{"id":57116,"date":"2023-10-24T20:28:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T00:28:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=57116"},"modified":"2023-10-24T20:28:44","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T00:28:44","slug":"2023-24-nba-power-rankings-first-of-regular-season-and-who-are-the-players-make-or-break-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/10\/24\/2023-24-nba-power-rankings-first-of-regular-season-and-who-are-the-players-make-or-break-season\/","title":{"rendered":"2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: First of Regular Season and Who Are The Players Make Or Break Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2023-24 NBA<\/strong> <\/a>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.<\/p>\n

2023-24 NBA Power Rankings: First of Regular Season and Who Are The Players Make Or Break Season<\/h3>\n

Here is a look at the second complete edition of my power rankings<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

1. Phoenix Suns (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> is out indefinitely after successful surgery to repair his right meniscus.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Bol Bol<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Boston Celtics (0-0), No Movement<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>, Neemais Queta<\/a><\/strong> (2-way), Sam Hauser<\/strong><\/a>, and Svi Mykhailiuk<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Luke Kornet<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Milwaukee Bucks (0-0), No Movement<\/strong><\/div>\n
Milwaukee went 3-2 during the preseason. Surprisingly, offense was a problem for the Bucks. But Khris Middleton<\/strong><\/a> is still getting his feet under him as he played in the Bucks’ preseason finale, marking his first appearance since getting injured last season. Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/strong><\/a>, who agreed to a three-year extension on Monday, and Damian Lillard<\/strong><\/a> missed two of the preseason contests.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Cam Payne<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
4. Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)<\/strong><\/div>\n
The Lakers went 2-4 during the preseason with defense and turnovers. Austin Reaves<\/strong><\/a>, D’Angelo Russell,<\/strong> <\/a>and Taurean Princ<\/strong><\/a>e had a good preseason. Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a><\/strong> (heel) is officially out for the season opener.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Max Christie<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

5. Denver Nuggets (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n
Denver lost a lot from its second unit this offseason. The Nuggets went 3-2 as rebounding and turnovers were an issue. Julian Strawther<\/strong><\/a> and Zeke Nnaji<\/strong> <\/a>had outstanding preseasons, while the Nuggets starters also were strong. There is much concern about their bench. Vlatko Cancar<\/strong> <\/a>is out indefinitely as he recovers from knee surgery.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: None<\/div>\n

6. Sacramento Kings (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> produced a strong preseason, while Alex Len<\/strong> <\/a>also played well.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Kessler Edwards<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7. Philadelphia 76ers (0-0)<\/h3>\n
Philadelphia’s season likely hinges on whether James Harden,<\/strong><\/a> who is tending to his ill mother, returns to the team and goes “all out” or not. The 76ers went 2-2 in the preseason as Joel Embiid only played one game, and Harden sat out all of the contests. De’Anthony Melton<\/strong><\/a>, Tobias Harris<\/strong><\/a>, and Tyrese Maxey<\/strong><\/a> had solid preseasons. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/strong><\/a>, who had a decent preseason, could be the key for the Sixers’ second unit.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break: Jaden Springer<\/strong><\/a>, and Furkan Korkmaz<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

8. New York Knicks (0-0), Moved Up One Spot<\/h3>\n

New York went 1-3 as the Knicks struggled during the preseason as turnovers and their defense were issues. Josh Hart<\/strong> <\/a>didn’t play much this preseason. The Knicks starters played well while their reserves struggled on both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Quentin Grimes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9. Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0), Moved Up One Spot\u00a0<\/strong><\/div>\n
Cleveland went 1-3 during the preseason as the Cavs committed 20 turnovers a game. Rebounding was also an issue for the Cavs, who played extremely fast. Ty Jerome<\/strong><\/a>, Dean Wade,<\/strong> <\/a>and Isaac Okoro<\/strong><\/a> had an exceptional preseason.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Okoro<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

10. Memphis Grizzlies (0-0), Dropped Two Places<\/h3>\n
Memphis has significant questions in the frontcourt with Steven Adams (out for the season) and Brandon Clarke out indefinitely as he recovers from offseason surgery. The Grizzlies also will be without Ja Morant for the first 25 games.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Memphis went 2-3 in the preseason, with shooting and turnovers being the major issue.\u00a0Marcus Smart<\/strong> <\/a>only appeared in one preseason game, and Derrick Rose<\/strong><\/a> played in three. Desmond Bane<\/a>, Jaren Jackson Jr<\/a><\/strong>., Santi Aldama,<\/strong><\/a> Ziaire Williams,<\/strong><\/a> and Xavier Tillman<\/strong><\/a> had strong preseasons.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break: None<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

11. Los Angeles Clippers (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

The Clippers went 2-2 in the preseason. The Clippers two losses were mainly due to poor shooting. Kawhi Leonard<\/strong><\/a> and Paul George<\/strong><\/a> averaged less than 19 minutes in their three appearances, while Russell Westbrook<\/strong><\/a> saw almost 33 minutes of action in two games. Terance Mann,<\/strong><\/a> who didn’t have a great preseason, earned the Clippers fifth starting spot. Bones Hyland<\/strong> <\/a>had a pretty good preseason, though he did struggle shooting the ball from deep.<\/p>\n

Make or Break: Hyland<\/p>\n

12. Golden State Warriors (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n
The Warriors went 4-1 in the preseason as they played their starters quite a bit, comparably speaking. The Dubs’ reserves played exceptionally well while the starters struggled a bit. Moses Moody<\/strong><\/a> and Jonathan Kuminga<\/strong> <\/a>were outstanding, while Brandin Podziemski<\/strong><\/a> showed promise as a playmaker. Draymond Green<\/strong> <\/a>(ankle) will miss at least the season opener.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Moody<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

Oklahoma City went 2-3 during the preseason. The Thunder were excellent offensively and played at a fast pace.\u00a0 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/strong><\/a> only played in two games. Chet Holmgren<\/strong><\/a>, Kenrich Williams<\/strong><\/a>, and Josh Giddey<\/strong><\/a> were outstanding during preseason action, while severa others had strong performances.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Alexsej Pokusevski<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> had a fabulous exhibition season, while Luka Garza<\/strong> <\/a>(2-way) was also pretty good.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Wendell Moore Jr.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

15. Dallas Mavericks (0-0), Moved Down One Spot<\/h3>\n

Dallas went 1-3 during the preseason, as shooting was an issue for the Mavericks. While Luka Doncic<\/strong><\/a> didn’t may a whole bunch, Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/strong> <\/a>and Josh Green<\/strong> <\/a>played well.<\/p>\n

Make or Break: Jaden Hardy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

16. Miami Heat (0-0), Moved Down One Spot<\/h3>\n

Miami went 2-3 in the preseason, losing its last two contests. Turnovers were an issue for the Heat. Tyler Herro<\/strong><\/a> had a strong preseason, but Jamal Cain<\/strong><\/a> was exceptional.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
Make or Break: Haywood Highsmith<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

17. Atlanta Hawks (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n
The Hawks went 3-2 during the exhibition slate with a -2.2 point differential. Turnovers, rim-protection, and 3-point shooting were an issue during the preseason. Saddiq Bey<\/strong><\/a> and Jalen Johnson<\/strong><\/a> played pretty well.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break: Bey<\/div>\n

18. New Orleans Pelicans (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

New Orleans went 1-3 during the preseason and could be without three rotational players to start the season. Trey Murphy III<\/strong><\/a> (knee) and Naji Marshall<\/strong> <\/a>(knee) are out a while. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado<\/strong><\/a> (ankle) is questionable for the season opener.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Kira Lewis Jr<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

19. Brooklyn Nets (0-0), No Movement<\/h3>\n

Brooklyn went 2-2 during the preseason. Cam Johnson<\/strong> <\/a>didn’t play during the preseason, while the Nets’ other top players struggled a little on the defensive end. Meanwhile, Lonnie Walker IV<\/strong><\/a> and Royce O’Neale<\/strong><\/a> led the way.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Trendon Watford<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

20. Orlando Magic (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots<\/h3>\n

Orlando went 3-1 as the Magic were excellent defensively. Franz Wagner<\/strong><\/a>, who helped Germany win the FIBA World Cup, was among several players who had a solid preseason. After reportedly looking to trade Cole Anthony<\/strong><\/a>, the Magic surprisingly inked him to a three-year extension.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Caleb Houstan<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

21. Chicago Bulls (0-0) Moved Down One Spot<\/h3>\n

Chicago went 1-4 during the preseason. Zach LaVine<\/strong><\/a> only played three games, though he played well in the games.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Dalen Terry<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

22. Indiana Pacers (0-0) Moved Down One Spot<\/h3>\n
Indiana went 2-2 during this preseason. Andrew Nembhard<\/strong><\/a> played one game, while Tyrese Haliburton<\/strong><\/a> appeared in two of the games. Haliburton played well, as did Obi Toppin<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Jordan Nwora<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

23. Houston Rockets (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong> Jr. <\/strong><\/a>led six players in double figures. However, the Rockets will be without Tari Eason<\/strong><\/a> for 2-to-3 weeks with a stress fracture.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Jae’Sean Tate<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

24. Toronto Raptors (0-0), Moved Up Two Spots<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> was among several Raps’ regulars to produce a sensational preseason.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Malachi Flynn<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

25. Portland Trail Blazers (0-0) Moved Down Two Spots<\/h3>\n
Portland went 1-3 during the preseason. While the Trail Blazers shot the ball well, they had trouble defending, mainly not fouling. Malcolm Brogdon<\/strong><\/a> and Deandre Ayton<\/strong><\/a> only played in two of the contests. But there are serious concerns about the Blazers backcourt defense.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Moses Brown<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

26. Utah Jazz (0-0) Moved Down Two Spots<\/h3>\n
Utah went 3-2 during the preseason, with their biggest win being a 20-point victory over the New Zealand Breakers. Walker Kessler<\/strong><\/a>, Lauri Markkanan<\/strong><\/a>, and the Jazz’s three first-rounders appear to be the team’s building blocks.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Make or Break Candidate: Luka Samanic<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n
\n

27. Washington Wizards (0-0), Moved Up One Spot<\/h3>\n

The Wizards went 3-1 during preseason play. Jordan Poole can score, but finding some consistency will be key. Two other players, Kyle Kuzma<\/strong><\/a> and Deni Avdija,<\/strong><\/a> who signed big extensions this offseason, played well, as did Tyus Jones<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidates: Johnny Davis<\/strong> <\/a>and Patrick Baldwin Jr<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

28. San Antonio Spurs (0-0), Moved Up One Spot<\/h3>\n

The Spurs went 3-2 in the preseason. Not sure how Gregg Popovich will play out the season, but Victor Wembanyama<\/strong><\/a> could be a once-in-a-generation player. Devin Vassell<\/strong><\/a> and Zach Collins<\/strong><\/a>, who is questionable for the season opener, received contract extensions and played well this preseason.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Cedi Osman<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

29. Detroit Pistons (0-0), Moved Down Two Spots<\/h3>\n

Detroit went 2-2 in the preseason. Cade Cunningham<\/strong><\/a> is back, and Ausar Thompson<\/strong> <\/a>continued to show promise. However, Bojan Bogdanovic<\/strong><\/a>, Monte Morris,<\/strong><\/a> and Isaiah Livers<\/strong><\/a> are out for the first month or so.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Killian Hayes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

30. Charlotte Hornets (0-0)<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> is a star, and the Hornets have a decent starting lineup. Rookie Brandon Miller<\/strong> <\/a>continues to struggle with his shot, and Miles Bridges<\/strong> <\/a>will miss at least the first 10 games.<\/p>\n

Make or Break Candidate: Bridges<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":57459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,1608,5,6,7,8,9,30,20,10,25,31,11,27,26,32,16,15,21,62,33,12,22,17,13,28,23,29,34,14,24,18],"tags":[511],"class_list":["post-57116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hawks","category-basketball","category-celtics","category-nets","category-hornets","category-bulls","category-cavaliers","category-mavericks","category-nuggets","category-pistons","category-warriors","category-rockets","category-pacers","category-clippers","category-lakers","category-grizzlies","category-heat","category-bucks","category-timberwolves","category-nba","category-pelicans","category-knicks","category-thunder","category-magic","category-76ers","category-suns","category-trailblazers","category-kings","category-spurs","category-raptors","category-jazz","category-wizards","tag-nba-power-rankings"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57116"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57116\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}