NBA Power Rankings: Where do the Pelicans rank 10 games in?
By Nick Alvarez
23. Houston Rockets (4-6)
I have the Houston Rockets this low in my NBA Power Rankings because they just weren’t playing well with the drama caused by James Harden. I expect that to change now!
John Wall has revived his career after a devasting Achilles injury and actually looks better than he did pre-injury. Meanwhile, Christian Wood has become an All-Star level, big man who can shoot it from deep. Now, Victor Oladipo is entering the fold, and if the Rockets can just add one more 3-and-D wing at the deadline, they’ll be dangerous. A fun team to watch and one of my dark horse picks in the Western Conference this season.
24. Sacramento Kings (5-7)
The Sacramento Kings once again look like a fringe playoff team in the Western Conference, and that’s landed them at 24 in my NBA Power Rankings.
De’Aaron Fox is continuing to play out his mind, and rookie Tyrese Haliburton is an early Rookie of the Year favorite. Beyond that, it’s more of the same from the Kings team. Luke Walton runs his uptempo offense, the team’s defense is mediocre, and their veteran players provide just enough to make this team interesting. Let’s see if they can actually make the playoffs this time around.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (5-6)
The Memphis Grizzlies haven’t been bad to start the season, but they lack the talent to really be competitive. Injuries to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have left this Memphis Grizzlies team without its two cornerstone players.
Still, Taylor Jenkins is showing his coaching chops and getting the most of the players he does have available. Rookies Desmond Bane and Xaiver Tillman have impressed while players like Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton are stepping up too. I’ll be interested to see if this team can make a run when their stars come back healthy.