By Law Murray | The Athletic, 2026-03-16 15:41:51
本周推荐专辑：Monica，《Miss Thang》(1995)
在进入本周的NBA实力榜之前，我只想说——这周真是感慨良多！这就是那种充满了戏剧性的一周！许多人开始把场上的事看得很重！
一切始于巴姆·阿德巴约 (Bam Adebayo) 拿下了NBA电视转播史上（注：原文夸张修辞）的单场最高分，外界的评价比迈阿密球馆的热度还要高。就我个人而言，我很高兴看到阿德巴约在一场比赛中的得分超过了名人堂成员科比·布莱恩特 (Kobe Bryant)，我并不在乎他拿到的罚球数比某些球队全场还要多。在内心深处，科比的铁粉们也会喜欢这一点的，因为这给了他们另一个意想不到的理由，让他们为了科比的名誉再次拿起刀盾冲锋——科比本人绝对会认可这种砍分表演的。考虑到这是在面对华盛顿奇才队明目张胆的“摆烂坦克”时拿下的，这就更有趣了。阿德巴约拿到80分成了问题，我们还得为了杰伦·罗斯 (Jalen Rose) 去维护科比比赛的神圣性？图啥呢？奇才队第一节、第二节、第三节被蹂躏时都没问题……到了第四节，我们就得“尊重比赛”了？别逗了，孩子。
说到尊重，就在第二天晚上在新奥尔良的布兰登·英格拉姆 (Brandon Ingram) 致敬视频之夜，德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 在顶着贾马尔·谢德 (Jamal Shead) 的对抗后投中一记三分，谢德在此过程中摔倒在地。穆雷站在谢德上方对他进行嘲讽。这确实有失礼貌。但猛龙队竟然没有人站出来为队友出头。赫伯特·琼斯 (Herbert Jones) 冲向穆雷的劲头比任何猛龙球员都要足。达尔科·拉亚科维奇 (Darko Rajaković) 批评他的球队在那个时刻没有做出恰当的回应，这是完全正确的。
当然，还有卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Dončić)，你们大多数人原本认为他才是那个能单场拿80分的人，他终于在对阵湖人的比赛中砍下了50分，这是他两年多来首场50+。这要归功于某位球员的垃圾话——东契奇甚至需要在赛后数据表上查查这人是谁，尽管听起来像是东契奇先招惹了马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis)。如果我是湖人队，我会每场比赛都安排一个业内托儿或网红，打着对手的名义去狂喷东契奇。
言归正传。随着“疯狂三月”选秀日的临近，许多人开始关注大学篮球。因此，本周我们将关注点转向2025届新秀——包括那些被选中的球员以及那些落选后闯出名堂的球员。
细则说明： 实力榜不仅是对每支球队进行排名，我们还保留了晋升和降级的梯队。每周分为五个梯队：
- 顶级竞争者 (Top Contenders) —— 固定为5支，联盟的顶级门面。
- 处境优渥 (In a Good Place) —— 数量不定，表现稳健。
- 徘徊区 (The Bubble) —— 中游球队，不要与当年的迪斯尼封闭赛区混淆。
- 虽不可怕但需努力 (Not the Tier to Fear) —— 不是联盟打得最差的，但还有很多工作要做。
- 垫底楼层 (Basement Floor) —— 敬陪末座。
对实力榜的预期：
- 这些是我个人的主观排名。我会参考各种客观指标，但最终排名由我决定。
- 这些排名不仅是对过去一周的回顾——我们也带有预见性，因此是两者的结合。
- 排名是主观的，但并无偏见。实力榜没有私人恩怨，我们力求建立一个包容的精英评价体系。
- 这些排名拥有的一个特质：“冷酷的侵略性”。
- 请尽情享受比赛和排名！
在《The Athletic》第22周NBA实力榜中，我们将审视各支球队的新秀情况。胜负战绩和其他统计数据截止至周日的比赛。
梯队 1：顶级竞争者
1. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆 (53胜15负)
上期排名： 2
过去一周： 胜掘金，胜凯尔特人，胜森林狼
进攻效率： 116.9 (第7) 防守效率： 106.3 (第1)
2025届新秀： 中锋 托马斯·索伯 (Thomas Sorber，第15顺位)，小前锋 布鲁克斯·班海泽 (Brooks Barnhizer，第44顺位)，小前锋 佩顿·桑德福特 (Payton Sandfort，落选)
谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 在再次扎透掘金队心的同时，追平了威尔特·张伯伦 (Wilt Chamberlain) 的连续20+场次纪录。随后，亚历山大打破了纪录，而杰伦·布朗 (Jaylen Brown) 则在抱怨骗犯规。森林狼来访，亚历山大在第四节砍下10分，并顶着安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards) 完成打三分，进一步扩大了纪录。雷霆队已经豪取八连胜，近12场赢下11场，在负场数上领先马刺3场，排名联盟第一，并且是卫冕冠军。雷霆还在耐心地等待杰伦·威廉姆斯 (Jalen Williams) 恢复健康。经历这样的一周后，他们重返榜首。至于新秀？索伯在休赛期从脚伤康复期间遭遇了膝盖十字韧带撕裂，成为雷霆队内最新一位“留级”一年的新秀，就像去年的尼古拉·托皮奇 (Nikola Topić) 和2022-23赛季的切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren) 一样。班海泽如果练出投篮，会像卢根茨·多尔特 (Luguentz Dort) 和亚历克斯·卡鲁索 (Alex Caruso) 一样让人头疼。桑德福特在蓝队打了一个赛季后，刚刚签下了一份双向合同。
2. 圣安东尼奥马刺 (49胜18负)
上期排名： 1
过去一周： 胜凯尔特人，负掘金，胜黄蜂
进攻效率： 117.7 (第4) 防守效率： 110.5 (第3)
2025届新秀： 控卫 迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper，第2顺位)，得分后卫 卡特·布莱恩特 (Carter Bryant，第14顺位)
圣安东尼奥在主场系列赛中取得了5胜1负，唯一的失利是维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 缺阵的那场；马刺还曾领先掘金20分，但防守崩盘被逆转。如果这么做的意图是帮文班亚马拿最佳防守球员奖杯，那确实起到了作用。哈珀患有小腿挫伤，但他一直是这支拥有全联盟最令人艳羡的后卫深度球队的得力助手。在与首发文班亚马、德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 和斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle) 共同分享球权时，哈珀还没有机会大放异彩，他还需要磨炼投篮。但他是个任务完成度很高的新秀，而布莱恩特凭借出色的防守稳坐轮换阵容第10人的位置。
3. 底特律活塞 (48胜19负)
上期排名： 3
过去一周： 胜篮网，胜费城，胜灰熊，负猛龙
进攻效率： 116.8 (第9) 防守效率： 109.1 (第2)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 查兹·拉尼尔 (Chaz Lanier，第37顺位)
活塞队几乎扳平了前一周的四连败，但周日在加拿大被斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes) 和雅各布·珀尔特尔 (Jakob Poeltl) 击溃。拉尼尔自11月以来，单场上场时间从未超过15分钟。
4. 纽约尼克斯 (44胜25负)
上期排名： 4
过去一周： 负快船，胜爵士，胜步行者，胜勇士
进攻效率： 118.2 (第3) 防守效率： 111.9 (第6)
2025届新秀： 大前锋 穆罕默德·迪亚瓦拉 (Mohamed Diawara，第51顺位)
尼克斯拿到了急需的胜利，但在其中两场比赛中，他们曾落后爵士18分、落后勇士21分，这看起来并不太光彩。迪亚瓦拉是一名命中率39%的三分射手，他已经成功挤掉了盖尔雄·亚布塞莱 (Guerschon Yabusele) 和索汉 (Sochan)，赢得了替补大前锋的出场时间。
5. 波士顿凯尔特人 (44胜23负)
上期排名： 5
过去一周： 负马刺，负雷霆，胜奇才
进攻效率： 119.6 (第2) 防守效率： 111.7 (第5)
2025届新秀： 小前锋 雨果·冈萨雷斯 (Hugo Gonzalez，第28顺位)，中锋 阿玛里·威廉姆斯 (Amari Williams，第46顺位)，得分后卫 约翰·汤杰 (John Tonje，第53顺位)，控卫 马克斯·舒尔加 (Max Shulga，第57顺位)
对凯尔特人来说是波折的一周，但这不一定是因为他们在面对顶级球队时表现出色。杰伦·布朗在圣安东尼奥被驱逐，随后凯尔特人在俄克拉荷马城被逆转了12分的领先优势。冈萨雷斯在对阵奇才的比赛中表现挣扎，他在场上的9分钟里波士顿净负22分——而那场比赛凯尔特人最终赢了11分。不过，冈萨雷斯一直是个不错的轮换防守者。威廉姆斯和舒尔加本赛季上场不多，但都从双向合同转正了，而汤杰是从爵士交易来的，目的是让凯尔特人能够清理掉克里斯·布歇 (Chris Boucher) 的薪资。
梯队 2：处境优渥
6. 休斯顿火箭 (41胜25负)
上期排名： 8
过去一周： 胜猛龙，负掘金，胜新奥尔良
进攻效率： 116.4 (第10) 防守效率： 112.2 (第8)
2025届新秀： 
无
火箭队在2025年没有选秀权，队里甚至没有名义上的新秀。即便那几份双向合同球员（杰登·戴维斯 (JD Davison)、特里斯坦·纽顿 (Tristen Newton)、以赛亚·克劳福德 (Isaiah Crawford)）也都有至少一年的其他球队NBA经验。火箭队在七天五赛的末段遭遇惨败，但除此之外，他们在止颓和狂胜对手方面延续了整个赛季的表现。击败鹈鹕的比赛是火箭两个多月来首次赢得一球之差的险胜。
7. 奥兰多魔术 (38胜28负)
上期排名： 10
过去一周： 胜骑士，胜奇才，胜热火
进攻效率： 114.4 (第14) 防守效率： 112.9 (第10)
2025届新秀： 控卫 贾斯·理查德森 (Jase Richardson，第25顺位)，大前锋 诺阿·潘达 (Noah Penda，第32顺位)
周一晚上亚特兰大将上演一场激战，魔术队带着七连胜客场挑战老鹰。戴斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane) 投中了一些关键球，他在对阵骑士时命中的准绝杀三分是他这个伟大赛季的最新注脚。贝恩本赛季已有12场30+，创职业生涯新高。奥兰多是一支强队，所以留给新秀的时间不多。理查德森在扣篮大赛表现平平，目前仍在适应期；由于泰厄斯·琼斯 (Tyus Jones) 在赛季初占据了替补后卫时间，理查德森近来一直排在杰冯·卡特 (Jevon Carter) 之后。潘达可能更被需要，因为伤病削弱了魔术的前场深度。
8. 克利夫兰骑士 (41胜27负)
上期排名： 6
过去一周： 胜费城，负奥兰多，胜独行侠，负独行侠
进攻效率： 117.7 (第5) 防守效率： 113.4 (第14)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 泰雷斯·普罗克特 (Tyrese Proctor，第49顺位)
这场前任东家与现任东家的对话因为费城76人的伤病而大打折扣，尽管乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 还是坚持去问候了哈登。除此之外，这周对骑士来说表现平平，他们在奥兰多落败，并在主场意外输给了刚在客场赢过的独行侠。马克斯·斯特鲁斯 (Max Strus) 终于完成了赛季首秀，这很有帮助。普罗克特在骑士的轮换序列中排在哈登、多诺万·米切尔 (Donovan Mitchell)、萨姆·梅里尔 (Sam Merrill) 等人之后。
9. 洛杉矶湖人 (42胜25负)
上期排名： 11
过去一周： 胜森林狼，胜公牛，胜掘金
进攻效率： 116.9 (第8) 防守效率： 115.9 (第20)
2025届新秀： 小前锋 阿杜·西耶罗 (Adou Thiero，第36顺位)，得分后卫 克里斯·马农 (Chris Manon，落选)
这可以说是东契奇作为湖人球员表现最好的一周。他在勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 缺阵时与奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves) 重建了强大的默契。随后在詹姆斯回归后，他砍下了加盟以来的首个50分，这是卡里姆·阿卜杜尔-贾巴尔 (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) 和魔术师约翰逊 (Magic Johnson) 从未在湖人做到过的。接着东契奇投中了湖人生涯首个绝杀球，这也是湖人本赛季首场加时赛。球队氛围正处于三个月来的最高点。这没给新秀留下太多时间，西耶罗只打了19场，而马农仅出战6场。两人大部分时间都在南湾湖人队发展。
尼古拉·约基奇和掘金队在过去一周遭遇了两场惨痛的关键时刻失利。(William Liang / Imagn Images)
10. 丹佛掘金 (41胜27负)
上期排名： 9
过去一周： 负雷霆，胜火箭，胜马刺，负湖人
进攻效率： 120.3 (第1) 防守效率： 116.2 (第21)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 柯蒂斯·琼斯 (Curtis Jones，落选)
自2023年夺冠以来，掘金队就没怎么重用过新秀，本赛季依然如此。琼斯本赛季仅在丹佛打了31分钟；他大部分时间都在大急流城驱动队包揽球权。掘金在主场击败了疲惫的火箭，随后在圣安东尼奥完成了20分的大逆转。但失利显得更为扎心，因为掘金未能在俄克拉荷马城或洛杉矶赢下关键时刻的较量。阿隆·戈登 (Aaron Gordon) 的回归是好事，但丹佛也非常需要佩顿·沃森 (Peyton Watson) 回来，特别是在约纳斯·瓦兰丘纳斯 (Jonas Valančiūnas) 的作用大幅下滑的情况下。
11. 明尼苏达森林狼 (41胜27负)
上期排名： 7
过去一周： 负湖人，负快船，胜勇士，负雷霆
进攻效率： 116.1 (第12) 防守效率： 113.1 (第11)
2025届新秀： 中锋 琼·贝林格 (Joan Beringer，第17顺位)，中锋 罗科·齐卡尔斯基 (Rocco Zikarsky，第44顺位)
和丹佛一样，新秀在克里斯·芬奇 (Chris Finch) 手下基本没出头之日。贝林格本赛季只有4场比赛出场超过15分钟，而双向合同球员齐卡尔斯基全季只打了14分钟。让我们谈谈森林狼吧：在主场惨败给魔术后休息了两天，随后开启了这趟四连客。这段旅程令人沮丧。森林狼这周在下半场净负60分，比其他任何球队都多输了17分。也许他们只是在等待季后赛。但面对季后赛首轮可能遇到的对手，他们看起来并不好。他们对湖人0胜3负，对火箭0胜1负，对掘金1胜3负。而且他们正被太阳队追赶，且在交手记录中也处于劣势。
梯队 3：徘徊区
12. 多伦多猛龙 (38胜29负)
上期排名： 12
过去一周： 负火箭，负新奥尔良，胜太阳，胜活塞
进攻效率： 113.9 (第19) 防守效率： 112.1 (第7)
2025届新秀： 中锋 柯林·穆雷-博伊尔斯 (Collin Murray-Boyles，第9顺位)，得分后卫 阿里贾·马丁 (Alijah Martin，第39顺位)，控卫 查基·赫本 (Chucky Hepburn，落选)
在谈论今年的新秀前，我们必须讨论去年的猛龙新秀贾马尔·谢德 (Jamal Shead)。被穆雷绝杀并嘲讽确实丢脸，但也许这激发了这些温顺恐龙的斗志，因为他们回到主场拿下了两场令人印象深刻的胜利。穆雷-博伊尔斯是一名高效但玻璃属性的轮换大个子；他的投篮手拇指一直困扰着他。马丁作为双向球员本赛季仅出战16场，而赫本仅出战2场。
13. 迈阿密热火 (38胜30负)
上期排名： 13
过去一周： 胜奇才，胜雄鹿，负奥兰多
进攻效率： 114.8 (第13) 防守效率： 111.3 (第4)
2025届新秀： 控卫 卡斯帕拉斯·雅库齐奥尼斯 (Kasparas Jakucionis，第20顺位)，中锋 弗拉迪斯拉夫·戈尔丁 (Vladislav Goldin，落选)
阿德巴约在大学时仅有三场20+，最高分没超过25分。他在NBA的第二个赛季才拿到首个20+，且那是他前两个赛季唯一的20+。在周二对阵奇才前，他职业生涯仅有一次40+。本赛季，阿德巴约此前只有三场30+。在他之前的八个赛季中，仅有一次场均得分达到20。然后他就上演了“阿德巴约式的灵魂出窍”。我会永远记住这一刻！那场比赛除了阿德巴约外，热火队唯一上场超过30分钟的是雅库齐奥尼斯，他赛季初表现慢热，但凭借出色的三分球赢得了越来越多的出场时间。戈尔丁持有双向合同，仅出战4场。
14. 亚特兰大老鹰 (36胜31负)
上期排名： 16
过去一周： 胜独行侠，胜篮网，胜雄鹿
进攻效率： 114.2 (第15) 防守效率： 113.2 (第12)
2025届新秀： 大前锋 阿萨·纽厄尔 (Asa Newell，第23顺位)，得分后卫 凯肖恩·吉尔伯特 (Keshon Gilbert，落选)
“魔术城周一”被取消了，但诋毁者赢得了成就感，NBA赢得了关注度，而老鹰队赢得了努力分。你猜怎么着？自那次声明以来，这支球队就没输过！带着九连胜进入与魔术的排位关键战！全明星赛后纽厄尔的作用并不明显，他仅出战一次，自2月9日以来单场时间从未超过15分钟。吉尔伯特上个月曾在奇才队拿过10天短合同。
15. 凤凰城太阳 (39胜28负)
上期排名： 14
过去一周： 胜雄鹿，胜步行者，负猛龙
进攻效率： 114.0 (第18) 防守效率： 112.8 (第9)
2025届新秀： 中锋 卡曼·马鲁阿奇 (Khaman Maluach，第10顺位)，大前锋 拉希尔·弗莱明 (Rasheer Fleming，第31顺位)，得分后卫 科比·布雷亚 (Koby Brea，第41顺位)，大前锋 CJ·亨特利 (CJ Huntley，落选)
太阳队本赛季从未找过借口。他们通过实实在在的赢球保持在西部前六的争夺中。自狄龙·布鲁克斯 (Dillon Brooks) 手部受伤以来，太阳取得了7胜4负。马克·威廉姆斯 (Mark Williams) 的缺阵为马鲁阿奇腾出了出场空间。但马鲁阿奇的时间整周都在递减，他依然是个待开发的毛坯。弗莱明开始取代瑞安·邓恩 (Ryan Dunn) 成为替补大前锋，过去10场他的三分命中率高达53.3%。布雷亚是双向球员，全季仅打23分钟。亨特利11月曾被裁掉，但现在又签回了双向合同。
16. 洛杉矶快船 (34胜33负)
上期排名： 18
过去一周： 胜纽约，胜森林狼，胜公牛，负国王
进攻效率： 116.2 (第11) 防守效率： 115.3 (第19)
2025届新秀： 中锋 亚尼克·科南·尼德豪泽 (Yanic Konan Niederhäuser，第30顺位)，小前锋 科比·桑德斯 (Kobe Sanders，第50顺位)，大前锋 诺查德·奥米尔 (Norchad Omier，落选)，控卫 肖恩·佩杜拉 (Sean Pedulla，落选)
进入周末前快船势头不错，但周六却是灾难性的。他们不仅输给了同分区的国王，伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 的左脚踝也再次受伤，周一打马刺出战成疑。这再次证明了快船的容错率极低，尤其是对于这位刚刚创造队史连续20+得分纪录的球星。尼德豪泽本已展现出护筐和吃饼潜力，但因右脚跖跗关节受伤赛季报销。桑德斯上个月转正了合同，是联盟投射最好的新秀之一（三分命中率40.1%）。奥米尔和佩杜拉在桑德斯和乔丹·米勒 (Jordan Miller) 转正后获得了双向合同，两人在加盟前表现都很出色。
17. 夏洛特黄蜂 (34胜34负)
上期排名： 15
过去一周： 胜开拓者，胜国王，负马刺
进攻效率： 117.4 (第6) 防守效率： 114.2 (第15)
2025届新秀： 小前锋 康·克尼普尔 (Kon Knueppel，第4顺位)，小前锋 利亚姆·麦克尼利 (Liam McNeeley，第29顺位)，得分后卫 锡安·詹姆斯 (Sion James，第33顺位)，中锋 瑞安·卡尔克布伦纳 (Ryan Kalkbrenner，第34顺位)
我还记得黄蜂签下四名新秀时老将们都在场的场景。黄蜂还有很长的路要走，目前排在东部第10，胜率刚过五成。排在他们前面的球队都有几胜的领先优势。但如果没有这一届新秀，黄蜂不会有现在的地位，领军人物是最佳新秀挑战者克尼普尔，他正打出史上最佳的投篮赛季之一。克尼普尔投中了236个三分球，领跑全联盟并创下新秀纪录，命中率为43.6%；他是联盟历史上仅有的23位能单季投中200+三分且命中率超43%的球员之一。麦克尼利是个好投手，但已经两个多月没打超过15分钟了。詹姆斯全勤，是可靠的替补防守者。卡尔克布伦纳将首发位置让给了穆萨·迪亚巴特 (Moussa Diabate)，但仍是合格的替补中锋。
费城76人新秀VJ·艾奇科姆（图中面对开拓者的朱·霍勒迪）近期为球队出战了极长的时间。(Eric Hartline / Imagn Images)
18. 费城76人 (37胜31负)
上期排名： 17
过去一周： 负骑士，胜灰熊，负活塞，胜篮网，胜开拓者
进攻效率： 114.1 (第17) 防守效率： 114.6 (第17)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 VJ·艾奇科姆 (VJ Edgecombe，第3顺位)，中锋 约翰尼·布鲁姆 (Johni Broome，第35顺位)
这周费城经历了惨无人道的七天五赛。考虑到他们在缺少首发泰雷斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey)、恩比德、保罗·乔治 (Paul George) 和凯利·乌布雷 (Kelly Oubre Jr.) 的情况下击败了开拓者，他们理应获得赞扬。艾奇科姆是最后坚守阵地的人，场均出战35分钟。全联盟只有10名球员能达到这个时间。他现在正承受着前所未有的防守压力，因为球队还要努力避免跌入附加赛。布鲁姆本赛季仅打11场，正从膝盖半月板撕裂中恢复。
19. 金州勇士 (32胜35负)
上期排名： 19
过去一周： 负爵士，负公牛，负森林狼，负纽约
进攻效率： 114.2 (第16) 防守效率： 113.4 (第13)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 威尔·理查德森 (Will Richard，第56顺位)，得分后卫 LJ·克莱尔 (LJ Cryer，落选)
史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 通常会给新秀机会，尤其是那些不需要占用球权的。理查德森是一名蓝领侧翼，提供平均水平的投射，防守积极且抢断率高。对于这支极度缺乏30岁以下可用人才的勇士队来说，他非常契合。克莱尔在2025年NCAA决赛中输给了理查德森的佛罗里达大学，他持有双向合同，三分命中率为41.7%。斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 尚未赛季报销，但勇士的时间不多了，他们在五连败中排名持续下滑。而且失利不分对手，他们在背靠背中连负爵士和公牛。
梯队 4：虽不可怕但需努力
20. 波特兰开拓者 (32胜36负)
上期排名： 20
过去一周： 负黄蜂，胜爵士，负费城
进攻效率： 112.4 (第24) 防守效率： 114.9 (第18)
2025届新秀： 中锋 杨瀚森 (Yang Hansen，第16顺位)，得分后卫 凯莱布·洛夫 (Caleb Love，落选)，得分后卫 克里斯·扬布拉德 (Chris Youngblood，落选)，小前锋 杰森·肯特 (Jayson Kent，落选)
波特兰已经很久没有值得讨论的比赛了。上一次他们击败胜率过半的球队还是三周前。但他们在面对断崖式下跌的勇士时拥有交手优势。波特兰还有两场打快船。你还不能完全忽视他们。杨瀚森拥有令人好奇的天赋，但他极易失误，在NBA级别的得分和防守上还没准备好。洛夫打了很多时间，领跑落选秀的出场时间和得分，但他在场时开拓者打得很糟。扬布拉德曾效力于雷霆，本月被波特兰签下。肯特是防守型侧翼，和洛夫、扬布拉德一样持有双向合同。
21. 芝加哥公牛 (27胜40负)
上期排名： 21
过去一周： 胜勇士，负湖人，负快船
进攻效率： 112.3 (第25) 防守效率： 116.9 (第23)
2025届新秀： 大前锋 诺阿·艾森格 (Noa Essengue，第12顺位)，中锋 拉克兰·奥布里奇 (Lachlan Olbrich，第55顺位)
公牛队不强，但节奏很快。对手必须打得很好才能赢。但正因为他们不强，对手的爆发往往显得很夸张（比如东契奇把马塔斯·布泽利斯当成出气筒）。遗憾的是，艾森格在三个月前因肩部手术报销，否则他现在能获得大量的锻炼时间。奥布里奇持有双向合同，出战了24场。
22. 密尔沃基雄鹿 (28胜39负)
上期排名： 22
过去一周： 负太阳，负热火，负老鹰，胜步行者
进攻效率： 112.5 (第23) 防守效率： 117.3 (第25)
2025届新秀： 博戈柳布·马尔科维奇 (Bogoljub Markovic，第47顺位)
雄鹿队放养了这位20岁的塞尔维亚球员，让他去欧洲刷数据。与此同时，雄鹿队看起来很落魄，阵中没有真正的新秀，无论扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 是否出战都一样。雄鹿队本赛季在阿德托昆博出战时仅为17胜19负。
23. 达拉斯独行侠 (23胜45负)
上期排名： 25
过去一周： 负老鹰，胜灰熊，负骑士，胜骑士
进攻效率： 109.8 (第27) 防守效率： 114.5 (第16)
2025届新秀： 大前锋 库珀·弗劳格 (Cooper Flagg，第1顺位)，控卫 瑞安·内姆哈德 (Ryan Nembhard，落选)，中锋 穆萨·西塞 (Moussa Cissé，落选)，得分后卫 约翰·普拉基达斯 (John Poulakidas，落选)
独行侠这周胜负各半，在克利夫兰的胜利尤其值得注意，考虑到他们上次在俄亥俄州发生了什么——那时尼科·哈里森 (Nico Harrison) 和贾森·基德 (Jason Kidd) 还在讨论交易东契奇。拥有弗劳格很有帮助，他是个顶级天才，但身边的阵容并不理想。弗劳格只有19岁，场均20.2分，尽管他还没练出稳定的三分。内姆哈德是他最好的搭档，场均4.7次助攻领跑全队。西塞在进攻端可能永远不会变强，但作为挡拆防守者和盖帽手很有价值。普拉基达斯上个月签下双向合同，他在G联赛的三分命中率一度接近50%。
24. 新奥尔良 Pelicans (22胜46负)
上期排名： 24
过去一周： 胜猛龙，负火箭
进攻效率： 113.2 (第21) 防守效率： 117.5 (第26)
2025届新秀： 控卫 杰里迈亚·费尔斯 (Jeremiah Fears，第7顺位)，大前锋 德里克·奎因 (Derik Queen，第13顺位)，小前锋 米卡·皮维 (Micah Peavy，第40顺位)，中锋 亨特·迪金森 (Hunter Dickinson，落选)
穆雷的大张旗鼓复出引出了另一个问题：新奥尔良最好的两名球员和2025年的两位乐透秀位置重叠。费尔斯本赛季有11场20+，仅次于克尼普尔、弗劳格和艾奇科姆。奎因有9场20+，但他三月的上场时间大幅缩减。皮维自一月结束后仅打了30分钟。迪金森自揭幕战打了几分钟后就没再上过场，大部分时间在伯明翰打球。
25. 孟菲斯灰熊 (23胜43负)
上期排名： 23
过去一周： 负篮网，负费城，负独行侠，负活塞
进攻效率： 113.7 (第20) 防守效率： 116.5 (第22)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 赛德里克·科沃德 (Cedric Coward，第11顺位)，控卫 沃尔特·克莱顿 (Walter Clayton Jr.，第18顺位)，控卫 贾冯·斯莫尔 (Javon Small，第48顺位)，得分后卫 贾迈·马沙克 (Jahmai Mashack，第59顺位)
灰熊正处于七连败中，且过去六场场均失分过120。这就是这种坦克队的现状。科沃德有一个扎实的新秀赛季，虽然已经两个月没拿过20分了。克莱顿在小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 的交易中来到球队，弥补了莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 缺阵的空缺，但他的进攻效率很低。斯莫尔和马沙克表现尚可。
梯队 5：垫底楼层
26. 萨克拉门托国王 (18胜51负)
上期排名： 28
过去一周： 胜步行者，负黄蜂，胜快船，胜爵士
进攻效率： 109.9 (第26) 防守效率： 119.4 (第28)
2025届新秀： 小前锋 尼克·克里福德 (Nique Clifford，第24顺位)，中锋 马克西姆·雷诺 (Maxime Raynaud，第42顺位)，中锋 迪伦·卡德威尔 (Dylan Cardwell，落选)
国王队近五场赢了四场，而之前22场输了20场。最亮眼的是在洛杉矶的胜利，维斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook) 激怒了克里斯·邓恩 (Kris Dunn)，伦纳德在防守德罗赞时受伤。国王这一届新秀表现不俗。雷诺作为二轮中锋已有七场20+，他是今年的凯尔·菲利波夫斯基 (Kyle Filipowski)。如果国王能把雷诺的进攻和卡德威尔的防守合二为一，那就无敌了。
27. 犹他爵士 (20胜48负)
上期排名： 27
过去一周： 胜勇士，负纽约，负开拓者，负国王
进攻效率： 113.2 (第22) 防守效率： 120.6 (第30)
2025届新秀： 小前锋 艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey，第5顺位)，小前锋 安德森·加西亚 (Andersson Garcia，落选)，控卫 贝兹·姆本格 (Bez Mbeng，落选)
爵士继续以残阵出击。不幸的是，贝利目前处于脑震荡协议中，他还没能在与基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George)、马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen) 分享球权时证明自己的影响力。加西亚和姆本格拿着10天合同场均打30多分钟。
28. 布鲁克林篮网 (17胜50负)
上期排名： 26
过去一周： 胜灰熊，负活塞，负老鹰，负费城
进攻效率： 109.4 (第29) 防守效率： 118.2 (第27)
2025届新秀： 控卫 埃戈尔·德明 (Egor Demin，第8顺位)，控卫 诺兰·特拉奥雷 (Nolan Traore，第19顺位)，得分后卫 德雷克·鲍威尔 (Drake Powell，第22顺位)，控卫 本·萨拉夫 (Ben Saraf，第26顺位)，大前锋 丹尼·沃尔夫 (Danny Wolf，第27顺位)，小前锋 钱尼·约翰逊 (Chaney Johnson，落选)
篮网本周唯一的亮点是戴隆·夏普 (Day’Ron Sharpe) 替补砍下全场最高分，但随后他因拇指手术报销了。德明也因足底筋膜炎赛季报销，他在持球方面还有很长的路要走。特拉奥雷和萨拉夫将获得大量机会。约翰逊作为3D侧翼赢得了一份双向合同。
29. 华盛顿奇才 (16胜50负)
上期排名： 29
过去一周： 负热火，负奥兰多，负波士顿
进攻效率： 109.5 (第28) 防守效率： 120.4 (第29)
2025届新秀： 得分后卫 崔·约翰逊 (Tre Johnson，第6顺位)，小前锋 威尔·莱利 (Will Riley，第21顺位)，小前锋 贾米尔·沃特金斯 (Jamir Watkins，第43顺位)，中锋 巨巨·里斯 (Juju Reese，落选)
奇才在输给奥兰多的加时赛中抹平了19分的差距，这算是一种更“体面”的输球方式，但依然是11连败的一部分。约翰逊近期手感冰凉，命中率下滑。但他本职工作做得还可以，依然是未来的核心。里斯持有双向合同，也能抢一些篮板。
30. 印第安纳步行者 (15胜53负)
上期排名： 30
过去一周： 负国王，负太阳，负纽约，负雄鹿
进攻效率： 108.8 (第30) 防守效率： 117.3 (第24)
2025届新秀： 控卫 卡姆·琼斯 (Kam Jones，第38顺位)，得分后卫 泰隆·彼得 (Taelon Peter，第54顺位)
伊维察·祖巴茨 (Ivica Zubac) 终于迎来了步行者首秀！然而连败仍在继续，这是他们本赛季第二次遭遇13连败。新秀暂时帮不上忙。琼斯的助攻失误比很棒，但还没学会怎么得分。彼得在有限的时间里表现挣扎。
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
点击查看原文：NBA Power Rankings: Thunder at No. 1; checking in on Flagg, Knueppel and other rookies
NBA Power Rankings: Thunder at No. 1; checking in on Flagg, Knueppel and other rookies
Album of the Week: “Miss Thang,” Monica (1995)
Before I get into this week’s NBA Power Rankings, can I just say — feelings have been felt! It was one of them weeks! And many have been taking things personal!
It all started with Bam Adebayo scoring the most points in televised NBA history, and the takes were hotter than basketball in the Miami arena. I, for one, am thrilled that Adebayo scored more points than Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant in a game, and I do not care that he took more free throws than entire teams take in a game to get there. And deep down, the Kobe stans love it too, because it gives them another unexpected reason to pick up the sword and shield in the name of Kobe, who absolutely would have approved. The fact that it came against the Washington Wizards’ blatant tank makes it even better. It’s a problem that Adebayo got to 80, and we need to protect the sanctimony of Kobe’s game against Jalen Rose? For what? It wasn’t a problem that the Wizards got trampled through one quarter, two quarters, three quarters … but it gets to the fourth quarter, and we need to have respect for the game? Child, please.
Speaking of respect, the very next night in New Orleans on Brandon Ingram-tribute-video night, Dejounte Murray hit a 3 after taking contact from Jamal Shead, with Shead turf diving in the process. Murray stood over Shead and taunted him. Rude. But the Raptors didn’t stand up for their guy. Herbert Jones approached Murray harder than any Raptor came close to doing. Darko Rajaković was right to call out his team for not responding appropriately in that moment.
And then, of course, there was Luka Dončić, the guy most of you would have thought could have gotten 80 in a game, finally getting a 50-ball with the Lakers, his first 50-point game in more than two years. It was made possible by trash talk from a player Dončić needed to search for on the postgame box score, even though it sounds like Dončić started talking to Matas Buzelis first. If I were the Lakers, I’d find an industry/influencer plant to heckle Dončić in the name of the opponent every game.
But anyway. Many will be watching college basketball now that Selection Sunday has come and gone. So we’ll turn our attention this week to the 2025 draft class — both those who were selected and those who have made it while going undrafted.
Fine print: These Power Rankings won’t just rank every team. We’ll retain the tiers that teams will be promoted into and relegated out of. There will be five tiers each week:
- Top Contenders — Locked at five, these are the class of the league
- In a Good Place — Could be one team, could be seven teams
- The Bubble — Not to be confused with Walt Disney World. The middle of the pack
- Not the Tier to Fear — Not playing the worst ball in the league, but with a lot of work to do
- Basement Floor — Bringing up the rear
What to expect from Power Rankings:
- These are my subjective rankings. I will consider a variety of objective measures, but it’s my final call.
- These rankings are not just a review of the past week — we are projecting forward as well, so it is a balance of the two.
- These are subjective, but not biased. There are no agendas in the Power Rankings, and we strive for an inclusive meritocracy
- The one quality that these rankings possess: “Ruthless aggression.”
- Enjoy the games, and enjoy the rankings, please!
For Week 22 of The Athletic NBA Power Rankings, we will check in on the rookies for each team. Win-loss records and other statistical data are through Sunday’s action.
Tier 1: Top Contenders
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (53-15)
Last ranking: 2
In the last week: W vs DEN, W vs BOS, W vs MIN
Offensive rating: 116.9 (seventh place)Defensive rating: 106.3 (first place)
2025 draft class: C Thomas Sorber (15th pick), SF Brooks Barnhizer (44th pick), SF Payton Sandfort (undrafted)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied the Wilt Chamberlain 20-point streak while ripping the Nuggets’ hearts out (again). Then Gilgeous-Alexander sets the record while Jaylen Brown complains about foul baiting. The Timberwolves visit, and Gilgeous-Alexander extends the record with a 10-point fourth quarter capped with a three-point play through Anthony Edwards. Oklahoma City has won eight in a row, 11 of 12, is three games up on the Spurs in the loss column for the league’s best record and is the defending champion. The Thunder are still nursing Jalen Williams back to health. They’re back at the top of the rankings after a week like that. As for the rookies? Sorber tore his ACL in the offseason while making it back from a foot injury and is the latest Thunderbuddy to redshirt Year 1, just like Nikola Topić (ACL) last year and Chet Holmgren (Lisfranc) in 2022-23. Barnhizer is going to be as annoying as Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso if he learns how to shoot. Sandfort just got on a two-way contract after being with the Blue all season.
2. San Antonio Spurs (49-18)
Last ranking: 1
In the last week: W vs BOS, L vs DEN, W vs CHA
Offensive rating: 117.7 (fourth place)Defensive rating: 110.5 (third place)
2025 draft class: PG Dylan Harper (second pick), SG Carter Bryant (14th pick)
San Antonio went 5-1 on its homestand, with the loss coming in the game that Victor Wembanyama missed; the Spurs also blew a 20-point lead to the Nuggets, and their defense was horrible. If the intent was to help Wembanyama get a Defensive Player of the Year trophy, it did the job. Harper has a calf contusion, but he has been a helpful part of a San Antonio team that has arguably the most enviable guard depth in the league. Harper isn’t in a position to shine while sharing the ball with starters Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, and Harper has to iron out his jumper. But he is an assignment-sound rookie, while Bryant is the 10th man in the rotation due to his strong defense.
3. Detroit Pistons (48-19)
Last ranking: 3
In the last week: W at BRK, W vs PHI, W vs MEM, L at TOR
Offensive rating: 116.8 (ninth place)Defensive rating: 109.1 (second place)
2025 draft class: SG Chaz Lanier (37th pick)
The Pistons almost evened out their four-game losing streak from the previous week, but they were bulldozed in Canada by Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl on Sunday. Lanier hasn’t played more than 15 minutes in a game since November.
4. New York Knicks (44-25)
Last ranking: 4
In the last week: L at LAC, W at UTA, W at IND, W vs GS
Offensive rating: 118.2 (third place)Defensive rating: 111.9 (sixth place)
2025 draft class: PF Mohamed Diawara (51st pick)
The Knicks got needed wins, but it’s not the best look that they trailed Utah by 18 points and the Warriors by 21 to get two of them. Diawara is a 39 percent 3-point shooter, and he’s found a way to beat out both Guerschon Yabusele and Jeremy Sochan for backup power forward minutes.
5. Boston Celtics (44-23)
Last ranking: 5
In the last week: L at SA, L at OKC, W vs WAS
Offensive rating: 119.6 (second place)Defensive rating: 111.7 (fifth place)
2025 draft class: SF Hugo Gonzalez (28th pick), C Amari Williams (46th pick), SG John Tonje (53rd pick), PG Max Shulga (57th pick)
An eventful week for the Celtics, but not necessarily because they were good against the best teams in basketball. Jaylen Brown got himself ejected in San Antonio, then the Celtics blew a 12-point lead in Oklahoma City. Gonzalez had a rough game against the Wizards, as Boston was outscored by 22 points in his nine minutes — a game the Celtics won by 11. But Gonzalez has been a helpful rotation defender. Williams and Shulga haven’t played much this season, but both got promoted from two-way contracts, while Tonje was traded from Utah so that the Celtics could salary dump Chris Boucher.
Tier 2: In a Good Place
6. Houston Rockets (41-25)
Last ranking: 8
In the last week: W vs TOR, L at DEN, W vs NO
Offensive rating: 116.4 (10th place)Defensive rating: 112.2 (eighth place)
2025 draft class: None
The Rockets had no draft picks in 2025, and they don’t even have pretend rookies on their team. Even the two-way contracts (JD Davison, Tristen Newton, Isaiah Crawford) all have at least one year of NBA experience with other franchises. The Rockets were demolished to end a stretch of five games in seven nights, but otherwise, they did what they’ve been doing all season in terms of limiting losing streaks and winning games in blowout fashion. The win over the Pelicans was the first time the Rockets won a one-score game in more than two months.
7. Orlando Magic (38-28)
Last ranking: 10
In the last week: W vs CLE, W vs WAS, W at MIA
Offensive rating: 114.4 (14th place)Defensive rating: 112.9 (10th place)
2025 draft class: PG Jase Richardson (25th pick), PF Noah Penda (32nd pick)
It’s quite a clash lining up Monday night in Atlanta, with the Magic bringing a seven-game win streak into their matchup with the Hawks. Desmond Bane has hit some huge shots, and his clutch-time 3 against the Cavaliers was the latest in what has been a great season. Bane has 12 30-point games this season, a career high. Orlando is a good team, so there hasn’t been a lot of time for the rookies. Richardson had an unfortunate dunk contest while being brought along slowly; he’s been buried behind Jevon Carter lately after Tyus Jones was getting backup small guard minutes to begin the season. Penda may be needed more due to injuries thinning out the Magic frontcourt options.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (41-27)
Last ranking: 6
In the last week: W vs PHI, L at ORL, W at DAL, L vs DAL
Offensive rating: 117.7 (fifth place)Defensive rating: 113.4 (14th place)
2025 draft class: SG Tyrese Proctor (49th pick)
The “move the needle” game between the former James Harden employer and the current employer lost a lot of steam because of the injuries facing the Sixers, though Joel Embiid made a point to greet Harden anyway. Other than that, it wasn’t exactly a standout week for the Cavaliers, as they lost in Orlando and slipped up against the Mavericks after they won in Dallas. Max Strus (Jones fracture) finally made his season debut, so that’s helpful. Proctor is buried on the depth chart in Cleveland behind Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder and Craig Porter Jr.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (42-25)
Last ranking: 11
In the last week: W vs MIN, W vs CHI, W vs DEN
Offensive rating: 116.9 (eighth place)Defensive rating: 115.9 (20th place)
2025 draft class: SF Adou Thiero (36th pick), SG Chris Manon (undrafted)
This was arguably Dončić’s best week as a Laker. He re-established his powerful bond with Austin Reaves with LeBron James not playing. Then he scored his first 50-point game with the franchise upon James’ return, something Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson never did. Then Dončić made his first game-winning field goal with the Lakers, in what was the first overtime game of the season for Los Angeles. Vibes are about as high as they’ve been in about three months. That doesn’t leave much time for rookies, so Thiero has only played in 19 games while Mañon has only appeared in six. Those two have spent much of the season developing with South Bay.
Nikola Jokiċ and the Nuggets had two tough clutch-time losses in the last week. (William Liang / Imagn Images)
10. Denver Nuggets (41-27)
Last ranking: 9
In the last week: L at OKC, W vs HOU, W at SA, L at LAL
Offensive rating: 120.3 (first place)Defensive rating: 116.2 (21st place)
2025 draft class: SG Curtis Jones (undrafted)
The Nuggets haven’t really been about using rookies much since the 2023 championship, and this season has been more of the same. Jones has only played 31 minutes this season with Denver; he has spent more of his time dominating touches with Grand Rapids. The Nuggets beat a weary Rockets team at home before completing a 20-point comeback in San Antonio. But the losses seemed more significant, as the Nuggets were unable to win clutch-time games in Oklahoma City or Los Angeles. It’s nice that Aaron Gordon is back, but Denver could really use Peyton Watson’s return as well, particularly with Jonas Valančiūnas’ usefulness declining sharply.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (41-27)
Last ranking: 7
In the last week: L at LAL, L at LAC, W at GS, L at OKC
Offensive rating: 116.1 (12th place)Defensive rating: 113.1 (11th place)
2025 draft class: C Joan Beringer (17th pick), C Rocco Zikarsky (44th pick)
Like Denver, rookies don’t really see the light of day under Chris Finch. Beringer has played at least 15 minutes in only four games this season, and two-way contract Zikarsky has 14 minutes all season in Minnesota. Let’s instead talk about how the Timberwolves had two days off following a bad home loss to the Magic before this four-game road trip. It was a discouraging time away from home, to say the least. The Timberwolves were outscored by 60 points in the second half this week, 17 points worse than any other team. Maybe they’re just waiting for the playoffs. But they don’t look good against any of the teams they might face in the first round. They’re 0-3 against the Lakers, 0-1 against the Rockets and 1-3 against the Nuggets. And they’re getting chased by a Suns team that they’ve already lost the head-to-head tiebreaker against as well.
Tier 3: The Bubble
12. Toronto Raptors (38-29)
Last ranking: 12
In the last week: L at HOU, L at NO, W vs PHO, W vs DET
Offensive rating: 113.9 (19th place)Defensive rating: 112.1 (seventh place)
2025 draft class: C Collin Murray-Boyles (ninth pick), SG Alijah Martin (39th pick), PG Chucky Hepburn (undrafted)
Before we get to this year’s rookies, we have to discuss last year’s Toronto rookie, Jamal Shead. Getting daggered by Dejounte Murray was a terrible look, but maybe that lit a fire under these docile dinosaurs, because they went home and got two impressive wins. Murray-Boyles is a rotational big who has been effective but injury-prone; his shooting hand thumb in particular has given him problems. Martin has only played 16 games this season on a two-way contract, while Hepburn has only appeared in two.
13. Miami Heat (38-30)
Last ranking: 13
In the last week: W vs WAS, W vs MIL, L vs ORL
Offensive rating: 114.8 (13th place)Defensive rating: 111.3 (fourth place)
2025 draft class: PG Kasparas Jakucionis (20th pick), C Vladislav Goldin (undrafted)
Bam Adebayo had three 20-point games in college; he never scored more than 25. He didn’t have his first 20-point game until his second season, and it was the only 20-point game he had through two NBA seasons. He had one career 40-point game entering Tuesday night against the Wizards. This season, Adebayo had only three 30-point games. Adebayo has only averaged 20 points per game once in his previous eight NBA seasons. And then he has an Out Of Bamonte experience. I’ll remember it forever! The only other 30-minute player in that game for the Heat besides Adebayo was Jakucionis, who had a slow start to the season but has earned more and more time while shooting the 3 very well. Goldin is on a two-way contract and has played only four games.
14. Atlanta Hawks (36-31)
Last ranking: 16
In the last week: W vs DAL, W vs BRK, W vs MIL
Offensive rating: 114.2 (15th place)Defensive rating: 113.2 (12th place)
2025 draft class: PF Asa Newell (23rd pick), SG Keshon Gilbert (undrafted)
“Magic City Monday” was canceled, but the detractors get an A for achievement, the NBA gets an A for awareness, and the Hawks get an A for effort. And you know what? The basketball team hasn’t lost since the announcement! Nine straight wins headed into what was going to be an eventful night against the Magic, a team the Hawks are chasing in the standings! The contributions of Newell haven’t been needed since the All-Star break, as he has played only once since the break and hasn’t played more than 15 minutes in a game since Feb. 9. Gilbert had a 10-day contract with the Wizards last month.
15. Phoenix Suns (39-28)
Last ranking: 14
In the last week: W at MIL, W at IND, L at TOR
Offensive rating: 114.0 (18th place)Defensive rating: 112.8 (ninth place)
2025 draft class: C Khaman Maluach (10th pick), PF Rasheer Fleming (31st pick), SG Koby Brea (41st pick), PF CJ Huntley (undrafted)
The Suns haven’t made excuses this season. They have continued to stay in the hunt for a top-six seed by, you know, winning games. Phoenix is 7-4 since Dillon Brooks injured his hand, including the game in which he was hurt. Mark Williams has been out, which opened the door for Maluach to get some minutes. But Maluach’s playing time decreased all week. He’s very much a project. Fleming has started to take Ryan Dunn’s minutes as a backup power forward, and he has made 53.3 percent of his 3s over the last 10 games. Brea is on a two-way contract and has played 23 minutes all season. Huntley was waived from a two-way contract in November, but he is back on a two-way contract to finish the season.
16. LA Clippers (34-33)
Last ranking: 18
In the last week: W vs NY, W vs MIN, W vs CHI, L vs SAC
Offensive rating: 116.2 (11th place)Defensive rating: 115.3 (19th place)
2025 draft class: C Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (30th pick), SF Kobe Sanders (50th pick), PF Norchad Omier (undrafted), PG Sean Pedulla (undrafted)
Things were looking great for the Clippers headed into the weekend, but Saturday was disastrous. Not only did they lose to a division opponent in the Kings, but Kawhi Leonard injured his left ankle again and is doubtful to play Monday against the Spurs. It doesn’t take much to reinforce the slim margin of error for the Clippers, especially when it comes to Leonard, the franchise’s new sole record-holder for most consecutive 20-point games. Konan Niederhäuser was blossoming into a strong rim protector and vertical threat, but now he’s out for at least the rest of the season because of a Lisfranc injury to his right foot and might not be ready to begin next season. Sanders earned a promotion from a two-way contract last month and has been one of the best shooting rookies in the league (40.1 percent 3s, 81.1 percent free throws). Omier (Cleveland) and Pedulla (Rip City) got two-way contracts after the Clippers promoted Sanders and Jordan Miller; both were performing well outside of the organization.
17. Charlotte Hornets (34-34)
Last ranking: 15
In the last week: W at POR, W at SAC, L at SA
Offensive rating: 117.4 (sixth place)Defensive rating: 114.2 (15th place)
2025 draft class: SF Kon Knueppel (fourth pick), SF Liam McNeeley (29th pick), SG Sion James (33rd pick), C Ryan Kalkbrenner (34th pick)
I remember when the Hornets signed their four rookies to contracts and how all of the veterans were there. Charlotte still has work to do, as it is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and right at .500. The teams above the Hornets all have multiple games of cushion, and the Florida teams are playing very well. But the Hornets wouldn’t be in this position without their rookie class, led by Rookie of the Year challenger Knueppel, who is having one of the best shooting seasons of any player ever. Knueppel has a league-leading and all-time rookie record 236 3s while making 43.6 percent of them; he has one of 23 player seasons with at least 200 3s and 43 percent shooting from 3 in league history. McNeeley is a good shooter, but he hasn’t played 15 minutes in a game in more than two months. James has played in every game and has been a reliable bench defender. Kalkbrenner lost the starting job to Moussa Diabate but has still settled in as a decent backup center.
Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe, here driving against Portland’s Jrue Holiday, has been logging a ton of minutes for Philly. (Eric Hartline / Imagn Images)
18. Philadelphia 76ers (37-31)
Last ranking: 17
In the last week: L at CLE, W vs MEM, L at DET, W vs BRK, W vs POR
Offensive rating: 114.1 (17th place)Defensive rating: 114.6 (17th place)
2025 draft class: SG VJ Edgecombe (third pick), C Johni Broome (35th pick)
This was a week that featured the brutal five-games-in-seven-days stretch for the Sixers, and they should get credit for at least finishing it off with a win against the Trail Blazers while down starters All-Star Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. The last man standing is Edgecombe, who is also clocking 35 minutes per game. There are only 10 players in the entire league playing at least that many minutes, and now Edgecombe is seeing attention from defenses he has never seen before for a team still trying to stay out of the Play-In Tournament. Broome only played in 11 games this season and is recovering from a torn right knee meniscus.
19. Golden State Warriors (32-35)
Last ranking: 19
In the last week: L at UTA, L vs CHI, L vs MIN, L at NY
Offensive rating: 114.2 (16th place)Defensive rating: 113.4 (13th place)
2025 draft class: SG Will Richard (56th pick), SG LJ Cryer (undrafted)
Steve Kerr usually finds a place for rookies, especially ones who don’t need to be featured in any way whatsoever. Richard is a role-player wing who provides average shooting, runs the floor and collects steals at a high rate while competing defensively. He’s been a very nice fit for a Warriors team that has a severe lack of available talent under the age of 30. Cryer, who lost to Richard’s Florida Gators in the 2025 national championship game, has made 41.7 percent of his 3s with Golden State while on a two-way contract. Stephen Curry hasn’t been ruled out for the season, but time is running out on the Warriors, who are plummeting down the standings amid a five-game losing streak. And the losses haven’t discriminated, as the Warriors lost in Utah and against the Bulls on back-to-back nights.
Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear
20. Portland Trail Blazers (32-36)
Last ranking: 20
In the last week: L vs CHA, W vs UTA, L at PHI
Offensive rating: 112.4 (24th place)Defensive rating: 114.9 (18th place)
2025 draft class: C Yang Hansen (16th pick), SG Caleb Love (undrafted), SG Chris Youngblood (undrafted), SF Jayson Kent (undrafted)
Portland hasn’t had a game worth discussing in a long, long time. The last time the Blazers beat a team with a winning record was three weeks ago in Phoenix against a Suns team playing on zero days’ rest without Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks or Grayson Allen following a double-overtime win. But they own the head-to-head tiebreaker against a Warriors team that is getting chopped down to Portland’s own size. Portland also has two more games left against the Clippers. You can’t just ignore it yet. Yang has an intriguing skill set, but he is very turnover-prone and not ready to score or defend at the NBA level. Love has played a lot while leading all undrafted rookies in minutes and points, but Portland has also been terrible with him on the floor. Youngblood was with the Thunder on a two-way contract before being waived last month and being scooped up by Portland earlier this month. Kent is a defensive-minded wing who is on a two-way contract like Love and Youngblood.
21. Chicago Bulls (27-40)
Last ranking: 21
In the last week: W at GS, L at LAL, L at LAC
Offensive rating: 112.3 (25th place)Defensive rating: 116.9 (23rd place)
2025 draft class: PF Noa Essengue (12th pick), C Lachlan Olbrich (55th pick)
The Bulls aren’t good, but they’re fast. And teams have to play well to beat them. But because they are not good, those performances from opponents can be loud (see: Luka Dončić treating Matas Buzelis like a piñata). It’s a shame that Essengue’s season ended three months ago due to shoulder surgery, because he would be getting necessary playing time right now. Olbrich has played 24 games while on a two-way contract.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (28-39)
Last ranking: 22
In the last week: L vs PHO, L at MIA, L at ATL, W vs IND
Offensive rating: 112.5 (23rd place)Defensive rating: 117.3 (25th place)
2025 draft class: Bogoljub Markovic (47th pick)
The Bucks stashed the 20-year-old Serbian so that he can get more buckets with Mega Superbet. In the meantime, the Bucks continue to look sad with no true rookies on the roster, and whether Giannis Antetokounmpo plays or not. Milwaukee is now 17-19 when Antetokounmpo plays this season.
23. Dallas Mavericks (23-45)
Last ranking: 25
In the last week: L at ATL, W at MEM, L vs CLE, W at CLE
Offensive rating: 109.8 (27th place)Defensive rating: 114.5 (16th place)
2025 draft class: PF Cooper Flagg (first pick), PG Ryan Nembhard (undrafted), C Moussa Cissé (undrafted), SG John Poulakidas (undrafted)
The Mavericks split the week, and the win in Cleveland was particularly notable considering what happened the last time the Mavericks were in Ohio. That’s when Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd discussed trading Luka Dončić the night before getting walloped by 43 points on a Sunday afternoon. It helps to have Flagg, a great prospect who has not had an ideal or consistent roster around him. Flagg is 19 years old and averaging 20.2 points per game while not equipped with a consistent 3-point shot. Flagg’s best point guard has been Nembhard, who leads Dallas in assists (4.7 per game) despite being on the same team this season as D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams and Tyus Jones. Nembhard was promoted from a two-way contract last month. Two-way contract Cissé is unlikely to ever be strong offensively, but he has value as a pick-and-roll defender who can rack up blocks. Poulakidas earned a two-way contract last month after shooting in the high 40s from 3 with the San Diego Clippers.
24. New Orleans Pelicans (22-46)
Last ranking: 24
In the last week: W vs TOR, L at HOU
Offensive rating: 113.2 (21st place)Defensive rating: 117.5 (26th place)
2025 draft class: PG Jeremiah Fears (seventh pick), PF Derik Queen (13th pick), SF Micah Peavy (40th pick), C Hunter Dickinson (undrafted)
Dejounte Murray’s loud return to action is interesting for one more reason: Two of New Orleans’ best players play the same position as the team’s 2025 lottery picks, both of whom need the ball in their hands while struggling to defend. Fears has 11 20-point games this season; only Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe have more. Queen has nine 20-point games, but he is averaging 10 fewer minutes per game in March than he was in December, and Fears is playing fewer minutes per game in March than he has all season. All of this for a team that has more than twice as many losses as wins. Peavy has played 30 total minutes since January ended, though Peavy had a forgettable January offensively (69 points on 85 shots). Dickinson played just under five minutes in the season opener and hasn’t seen the court for New Orleans since; he’s spent most of his time with Birmingham on a two-way contract.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (23-43)
Last ranking: 23
In the last week: L at BRK, L at PHI, L vs DAL, L at DET
Offensive rating: 113.7 (20th place)Defensive rating: 116.5 (22nd place)
2025 draft class: SG Cedric Coward (11th pick), PG Walter Clayton Jr. (18th pick), PG Javon Small (48th pick), SG Jahmai Mashack (59th pick)
The Grizzlies are on a seven-game losing streak, and they have allowed at least 120 points in the last six of those games. That’s about all the basketball there is to speak of for this particular tank. Coward has had a solid rookie season, though it’s been two months since he’s had 20 points in a game. Clayton was included in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade and has helped make up for the absence of Ja Morant, but Clayton has had a hard time scoring (39.8 percent field goals in Utah, 34.4 percent in Memphis). Small and Mashack are on two-way contracts; Small has been quite good in his minutes (42.4 percent 3s, better than 3:1 assist-turnover ratio) while Mashack averages 1.2 steals per game.
Tier 5: Basement Floor
26. Sacramento Kings (18-51)
Last ranking: 28
In the last week: W vs IND, L vs CHA, W at LAC, W vs UTA
Offensive rating: 109.9 (26th place)Defensive rating: 119.4 (28th place)
2025 draft class: SF Nique Clifford (24th pick), C Maxime Raynaud (42nd pick), C Dylan Cardwell (undrafted)
The Kings have won four of their last five games. They had lost 20 of their previous 22 games. The win that stands out is the one in LA, where Russell Westbrook antagonized Kris Dunn and Kawhi Leonard injured himself while defending DeMar DeRozan. It’s actually been a strong year for Sacramento’s draft class. Clifford hasn’t mastered anything, but he has shown flashes of being a multi-tool player. Raynaud has seven 20-point games as a second-round center; he’s this year’s Kyle Filipowski. If the Kings could just keep Raynaud on offense and Cardwell on defense, they’d have a top player.
27. Utah Jazz (20-48)
Last ranking: 27
In the last week: W vs GS, L vs NY, L at POR, L at SAC
Offensive rating: 113.2 (22nd place)Defensive rating: 120.6 (30th place)
2025 draft class: SF Ace Bailey (fifth pick), SF Andersson Garcia (undrafted), PG Bez Mbeng (undrafted)
The Jazz keep rolling out skeleton crews, and they showed that they can win despite the circumstances. Unfortunately, Bailey is in concussion protocol. He hasn’t shown that he’s a difference-maker yet while sharing touches with Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen and Brice Sensabaugh. Garcia and Mbeng are on 10-day contracts and getting more than 30 minutes a game each.
28. Brooklyn Nets (17-50)
Last ranking: 26
In the last week: W vs MEM, L vs DET, L at ATL, L at PHI
Offensive rating: 109.4 (29th place)Defensive rating: 118.2 (27th place)
2025 draft class: PG Egor Demin (eighth pick), PG Nolan Traore (19th pick), SG Drake Powell (22nd pick), PG Ben Saraf (26th pick), PF Danny Wolf (27th pick), SF Chaney Johnson (undrafted)
The highlight of the week for the Nets was when Day’Ron Sharpe came off the bench to score a team-high 19 points against the Grizzlies. And that’s the last of Sharpe that you’ll see this season, as he underwent left thumb surgery. Sharpe is not the only one out for the season, as Demin’s left foot plantar fasciitis issues have cut his season short after 52 games played. Demin’s shooting was encouraging, but he has a long way to go on the ball. Traore is going to get all the run he can handle, along with Saraf, who has spent most of the season with Long Island. Powell is an off-ball player who has to improve his sub-30-percent 3-point shooting. Wolf has to figure out how to score (40.8 percent field goals). Johnson earned a two-way contract as a 3-and-D wing.
29. Washington Wizards (16-50)
Last ranking: 29
In the last week: L at MIA, L at ORL, L at BOS
Offensive rating: 109.5 (28th place)Defensive rating: 120.4 (29th place)
2025 draft class: SG Tre Johnson (sixth pick), SF Will Riley (21st pick), SF Jamir Watkins (43rd pick), C Juju Reese (undrafted)
In an effort to show a little bit more tact, the Wizards ate up Orlando’s 19-point lead before losing in overtime. A more humane, ethical way to lose, but part of an 11-game losing streak all the same. It’s been a rough stretch for Johnson lately, who has missed 20 of his last 24 shots entering Monday and is down to only 33.3 percent from the field in March after making only 23.1 percent from 3 in February. Johnson is still shooting 37.1 percent from 3, which is what he was drafted to do, so he’s still on track to be a future difference-maker. Someone has to play and take shots for this team, and Riley has seen a significant increase in minutes and usage since the All-Star break. Watkins was promoted off his two-way contract while being asked to defend land, sea and air. Reese is on a two-way contract and also gets MeBounds.
30. Indiana Pacers (15-53)
Last ranking: 30
In the last week: L at SAC, L vs PHO, L vs NY, L at MIL
Offensive rating: 108.8 (30th place)Defensive rating: 117.3 (24th place)
2025 draft class: PG Kam Jones (38th pick), SG Taelon Peter (54th pick)
Ivica Zubac finally made his Pacers debut! The losses have continued, though, with the Pacers on their second 13-game losing streak of the season. The rookies are not here to help. Jones has a strong assist-turnover ratio (2.8 assists, 0.9 turnovers per game) but hasn’t figured out how to score yet. Peter is on a two-way contract and has not shot well in his limited NBA minutes.
By Law Murray, via The Athletic