Brooklyn Nets (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 29<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L at Hawks, L at Magic, W vs Bucks<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 109.6 (16th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 111.9 (15th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Why would Cam Thomas ever pass the ball?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All scorers have to give the rock up at some point. It\u2019s a team game, and the best scorers are good for an assist at least once a quarter. Through three games, Thomas is fifth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 30.7 points per game. You have to go all the way down to the 20th scorer (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"hiYUGADQy1AEo1fw\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/norman-powell-hiYUGADQy1AEo1fw\/\">Norman Powell<\/a>) to find a player with fewer assists per game than Thomas\u2019 2.7. But that is this year\u2019s Nets roster as well. There aren\u2019t a whole lot of options. And Thomas is an unapologetic bucket with even fewer players getting in the way of doing what he does best this season.<\/p>\n<h3>24. San Antonio Spurs (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 21<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L at Mavericks, W vs Rockets, L vs Rockets<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 108.1 (22nd)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 114.1 (19th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: What does <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"0lNu4P1JXZca9gqU\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/victor-wembanyama-0lNu4P1JXZca9gqU\/\">Victor Wembanyama<\/a>\u2019s takeover look like in Year 2?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many expect the reigning Rookie of the Year to dominate in his second NBA season. Wembanyama is already that player defensively, but there are real steps he needs to take. He\u2019s only at 42.9 percent from the field, has missed 14 of 18 3s and has more turnovers (11) than assists (seven) to begin the season. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"T2sfGOMEeDjjOrJH\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/chris-paul-T2sfGOMEeDjjOrJH\/\">Chris Paul<\/a> is the veteran point guard Wembanyama didn\u2019t have to begin his career, but the Spurs have also been at their worst this season when Paul is on the floor; Paul can\u2019t score inside the 3-point line right now.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5875116\/2024\/10\/29\/chris-paul-victor-wembanyama-san-antonio-spurs\/\" class=\"go-deeper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"go-deeper\">\n<div class=\"go-deeper-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static01.nyt.com\/athletic\/uploads\/wp\/2024\/10\/28192142\/1029_ChrisPaul_Teacher.png?width=128&amp;height=128&amp;fit=cover&amp;auto=webp\" class=\"go-deeper\" alt=\"go-deeper\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-label\">GO DEEPER<\/p>\n<p class=\"go-deeper-title\">Wemby, young Spurs step into professor Chris Paul\u2019s classroom<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>25. Charlotte Hornets (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 28<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> W at Rockets, L at Hawks, L vs Heat<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 113.1 (10th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 115.1 (21st)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: What kind of identity can Charles Lee bring?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lee, the Hornets\u2019 new head coach, was an assistant coach with two championship teams in the last five years. In 2021, Lee was with the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer. Last year, Lee was on Joe Mazzulla\u2019s Celtics staff. Naturally, Lee has the Hornets taking a ton of 3s while leading the NBA in offensive rebounds. Defensively, center <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"Cuq8xdbIEyCsC0mI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/nick-richards-Cuq8xdbIEyCsC0mI\/\">Nick Richards<\/a> has shown significant improvement as a rim protector. This is still a defensively challenged roster in many ways, but if nothing else, Lee is going to let <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ovP4Zjm8PFLcjKlm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/lamelo-ball-ovP4Zjm8PFLcjKlm\/\">LaMelo Ball<\/a> put up preposterous volume.<\/p>\n<h2>Tier 5: Basement Floor<\/h2>\n<h3>26. Toronto Raptors (1-3)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 23<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Cavaliers, W vs Sixers, L at Timberwolves, L vs Nuggets<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 106.9 (26th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 115.6 (22nd)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question:<\/strong> <strong>How will they build around Scottie Barnes?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the team\u2019s media day, center <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"wzkpB8YKmxhyMN2h\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jakob-poeltl-wzkpB8YKmxhyMN2h\/\">Jakob Poeltl<\/a> was very transparent about the expectations of this season\u2019s Toronto squad: \u201cIt makes no sense for us to try to win every single game as much as we can and sacrifice development.\u201d He said it, not me. With that said, the Raptors have the outlines of an intriguing team. Barnes slid into the All-Star Game last year, just as head coach Darko Rajakovi\u0107 promised, and he got paid. Point guard <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"wfpT7zaohPj0ceDm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/immanuel-quickley-wfpT7zaohPj0ceDm\/\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a> got paid as well, and small forward <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"waDoLQ8ePOGskbya\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/rj-barrett-waDoLQ8ePOGskbya\/\">RJ Barrett<\/a> has two more years on his deal after this one. Poeltl is a decent pivot, and shooter <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"YydkX9VNYAIiqOJi\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/gradey-dick-YydkX9VNYAIiqOJi\/\">Gradey Dick<\/a> is still the most recent lottery pick since Toronto didn\u2019t have one this past June. This year should be about finding out who should be here long-term.<\/p>\n<h3>27. Portland Trail Blazers (1-3)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 27<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Warriors, L vs Pelicans, W vs Pelicans, L at Kings<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 106.2 (28th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 113.3 (17th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How does <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"mmeSrau3dPbRh2Wr\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/scoot-henderson-mmeSrau3dPbRh2Wr\/\">Scoot Henderson<\/a> develop?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Trail Blazers aren\u2019t your typical basement-level expectations team. There are a lot of mouths to feed on this offense, even with 2022 lottery pick <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"kK4IHkWPKftK9yLi\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/shaedon-sharpe-kK4IHkWPKftK9yLi\/\">Shaedon Sharpe<\/a> sidelined (again). <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ktISGwwkceERHS8j\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/anfernee-simons-ktISGwwkceERHS8j\/\">Anfernee Simons<\/a> is still here. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"QggzqMWqA3NR7yOG\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jerami-grant-QggzqMWqA3NR7yOG\/\">Jerami Grant<\/a> is still here. <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"PlF5bckQOtrRhpgu\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/deandre-ayton-PlF5bckQOtrRhpgu\/\">Deandre Ayton<\/a> is still supposed to be Dominayton. Portland traded a lottery pick to add a prime <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"bal3An0llHCzjLsr\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/deni-avdija-bal3An0llHCzjLsr\/\">Deni Avdija<\/a>. Henderson was the third pick of the 2023 draft, and he struggled through a disappointing rookie season. He is still an explosive on-ball player, but the presence of so many other theoretical scorers makes it tough for Henderson to get the reps he needs to justify his draft selection.<\/p>\n<h3>28. Washington Wizards (1-2)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 30<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Celtics, L vs Cavaliers, W at Hawks<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 108.7 (20th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 119.0 (30th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: How can <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"AJWfHkfYma4qJxfr\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/alex-sarr-AJWfHkfYma4qJxfr\/\">Alex Sarr<\/a> best be set up for success?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sarr had a notoriously forgettable summer league, raising questions about whether he is ready to be a center to begin his NBA career. Head coach Brian Keefe has used Sarr primarily at center, although Sarr has also shared the floor and started one of his three games next to veteran Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas. In those 20 minutes Sarr and Valan\u010di\u016bnas have played together, the Wizards have gotten blitzed 62-37. That\u2019s the equivalent of trailing by 50 points with eight minutes left in a game. Like Risacher, Sarr is struggling mightily to score early on (7.0 points on 28.6 percent field goals). Unlike Risacher, Sarr is on a team with no real intentions of winning many games, with the 2025 draft offering Washington a chance to add another top prospect.<\/p>\n<h3>29. Utah Jazz (0-3)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 24<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Grizzlies, L vs Warriors, L at Mavericks<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 101.0 (30th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 117.9 (28th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question: Who is helping <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"Ji3rG8vmasLxNWy8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/lauri-markkanen-Ji3rG8vmasLxNWy8\/\">Lauri Markkanen<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First of all, wishing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5881480\/2024\/10\/28\/taylor-hendricks-leg-injury-jazz\/\">a speedy recovery to Taylor Hendricks<\/a> (leg). The Utah Jazz are the last team in the West to win a game, and each night has been more difficult than the previous. Markkanen is now under contract through 2029, and he has seen veterans such as <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"ATGxUh1i1HZNS4FM\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/mike-conley-ATGxUh1i1HZNS4FM\/\">Mike Conley<\/a> and <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"Qlzp0cFJAKpYydgC\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/kelly-olynyk-Qlzp0cFJAKpYydgC\/\">Kelly Olynyk<\/a> shipped out since he arrived. This season, it could be <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"lZN2TqEprnwssIGM\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jordan-clarkson-lZN2TqEprnwssIGM\/\">Jordan Clarkson<\/a> who finally gets moved, as he\u2019s the only rotation player older than 30.<\/p>\n<h3>30. Detroit Pistons (0-4)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Last ranking:<\/strong> 26<br \/><strong>In the last week:<\/strong> L vs Pacers, L at Cavaliers, L vs Celtics, L at Heat<br \/><strong>Offensive rating:<\/strong> 108.7 (19th)<br \/><strong>Defensive rating:<\/strong> 116.2 (25th)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Big Question:<\/strong> <strong>It has to get better for <a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"xKlJ0Tp1E53cb36Q\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/cade-cunningham-xKlJ0Tp1E53cb36Q\/\">Cade Cunningham<\/a> at some point, right?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I wanted to give the Pistons <em>some<\/em> kind of credit. Detroit started the season with four playoff teams, and the Pistons didn\u2019t lose any of those games by more than a dozen points. But alas, they are the last team in the East to win a game. Cunningham\u2019s tenure in Detroit has been full of lows, but the Pistons have never started 0-5 with him either. New head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has elected to put playmaking (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"rauvOcEzaJhA78P0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jaden-ivey-rauvOcEzaJhA78P0\/\">Jaden Ivey<\/a>), shooting (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"XTVgkXYgkNjL4k2I\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/tim-hardaway-jr-XTVgkXYgkNjL4k2I\/\">Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a>), scoring (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"UpRf034bQRbHK4vT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/tobias-harris-UpRf034bQRbHK4vT\/\">Tobias Harris<\/a>) and size (<a class=\"ath_autolink\" data-id=\"dEKiN9tnTFrUpugK\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/nba\/player\/jalen-duren-dEKiN9tnTFrUpugK\/\">Jalen Duren<\/a>) around Cunningham in the first unit, a mix of veterans and young lottery picks on Cunningham\u2019s timeline. Cunningham is doing more than ever, but that also means he is up there with Harden and Young in the turnover department, and the only thing the Pistons are set up well to do right now defensively is grab rebounds.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/newsletters\/the-bounce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up to get The Bounce<\/a>, the essential NBA newsletter from Zach Harper and The Athletic staff, delivered free to your inbox.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>(Top photo of Jayson Tatum: Scott Taetsch \/ Getty Images)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/5882036\/2024\/10\/29\/nba-power-rankings-celtics-thunder-lakers\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the first time in the 2024-25 season, we bring you NBA Power Rankings here at The Athletic. You may remember me from such films as the 213 LA Clippers &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=119821\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sports","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=119821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119821\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=119821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=119821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=119821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}