The Blazers Are On The Rise – My Week 5 Power Rankings!
From the rise of the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA’s All Disappointment Team, here are my Week 5 Power Rankings from around the NBA.
Week 5 Power Rankings
Over the past week, we have seen a lot of changes to the hierarchy of the league. We’ve seen the rise of some teams and we’ve also seen some teams start to crumble. But who currently is in the Top 10 realm of the NBA? Let’s find out.
#10 – Washington Wizards
Record: (11-5)
Offensive Rating: 106.8 (17th)
Defensive Rating: 104.0 (4th)
Net Rating: 2.8 (8th)
The Good
They’re still good? That’s an achievement. The Wizards are still playing well on both ends of the floor. Deni Avdija is helping the defense remain amongst the best in the NBA. Their offense relies on a new weapon each night, as the Wizards seem to cycle through who gets the most touches.
Even with Bradley Beal struggling to score, they’re winning.
The Bad
Is this sustainable? That’s still in the air for me. If their defense plays like this for the whole year, then the answer to that question can be yes, but I still find it hard to believe they’ll be a top-6 team in the East come playoff time.
Also, could we get some more Daniel Gafford minutes? Please and thank you.
#9 – Portland Trail Blazers
Record: (9-8)
Offensive Rating: 110.9 (5th)
Defensive Rating: 110.4 (25th)
Net Rating: 0.5 (14th)
The Good
I swear I’m not being biased. Ok, maybe just a little bit.
After a weird start to the year, things have been coming together. Damian Lillard is remembering that he’s good at basketball. Larry Nance Jr. is the perfect small-ball center option for this team. Powell, Covington, CJ, and Nassir Little have been superb.
Chauncey Billups is doing his best defensively and I think there’s been a lot of improvement on that end compared to last season.
The Bad
Can we win on the road? We are 8-1 at home but just 1-7 on the road. That has to change if we want to be an elite team.
#8 – Denver Nuggets
Record: (9-8)
Offensive Rating: 106.0 (21st)
Defensive Rating: 105.4 (12th)
Net Rating: 0.6 (13th)
The Good
I’m running out of things to say in this segment. You guys still have Nikola Jokic? That’s all I can say right now.
The Bad
The offense is terrible. While Nikola Jokic is doing everything he can, the rest of the guys aren’t pulling their weight. MPJ and Jamal Murray are going to be out long-term with injuries, so they need to figure things out. They have the depth to deal with this problem, but they need production.
Denver has lost their last 4 games, where they’re averaging just 98.8 points per game. While Jokic hasn’t played in all of those games, the offense needs work.
#7 – Atlanta Hawks
Record: (8-9)
Offensive Rating: 110.6 (6th)
Defensive Rating: 110.7 (27th)
Net Rating: -0.1 (18th)
The Good
The Hawks have turned things around after a slow start. Trae Young and John Collins have been leading the way, as Atlanta has won their last 4 games.
The Hawks’ defense has been their strength as of late, which is a great development. Slowly but surely, we’re seeing the Hawks become similar to that team that made the Conference Finals last year.
The Bad
Assuming that the Hawks don’t have another collapse, I think they’re going to be fine. Their defense hasn’t been bad as of late, so I think that over time, it will be better than 27th in the league.
Oh, De’Andre Hunter is injured again. That sucks.
#6 – Utah Jazz
Record: (11-5)
Offensive Rating: 114.3 (1st)
Defensive Rating: 104.5 (8th)
Net Rating: 9.8 (2nd)
The Good
The Jazz remain a great regular-season team. Their offense remains a well-oiled machine, powered by great shooting and passing.
Rudy Gay gives them yet another weapon on offense. The defense is anchored by Rudy Gobert down low.
The Bad
I still think their defense is a problem. Good luck stopping a team like Phoenix in the playoffs with your lack of perimeter defenders.
It would also help if Donovan Mitchell wasn’t shooting 32% from 3.
#5 – Miami Heat
Record: (11-6)
Offensive Rating: 111.7 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 104.3 (5th)
Net Rating: 7.4 (3rd)
The Good
The Heat are one of the NBA’s best all-around teams. Their offense can be lethal with the likes of Butler, Adebayo, and Herro leading the way. All 3 three of those guys have been excellent this season.
The Heat play faster with Kyle Lowry on the floor and it’s working. Their tough, versatile defense has been as good as advertised.
The Bad
They don’t have much depth. If their stars aren’t playing well, things shut down on offense. I also can’t say I approve of them blowing a 4th quarter double-digit lead to the Wizards.
Like, it’s the Wizards. We can’t be doing that.
#4 – Chicago Bulls
Record: (12-5)
Offensive Rating: 109.9 (7th)
Defensive Rating: 104.4 (7th)
Net Rating: 5.5 (5th)
The Good
The Bulls have been great despite injuries to Vucevic and Patrick Williams. Their new roster has mixed together faster than powdered milk, as DeRozan, Ball, and Caruso have been excellent.
And they have just completed the NBA equivalent of the gauntlet;
Remember when we said they couldn’t beat good teams? Yeah, that’s gone now.
The Bad
I’ll get back to you on this one. Until then, enjoy the Bulls being a great team again.
#3 – Brooklyn Nets
Record: (12-5)
Offensive Rating: 107.8 (14th)
Defensive Rating: 104.5 (9th)
Net Rating: 3.3 (7th)
The Good
The Nets offense is getting better. James Harden is back to his foul-drawing ways and it might be annoying, but it helps the Nets a lot.
Kevin Durant continues to score at a historic pace. And the defense? It’s been surprisingly good, making the mediocre offense look less like a problem at times.
The Bad
I don’t love their bench depth. They went from Jeff Green and Landry Shamet to DeAndre’ Bembry and LaMarcus Aldridge. A downgrade to say the least.
#2 – Phoenix Suns
Record: (13-3)
Offensive Rating: 109.6 (8th)
Defensive Rating: 102.8 (3rd)
Net Rating: 6.8 (4th)
The Good
They’ve won 12 straight games and have looked dominant. Their defense is shutting down teams and after a slow start, the offense is rising.
Rimshot
CP-3 and Booker have been an elite combo. Ayton and Bridges are great complementary pieces. I love their bench and if not for the Warriors, they would be favorites in the Western Conference.
The Bad
Dario Saric is still out? I can’t say I love Frank Kaminsky as a backup center option, but to my surprise, he’s been passable for the Suns.
So, for now, no problems.
#1 – Golden State Warriors
Record: (15-2)
Offensive Rating: 112.9 (2nd)
Defensive Rating: 100.0 (1st)
Net Rating: 12.9 (1st)
The Good
You’re good, we get it. I liked it better when you were bad.
The Bad
Klay Thompson and James Wiseman have yet to return. Other than that, you’re perfect.
Please don’t let that go to your heads too quickly.
The All Disappointment Team
Which players (and one coach) have been the most disappointing this season? We had set our expectations high for some players entering 2022 and so far, they haven’t delivered. While that’s subject to change, for now, we can view them as disappointing.
So who is at the top of this disappointing list? Let’s find out.
Point Guard: Kevin Porter Jr. (HOU)
Kevin Porter Jr. told us all he was going to be a point guard this season. He prophesied he would average 10+ assists this season. Instead, he’s having the worst season of his career on a team on pace to be the worst in league history. *Clap-Clap*
12.7 points – 5.1 assists – 4.2 turnovers – 46% TS
Kyrie Irving was a close 2nd for this award.
Shooting Guard: Malik Beasley (MIN)
What happened to Malik Beasley? Ever since becoming a member of the T-Wolves, Beasley had turned himself into a great scorer. His 2021 campaign was solid and I was expecting another solid 2022 season, one in which he would be the 6th man for a Timberwolves team on the rise.
However, in solidarity with his team, he has been incredibly disappointing this season. He’s the odd-man-out for Minnesota and has regressed to his days with the Denver Nuggets on offense.
9.3 points – 45% TS
Small Forward: Michael Porter Jr (DEN)
This one hurts me the most. After a historically good 2021, MPJ got a big contract extension this offseason. He was a franchise cornerstone for the Nuggets and was on pace to be one of the best scorers in the NBA. With Jamal Murray still out with injury, the Nuggets needed MPJ to be their 2nd option.
But then, out of nowhere, MPJ just forgot how to play basketball. He was missing easy shots, he wasn’t playing well, and the piece de resistance? He injured his back and it out for an unknown time period. If you remember, his back was the main reason teams were scared to take him back in 2018.
{Noises of Pain}
9.9 points – 6.6 rebounds – 42% TS
Power Forward: Zion Williamson (Arbys)
Zion Williamson was historically good last season. When healthy and in good shape, he was a Shaq-Esque force down low. But after an injury to his foot this offseason, Williamson has reverted to his rookie season form.
A form where he’s reportedly over 300 pounds and well out of shape. The Pelicans are easily one of the worst teams in basketball when he’s not on the floor and he still has a few weeks until he’s back on the floor.
Not to judge or anything, but is it that hard to ask Zion to lay off the Arbys?
Center: Clint Capela (ATL)
Clint Capela isn’t thought off when we talk about elite centers in the NBA, but he should be. Or should I say, he should’ve been. After a superb 2021 postseason run with the Hawks, Capela’s elite defense has run itself off of a cliff.
The Hawks are better defensively when Capela is off the floor, as he isn’t a brick wall down low anymore. He now resembles a soggy mattress that gives way if you push it a little bit.
He isn’t getting as many scoring opportunities in the pick-and-roll anymore. While he and the Hawks have turned things around, it’s been a poor start overall for both parties.
Coach: Frank Vogel (LAL)
Frank Vogel and his poor rotations never cease to amaze me. Last night against the Pistons, he went away from playing Anthony Davis at center. While Davis has been much better when he is playing center, Vogel thought it would be a great idea to play DeAndre Jordan next to him.
But poor rotations are just the start of things. When things aren’t working, he rarely makes adjustments. You would think having Lebron and AD would make things easier as a coach, but apparently not. The Lakers might not be great, but Vogel isn’t helping ease any of their problems right now.
Rookie of the Year Ladder
FINALLY! We have some parody for the rookie of the year award. For a few weeks, we didn’t have any shakeups on this ladder. Now, we have some.
Let’s see what’s changed at the top of the rookie leaderboard.
#5 – Josh Giddey (OKC)
Giddey has remained steady at doing what he does best. He’s still an elite rebounder and playmaker for a rookie and we’ve seen some growth in his game.
After weeks of struggling to score, Giddey is slowly picking things up. While he still has a lot of refining to do with his offensive game, I saw some improvements from the last week.
10.0 points – 7.3 rebounds (1.8 OREB) – 5.6 assists – 45% TS
Giddey is already an elite offensive rebounder (he had 6 against Milwaukee on Friday) and I like what he brings as a playmaker. Now it’s just time to add a consistent perimeter shot.
#4 – Franz Wagner (ORL)
Wagner continues to be the best rookie for the Magic by a country mile. His shooting has not cooled down, even though he wasn’t projected to be a great shooter coming out of Michigan. He’s a decent defender and playmaker and has been a great gadget player for Orlando.
13.2 points – 1.2 steals – 1.3 OREB – 54% TS
Oh, and he’s a pretty clutch guy;
Bing Bong this, New York.
#3 – Cade Cunningham (DET)
Here we go, finally, some parody. After a slow start to his rookie campaign, Cade Cunningham has picked things up. It was only a matter of time before the #1 overall pick made an appearance on this list.
His shooting has been great and it’s been fun to watch him bully defenders on his way to the rim. He’s patient, poised, and already a leader for the Pistons. He has made them considerably better and he’s had a few great games.
He had a triple-double last night and had a 25-8-8 game. Not many rookies can say they’ve done that.
14.1 points – 6.4 rebounds – 1.4 steals – 45% TS
And if this whole NBA thing doesn’t work out, I think he has real upside as a security guard. Just ask the Lakers.
#2 – Scottie Barnes (TOR)
Cry. Just because another player gets hurt, that does mean the #2 guy automatically gets the #1 spot. That’s not how this works. Don’t get me wrong, Barnes is great, but not #1-worthy.
Barnes has played at a steady pace. He’s scoring efficiently without a 3-PT jump shot and the defense is still miles above most other rookies.
14.6 points – 8.4 rebounds (2.9 ORB) – 1.1 steals – 52% TS
However, Barnes’ scoring has dipped in the last few games. Defenses are not giving him space anymore and he’s not getting the same open looks. It’ll be interesting to see how Barnes adapts to these new coverages that defenses are throwing at him.
#1 – Evan Mobley (CLE)
I know he’s hurt, but I don’t care. He’s been the best rookie in the NBA and it’s still not remotely close.
14.6 points – 8.0 rebounds – 2.6 stocks – 56% TS
Mobley is still leading the league in contested shots despite missing the past few games. He’s averaging 2.6 steals and blocks for the season. He has been a dominant force when healthy and while he is going to miss a few weeks, I doubt I see anybody taking his throne.
The only thing that could stop Mobley is if he doesn’t play enough games, which is, unfortunately, a likely scenario as of right now.
Most Valuable Player Ladder
This leaderboard hasn’t changed much and it likely won’t change much all year. We know who’s good and who’s just a step above everybody else. If you’re on this very credible list, then you’re doing something right.
#3 – Nikola Jokic (DEN)
While Jokic has been dealing with a wrist injury that has kept him out of the last few games, he’s still having an incredible season. He is doing everything to keep a struggling Nuggets offense upright and he’s been better than he was last year.
He’s been more efficient and his defense has been surprisingly good. While it’s been quiet, Nikola Jokic’s greatness continues.
26.4 points – 13.6 rebounds – 6.4 assists – 1.2 steals – 67% TS
Jokic is shooting 41% from 3 on four attempts per game. His assist numbers are getting up there after being stuck around 5 to start the season. He has a defensive rating of 99, which is 10 rating points lower than it was last season.
Jokic has been doing it all and while we don’t talk about him enough, he’s having yet another superb campaign.
#2 – Kevin Durant (BKN)
Kevin Durant is still that guy. The Slim Reaper has not slowed down his scoring pace, where he is putting up ungodly numbers on even ungodlier efficiencies. He’s leading the league in scoring (again) and has been a force on offense this season for the Nets.
28.6 points – 7.9 rebounds – 4.9 assists – 67% TS
Durant’s slash line for this season doesn’t make sense. 57/43/85. He’s just 5 free throw percentage points away from a 50/40/90 season, which is perfectly normal for a 7-footer with handles to be doing.
While we all love to take for granted what Durant has been doing, I won’t. While he’s put up numbers similar to these at other points in his career, it’s just impressive that he’s doing it now.
Even though he’s 33, even though he’s just two years removed from an Achilles tear, he remains at the top of his game. Both on the court and on Twitter.
#1 – Stephen Curry (GSW)
You could say the MVP race is a tie between KD and Curry, and I would mostly agree with that. However, during these two’s only matchup this season, it’s clear who won that one.
Curry, who recently passed Ray Allen for the most 3-pointers made in a career, is having another career renaissance. Like Durant, Curry, at the age of 33, is having another perfect season.
His shooting, off-ball movement, the refinement of his game, it’s all there. Curry plays perhaps the most pretty basketball in all of the world and it’s not close. He and the Warriors are back to their dynasty ways, as the Dubs currently sit at 15-2 on the year.
I mean, how is possible to be having these numbers after you’ve already won a unanimous MVP?
28.4 points – 5.9 rebounds – 6.6 assists – 1.7 steals – 64% TS
Curry is shooting 41% from 3 on just above 13 attempts per game. He’s once again reset the 3-PT market and this time, I don’t think anybody will try and copy him. The best part of what he’s doing this season?
Curry might break his unthinkable record from his historic 2016 season. He nailed 402 3-pointers during his unanimous MVP season and he’s on pace to break that. During that season, Curry hit 5.1 threes per game and played 79 games.
This season, Curry is hitting 5.4 threes per game. If he also plays 79 games, he would make…
427 3’s
What Are Your Thoughts From This Weeks Edition of Power Rankings? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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