1 Free Agent Target For Each Contender! Week 18 Power Rankings
After a two-week hiatus, I’m back with my weekly power rankings. In addition to that, I’ll give every team one FA target to go after.
It’s been a little bit since I’ve done a power ranking, and a lot has changed. The dust from the tradeapalooza has passed. We’re in the home stretch of the NBA season, with the playoffs rapidly approaching. Here are my week 18 power rankings, including one free agent target each team should consider.
Week 18 Power Rankings
These power rankings have changed a lot in the past two weeks. In addition to the ten best teams in the NBA, I’ll give each of them one free-agent target for the summer.
#10 – Dallas Mavericks
Record: (36-25)
Offensive Rating: 110.9 (16th)
Defensive Rating: 107.3 (5th)
Net Rating: 3.6 (8th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 20th
Dallas continues to roll on at a steady pace. Their breakout defensive season won’t stop. Luka Doncic has been on a tear, regaining his mega-star status after a sluggish start to the year. As of right now, Dallas can’t complain about much.
Their polarizing Porzingis trade at the deadline has looked solid so far. In their come from behind victory last night in Golden State, their new additions looked nice.
Spencer Dinwiddie gives them another much-needed creator. His 24 points and five assists off the bench were the exact reason he was acquired.
Davis Bertans has been shooting 38% from outside in a Mavs jersey. If Dallas can fix Bertans, they can do anything. A soft second-half schedule bodes well for Dallas as they try and catch Utah for that 4th seed.
One Free Agent Target – Jalen Brunson + Bevy of Wings
The #1 priority this summer has to be retaining Jalen Brunson. He’s their second-best player and has remained a steady backcourt mate with Luka. The Mavericks will have to dig deep to keep the former Villanova Wildcat, but he’s worth it. If they do nothing else other than re-sign him, that’s ok.
Other free-agent targets could be some of the many wings available in this class. Any one of these guys would fit well off the bench;
- Taurean Prince (MIN)
- Derrick Jones Jr (CHI)
- Kyle Anderson (MEM)
- Kevon Looney (GSW)
If the Mavs can retain Brunson and get any one of those forwards? Hallelujah.
#9 – Milwaukee Bucks
Record: (36-25)
Offensive Rating: 112.6 (6th)
Defensive Rating: 109.6 (13th)
Net Rating: 3.0 (9th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 2nd
I’m running out of patience with the defending champs. I understand that injuries have slowed them down considerably this season. But with the playoffs approaching, they don’t look ready. Last season, everything clicked seamlessly. This year, they’re running through mud.
Khris Middleton is as inconsistent as ever. The Bucks are one of the worst 3rd quarter teams in the NBA. Allowing 43 third-quarter points to the battered Nets does not ease their frustrations in that quarter.
Giannis continues to preach “good” habits. But the reality is, time isn’t on their side. The Bucks have just 20 games to figure out their numerous problems. Of those 20 games, twelve of them come against current playoff teams.
Yes, injuries have slowed down this juggernaut. But, I get the feeling that their odds of repeating are dwindling. The Eastern Conference is far more competitive than it was last year. Right now, the defending champions are trying to stop their ship from sinking.
One Free Agent Target – ANY CENTER
Last season, the Bucks’ unsung hero was Brook Lopez. Since he’s played just 28 minutes this year, his presence has never been more sorely missed.
Even if Lopez comes back, the Bucks need more help down low. DeMarcus Cousins didn’t work. Serge Ibaka won’t work. It’s time to find a long-term answer down low.
The best center on the free-agent market this summer is Deandre Ayton. But the Bucks don’t have the cap space for him. More realistic targets include;
- Ivica Zubac (LAC)
- Thomas Bryant (WAS)
- Mo Bamba (ORL) – BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!
No matter how this cataclysmic season ends, the Bucks need a center.
#8 – Boston Celtics
Record: (36-27)
Offensive Rating: 110.7 (18th)
Defensive Rating: 105.3 (2nd)
Net Rating: 5.4 (4th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 5th
The Celtics have been on a roll since the start of the calendar year. Sure, their opponents haven’t been formidable. However, it’s hard to ignore what they’ve been doing in recent weeks. A frontcourt of Horford and Timelord has proved to be incredibly good defensively.
Adding Derrick White at the deadline gave them more offensive punch. The two Jay’s, Jaylen and Jayson, continue to shine. A blowout loss to Indiana last night be damned; this team has got everything going.
The home stretch until the playoffs will be a litmus test for this squad. Can they handle a rigid schedule? If they can, I’m confident in their playoff chances. The Celtics could be a dark horse in the East this year. Let’s see if they can fulfill that potential.
One Free Agent Target – Tyus Jones
Adding Derrick White somewhat solved Boston’s need for a floor general. Before that, Marcus Smart was playing point. They need a long-term solution. Enter Tyus Jones.
The backup for the Memphis Grizzlies is one of the finest in the NBA. He doesn’t turn the ball over, sporting a ridiculous 6.2 ast: to ratio. Add in some solid defense and shooting, and you’ve got yourself a match made in heaven.
Jones would be another guard who can run the offense, someone not looking to score. Now, that’s if the Celtics even plan to do this. They still might have their eyes set on another star like Bradley Beal.
If they decide to go after depth this offseason, Jones should be one of their highest priorities.
#7 – Utah Jazz
Record: (38-22)
Offensive Rating: 116.2 (1st)
Defensive Rating: 109.4 (12th)
Net Rating: 6.8 (3rd)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 18th
The Utah Jazz have had a rocky season. They came into the season with the same flaws as the previous one. Still, I expected them to be a top seed in the West. In the regular season, their flaws wouldn’t matter too much.
While I’m still not wrong in saying that, Utah’s flaws have somewhat caught up to them. When Rudy Gobert was out, the Jazz had a historically bad defense. Donovan Mitchell has missed time. Their bench unit of flamethrowers hasn’t been as lethal.
But, to their credit, the Jazz have turned things around now that they’re healthy. Mitchell has been lighting teams up. Their offense is far and away the best in the NBA. The defense is serviceable.
I still have to refrain from believing in this team, however. They still have no perimeter/wing defenders. Without Rudy Gobert, their defense would be one of the worst in the league.
The Clippers dismantled them last year in the playoffs. I find a hard time believing things will be any different this time around.
One Free Agent Target – ANY DEFENDER
The Jazz can’t win a title with their current roster makeup. While it’s easy to say, ‘get better defenders,’ they can’t. Their cap situation essentially makes them stuck.
Trading Joe Ingles somewhat eased that burden, but the problem remains. Gary Harris, Jarrett Culver, and Bruce Brown are all viable options. However, do the Jazz have the assets to go after them?
Believing in this team is impossible. While they are a few small pieces away from contention, they’ve handicapped themselves from getting to that point.
#6 – Chicago Bulls
Record: (39-22)
Offensive Rating: 113.2 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 111.3 (20th)
Net Rating: 1.9 (12th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 1st
I can’t tell you how the Bulls are the #2 seed in the East. They’ve been without their backcourt for some time. Their frontcourt has been thin all year long. This team refuses to curl up and die. No team can endure this. Don’t tell that to the Bulls, though.
As of late, it’s been the DeMar DeRozan show. His career rejuvenation has kept Chicago afloat. His play in the mid-range has been beautiful to watch. Without DeRozan, one has to wonder, where would this team be?
When healthy, the Bulls are a tough team to face. Ball and Caruso are two stingy perimeter defenders. Derrick Jones and Patrick Williams provide ample support from the wing.
If it feels like I’m leaving out important pieces, I am. Zach Lavine is quietly having another ultra-efficient season. Nikola Vucevic remains solid.
The hardest remaining schedule in the NBA should seem daunting. Yet, I don’t feel that way about this team. They’ve endured more than any other team in the NBA this year. So far, they’ve come out of the other side unscathed. What’s one more hurdle?
One Free Agent Target – Bigger Forwards
Coming into this season, the Bulls were already undersized. Losing Williams and Derrick Jones long-term to injury worsened this problem. Chicago is 27th in total rebounding this season. Adding size along the frontline is crucial for 2023.
Some options include;
- Isaiah Hartenstein (LAC)
- Frank Kaminsky (PHX)
- Dewayne Dedmond (MIA)
- Thaddeus Young (TOR)
In this scenario, size does matter. Expect Artūras Karnišovas, the aggressive president of the Bulls, to prioritize this as well.
#5 – Philadelphia 76ers
Record: (37-23)
Offensive Rating: 111.5 (12th)
Defensive Rating: 108.9 (10th)
Net Rating: 2.6 (11th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 17th
What? Who said the James Harden trade was a bad idea? Not me!
I’m not going to bury the lead here. I was dead wrong about this trade. Harden and the 76ers have dominated in their first two games together. His partnership with Embiid couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.
I think it’s safe to say the 76ers are contenders. That may be jumping the gun, but Philly has looked dominant thus far. Their schedule from now up until the playoffs is mellow. Staying healthy will be vital as they try and build continuity.
With two offensive megastars in Embiid and Harden, the 76ers have their compass. My only concern with this team is their bench. Other than that, their trade deadline has positioned them for a title.
Once again, I never said anything bad about this trade.
One Free Agent Target – Bench Help
The 76ers need more kick off the bench. Shake Milton, Korkmaz, and Danny Green aren’t cutting it. Embiid + Harden is a dynamic duo, but duos don’t win championships. Finding more bench production this offseason is the goal for Philly this summer.
TJ Warren, Taurean Prince, and Bryn Forbes would solidify the back end of Doc River’s rotation. For now, the bench will remain this team’s weakness. I highly doubt the 76ers will let that problem bleed into 2023.
#4 – Miami Heat
Record: (40-21)
Offensive Rating: 112.2 (8th)
Defensive Rating: 107.5 (6th)
Net Rating: 4.7 (5th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 11th
The Miami Heat are the sleeping giants of the East. Similar to their 2020 Bubble Finals run, they don’t get talked about until they’re hitting you in the face. The same thing may happen this season.
Despite copious injuries to their stars, the Heat have the top seed in the East. They are a well-balanced unit that relies on savvy veterans for the bulk of their minutes. Kyle Lowry has proven to be the perfect floor general for this offense. Ball movement, shooting, and a rugged defense define this team. Once again, you know you’re in for a
I have questioned this team since August. Yet here they are, in primo position to have homecourt advantage throughout the Finals.
My lesson from all of this? Heat Culture > Questionable Depth.
One Free Agent Target – Look at 76ers Section
Read headline
#3 – Golden State Warriors
Record: (43-18)
Offensive Rating: 111.6 (9th)
Defensive Rating: 104.5 (1st)
Net Rating: 7.1 (2nd)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 4th
If you needed any more proof that the Warriors miss Draymond Green, look no further than last night against Dallas. At one point in the 4th quarter, they were on the opposite end of a 26-1 run. It was another stark reminder that this team isn’t 100%, and they haven’t been for some time.
Without their leader, the Warriors have a 15-12 record. The offense is sluggish and features much less movement. Finding that same rhythm on offense is challenging.
The Grizzlies have been on their tails in the standings for some time. Golden State isn’t as hot as Memphis is, so falling to the third seed seems likely. That’s not to say the Warriors are worse than Memphis, but right now, that’s how the cookie is crumbling.
Getting Draymond acclimated for the postseason should be the only goal for the Warriors. With him, they are comparable with the Phoenix Suns. Without him, they’re closer to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
One Free Agent Target – nobody.exe
When healthy, this team doesn’t have many weaknesses. Even if they did, the Warriors are the highest spending team in the NBA. Unless they move some pieces like Wiggins, there is no money to sign anybody.
But, this team doesn’t have flaws when healthy. The one thing they need to do this offseason is resign guys. Golden State specialized in one-year contracts last summer. Look at all their free agents this summer;
- Andre Iguodala
- Otto Porter Jr
- Nemanja Bjelica
Half of their bench unit is up for new deals. With how well they’ve played this season, they’re bound to see more offers from other teams. So not only with Golden State have to compete with the salary rules, they’ll have to compete with the rest of the NBA to keep their depth.
Owner Joe Lacob will have his hands full.
#2 – Memphis Grizzlies
Record: (42-20)
Offensive Rating: 113.1 (5th)
Defensive Rating: 108.7 (8th)
Net Rating: 4.4 (6th)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 22nd
The most exciting team in the NBA is in my top-2 for the first time this season. Similar to the Heat in the West, not too many people are taking this team seriously. Even with how effective they’ve been this season, they remain a sleeping giant.
That ties into their whole mantra. A team full of underdogs and unknowns. Ja Morant went to a mid-major. So did Desmond Bane. While they aren’t like the Grit and Grind Grizzlies from a few years ago, they’re a remixed version.
Every single night, they’re doing things that appear on your social media feeds. Ja Morant is on a mission to break every rim in the NBA.
Memphis has their eyes locked on the #2 seed in the West. They are chasing the Warriors, trying to take advantage of the injured Draymond Green. With a relaxed second-half schedule paired with one of the most talented rosters in the league, the Grizzlies are set up for success.
One Free Agent Target – Star Wing?
With such depth, the Grizzlies can only improve by going star-hunting. Adding Harrison Barnes or Jerami Grant to this team would make them even tougher to stop. They have the assets to move for a player of that caliber, especially Barnes.
Their top two free agents this offseason are Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones. I’ve already talked about Jones during this article, but keeping him to back Ja Morant would be perfect. There aren’t too many backup guards better than him.
Keeping things simple seems like the best avenue for this team. Not making a big move is the best thing for a team whose chemistry is on-point. Trying to re-sign their top assets and staying the course is the Memphis thing to do. So, they should, you know, do that.
#1 – Phoenix Suns
Record: (49-12)
Offensive Rating: 113.6 (3rd)
Defensive Rating: 105.8 (4th)
Net Rating: 7.8 (1st)
Strength of Schedule Remaining: 15th
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Suns have some denting in their armor. Entering the All-Star break, the Suns were a supernova. There was no stopping them on either end of the floor. They were running away with things in the West.
But, of course, bad luck struck them at the worst possible moment. Chris Paul’s hand injury is set to sideline him until the playoffs. Without him, the Suns aren’t the same. Try as he may, Devin Booker isn’t cut out to lead this offense.
Neither is Aaron Holiday, who was awful when the Suns lost to the Jazz. The Suns are lucky in the sense that they have a massive lead for first place (6 games). But, they’re going to need to band together for the next few weeks and weather the storm.
I doubt the Suns lose the #1 seed, but they will definitely struggle at times without their best player. In the perfect world, the Suns get Paul back right before the playoffs and go back to running the league. Sounds like a plan to me.
One Free Agent Target – DEANDRE AYTON
I DON’T KNOW WHY THE SUNS WON’T RESIGN AYTON, BUT IT’S GETTING FRUSTRATING. WHAT IS THE HOLDUP? THERE SHOULD BE NO HESISTATION IN PAYING ONE OF YOUR BEST YOUNGSTERS WHAT HE DESERVES!
DAMN YOU, SARVER!!!!!
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