The 2023-24 NBA season tips off tonight with two fantastic games. Most teams will play at least three contests this week. Washington, Charlotte, Orlando, Brooklyn, Indiana, Dallas, New Orleans, Minnesota, Boston, and Milwaukee with two a piece.
2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: First of Regular Season and Who Are The Players Make Or Break Season
Here is a look at the second complete edition of my power rankings. There was a little movement by a few teams since my last edition was published before training camp. I also have listed the players who need to step up this year if they want to keep their NBA careers afloat.
1. Phoenix Suns (0-0), No Movement
Phoenix had a very productive preseason, going 4-1, as the Suns’ offensive potential was on full display. The Suns averaged 119.1 points while shooting .470/.380/.799. Damion Lee is out indefinitely after successful surgery to repair his right meniscus.
Make or Break Candidate: Bol Bol
2. Boston Celtics (0-0), No Movement
Boston also had a solid preseason, posting a 4-1 record. The Celtics were pretty good on both ends. The C’s also got surprisingly strong performances from Payton Pritchard, Neemais Queta (2-way), Sam Hauser, and Svi Mykhailiuk.
Make or Break Candidate: Luke Kornet
5. Denver Nuggets (0-0), No Movement
6. Sacramento Kings (0-0), No Movement
Like last season, the Kings may be one of the most exciting teams offensively, but their defense needs to be addressed. The Kings went 1-4 in the preseason with a minus-5.0 scoring margin. Rookie Colby Jones produced a strong preseason, while Alex Len also played well.
Make or Break Candidate: Kessler Edwards
7. Philadelphia 76ers (0-0)
8. New York Knicks (0-0), Moved Up One Spot
New York went 1-3 as the Knicks struggled during the preseason as turnovers and their defense were issues. Josh Hart didn’t play much this preseason. The Knicks starters played well while their reserves struggled on both ends of the floor.
Make or Break Candidate: Quentin Grimes
10. Memphis Grizzlies (0-0), Dropped Two Places
11. Los Angeles Clippers (0-0), No Movement
The Clippers went 2-2 in the preseason. The Clippers two losses were mainly due to poor shooting. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George averaged less than 19 minutes in their three appearances, while Russell Westbrook saw almost 33 minutes of action in two games. Terance Mann, who didn’t have a great preseason, earned the Clippers fifth starting spot. Bones Hyland had a pretty good preseason, though he did struggle shooting the ball from deep.
Make or Break: Hyland
12. Golden State Warriors (0-0), No Movement
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0), No Movement
Oklahoma City went 2-3 during the preseason. The Thunder were excellent offensively and played at a fast pace. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only played in two games. Chet Holmgren, Kenrich Williams, and Josh Giddey were outstanding during preseason action, while severa others had strong performances.
Make or Break Candidate: Alexsej Pokusevski
14. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots
Probably underrated the Timberwolves. Minnesota was the only team that went 5-0 — and one of two teams that went undefeated in the preseason. The Timberwolves thrived on both ends of the floor and won their five contests by nearly 14 points a game. None of the Wolves starters played all five games. Naz Reid had a fabulous exhibition season, while Luka Garza (2-way) was also pretty good.
Make or Break Candidate: Wendell Moore Jr.
15. Dallas Mavericks (0-0), Moved Down One Spot
Dallas went 1-3 during the preseason, as shooting was an issue for the Mavericks. While Luka Doncic didn’t may a whole bunch, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green played well.
Make or Break: Jaden Hardy
16. Miami Heat (0-0), Moved Down One Spot
Miami went 2-3 in the preseason, losing its last two contests. Turnovers were an issue for the Heat. Tyler Herro had a strong preseason, but Jamal Cain was exceptional.
17. Atlanta Hawks (0-0), No Movement
18. New Orleans Pelicans (0-0), No Movement
New Orleans went 1-3 during the preseason and could be without three rotational players to start the season. Trey Murphy III (knee) and Naji Marshall (knee) are out a while. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado (ankle) is questionable for the season opener.
Make or Break Candidate: Kira Lewis Jr.
19. Brooklyn Nets (0-0), No Movement
Brooklyn went 2-2 during the preseason. Cam Johnson didn’t play during the preseason, while the Nets’ other top players struggled a little on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Lonnie Walker IV and Royce O’Neale led the way.
Make or Break Candidate: Trendon Watford
20. Orlando Magic (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots
Orlando went 3-1 as the Magic were excellent defensively. Franz Wagner, who helped Germany win the FIBA World Cup, was among several players who had a solid preseason. After reportedly looking to trade Cole Anthony, the Magic surprisingly inked him to a three-year extension.
Make or Break Candidate: Caleb Houstan
21. Chicago Bulls (0-0) Moved Down One Spot
Chicago went 1-4 during the preseason. Zach LaVine only played three games, though he played well in the games.
Make or Break Candidate: Dalen Terry
22. Indiana Pacers (0-0) Moved Down One Spot
23. Houston Rockets (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots
Houston went 4-1 during the preseason with a double-digit scoring margin. The Rockets didn’t shoot the ball well, but their defense was fantastic. Jabari Smith Jr. led six players in double figures. However, the Rockets will be without Tari Eason for 2-to-3 weeks with a stress fracture.
Make or Break Candidate: Jae’Sean Tate
24. Toronto Raptors (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots
Toronto is the other team that went undefeated during preseason action. The Raptors were excellent on both ends of the floor, with turnovers being their main issue. Scottie Barnes was among several Raps’ regulars to produce a sensational preseason.
Make or Break Candidate: Malachi Flynn
25. Portland Trail Blazers (0-0) Moved Down Two Spots
26. Utah Jazz (0-0) Moved Down Two Spots
27. Washington Wizards (0-0), Moved Up One Spot
The Wizards went 3-1 during preseason play. Jordan Poole can score, but finding some consistency will be key. Two other players, Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija, who signed big extensions this offseason, played well, as did Tyus Jones.
Make or Break Candidates: Johnny Davis and Patrick Baldwin Jr.
28. San Antonio Spurs (0-0), Moved Up One Spot
The Spurs went 3-2 in the preseason. Not sure how Gregg Popovich will play out the season, but Victor Wembanyama could be a once-in-a-generation player. Devin Vassell and Zach Collins, who is questionable for the season opener, received contract extensions and played well this preseason.
Make or Break Candidate: Cedi Osman
29. Detroit Pistons (0-0), Moved Down Two Spots
Detroit went 2-2 in the preseason. Cade Cunningham is back, and Ausar Thompson continued to show promise. However, Bojan Bogdanovic, Monte Morris, and Isaiah Livers are out for the first month or so.
Make or Break Candidate: Killian Hayes
30. Charlotte Hornets (0-0)
Charlotte went 1-3 in the preseason and was blown out in the only game that the Hornets had a full complement of their rotational player. LaMelo Ball is a star, and the Hornets have a decent starting lineup. Rookie Brandon Miller continues to struggle with his shot, and Miles Bridges will miss at least the first 10 games.
Make or Break Candidate: Bridges
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