First impressions are everything. Early on in this NBA season, a lot of these rankings are still very fluid. My ranking system isn’t an exact science by any stretch. I value recent play and factor that into the rankings, but also want to keep an eye looking forward to who can really make some noise once it’s playoff time when the games really start to count. Without further ado, here are the first Trainwreck NBA Power Rankings.

The Top Shelf

1. Los Angeles Lakers (6-2)

First Impressions:

This a completely different looking team from last year, but it might be a better version. They have lost some of their intimidation factor on the defensive end after losing Dwight Howard and Javale McGee. But offensively?  This team might be special. The additions of Schroeder and Harrell have changed the trajectory of their bench and their offense. Schroeder is special, and the perfect addition to this group. Kuzma has been able to cook with less pressure on him to be the third scorer. The roles are more defined this year and it’s a team with a championship pedigree where everyone is falling in the line with what they need to do to win. Oh yeah, and they still have Lebron James and Anthony Davis. The champs stay #1

2. Philadelphia 76ers (7-1)

First Impressions

Is this me, getting fooled yet again by the Sixers looking good in the regular season? Yes, yes it is. Joel Embiid is off to his usual impressive start, he’s been putting up MVP level numbers. Daryl Morey built this roster nicely around his two stars. Is Simmons still on the block if they keep this up?

3. Los Angeles Clippers (6-3)

First Impressions

Let’s wait and see. This looks to be a lot like the Clippers of last year. They have got the juice to win a lot of regular-season games. Paul George has looked great and Serge Ibaka is one of the best additions of the off-season. But let’s wait and see. 

4. Phoenix Suns (5-2) 

First Impressions

This team is a title contender. No, that isn’t hyperbole. Chris Paul isn’t even shooting that well to start the year, but once that starts clicking for him the sky is the limit. They are loaded with talent who knows their roles. Mikal Bridges has been a revelation on the floor and for my fantasy team. His scoring bursts and defensive versatility have been key to a hot start for the Suns. 

5. Indiana Pacers (6-2)

First Impressions

Sabonis is an MVP candidate and Oladipo is finding his old form finally. Brogdon and Oladipo might be one of the best guard tandems in the NBA this year. People wrote off the Pacers after their first-round exit, but missing Sabonis was a killer to them. This team is back with a vengeance. 

6. Milwaukee Bucks (5-3)

First Impressions

Giannis is still doing Giannis things. They look eerily similar to past years’ squads. Can they change their playoff fortunes?

7. Boston Celtics (6-3)

First Impressions

Jaylen Brown > Jayson Tatum. Brad Stevens, this is for you. I know it might seem crazy, but you’ll figure it out eventually. Or lose again the playoffs. Your choice. 

8. Brooklyn Nets (4-4)

First Impressions

The Nets are fun, but man, they cannot play any defense. The loss of Spencer Dinwiddie is going to hurt this team more than people realize because he really is the only other primary ballhandler besides Kyrie Irving. That puts a lot on Kyrie, who would rather be a scorer at most times. They need to make a move to improve their perimeter defense because these guys are sieves right now and the answer is not on the roster. 

9. Orlando Magic (6-2)

First Impressions

I do not anticipate the Magic staying in the top 10 of these rankings the whole year, but they’ve looked damn good and they’re a team with a lot of continuity from years past which has benefited them after the haphazard offseason.

 10. New York Knicks (5-3)

First Impression

Knicks? Not in the bottom half of the league? Believe it. Julius Randle turned into Chris Webber over the offseason. RJ Barrett never deserved the criticism he received in his rookie year and was unfairly compared to Zion all year. Now they are using him in a proper role as a playmaker and it’s paying dividends. 

Muddled Middle

11. Atlanta Hawks (4-4)

First Impressions

Trae Young is doing his best James Harden impression. They optimized this roster over the offseason to build around Young’s strengths and it has shown so far. They are a dangerous team in the East once they get rolling, but their defense will be a question all year. 

12. Utah Jazz (4-4)

First Impressions

I watched Rudy Gobert get dominated by Jaret Allen last night against the Nets. Why is this guy getting a supermax? Didn’t understand it then, still don’t now. This team is good, but the ceiling remains the same.

13. New Orleans Pelicans (4-4)

First Impression

Brandon Ingram remains a DOG. If Zion keeps developing next to him into the superstar we are expecting him to be, this team will be a tough out for anyone in the playoffs because their defensive ceiling is ELITE. 

14. Dallas Mavericks (3-4)

First Impression

Luka needs a co-star. Whether that’s a healthy Porzingis, or someone via a trade (James Harden anyone?). 

15. Miami Heat (3-4)

First Impression

Weird start to the year for this team. Getting blown out by the Bucks was not ideal. Is this really a Finals candidate or was last year an anomaly?

16. Portland Trail Blazers (3-4)

First Impression

I like this roster, but it hasn’t all clicked together yet. They got smoked by Steph Curry for 62 on Sunday Night. That type of thing can’t happen to a title contender. 

17. Denver Nuggets (3-4)

First Impression

Jokic is an MVP candidate again, but Jamal Murray is not living up to his bubble standards. This team lost depth in the offseason and it’s showing on a night to night basis. But the focus here is on Jokic, who is currently leading the NBA in assists as a Center which is unheard of. 

18. Golden State Warriors (4-4)

First Impression

Disrespect Steph at your own peril. 

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-4)

First Impression

 Collin Sexton might be a superstar in the East. That is not hyperbole. He is averaging almost 27 points a game and dominating like a top PG in the league would. The roster around him is solid, especially with the emergence of Garland and typical outstanding play from Drummond. They’re gonna make noise in the east. 

20. Houston Rockets (2-4)

First Impression

James Harden is still really good. Trade James Harden. 

The Bottom Ten

21. Sacramento Kings (4-4)
22. San Antonio Spurs (3-4)
23. Chicago Bulls (4-5)
24. Washington Wizards (2-6)
25. Memphis Grizzlies (2-5)
26. Toronto Raptors (1-6)
27. Charlotte Hornets (3-5)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-4)
29. Detroit Pistons (1-7)
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-5)