NBA power rankings — 24. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons were shockingly competent down the final stretch of last season, in large part due to Cade Cunningham’s emerging brilliance. The former No. 1 pick is primed for a massive leap in year two, while the Pistons have added more exciting young talent around him — first and foremost, a new backcourt running mate in Jaden Ivey. Detroit can play both sides of the ball and could grind their way to more wins than expected.
NBA power rankings — 23. Utah Jazz
Will Donovan Mitchell stay and lead the charge for a revamped roster, or is he all but gone? That’s the unanswered question that makes Utah hard to peg. That being said, the Jazz will take a step back regardless with Rudy Gobert no longer in the mix. The defense will suffer tremendously and Utah does not have star-level infrastructure around Mitchell, who has still never been the best player on a real contender.
NBA power rankings — 22. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have two borderline All-Star talents and an exciting young talent in top-5 pick Keegan Murray. There’s enough there to get excited about the possibilities — even if Sacramento feels destined for vain attempts at play-in tournament relevancy. The Kings always feel like a dead end, but they won’t be the worst team in the league.