Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Spurs on top? Kawhi not

By Brandon Jefferson

Mar 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 16
Next
Raptors
Mar 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) tries to defend during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Washington Wizards won 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
7

Washington Wizards 41-26

Last week: 7-3
Last rank: 8th

The Wizards have finally become the team everyone thought they would be, as we hit the conclusion of the 2016-17 regular season. Scott Brooks actually knowing and understanding basketball — we all still remember that white board gif of Randy Whittman — has helped this team to take the leap finally. Brooks’ offensive style and philosophy were credited with getting Russell Westbrook to the player he is now and we are seeing a similar breakout from John Wall in year one under Brooks. Bradley Beal staying healthy also can’t be overlooked as well as Otto Porter stealing the talents of Ray Allen Space Jam style.

One of the biggest changes for Washington has been the acquisition of Bojan Bogdanovic from Brooklyn. With the Nets, Bogdanovic was looking like a lost cause, but since he’s been in Washington this guy has looked like the Sixth Man of the Year. In his first four games with his new team, he made 17 3-pointers while shooting in the mid-60’s from beyond the arc. Washington has unleashed a new end of the game lineup of Wall, Beal, Porter, Bogdanovic, and Markieff Morris. It has been one of the most interesting things of the second half of the season and has been pretty successful on the court as well. The Wizards look like the biggest threat to Cleveland in the East as of now.

Home/NBA