2019-20 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers stall on top-10 fringe
team. 73. . 39-18. Previous: 6th. Denver Nuggets. 6
The Nuggets are currently the No. 2 seed, quietly establishing themselves as noteworthy contenders. When healthy, the Nuggets have as much depth as any NBA team. Michael Porter Jr. has the potential to be a real weapon down the stretch, and at the top, Nikola Jokic has found his groove after a slow start to the season.
169. . 37-20. Previous: 3rd. Houston Rockets. 5. team
The Rockets have decided centers are pointless, or in more precise terms, too expensive. The end result is a total buy-in to Darryl Morey and Mike D’Antoni‘s love for guard-oriented small-ball. The early results have been largely positive.
Since the Capela trade, the Rockets are undefeated when both James Harden and Russell Westbrook play. The offense has more zest to it, the defense still has sturdy anchors in P.J. Tucker and Robert Covington, and Houston just might have a sneaky advantage over bigger teams in the postseason. Anything is possible.
18. . 39-17. Previous: 4th. Boston Celtics. 4. team
Jayson Tatum has arrived. He is a stud, a star, and everything in between. Tatum is the Celtics’ top player, and in the coming years, he might claw his way into the league-wide top 10. If Tatum stays at his current level — that of a two-way superstar — the Celtics are a problem. Not to mention Jaylen Brown‘s ascension this season.