NBA TRENDING: NEW YEAR TEAM RANKINGS

By: Zach Burridge

January 3, 2018

NBA TRENDING

Photo from (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Starting the new year I would love to introduce “NBA Trending”, our official NBA Ranking and big picture look from Climate sports. I will examine each team in the association and rank them 1-30, from top to bottom. I’ll also take a look at how well teams are playing lately, indicated by our new “Trending Chart” (Art from Cameron Burridge).

                 

         Frozen                        Cold                          Fair                    Heating up                 ON FIRE

So without further ado, let’s jump right into the rankings with the 3 time Western Conference Champs and defending NBA Champions...

1. Golden State Warriors (29-8)

The Warriors are still 5/8 favorites to win the Finals. They passed Houston for First place in the west, they have the best win percentage in the league, and Steph scored 38 in his first game back shooting 10/13 from 3. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a gigantic 19 of 20 Warriors-like streak soon if everyone stays healthy.

2. Boston Celtics (30-10)

The Celtics aren’t the team their initial win streak would lead you to believe, but their still dang good. They’ve won 4 of their last 5 including an insane comeback versus the Rockets, but most importantly they are getting healthier. With Jaylen Brown and Marcus Morris recovered from injuries, they should have much more depth and Stevens can be more flexible with minutes.

3. Houston Rockets (26-9)

James Harden will be out for at least a few weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in their comeback 2OT win over the Lakers. Before that they had lost 5 straight and now they have to respond to their first real trial of the season. The good news is that Chris Paul should be able to handle the load well enough on his own. Even though they gave up 1st place spot in the West and I don’t think they will catch the Warriors, Hardens injury isn’t too serious and the Rockets are still on of the few teams in the league with a shot at beating the defending champs.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (25-12)

The Cavs had lost 3 straight including the lost on Christmas Day, but have lots reason to be hopeful after last night’s win. Isaiah scored 17 points in 19 minutes in his debut game for the cavaliers and look pretty good. I absolutely love Isaiah but even if he’s healthy and playing to his efficiency of last year, the cavs are still 27th in Defensive Rating, and 29th in Blocks per game. Both things Isaiah won’t add to the roster. The Cavaliers are still probably the team to beat in the East, but it will be interesting to see how they gel with isaiah in the lineup

5. San Antonio Spurs (26-12)

The Spurs to no surprise are good once again. If they reach 50 wins this year it will be the 19th straight season which is just ABSURD. They allow the fewest PPG at 98.1 and have the second best defensive rating in the league. As Kawhi has slowly re-entered the lineup, Lamarcus Aldridge has been great averaging 22.0 PPG and 8.4 RPG. Rudy Gay is currently injured but has provided a nice offensive boost and it will be interesting to see the main lineup Popovich decides to use on a regular basis.

6. Toronto Raptors (25-10)

The Toronto Raptors have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league this year. They’ve been nearly impossible to beat at home with a 14-1 record. Derozan Has played at a very high level all season including a 52 point performance versus the Bucks in an OT win on New years Day. The question for the raptors once again will be if their regular season success can carry over into the playoffs.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-14)

The Timberwolves haven’t made the playoffs since the 2003-2004 season, but this season that will change. The Timberwolves have been hot lately winning 7 of their last 8 games and Jimmy Butler has been fantastic averaging 26.5 PPG in December including 37, 38 and 39 point games. The biggest questions for the timberwolves will continue to be the distribution of possessions between Wiggins, Towns, and Butler, and if they can find any reliable bench contribution.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-17)

After struggling out of the gate, the Thunder have now found themselves 5th in the West and thats been led by the play of Russell Westbrook. In December, Westbrook averaged 27.8 PPG, 10.6 APG, and 10.2 RPG. Over that time span the Thunder went 12-5, and are now 4th in Defensive Rating. Early on it seemed that there was a potential blockbuster trade involving Paul George coming, but I really doubt it if the Thunder can continue to keep up their current play.

9. Washington Wizards (21-16)

After his stellar year in the 2016/2017 season, everyone expected John Wall to be elite once again to start the season. The Wizards are starting to pick it up but Wall still hasn’t found his last season rhythm, averaging 3.8 less PPG and 2 less APG than last year, shooting less than 42% from the field. The Wizards have won 7 of their last 10, and if Wall can increase his efficiency they could continue to move up in the Eastern Conference.

10. Detroit Pistons (20-15)

The Pistons have been the most streaky, up-and-down team all season. They started 14-4, then went 0-7, and since have gone 6-2. The addition of Avery Bradley has helped the now more-defensive Pistons hold opponents to a league 4th best 101.1 PPG. Drummond has made his case for being one of the best Big-Men in the league, averaging 14.3 PPG 15.2 RPG and 3.7 APG.

11. Denver Nuggets (19-17)

The Nuggets are 7th in the West right now and are right in the middle of a tight playoff race for the last 3 playoff spots. After missing a few games, Jokic has returned to the lineup and that should help the Nuggets going forward. The Nuggets are 3rd in Offensive Rebounding and Jamal Murray has played well as of lately. If the Nuggets can stay healthy and in the playoff race, when Paul Millsap returns, they could see a huge boost on both offense and Defense.

12. Milwaukee Bucks (19-16)

The Bucks are 6th in the East currently and are 4 and 6 over their last 10 games. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging an incredible 29 PPG and 10.4 RPG this season. The Greek Freak is 2nd in the NBA in scoring, 9th in rebounding, and a top contender for league MVP. Even with Giannis averaging more than 10 RPG, the Bucks are dead last in the league in total rebounding. Milwaukee will need a better contribution from their other players if they want to move up in the Eastern Conference standings.

13. New Orleans Pelicans (19-17)

The first full season with AD and Boogie has started up and down. An early injury to Anthony Davis has slowed the teams progress, but we’ve seen flashes of what the Pelicans can be. New Orleans is 2nd in FG%, 2nd in Assists, and 6th in Offensive Rating in the League. It’s looking less likely that a trade will be made to move Cousins or Davis, but a big question mark still revolves around Cousin’s upcoming free agency.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (18-19)

The Portland Trailblazers have two Elite Guards, but I feel like they don’t fit on the same roster. The Trailblazers are 30th in the league in assists and play a lot of Iso-ball between Mccollum and Lillard. I don’t think they will do it, but trading one of those guards would probably be the best option going forward. They will compete in the West but I feel a trade would best help them improve long-term.

15. Los Angeles Clippers (17-19)

Blake Griffin returned last week and now the Clippers have found themselves in a 4 game win streak, and right back in the playoff conversation.  Blake has averaged 23.7 PPG, 7.8 Rebounds, and 5.1 Assists this season, and has to stay healthy for the Clippers to have a chance to make the postseason.

16. Philadelphia 76ers (17-19)

The next 4 teams all seem fairly close together to me, and resemble the tight playoff race in the middle of the Eastern Conference. I’ll give the head to the 76ers because I believe the upside is higher than any of the other teams. After losing 5 straight, the 76ers have won 3 of 4, and the biggest concern continues to be how reliably they can play Joel Embiid. The Sixers have an upcoming 4 game home stretch versus the Spurs, Pistons, Celtics and Wizards that should surely test them.

17. Miami Heat (19-17)

The Miami Heat have found more of an identity as the season has gone on. The Heat have 8 players averaging 10 PPG or more and Goran Dragic leads the team with only 16.5 PPG. They’ve climbed their way back into the playoff race with grind-it-out Basketball, scoring a league 3rd worst 100.4 PPG. The Heat are playing better as of late, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them fall out of the mix.

18. New York Knicks (18-19)

The New York Knicks have probably over-achieved so for this season. Outside of Porzingis and maybe Ntilikina, there really isn’t anyone to be in love with on the roster. The Knicks are a solid home team with a 15 and 7 record, and 3rd in the league in offensive rebounding. The Knicks could be looking for some signings are trades soon, and they should probably look for some extra 3 point shooters. Their 30th in the league in both made shots and attempts.

19. Indiana Pacers (19-18)

Victor Oladipo’s improvement this season has been remarkable. He’s averaging +9 PPG over last season, and shooting 42.3% from 3. The Pacers are 2nd in the League overall in 3 Point %, but will need some help from other players right now to stay in the playoff race. Oladipo has missed the last 3 games with an injured knee, and the pacers have dropped their last 4 games.

20. Utah jazz (16-21)

Utah is right at the freezing point. The only saving graces are a few quality wins and the play of rookie Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz have lost 10 of their last 13 games, but those 3 wins were against the Celtics, Thunder and the Cavaliers. While his usage rate is high, Donovan is leading the team in scoring at 18.2 PPG and his play making skills are years beyond most rookie guards. I think they’ve found their eventual long term point guard in the draft this year.

21. Chicago Bulls (13-24)

After an abysmal start to the season, followed by an insane win streak, the Chicago Bulls have evened out to an average Eastern Conference team that might have been in the playoff conversation if they didn’t have so much ground to make up. Fred Hoiberg after tons of scrutiny last year is continuing to coach to keep his job, and it looks like the team might finally be on his side. The Bulls success has come from a group of players, but Kris Dunn’s improvement over last year is a sure bright spot (+9.9 PPG). Zach Lavine should return from injury this month as well.

22. Brooklyn Nets (14-23)

The Brooklyn Nets biggest offseason move was acquiring D'angelo Russell from the lakers. In that Trade they gave up Brook Lopez and the pick that became Kyle Kuzma. Russel should return at some point this season, but the Nets won’t be making the playoffs. Without their own draft pick and no real reason to tank, the Nets are in a real tough position this season. Hopefully when Russel returns they will be able to focus on developing their young talent.

23. Charlotte Hornets (14-23)

The Dwight Howard experiment hasn’t resulted in many wins this season for the Hornets. Howard has played well averaging 15.7 PPG and 12.2 RPG and the Hornets are top 5 in both Rebounds and Free throw attempts. I think the Hornets have the most room to improve the rest of the year but are still a longshot for the playoffs.

24. Dallas Mavericks (13-25)

Dirk Nowitzki 20th season has been another tough one for the Mavericks, but we now have a look at the post-Nowitzki future of the Mavs in Dennis Smith Jr. The rookie is averaging 13.8 PPG and has provided plenty of highlight reel dunks and finishes in his debut season. The Mavericks have won 4 straight but it will be interesting to see if the Mavs move any players. Nerlens Noel could be a big target for a playoff team looking for a big man off the bench.

25. Phoenix Suns (15-24)

The Suns fired Earl Watson 3 games into the year, and that’s kind of just how the season has gone. Devin Booker is the only for sure piece to build around in Phoenix and the coaching staff really has to evaluate and develop their young players. The Suns are tied for the youngest team in the league and are running out of time time to decide on some previous draft picks.

26. Memphis Grizzlies (12-26)

The Grizzlies season has been disappointing to say the least. A disgruntled Marc Gasol and multiple losing streaks lead to the firing of David Fizdale, and now the Grizzlies future is as uncertain as ever. One bright spot has been Tyreke Evans, whose lead the team in scoring at 19.6 PPG during his resurgence this season.

27. Sacramento Kings (12-25)

The Kings most likely have the weirdest roster in the association. Offseason acquisitions of Veterans Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and George Hill didn’t make much sense with where this team was most likely headed. The verdict is still very much out on Hield, Fox and other young King players, and the rest of the season should paint a better picture of the future in Sacramento.

28. Orlando Magic (12-26)

The Magic are bad, and trending towards being even worse. They’ve lost 7 straight and 20 of their last 26 games. They are Bottom 5 in both Offensive rating and Defensive rating and they allow the second most PPG at 110 a game. Aaron Gordon should be in conversation for most improved player of the year, now averaging 18.9 PPG, 8.1 rebounds and shooting 40.5% from 3 with 5.8 attempts a game. The Magic are a big tanking candidate, and might trade a player like Vucevic, to more of a contender for a pick or two.

29. Los Angeles Lakers (11-25)

The once hopeful season is beginning to look really grim for the Lakers. After losing 10 of their last 11 the 8 seed looks long gone and now what’s next? The lakers have no incentive to tank, and need to focus on the development of Ball, Kuzma, Ingram and the rest of their young core. Lonzo has missed the last 5 games but was playing much better before the injury. I’d expect all sorts of free agency and trade rumors to focus around the Lakers as the season progresses.

30. Atlanta Hawks (10-27)

The Hawks have the worst record in the NBA and are headed for the first pick in the draft this summer. Dennis Schroder has played well this year averaging 19.7 PPG and 6.8 APG, and some of the younger players such as Prince and Collins have showed promise, but the Hawks overall don’t have enough talent on their roster and likely will tank the rest of the season for the number 1 pick.