NBA Power rankings week 1: Timberwolves struggle to find their footing

The NBA season has just begun. Some teams are right where we expect them to be, while others have struggled to find their footing. For instance, the reigning champion Boston Celtics are 4-0 behind an incredible offense, averaging 21.5 three-point makes per game.

Meanwhile, last season's surprise contender, the Indiana Pacers, have looked like a much different team despite another year of maturation from its young core. The Pacers are averaging a measly 110.5 points (24th in the NBA) after leading the association in points per game a year ago (123.3 points).

Several early-season trends predict end-of-season outcomes for numerous teams throughout the NBA. Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves held four of their first five opponents to less than 100 points, an early foreshadowing of the league's best defense. However, other trends, such as Indiana's lackluster offense, aren't likely to indicate the team's future. All things considered, we've ranked all 30 teams in the NBA, using equal parts rash and hesitancy while formulating these Power Rankings.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 1

30. Utah Jazz (0-4)

The Utah Jazz have struggled mightily to begin the season. Utah remains winless and averages only 102.0 points per game—last in the NBA. Furthermore, the Jazz rank dead-last in the league in net rating, boasting a -17.0 point differential. To make matters worse, last year's top-10 pick and starting forward, Taylor Hendricks, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle.

29. Detroit Pistons (0-4)

The only other winless team in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons, are regulars near the bottom of the standings. This season appears no different. Detroit has struggled on offense while possessing a league-average defense. On the bright side, there's certainly room for improvement as the Pistons have been competitive in every contest. The Pistons gave the Celtics a run for their money, losing only by six points behind an impressive showing from Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham.

28. Toronto Raptors (1-3)

The Toronto Raptors defense has been a sieve early in the season. The Raptors have allowed 112 or more points in every loss. In Toronto's lone victory, they held the Joel Embiid and Paul George-less Philadelphia 76ers to 107 points. Perhaps the biggest blow to the Raptors early season came in the form of an injury to Scottie Barnes. The one-time All-Star is slated to miss three weeks after being diagnosed with an orbital fracture. Without Barnes, Toronto will rely on RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick to handle the scoring load.

27. Portland Trail Blazers (1-3)

One of the more oddly assembled teams in the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers continue to toe the line between youth movement and wannabe play-in team. Although it appears the Blazers are closer to a high, first-round selection, their three most-played players are seven-plus-season professionals. Despite the mix of veterans, the Blazers still rely on a bevy of younger prospects. Last season's second-overall selection Scoot Henderson has looked improved, even though he's come off the bench in every game. Portland is an intriguing team to watch as they search for an identity.

26. San Antonio Spurs (1-2)

Perhaps a mild disappointment from the early portion of the season, the San Antonio Spurs have looked abysmal on offense, averaging 106.3 points per game. The Spurs rank near the bottom in most offensive categories. However, things will get better. Victor Wembanyama is shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc. Plus, Devin Vassell has yet to play. There's play-in potential once the Spurs get healthy and figure it out.

25. Washington Wizards (1-2)

1-2 is the best-case scenario for the youthful Washington Wizards. After selecting three players in the first round of June's draft, it's to be expected that Washington will take some time to gel. As with most young teams, the Wizards haven't looked good on defense. It's been quite the opposite. Washington has allowed its opponents to average a league-worst 125.3 points per game. The offense has been okay, but it's not sufficient enough to make up for a paltry defense.

24. Brooklyn Nets (1-3)

What might be the worst roster in the NBA hasn't played like it. The Brooklyn Nets are 1-3 and could easily be 3-1. Brooklyn lost an overtime bout against the Denver Nuggets despite leading by three points with just over 30 seconds to go. The Nets also lost their regular season opener after building a halftime lead. As expected, the Nets can score but struggle to stop opponents from doing the same. In the Nets' three losses, they've allowed 120, 116, and 144 points

23. Charlotte Hornets (1-2)

With LaMelo Ball back in the fold, the Charlotte Hornets are a league-pass darling. Ball has averaged 31.7 points to go along with 7.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. The rest of the squad leaves some to be desired, and an injured Brandon Miller only makes matters worse. However, the Hornets embody the modern NBA, launching triples and avoiding the mid-range which has to mean something just look at the Celtics!

22. Atlanta Hawks (2-2)

Despite the .500 record, the Atlanta Hawks possess a negative net rating in part due to a blowout loss at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. On a positive note, the Murray-for-Daniels swap appears to be paying dividends. The Hawks have granted Trae Young total control of the offense and it's working out.

21. Chicago Bulls (2-2)

The fastest team in the league? Check. It wasn't expected after playing at a bottom-three pace a year ago, but the Demar DeRozan departure has seemingly reshaped the Chicago Bulls. Chicago is letting it fly from three and whipping the ball around the hardwood. Although the defense has lacked, the offense has been progressive.

20. New Orleans Pelicans (2-2)

What's this team's identity? The New Orleans Pelicans don't get to the rim enough, nor do they launch enough triples. However, they are keen on mid-range jumpers—something that's proven to be unreliable in today's NBA. Zion Williamson's probable return to form and Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray's return from injury should right the ship.

19. Indiana Pacers (1-3)

As of now, the Pacers are the NBA's biggest disappointment. The Pacers are playing at a sloe Pace (no pun intended) and rank near the bottom of the league in most offensive metrics. Last year's breakout star, Tyrese Haliburton, is averaging just 14.0 points and 5.3 assists per game. It's early, but the first-week results have been anything but promising in Indianapolis.

18. Houston Rockets (2-2)

Advanced statistics portray the Houston Rockets as a top-10 team in the association. Unfortunately for Houston, they haven't figured out an effective way to put the ball through the hoop. The Rockets rank 29th in field goal percentage and bottom-10 in effective field goal, true shooting, and three-point percentage. All but one starter is shooting less than 40.0 percent from the floor.

17. Milwaukee Bucks (1-3)

Things aren't looking so good in Milwaukee. Maybe Doc Rivers wasn't the right candidate for the job. After assuming the head skipper role midway through last season, Rivers has compiled an 18-22 record with the Bucks in the regular season. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are having stellar seasons, yet the rest of the roster has failed to impress.

16. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2)

Beginning the season 1-2 isn't bad for a team missing two of its three best players. Much of the offensive load has fallen on Tyrese Maxey thus far, and he's struggled to remain efficient despite the gaudy totals. Paul George will surely help in the shooting department, but Philadelphia may need additional reinforcements after ranking dead last in three-point field goals. Perhaps Joel Embiid's interior presence will also promote more open outside looks.

15. Sacramento Kings (2-2)

Taking care of business. That's exactly what the Sacramento Kings of done throughout October. The Kings defeated two lowly squads while barely losing against two of the West's better teams. What's encouraging is the Kings' defense and DeMar DeRozan's fit. Sacramento ranks eighth in defensive rating and DeRozan has fit seamlessly—averaging 23.0 points and shooting 55.2 percent from the field.

14. Denver Nuggets (2-2)

The Nuggets haven't looked good. Denver has defeated the Nets and Raptors by seven combined points while succumbing to the LA Clippers and Thunder. The offense and defense have both been so-so, and the lack of quality shooters is worrisome. It'll take some time to offer a realistic opinion, but currently, the nuggets don't look like contenders.

13. Miami Heat (2-1)

The Miami Heat own a record above .500 yet possess a negative net rating. It's been a weird season for Miami thus far, especially considering Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo's less-than-stellar play. Neither player is averaging north of 18.0 points or clearing a 45.0 percent mark from the floor.

12. Memphis Grizzlies (2-2)

The Grizzlies can put up points. Memphis has scored 120 or more in three of four games this season. Conversely, the former Grit and Grind mantra may be no more. The Grizzlies have allowed 127.0 points per game in both losses. Memphis is hoisting triples, leading the league in assists, and scoring efficiently, but opponents are finding ways to score too easily on Memphis' leaky defense.

11. New York Knicks (1-2)

A 1-2 start isn't what many expected. Nevertheless, the Knicks' losses have come by two of the NBA's best teams. New York was defeated by Boston and Cleveland despite good offensive performances in both games. So far, the Knicks' tertiary contributors haven't lived up to their billing. Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby are averaging a combined 26.3 points per game.

10. LA Clippers (2-1)

Not a bad record for a team after losing its top two players to injury and free agency. While Kawhi Leonard hasn't been ruled out for the season, it's difficult to project when (if) Leonard will play again anytime soon. Although the Clippers are without Kawhi, superb performances from Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac have been enough to keep this team afloat. The Clippers won't blow many teams out (3.3 differential), but they'll keep games close because of a solid defense.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2)

The only team in the NBA with a 0.0 net rating, the Timberwolves are still figuring things out post-Towns. Rating the Wolves at nine may seem a bit high from what we've seen, but this same team (minus KAT) is coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance. The offense and defense have both been adequate over the first four games. However, the Wolves have turned the ball over too often and failed to force turnovers leading to easy baskets on offense.

8. Orlando Magic (3-1)

Paolo Banchero. The former first-overall pick is a special player and a reason why the Orlando Magic will win a bunch of games. He's the type of player to win games by his lonesome (50 points in a four-point victory over Indiana). Like last season, the defense has played well, but the offense appears to be even better.

7. Dallas Mavericks (3-1)

It hasn't been easy, but the Dallas Mavericks are 3-1 following a huge win over the Timberwolves. Dallas has surprisingly been just as effective on the defensive end as on offense. The Mavs have held all four opponents to 114 or fewer points. Dallas is 10th in defensive rating and plays a brand of basketball that forces its opponents to play efficiently and mistake-free to have any hopes of winning.

6. Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)

Was J.J. Reddick the missing piece? The 40-year-old recent NBA retiree has led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 3-1 start despite a lack of offseason additions. Reddick has seemingly unlocked another version of Anthony Davis. The veteran big man is averaging 32.8 points and 12.0 rebounds across four contests. The Lakers have demonstrated the ability to score a bevy of points and win tight games over the past week. Los Angeles's only loss was to the fourth-ranked team in these rankings.

5. Golden State Warriors (3-1)

Surprise! It's the best team of the 2010s, back near the top of the rankings in 2024. Even with an aging core, the Golden State Warriors have done enough to remain competitive. The Warriors are back to launching threes and locking down opponents. Golden State's net rating is 20.9—easily the best in the association. Sure, Steph Curry is out, but the Warriors' depth was more than enough to stave off a decent Pelicans team.

4. Phoenix Suns (3-1)

Was last season an aberration? Over the first week of the season, it appears the Phoenix Suns are contenders once again. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are playing well, while Tyus Jones is proving to be an invaluable table-setter. The Suns' offense has been efficient and the defense ranks in the top-five in defensive rating.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)

After boasting one of the league's best defenses a year ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers offense ranks near the top in 2024. Speaking of defense, the Cavs are top-five in most basic defensive metrics such as points, field goal percentage, blocks, and steals.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)

Who would've thought that adding Alex Caruso would make one of the league's better defenses even better? Even without Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder are imposing on the less glamorous end. Oklahoma City ranks first in opponent's points per game, second in blocks, and first in steals through the three games.

1. Boston Celtics (4-0)

The Celtics are the best team in the league; it's not up for debate. The Thunder pose a grave threat but, luckily, reside in a different conference. The Celtics' offense is so good that defense hardly matters. Boston launches and makes so many threes, which forces opposing defenses to guard the perimeter and stay glued to their respective matchup—all but abandoning help defense.