NFL
By Monte Perez
The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, but we are seeing trends that could shape the rest of the year.
Top 10 Power Rankings:
1) Milwaukee Bucks (10-1):
The Bucks are dominating the league without their all-star Khris Middleton. The No.2 option, averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 steals last season. 2 years ago this team won an NBA title and all indications are they are primed to get back there in 2023. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Is there a more productive, under-the-radar point guard than Jrue Holiday? He is averaging 19 points and 8 assists.
2) Portland Trail Blazers (9-3):
Damian Lillard has come back from an injury and he has put everyone on notice. In 7 games he is averaging 28 points along with 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Anfernee Simons has become a legitimate #2 scoring option and Jerami Grant is a solid power forward. This team could win 50 games and no one saw that coming.
3) Utah Jazz (10-3):
Aren’t the Utah Jazz supposed to be tanking? Someone forgot to tell their players and coaching staff. Lauri Markkanen has been the MVP of this team. He is averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds per contest. Both Jordan Clarkson and Colin Sexton have provided offensive sparks. I don’t think this team finishes in the top 4 out west but they could make the playoffs.
4) Boston Celtics (8-3):
This unit went to the NBA Finals last year. The fact that they won 8 out of their first 11 games is a testament to their players and new coach, Joe Mazzulla. Jason Tatum is a legitimate MVP candidate.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers (8-3):
Donovan Mitchell has been one of the best point guards so far. This Cavaliers team has young talent, mixed in with veterans and great chemistry. I would not be shocked if they were a top 4 seed in the east.
6) Phoenix Suns (8-3):
It appears that all the off-season drama between head coach Monty Williams and Deandre Ayton has subsided for now. But who on this team is getting you 25 points in a game 5 or a game 7? The Suns have one scorer, Devin Booker, and that is it.
7) Denver Nuggets (8-3)
The Nuggets are outscoring opponents by 12.6 points per 100 possessions when Nikola Jokic is on the court. They get outscored by 17.3 points when he’s off. That 29.9 net difference is the biggest by any player this season. This team should be in the Top 10 power rankings all season long but they will not win an NBA title.
8) Atlanta Hawks (8-4)
The Hawks have the best backcourt in the NBA with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. They are averaging 49 points, 9 rebounds, and 17 assists per game. Young has struggled early with his jump shot but he continues to get to the charity stripe and is shooting 92% from the free throw line. Clint Capela is averaging 10 points and 11 rebounds per contest. I don’t like Nate McMillan’s 1980s offense but this team has enough talent, despite him, to win 50 games.
9) Memphis Grizzlies (8-4)
This Memphis team with young players Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Brandon Clarke could win a ton of games for the next 5 years. I still think they are a few players away from being a contender but they are fun to watch.
10) Toronto Raptors (7-5):
This is a team that has no real superstars but they all contribute and know their roles. I don’t see them making a deep playoff run.
Biggest Disappointments:
- The Miami Heat are 5-7. They have one legitimate scorer in Jimmy Butler. Tyler Herro is a nice player but can you rely on him to deliver in a game 7?
- Michael Jordan continues to fail in Charlotte, They are 3-7.
- Minnesota and Dallas look sluggish so far.
- The Lakers could go 20-62 if they don’t make changes.
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