NBA power rankings — 24. Sacramento Kings
The Kings continue to underperform at every possible turn, and yet it’s hard to deny the appeal of De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and a reasonably constructed supporting cast. Not to mention Davion Mitchell, who has won the hearts of many in Summer League. Sadly, Luke Walton is still the head coach, and he’s in a two-horse battle with Jason Kidd for the “Worst Coach in the NBA” award.
Despite Walton’s incompetence, it does feel as though Sacramento is approaching something meaningful. They have been tied to Ben Simmons, who would no doubt put them on the playoff radar. They also can expect a second-year surge for Haliburton, who is already one of the 100 best NBA players. Keep an eye on Sacramento.
NBA power rankings — 23. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are running out of the good ol’ “benefit of the doubt.” At some point, youth will win out and the Spurs will begin to rebuild in earnest. Gregg Popovich still demands a certain level of respect, and there are real pieces (young and old) on San Antonio’s roster, but they’re no longer a playoff (or play-in) shoo-in.
The biggest factor for San Antonio next season is the health of Derrick White, who when healthy, could be their best player. The Spurs have the tools to run out a top-tier defense, and there’s enough offense to get by respectably, but the old San Antonio magic is long gone.
NBA power rankings — 22. Toronto Raptors
Toronto is coming off an exceptionally weird season and is difficult to peg. If Pascal Siakam gets traded, then the Raptors likely deserve a spot in the upper 20s. If he stays, then Nick Nurse and the pedigree of that organization suggest the potential of a genuine postseason push. The Raptors will not top the East, but there’s more than enough talent on the roster to earn one of the eight spots.
Siakam should get better, and while Kyle Lowry is a big hole left unfilled, the likes of Scottie Barnes, Malachi Flynn, and Fred VanVleet can fill in by committee. The Raptors play smart, free-wheeling basketball and have one of the best coaches in the NBA. If they keep their players, then this spot could look foolish come 2022.