NBA Power Rankings: Where do the Pelicans rank after week one
By Nick Alvarez
8. Atlanta Hawks (3-1)
The offseason work is paying off big time for the Atlanta Hawks. The team is off to a 3-1 start and that’s thanks to how the organization decided to surround Trae Young.
Rajon Rondo looks like the back-up point guard Young was missing, while Bogan Bogdanovic is catching fire early in the season. The result is a Hawks team with an electric offense and an improved defense. I have them at number 8 in our NBA power rankings because they’re off to this start without Danilo Gallinari and Onyeka Okongwu. Once those two return, this Hawks team could get even better.
7. Orlando Magic (4-1)
The Orlando Magic are off to an impressive start, but I can only put so much stock into it when three of their wins come against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards.
Nevertheless, Orlando is playing great ball under Steve Clifford. Markelle Fultz is starting to shine under Clifford’s tutelage and Cole Anthony looks dynamic too. We don’t talk about the magic enough but they’ve been a consistent playoff threat in the Eastern Conference, just imagine when this team gets Jonathan Issac back!
6. Phoenix Suns (3-1)
I love this year’s Phoenix Suns. After seeing them in action against the New Orleans Pelicans, I just knew that this team is going to be a threat in the Western Conference this season.
They just move the ball so well under Monty Williams, and his system benefits the Suns greatly. Devin Booker is continuing his transcendence into becoming one of the NBA’s elite scorers while Chris Paul is providing a steady playmaker. Can’t forget about how DeAndre Ayton is playing either. It wouldn’t shock me if the Suns continue this run to a Western Conference Finals appearance.