2019-20 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers stumble, get back up

Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

170. . 6-8. Previous: . Charlotte Hornets. 21. team

The Hornets paid Terry Rozier a lot of money, only for Devonte’ Graham to promptly emerge as the short and long-term replacement for Kemba Walker. Graham is a legitimate stud — the Hornets’ top scorer, and a smart, measured playmaker who looks the part of a collegiate upperclassman-turned-prospect.

147. . 5-8. Previous: . Brooklyn Nets. 20. team

The Nets have dealt with a Kyrie Irving injury on top of a rough start. It’s in no way Kyrie’s fault — he’s off to a strong statistical start this season — but a depleted roster, short one very important Kevin Durant, is enough to cause issues. I’m a believer in Brooklyn’s ability to turn things around.

team. 29. . 5-9. Previous: . San Antonio Spurs. 19

San Antonio is on a downswing uncharacteristic of Gregg Popovich teams. We might finally be approaching the end of the Spurs’ lengthy postseason streak. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are fine, but neither screams ‘best player on a contender!’ in 2019. Dejounte Murray, at the very least, is the future.

At some point, one would expect San Antonio to even out and regress to the mean. Given the cutthroat nature of Western Conference basketball, however, there’s a chance regression to the mean isn’t enough to earn a playoff berth.