NBA Power Rankings 1.0: Celtics steady, Karl-Anthony Towns trade propels Knicks
By Jack Simone
12. Phoenix Suns
Getting swept in the first round last year was ugly, but the Phoenix Suns had a great summer. Why? Because they signed two actual point guards to the roster.
Tyus Jones and Monte Morris aren’t the flashiest names, but having them on the team will raise the Suns’ ceiling. If Kevin Durant and Devin Booker stay healthy, the Suns could go far.
11. Orlando Magic
Though Kentavious Caldwell-Pope isn’t a star, he will be perfect for the Orlando Magic. They didn’t have nearly enough shooting last season, and he gives them that.
But perhaps more importantly, Caldwell-Pope gives them shooting without losing any defensive prowess. Orlando should be one of the best defenses in the NBA while also improving on the other end.
10. New Orleans Pelicans
Had Zion Williamson stayed healthy in the Play-In game, the New Orleans Pelicans could have made a bit more noise in the playoffs. They still probably couldn’t have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Williamson greatly raises the Pelicans’ ceiling.
Adding Dejounte Murray to the mix should be great for the Pelicans. If Williamson can stay healthy, the Pelicans will be a real threat out West.
9. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers overachieved last season, but having Pascal Siakam for the entire year will give them a nice boost. There’s no reason to think they can’t be a threat out East again.
Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best point guards in the NBA, and the team has another year of development under their belt. They should be fighting for home-court advantage next year.