As we continue the Power Rankings, just need to note that the Rankings are for taking place for the week of Jan 18th around the midpoint of the season and standings are reflective of date of drafting. Let’s get back to it:

11. Detroit Pistons 23-19

 

Leading Scorer: Reggie Jackson 19.4 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Andre Drummond 15.4 RPG

Leading Assists: Reggie Jackson 6.6 APG

The biggest surprise of the season has been the emergence of the entire Detroit Pistons team and the resurgence coach Stan Van Gundy has orchestrated on the sideline and front office.

Out of the shadows of Russell Westbrook, Reggie Jackson has come into his own in his new environment. Runningmate Drummond, who’s abysmal 35% FT has not hurt the team continues to dominate everywhere else on the court (52% FG 1.5 BPG 1.7 SPG). KCP has had a great sophomore season (14.6 PPG 1.6 SPG) for the Pistons providing a third option in scoring and help on defense.

Look for the Pistons to push for a 4-7 spot in the East.

Grade A-

12. Indiana Pacers 23-19

 

Leading Scorer: Paul George 23.7 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Paul George 7.4 RPG

Leading Assists: Monta Ellis 5.0 APG

After a devastating leg injury (caused by the stanchions and camera-persons still not moved back for some odd reason) that held him to 6 games last year, Paul George is completely dominating for the Pacers (38% for 3, 2.0 SPG).

With under-performing pieces such as Ellis (13.7 from 18.9 PPG) and Sisqo I mean Hill (12.8 from 16.1 PPG but…… 43% from 3), and over-performing CJ Miles (13.2 PPG 36% from 3)the Pacers are still in control in the East for a midtable spot.

Look for a late push/hard push to fizzle out for the Pacers if they keep playing above their talent level.

Grade B+

13. Miami Heat 23-20

 

Leading Scorer: Chris Bosh 18.9 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Hassan Whiteside  11.2 RPG

Leading Assists: Goran Dragic 5.0 APG

Bosh and Wade are turning back the clock from their Raptors and Heat days respectively. Hassan Whiteside has shown his A+ potential NBA2k14 had projected for a 59 overall with rim protection (league leading 3.9 BPG) and FG%(61%).

But their bench is truly under-performing without anyone notable besides Gerald Green who is doing Gerald Green things(11.0 PPG 34.5% from 3). Upgrades are needed. Bad. Real bad. Even with Goran Dragic who has become less aggressive by the day (12.8 FGA to 10.7). Upgrades. Now. Or it could just be the organization with PGs because Mario Chalmers is ballin in Memphis right now.

Bosh and Wade’s bodies are gonna be breaking down soon enough because of their mileage. Upgrades or falter.

Grade B-

14. Boston Celtics 22-21

 

Leading Scorer: Isaiah Thomas 21.7 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Jared Sullinger 8.6 RPG

Leading Assists: Isaiah Thomas 6.7 APG

What can I say? Brad Stevens deserves a round of applause for taking these roster rejects and fringe players and turning them into a bonafide force in the East.

Biggest surprises from this team come from Kelly Olynyk and Jae Crowder. The Canadian is producing 10.1 PPG 4.4 RPG and shooting 43% from the 3 in 20 minutes of action. While the Marquette product is putting up 14.6 PPG 5.3 RPG and 1.8 SPG showing his two-way prowess.

This team is settled and can grow game by game. They will soon be at the top of East before you know it. Don’t fix what’s not broke.

Grade A-

15. Houston Rockets 22-22

 

Leading Scorer: James Harden 27.6 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Dwight Howard 12.1 RPG

Leading Assists: James Harden 6.9 APG

This team just flat out stinks 29th in Points Against but 1st in 3’s for??? How?!!! A team that went to the Conference Finals last year to just fire their coach in the beginning of the season to falter to .500 basketball just shows the front office is in panic mode and a joke.

Your starters stink. Your bench stinks. Just BOOOOOOO!!!! If the rumblings of Dwight leaving in FA is true, just trade him or end up like Los Angeles. I’m done with this team. More Lillard Adidas commercials please.

Grade F-

16.New York Knicks 22-22

 

Leading Scorer: Carmelo Anthony 21.7 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Kristaps Porzingis 7.9 RPG

Leading Assists: Carmelo Anthony/Jose Calderon 4.0 APG

There’s a new hero in Gotham, that is pretty much doing his own thing. I wouldn’t call Zinger Robin, but more Nightwing to Melo’s Batman. And as a proponent supporter of the Euroleague players…..I TOLD YOU SO!!!! How do you feel now, people who doubted his skill saying he was ‘too frail’??? So was/is KD, where was that ad nauseam? He’s averaging 14.0 PPG 7.9 RPG and 2.0 BPG as a rookie for a team that was terrible last year even WITH Melo.

The only thing needed for this team is better depth. Even though Derrick Williams has shown his true promise and potential, he’s still at 9 PPG and 3.2 RPG.

PG play is a must for this team. Upgrade that and you’re getting into the 5-8th spots.

Grade B+

17. Orlando Magic 20-21

 

Leading Scorer: Nikola Vucevic 16.8 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Nikola Vucevic 8.5 RPG

Leading Assists: Elfrid Payton 5.9 APG

Scott Skiles, great job…but GIVE NIKO THE BALL MORE!!!!

Here’s my case:

• 2013-14 per 36: 16.1 PPG 12.4 RPG 50% FG 0%3FG
• 2014-15 per 36: 20.3 PPG 11.5 RPG 52% FG 33% 3FG
• 2015-16 per 36: 19.6 PPG 9.9 RPG 51%FG 17% 3FG

The numbers are minimal yes, but those tenths make a difference when the games matter. It changes a sub .500 team to an above .500 team with the quickness. And as you can see, he’s on the downslope. Get him the ball with the poor man’s Rajon Rondo in Payton, you have Harris stretching the floor (30% 3FG) with Fournier (38% 3FG). Get it done!

With an upgrade at the 4 position, the Magic could be more formidable against their East counterparts. Without it, they flounder in mediocrity.

Grade C+

18. Charlotte Hornets 19-23

 

Leading Scorer: Kemba Walker 19.9 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Marvin Williams 6.4 RPG

Leading Assists: Nicholas Batum 5.4 APG

Al Jefferson has let his team down with his suspension period.(redundant I know) However, Kemba has been KILLING THE GAME 38% from 3, 49% total FG, 4.1 RPG, 4.9 APG and 1.7 SPG….and he wasn’t on the All-Star Ballot….

Cody Zeller has been stepping in well for the missing Big Al (9 PPG 5.9 RPG), while Batum has been the everyman for the Hornets (15.1 PPG 6.3 RPG 5.4 APG 35% from 3) and Jeremy Lin has been efficient off the bench shooting 48% from the field.

With MKG out along with Big Al, the Hornets need more and Jeremy Lamb’s 11.2 PPG and 4.6 RPG aren’t gonna cut it. Upgrade the 5-4-2 Spots in the starting lineup and bench and you have a dangerous team.

Grade B-

19. Portland Trailblazers 19-26

 

Leading Scorer: Damian Lilard 24.3 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Mason Plumlee 7.8 RPG

Leading Assists: Damian Lilard 7.0 APG

Year One: Sans LaMarcus Aldridge…going pretty darn well. No one expected the Blazers to be elite this year but damn, McCollum and Lillard….that tandem is ridiculous.

Two sharpshooters in Lillard (37.3% 3FG 49% FG) and McCollum (39% 3FG, 50%FG) stretch the floor like no other while Plumlee handles the paint (50% FG) and Al-Farooq Aminu stretches the floor as well for a 3rd outlet (35% from 3, 49% FG).

They’re building something strong. Chemistry is an all-time high. Without Lillard, they played well, without McCollum, they played well. They just get it.

An upgrade at the 4 with the fluctuating Vonleah and Davis insertion needs to be solidified, and a stronger bench. NO playoffs in sight, just growth.

Grade A

20. Milwaukee Bucks 19-25

 

Leading Scorer: Khris Middleton 17.6 PPG

Leading Rebounder: Greg Monroe 9.8 RPG

Leading Assists: Michael-Carter Williams 5.6 APG

Lead to the playoffs by J. Kidd a year ago, and an addition of a post scorer in Greg Monroe, the Bucks look on the up and up. However, inconsistent play by the Greek Freak (2.5 turnovers per game, 3.5 FPG) has stunted the team as well as injuries to OJ Mayo and Greivis Vasquez.

I don’t know what J. Kidd did with MCW but, he’s been balling out of control since his stint with the Sixers. His improved shot by 100 points .23%-36% from 3 proves he still has upside and the Sixers, during tank mode, wanted assets not talent. SHAME ON YOU SAM THE TANK HINKIE!!! SHAME! His length and athleticism (4.8 RPG 1.6 SPG) mixed with the new jumper has elevated the Bucks when needed.

Khris Middleton is a sharpshooter who has no regard for the line (42% 3FG). Monroe’s integration was inserted right away averaging 12.6 FGA per game. More efficiency from the 4 with Parker and Henson and maybe more strength in the bench, can have the Bucks going over the hump ASAP.

Look for the Bucks to contend for a bottom spot again unless moves are made at the All-Star Break.

Grade B

Stats are courtesy of basketball-reference.com