Fansided

NBA Tank Rankings: The bizarre impotency of New Orleans

By Brad Rowland

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts to an officials call during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Smoothie King Center. The Hawks defeated the Pelicans 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts to an officials call during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Smoothie King Center. The Hawks defeated the Pelicans 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brooklyn Nets point guard Jarrett Jack (2) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Bucks defeated the Nets 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets point guard Jarrett Jack (2) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Bucks defeated the Nets 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 – Philadelphia 76ers

It seems impossible that Philly would avoid the number spot given their recent track record and the fact that Sixers are, once again, scuffling with a winless mark on the season. However, Brett Brown’s team has been more competitive than you might believe, and that was on display again on Friday as Philadelphia kept things manageable in a single-digit road loss to Cleveland.

Make no mistake, the Sixers remain brutal and that isn’t changing. Philadelphia just doesn’t have the volume of NBA-quality players needed to win with any semblance of regularity, but on the bright side, the Sixers are more fun this year with the presence of Jahlil Okafor. There is no doubt in my mind that Philly will charge to the number one spot at some point in the near future, but not this week.

#1 – Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are a catastrophe and they have no incentive to actually tank. Brooklyn is 0-6 to begin the season, and the Nets have the worst offense in the league, scoring 93.7 points per 100 possessions. On one hand, there is an argument that Lionel Hollins should have this team playing competent basketball given the presence of Brook Lopez, Thaddeus Young and Joe Johnson. On the other, the Nets put forth a product that is virtually unwatchable, in addition to being impotent.

Brooklyn is better than Philadelphia if you examine the full roster, but the Sixers are infinitely more fun and the Nets are trying a lot harder to be competitive. Things aren’t going well for the Nets right now, and I’m not sure it improves any time soon.

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