The Sixer Sense
Fansided

NBA power rankings: Are the Sixers contenders right now?

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid, Sixers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Sixers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 10
Next
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

NBA power rankings — Suns, Timberwolves, Mavericks

  • 18. Phoenix Suns (1-3)

The Suns don’t look themselves yet. With Chris Paul at the helm, a top-flight coach, and two of the league’s most promising young stars, it’s hard to imagine Phoenix not turning it around soon. Even so, inefficient offense and the general lack of consistency from Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker have plagued the young season. Phoenix was just in the Finals and deserves the benefit of the doubt, but not great, Bob!

  • 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-1)

Hello, Minnesota! A quick start doesn’t always mean much, but the Wolves are 3-1 and look the part of a team on the rise. Karl-Anthony Towns is the most perpetually underrated star in the game, and Anthony Edwards is taking “the leap” in his second season. With a strong supporting cast, the Wolves could make some noise this year. D’Angelo Russell hasn’t even played well yet.

  • 16. Dallas Mavericks (3-1)

Jason Kidd still looks like the worst coach in basketball, which is not ideal. He could prove detrimental to the Mavs’ title pursuit, but even so, there are certain benefits to employing Luka Doncic. The team is 3-1 and has arguably the MVP frontrunner on its roster. Kristaps Porzingis is looking much more spry and Jalen Brunson continues to shine in a reserve role.