January is here and subsequently a new NBA power ranking. Currently, no teams remain undefeated, while Detroit and Washington continue to search for their first win. Aside from ranking all 30 teams, we’ll also take a look at every team’s top performer through the first few weeks of the 2020-21 season.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 3-2
Previous: 1
After losing on opening night, the Lakers have regained their dominance in the Western Conference. While new additions Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell are contributing greatly, LeBron James has been the most impressive through the first five games, averaging 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game.
Top Performer: LeBron James
2. Brooklyn Nets
Record: 3-2
Previous: 7
Brooklyn has dominated when both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are on the court. Despite losing starting guard Spencer Dinwiddie to a partially torn ACL, the Nets should get one of the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference this season. Through the first five games, Irving has put up 28 points and six assists per game while shooting over 47 percent from three.
Top Performer: Kyrie Irving
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 4-1
Previous: 5
After playing horribly in the playoffs last season, Paul George has entered the season with confidence after receiving a max extension to stay in Los Angeles. With Kawhi Leonard out multiple games, George has averaged 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game.
Top Performer: Paul George
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 4-1
Previous: 2
Milwaukee’s trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday will make them serious contenders to come out of the Eastern Conference this season. Middleton has been on fire through the first several games, scoring 22 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field.
Top Performer: Khris Middleton
5. Miami Heat
Record: 2-2
Previous: 3
Miami has cooled off from their NBA Finals run last season, however, they still have all the pieces to make it back. Fresh off a max extension, Bam Adebayo has averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists through four games this season.
Top Performer: Bam Adebayo
6. Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 4-1
Previous: 9
After having an extremely successful offseason, the 76ers are off to a great start this season.. Through four games, Joel Embiid is averaging 27 points and 12 rebounds. Philadelphia’s duo of Ben Simmons and Embiid could take them far in the playoffs this season.
Top Performer: Joel Embiid
7. Boston Celtics
Record: 3-2
Previous: 6
With Kemba Walker out for the first month of the season, Boston needed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to shoot the ball more frequently. As a result, Brown has put up All-Star numbers through the first five games, scoring 28 points per game and shooting 56 percent from the floor.
Top Performer: Jaylen Brown
8. Phoenix Suns
Record: 4-1
Previous: 13
Phoenix made a huge jump in the rankings after starting the season 3-1. Chris Paul has made an immediate impact with his new team, dishing out nine assists and scoring 11 points per game.
Top Performer: Chris Paul
9. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 1-3
Previous: 4
After a rough start to the season, Dallas has fallen five spots in the power ranking. On the bright side, Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level. Through the first four games, he’s averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Top Performer: Luka Doncic
10. Indiana Pacers
Record: 4-1
Previous: 21
Indiana started the season on fire, losing only one out of five games. Domantas Sabonis has been dominant on both ends of the court, earning a Player of the Week Award last week. He’s averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists per game.
Top Performer: Domantas Sabonis
11. Atlanta Hawks
Record: 3-1
Previous: 16
Atlanta added several new weapons in the offseason and it appears to have paid off. Trae Young has continued his success from last season and is currently second in the league with 33 points per game.
Top Performer: Trae Young
12. New Orleans Pelicans
Record: 3-2
Previous: 14
New Orleans would have preferred a better start than 2-2, however, Brandon Ingram has proven to be worth the max extension. He’s averaging 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Top Performer: Brandon Ingram
13. Denver Nuggets
Record: 1-3
Previous: 11
The Nuggets are 1-3 despite one of the best starts to a season for a single player. Nikola Jokic has already made his case for MVP and we’re only two weeks into the season. Through four games, the Denver big man is averaging 24.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-best 13.5 assists to go along with three triple-doubles.
Top Performer: Nikola Jokic
14. Utah Jazz
Record: 2-2
Previous: 12
With Donovan Mitchell struggling to find his shot, Rudy Gobert has been even more sensational in the paint. He’s averaging 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Mike Conley has also gotten off to a great start in his second year with the Jazz.
Top Performer: Rudy Gobert
15. Charlotte Hornets
Record: 2-2
Previous: 20
Terry Rozier was a close second for Player of the Week after starting the season on fire. The Charlotte point guard dropped 42 points and ten three-pointers on opening night and has an average of 24.5 points through the first four games. The Hornets could surprise people in the Eastern Conference this season.
Top Performer: Terry Rozier
16. Toronto Raptors
Record: 1-3
Previous: 8
For the second season, the Raptors have lost key players in the offseason, this year being Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. As a result, they’re off to a shaky start this season. Pascal Siakam continues to shine as the go-to scorer, averaging 19 points and nine rebounds.
Top Performer: Pascal Siakam
17. Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 2-2
Previous: 18
Portland’s duo of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard has continued to dominate the league. McCollum has looked phenomenal in the first four games this season, scoring 28 points per game, including a season-best 44 points against the Rockets.
Top Performer: CJ McCollum
18. Orlando Magic
Record: 4-1
Previous: 24
Orlando started the season 4-0 before losing a tough game to the 76ers. The Markelle Fultz breakout season is looking more and more legit after every game. Through five games he’s averaging 16 points, five assists, and a steal.
Top Performer: Markelle Fultz
19. Houston Rockets
Record: 1-2
Previous: 15
James Harden may be disruptive off the court, but once he steps on the court, there aren’t many better. Through three games, Harden is averaging 11 assists and a league-best 37 points per game. Houston will be a borderline playoff team as long as Harden plays.
Top Performer: James Harden
20. Sacramento Kings
Record: 3-2
Previous: 19
The Kings have tons of playmakers on both ends of the court, but none bigger than De’Aaron Fox. After signing a max extension in the offseason, Fox has started the season off great, averaging 21 points and seven assists per game.
Top Performer: De’Aaron Fox
21. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 2-2
Previous: 22
Before being ruled out for several weeks with a dislocated wrist, Karl-Anthony Towns was averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks per game. Minnesota has the talent to make the playoffs, however, they’ll need good coaching and to stay healthy to make it this season.
Top Performer: Karl-Anthony Towns
22. San Antonio Spurs
Record: 2-2
Previous: 25
With starting point guard Devin White injured, Dejounte Murray has shown flashes of a breakout season. Through four games, Murray is averaging 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game, while also being one of six players to record a triple-double so far this season.
Top Performer: Dejounte Murray
23. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 3-2
Previous: 28
While it won’t last the duration of the season, Darius Garland’s hot shooting start has been fun to watch. Through five games, Garland is shooting over 50 percent from three and scoring 19 points per game. The Cavaliers won’t make the playoffs this year but the duo of Collin Sexton and Garland looks promising for the future.
Top Performer: Darius Garland
24. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 1-3
Previous: 27
While the Thunder are in the midst of a rebuild, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears close to his first All-Star selection. Over the first four games, Shai is averaging 20 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Top Performer: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
25. Golden State Warriors
Record: 2-2
Previous: 10
With Klay Thompson out for the season, the Warriors will likely miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. On the other hand, Steph Curry has looked great as he is scoring 27 points and dishing out seven assists per game.
Top Performer: Stephen Curry
26. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 1-3
Previous: 17
Ja Morant opened the season with a 44 point performance against the Spurs. Unfortunately, Morant went down with a sprained ankle and will miss 3-5 weeks. Before the injury, he was averaging 26 points per game.
Top Performer: Ja Morant
27. Chicago Bulls
Record: 2-3
Previous: 23
Zach LaVine has continued to score the ball at a great pace from last season. Through five games, LaVine is scoring 23 points per game and shooting 44 percent from the floor.
Top Performer: Zach LaVine
28. New York Knicks
Record: 2-3
Previous: 30
In his second season with the Knicks, Julius Randle is capitalizing on the opportunity to be the main playmaker. He is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists per game while shooting over 50 percent from three-point range.
Top Performer: Julius Randle
29. Washington Wizards
Record: 0-5
Previous: 26
Russell Westbrook continues to stuff the stat sheet, but this time in a Wizards jersey. The star point guard has recorded a triple-double in all four games this season and is averaging 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Washington remains winless, however.
Top Performer: Russell Westbrook
30. Detroit Pistons
Record: 0-4
Previous: 29
As expected, the Pistons have struggled to start the season after a terrible offseason. New forward Jerami Grant has looked good so far, averaging 23 points and six rebounds per game.
Top Performer: Jerami Grant
You can follow @kyleoconnell23 on Twitter to see when the next Power Rankings are published and check out his best offseason moves in the NBA right here.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
