Who Is Going To Win Rookie of the Year? Week 14 Power Rankings
From an update on the Rookie of the Year race to the slide of some Eastern Contenders, here are my Week 14 Power Rankings!
What does the rookie of the year leaderboard look like? What’s going on with the Nets and Bulls? Are the Mavericks good? Why have there been so many flagrant fouls recently? I answered all those questions and more in my weekly power rankings.
Week 14 Power Rankings
What’s going on with the Jazz? Can the Bulls survive their numerous injuries? Are we ignoring the Suns? I answered all those questions and more in my weekly edition of NBA Power Rankings.
#10 – Dallas Mavericks
Record: (27-20)
Offensive Rating: 109.2 (21st)
Defensive Rating: 106.1 (4th)
Net Rating: 3.1 (8th)
The Good
The Mavericks defense has continued to carry them. Just last night, they shut down the high-flying Grizzlies offense en route to a controlling win.
The offense continues to be sluggish, with a lack of shot creators being the problem. The good thing for Dallas on offense has been a surge in Luka’s production.
Over the last three games, Luka has done this;
35.3 points – 11.0 rebounds – 8.0 assists – 61% TS
Luka’s conditioning has been the main cause of his offensive struggles, but it appears he’s getting on the right track. If Dallas wants to go anywhere in the postseason, they’ll ride the coattails of their superstar.
The Bad
I don’t trust this offense. Luka Doncic might be back, but this team needs more. Jalen Brunson is good, Kristaps Porzingis is ok, but other than that, I’m skeptical.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been relegated to the bench, shooting just 39% from the field this season. Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber are spotty catch-and-shoot threats.
The Mavericks have to make a move at the deadline. Eric Gordon, Harrison Barnes, and Buddy Hield are all potential trade targets for this team. They need to make a move to juice this offense or risk a third straight first-round exit in the playoffs.
#9 – Utah Jazz
Record: (30-17)
Offensive Rating: 116.0 (1st)
Defensive Rating: 108.8 (10th)
Net Rating: 7.2 (3rd)
The Good
The offense remains elite. No team houses this much firepower. The Jazz are 2.8 points higher than the second-rated offense (Atlanta). That’s the same gap between Atlanta and the 12th ranked offense; Toronto.
Scoring has and never will be a concern for this team. Even with All-Star Donovan Mitchell out, I have no worries about this end.
The Bad
The problem for the Jazz remains on the defensive end. Without Rudy Gobert, who is the only reason this defense is 10th and not 30th, the Jazz are not the same team.
They don’t have a single good perimeter/wing defender to deal with the bevy of stars in the West. In a playoff series, the likes of Booker, Paul, Curry, Morant, Doncic, and Jamal Murray would eat them alive. Jamal Murray already has.
Similar to Dallas, a move at the trade deadline is needed. Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, or Robert Covington seem like ideal targets. Whatever they do over the next two weeks, defense has to be in play for this team to win it all.
#8 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: (28-19)
Offensive Rating: 110.1 (14th)
Defensive Rating: 105.1 (3rd)
Net Rating: 5.0 (4th)
The Good
The Cavaliers are an enigma. That’s usually not a good thing in the NBA, but for the Cavs, it’s working. Despite a flaccid bench and spotty shooting, the Cavs are in striking distance of a top seed.
The frontcourt combo of Allen and Mobley is the best defensive tandem in the NBA. Mobley is well on his way to earning the Rookie of the Year award. Future All-Star Darius Garland (vote him in, cowards!) energizes this team.
The larger-than-life team is going to experience relief in the second half. After a brutal first-half schedule, it’s easy street for Cleveland the rest of the way. The league’s most facile second-half schedule belongs with the Cavs, making a top seed in the East become that much more believable.
I don’t know how they’re doing it, but the Cavs are on their way to the playoffs.
The Bad
They still have no bench, hardly any shooting, and no secondary ball-handlers. Koby Altman, the President of Basketball Operations, will need to be working the phones to improve this team.
#7 – Chicago Bulls
Record: (28-17)
Offensive Rating: 111.5 (7th)
Defensive Rating: 109.7 (17th)
Net Rating: 1.8 (12th)
Games Without Zach Lavine: 7
Games Without Alex Caruso (Add 6-8 Weeks To This Total): 17
Lonzo Ball Set To Miss 6-8 Weeks With Knee Surgery
Games Without Patrick Williams: 40
Games Missed By Coby White, Javonte Green, and Derrick Jones Jr: 48
Amazingly, this team is still alive. The good news is that Lavine and Javonte Green are coming back soon. The bad news is that the Bulls will have to used to life without Caruso, Derrick Jones, and Lonzo Ball for a while. Patrick Williams has missed nearly the entire season. How is this team 4th in the conference, again?
#6 – Brooklyn Nets
Record: (29-17)
Offensive Rating: 112.2 (4th)
Defensive Rating: 109.7 (16th)
Net Rating: 2.5 (9th)
The Good
Kyrie Irving doesn’t need any sort of rhythm to play basketball. The Nets being on the road for the last four games, Irving helping them in all of those games as they try and steady the ship.
The offense has returned to its elite form with Irving. Even with KD and Joe Harris out, the offensive sluggishness has disappeared.
The Bad
Kevin Durant is out, the defense is slipping, Kyrie Irving can’t play at home, Kevin Durant is out, Steve Nash might be an idiot, Kevin Durant is out.
I think there’s a hidden message somewhere in there, but I can’t find it. Oh well.
Not having Kevin Durant is a major issue (obviously). Still one of the best players in the world, the Nets miss his scoring. More than that, though, is his defense.
The Nets’ switching-oriented defense has been getting torched. Things were trending in the wrong direction before KD got hurt, but things are falling apart. A lack of good perimeter defenders is to blame, as there are no reliable options.
A barren bench, even when healthy, makes it hard for me to believe this team can be as good as their high-end talent makes them seem. A loaded top half of the Eastern Conference makes the Nets’ title chances look very slim right now.
#5 – Miami Heat
Record: (30-17)
Offensive Rating: 112.3 (3rd)
Defensive Rating: 107.7 (8th)
Net Rating: 4.6 (5th)
The Good
The Heat are transitioning to a healthier stage of their season. Their two All-Stars, Butler and Adebayo, are back and leading the Heat once more. We are finally seeing this team at full strength.
Miami bullied the Lakers for most of the way last night, earning their 7th win in 9 tries. This team has it all. I love their tough, rugged defense. Their offense has been surprisingly lethal.
Things are looking good for Miami, a team hungry for more revenge after an embarrassing 2022 playoff exit.
The Bad
I’m not crazy about the depth. While they survived long absences without their stars, I don’t know if I trust that unit for the playoffs. Outside of the confident Tyler Herro, there isn’t much.
Caleb Martin has been decent, but Kyle Guy? Omer Yurtseven? I don’t think you can beat teams like Milwaukee with that bench.
The Heat don’t have a ton of moveable assets, but if they follow through on their willingness to trade Duncan Robinson, it could be an opportunity to add depth.
#4 – Memphis Grizzlies
Record: (32-17)
Offensive Rating: 111.3 (9th)
Defensive Rating: 108.3 (9th)
Net Rating: 3.0 (7th)
The Good
The Grizzlies have rounded into a well-oiled machine. They might be the deepest team in the NBA, capable of beating you with so many different weapons.
Ja Morant has taken that superstar leap, emerging as the best player from the 2019 Draft Class. Around him are a great cast of scorers, defenders, and great role players who understand their roles.
After a slow start to the season, the Grizzlies have been a dominant force in the West. A few years of rebuilding had culminated in this. The young Grizzlies are hungry for the playoffs, rapidly approaching on the horizon.
The Bad
The Grizzlies are 2-3 in their last three games. The culprit to this slowdown has been Covid. Desmond Bane and Kyle Anderson entered protocols over the past few days. Dillon Brooks remains out with an ankle injury sustained on January 8th.
Brandon Clarke missed yesterday’s game with a back issue. Tyus Jones is the third Grizzly to enter H&S protocols. I stand by with my earlier statement about Memphis being the deepest team in the NBA. Currently, that depth is dwindling. The Grizzlies have to try and hold on for the time being until reinforcements arrive.
#3 – Milwaukee Bucks
Record: (30-19)
Offensive Rating: 111.5 (8th)
Defensive Rating: 107.7 (7th)
Net Rating: 3.8 (6th)
JUST STAY HEALTHY!
The Bucks have played just 54% of their games this season with Giannis, Middleton, and Jrue Holiday (21/39). In those 21 games, the Bucks have an 18-3 record. If they could stay healthy, the Bucks would be running away with the East.
That trio has outscored opponents by 78 points this season. That trio also has a +8.4 net rating. The Bucks are the best team in the East, 54% of the time.
#2 – Golden State Warriors
Record: (34-13)
Offensive Rating: 110.2 (13th)
Defensive Rating: 102.6 (1st)
Net Rating: 7.6 (2nd)
The Good
I’m starting to get concerned about this team.
The Bad
The offense continues to be sluggish without Draymond Green. Curry shot just 1/13 from 3-PT land last night, another historically bad shooting night from his perspective;
The defense remains the best in the league, but it’s not the same without Draymond. This team isn’t the same without their leader. They’ve been average without him, their chances for the top seed have evaporated. The Warriors have slowed down to a crawl waiting for Draymond to return.
#1 – Phoenix Suns
Record: (36-9)
Offensive Rating: 112.1 (5th)
Defensive Rating: 104.2 (2nd)
Net Rating: 7.9 (1st)
The Good
The Suns, on par with their brand, have continued to win. They are outpacing the Warriors, leading the Western Conference by a wide 3.5 game margin. This team continues to shine.
Devin Booker’s hatred for mascots has given this offense life. Even with Deandre Ayton out, the likes of Bismack Biyombo and Jalen Smith have filled in well. Chris Paul remains the perfect floor general, able to take over in the 4th quarter.
This team has it all. A great coach in Monty Williams. An elite defense with an offense not far behind. Versatile defensive wings. More experience from last year. Everything is going right for the Suns, who seem like a lock for the #1 seed in the West.
I have wondered if they’re going to do anything at the trade deadline, but do they need to? When healthy, it’s going to take a lot to beat this team four times.
Rookie of the Year Ladder
The race for the Rookie of the Year award is heating up. Today, I thought it was a good idea to review everybody’s chances to grab the least important NBA award.
#5 – Josh Giddey (OKC)
Can he win the award?
Giddey’s all-around numbers make him a solid candidate for the award. His playmaking and rebounding numbers rival past winners like Doncic and Simmons. He’s had some big games, including becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
Theoretically, Giddey can win the award.
Why can’t he win the award?
Giddey simply doesn’t score enough to be a rookie of the year. He’s not efficient, lacks an outside shot, and is the opposite of polished when it comes to scoring.
Shooting just 41% from the field isn’t good enough to win this award. I love Giddey’s playstyle and how he plays, but he’ll have to settle for first-team all-rookie. Oh well.
11.5 points / 7.4 rebounds / 6.2 assists / 47% TS
#4 – Cade Cunningham (DET)
Can he win the award?
Cunningham has become the lead ball-handler for the Pistons. The eventual departure of Jerami Grant bodes well for how much Cade will get the ball.
His efficiency has steadily gone up, currently at around 40%. Unlike Giddey, Cade is averaging nearly 16 points a night. Add in his rebounding and playmaking, which is comparable to Giddey’s, and it’s clear that Cade has a good shot at the award.
Why can’t he win the award?
I think the lack of efficiency will kill him. He’s not a standout defender, either, so I don’t think shooting 40% is enough for him to win Rookie of the Year. First-team all-rookie is in store for Cade, but not the grand prize.
15.7 points / 5.4 rebounds / 5.2 assists / 50% TS
#3 – Franz Wagner (ORL)
Can he win the award?
Wagner remains rock-solid for Orlando. His shooting has slowed down over the past few games, but he’s a decent catch-and-shoot threat. I love when he uses his length to slash through the defense. He’s a solid finisher around the rim.
Beyond scoring, Wagner is a great all-around player. A solid off-ball defender with great instincts, Wagner isn’t a defensive liability. He’s a solid playmaker, able to make break-neck decisions as he goes to the rim.
Wagner has been the Magic’s best rookie and it’s not even close.
Why can’t he win the award?
I don’t think there are any problems with Wagner’s candidacy. Averaging more rebounds couldn’t hurt, but I simply don’t see him outdoing the two rookies in front of him. Wagner is still a lock for the all-rookie first-team, but I don’t think winning the award is in his future.
15.4 points / 4.8 rebounds / 54% TS
#2 – Scottie Barnes (TOR)
Can he win the award?
While he’s been inconsistent, Barnes is having a solid rookie season. The bullish forward has been a one-man wrecking crew at times.
Why can’t he win the award?
He’s too inconsistent. You don’t know entirely what you’re getting every night. His defense is solid, but Evan Mobley is better.
Scottie Barnes is good, but not Evan Mobley good.
14.6 points / 7.8 rebounds / 53% TS
#1 – Evan Mobley (CLE)
Can he win the award?
He’s an alien. Mobley is the unicorn to end all unicorns. He can guard 1-5 on defense, helping the Cavs become an elite defense down low. He’s a great low-post presence on offense. The next step in his development is adding a consistent perimeter jumper. Other than that, he’s been the best rookie by a mile.
Why can’t he win the award?
Normally, if a rookie is this good defensively, sometimes that goes under the radar. However, with there being no great scorers in this draft, it seems like Mobley is a lock for this award.
15.0 points / 8.1 rebounds / 2.5 stocks / 56% TS / ALIEN
What Is Up With All These Flagrant Fouls?
It seems like, over the past few days, the number of scary falls in the NBA has risen at an alarming rate. Lu Dort, Kelly Oubre, and of course, Grayson Allen, have all received Flagrant two fouls.
We shouldn’t be surprised that Allen ended up making yet another dirty play, fracturing the wrist of Alex Caruso after he yanked him out of the air on a fastbreak.
It was a dangerous play, but you have to wonder, why have there been so many flagrant fouls as of late? These types of scary falls and plays at the rim don’t happen often.
I don’t there’s a rhyme or season as to why these things are happening. That’s both good and bad. For one, none of these plays (except for the Grayson Allen one) seemed intentional. These plays happen in basketball and we’ve just seen too many of them in the past week.
Let’s hope we don’t see any more of these plays any time soon.
What Are Your Thoughts On This Weeks Power Rankings? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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