NBA Power Rankings: Who is LeBron James not mad at?
Another week and another batch of rankings. Some teams are glad to see January finally come to an end (Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets) and others were finally able to get their feet under them in 2017 (Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves).
On the court issues have been overshadowed as of late by the off the court discussion surrounding LeBron James. James spoke his frustration with the Cavaliers top-heavy roster in the midst of Cleveland dropping seven out of their last 11 games. After a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, James anger found a new target: Charles Barkley.
King James, or Sherrif James as he will forever be known, was none too pleased with Barkley calling him whiny and questioning his competitive spirit. Naturally, James responded by dragging Barkley through the mud for not being a role model.
But back on the floor, there was much action around the league this past week. Let’s take a look at where all 30 teams stand as we get ready for February action.
Brooklyn Nets 9-39
Last week: 0-3
Last rank: 30th
Remember when we were all shocked by how well the Brooklyn Nets were playing. Seems like years ago right?
Phoenix Suns 15-33
Last week: 0-3
Last rank: 28th
The Buckets Influenza that Devin Booker picked up in Mexico seems to now be affecting Eric Bledsoe, yet the side effects of such a disease obviously make winning impossible.
Los Angeles Lakers 17-34
Last week: 1-2
Last rank: 29th
D’Angelo Russell: future superstar or another Smush Parker? (Yes, that was sarcasm and hyperbole all in one sentence).
Orlando Magic 19-31
Last week: 1-2
Last rank: 24th
Rob Hennigan is trying to keep his job. Trading Serge Ibaka might not be the best way to retain his position.
Sacramento Kings 19-30
Last week: 1-3
Last rank: 23rd
DeMarcus Cousins is still doing DeMarcus Cousins level things nightly, but without Rudy Gay –never thought I’d be saying that– the Kings don’t have enough to keep winning games.
Philadelphia 76ers 18-29
Last week: 1-2
Last rank: 22nd
The process is working even though we’re getting limited Joel Embiid. However, in that time away from the floor Embiid got the opportunity to meet his biggest fan.
Dallas Mavericks 18-30
Last week: 2-1
Last rank: 26th
Your 2016-17 Dallas Mavericks starting lineup: Yogi Ferrell, Seth Curry, Dorian Finney-Smith, Harrison “Superstar” Barnes, and Dirk “I guess I’m a center now” Nowitzki.
Miami Heat 19-30
Last week: 3-0
Last rank: 27th
For all of you that left Waiters Island, you will not be welcomed back. Also, Dion Waiters forgetting his favorite quote is the third most Dion Waiters thing ever. The first two being step back jumpers and yelling “AND-1!” on missed layups.
New Orleans Pelicans 19-30
Last week: 1-2
Last rank: 18th
The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to get healthy again which is great. The bad part is that it’s not helping them win many more games than they already were. Alvin Gentry’s seat is getting hot enough to boil a pot of gumbo on.
New York Knicks 21-29
Last week: 1-2
Last rank: 21st
Just trade Carmelo Anthony already so the basketball world can move on. The four-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks was definitely the Basketball Gods’ way of saying it’s time for a breakup.
Detroit Pistons 21-27
Last week: 0-2
Last rank: 20th
Stan Van Gundy might be WOKE, but the Detroit Pistons surely aren’t.
Minnesota Timberwolves 19-29
Last week: 2-1
Last rank: 25th
Every time the Minnesota Timberwolves start creeping closer to the middle of these rankings they find a way to tumble right back down them again.
Milwaukee Bucks 21-26
Last week: 0-2
Last rank: 16th
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the more exciting teams to watch thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo being an alien and Jabari Parker finally cashing in on his potential. For everyone’s’ sake let’s hope they find their way back into the playoffs.
Charlotte Hornets 23-26
Last week: 0-3
Last rank: 14th
The Charlotte Hornets have been pretty awful lately; like fading into oblivion awful. At least they still have Roy Hibbert fighting hard for them (or did, until the traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks).
Chicago Bulls 24-25
Last week: 1-1
Last rank: 15th
Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler are mad at the younger guys. The younger guys don’t like that Wade doesn’t practice all the time. Rajon Rondo waxed poetically about “his vets” on Instagram. To come out of all this intrasquad drama with a .500 record is a blessing.