National Basketball Association

NBA Power Rankings: San Antonio Spurs Impress; Golden State Warriors Don't

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:05 p.m. ET

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October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward David West (3) and forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 129-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In our first installment of NBA Power Rankings for the 2016-17 season, we breakdown each NBA team after the first week of the season

The 2016-17 NBA season is here. And the first week didn’t disappoint.

No more summer league, no more preseason and no more meaningless predictions that won’t matter in roughly two weeks. While hot-taking is fun, and somewhat necessary in the dog days of July and August, there’s no question that it’s much better to turn on the TV and watch the best sport the world has to offer.

The other great part about the beginning of the season, is that every team has hope. At least for a while.

From the Golden State Warriors falling back to reality rather quickly and the San Antonio Spurs looking like world beaters, let’s get to the fallout from the first week of the year.

Here is the first edition of the 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings.

Philadelphia 76ers

0-2

Last week: 0-2Last rank: -

As you’d expect, the Philadelphia 76ers are 0-2 to start the season. However, their record isn’t the story – nor will it be the story at any point this season. Instead, the focus should be on how great Joel Embiid has looked.

Through two games, Embiid is averaging 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks per game. While those are solid stats, the fact that he’s only averaging 19 minutes per game makes those numbers look even more unbelievable.

Per 36, Embiid is averaging 32 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. That’s insane. He’s the real deal, and that’s why Sixers fans should be excited about their future.

Oct 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) dribbles the ball past Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

Credit the Brooklyn Nets. They’re not rolling over this season. Even though they may not have as much talent as many of the other teams in the Eastern Conference, it’s pretty clear that they’re going to be in a lot of games this season.

With that said, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily going to win many either. However, the fact that this team is fighting is a positive sign. After all, I’m not sure a team led by Kenny Atkinson is going to let this team waste this season away.

One thing to keep an eye on this season regarding the Nets, however, is whether or not they decide to sell at the NBA Trade Deadline and try to regain some of the assets that they lost.

New Orleans Pelicans

0-3

Last week: 0-3Last rank: -

Anthony Davis is good. Really good. After opening the season with 50 point and 45 point games, respectively, Davis is averaging 38 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks per game.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans are 0-3 on the season. Davis simply doesn’t have enough help around him in order to keep this team afloat. And that’s just not fair. Davis deserves better than this.

Hopefully, this team’s young players continue to improve as the season progresses and this team actually flourishes into a decent squad.

Oct 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson talks with guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors won 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

0-3

Last week: 0-3Last rank: -

The Phoenix Suns are off to a bit of a disappointing start. No, not many expected them to make the playoffs this season, much less compete in the West, but I did expect the to be much better than they were last season.

Instead, they’ve gotten off to a lackluster 0-3 start. Throw the Warriors loss out the window – there was no way they were winning that game either way – though they did have two winnable games against the Thunder and Kings to start the season. The fact that they lost both is a little disappointing.

Oct 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots a three pointer against the Miami Heat during the second half at Amway Center. Miami Heat defeated the Orlando Magic 108-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

0-3

Last week: 0-3Last rank: -

The Orlando Magic opened the season with a bit of a tough schedule. They played the Pistons, Heat and Cavs. It was an opportunity for the team to prove that they are for real, and that they will be competing for a playoff spot this season.

Instead, they proved that they might be a huge dumpster fire.

Frank Vogel, Serge Ibaka, Bismack Biyombo – maybe it was all a mistake? Right now, it’s hard to argue that it’s not. This team doesn’t have an identity and looks like a team that doesn’t know how to play with each other.

Orlando better turn this around quickly. If not, they could be HUGE sellers at the NBA Trade Deadline.

Oct 28, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

0-3

Last week: 0-3Last rank: -

The bad news for the Dallas Mavericks is that they’re 0-3. The good news is that Harrison Barnes is having a better start to the regular season than he did to the preseason. After shooting in the 20 percentile in the preseason, Barnes has scored 19, 31 and 10 through his first three games.

I know this doesn’t add to the win column right now, but the fact that Barnes isn’t a total train wreck has to be great news for everyone in that organization. Especially after the way he looked during preseason.

Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) passes the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

Believe it or not, but the Los Angeles Lakers actually look OK. They clearly going to be better than they were last season and are definitely going to be a lot of fun to follow this season.

The confidence that D’Angelo Russell is playing with is a game-changer. If that’s all he was missing from last season, it should pay dividends for the Lakers this season. Even though Brandon Ingram isn’t starting, there is still reason for optimism on that front too.

Julius Randle’s game has also expanded, and he can pretty much do everything asked of him. Watch the Lakers. They’re not the bore they were the last few seasons. I guarantee that.

Oct 30, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

After losing Khris Middleton for at least the next few months, the Milwaukee Bucks are struggling, as you’d expect them to. Thankfully, the Brooklyn Nets were on their early schedule in order to sidestep an awful start.

Still, they only managed to pull out a two-point victory over what many believe is the worst team in the NBA.

There’s still a lot of work to be done on the Bucks part if they want to even be in the playoff race in the East this season. Unfortunately, I’m not sure they have enough horses.

Oct 30, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) scores a basket past San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Spurs won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

No Dwyane Wade. No Chris Bosh. Yes, those are the storylines that we’ve been programmed to follow regarding the Miami Heat. Although, through one game and a half, this team looked good. Then, after beating the Orlando Magic in their season opener and then building a 19-point lead in their home opener against the Charlotte Hornets, this team fell back to reality a bit.

Now, after blowing a big lead against the Hornets and losing to the Spurs, the Heat are 1-2.

With the Raptors, Thunder, Bulls, Jazz and Spurs (again) on their schedule over the next two weeks, it could get a lot worse before it begins to get better.

Oct 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) reacts to a call in the first quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

0-2

Last week: 0-2Last rank: -

The Washington Wizards have one of the most dynamic backcourts the NBA has to offer, with John Wall and Bradley Beal. Though, through two games, that hasn’t seemed to matter.

Even though not many expected the Wizards to be a contender in the Eastern Conference this season, many did expect this team to at the very least be in the playoff race.

The fact that this team is 0-2 to start the season isn’t great. In fairness, it isn’t the end of the world either. It could be better, though.

Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

0-2

Last week: 0-2Last rank: -

After being nearly everyone’s NBA darlings heading into this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have gotten off to a shaky start – to say the least. The Wolves opened the season with a loss against the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies and then dropped a game to the Sacramento Kings.

For what many expected the Wolves to be this season, those two losses have to be considered bad. No way around it.

On the flipside, Karl-Anthony Towns looks absolutely amazing. There’s no way a guy his size is supposed to be able to do the things he does on the basketball court.

Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

1-1

Last week: 1-1Last rank: -

To say that the New York Knicks were embarrassed by the defending NBA Champions on opening night would be a huge understatement. However, they did do a nice job of bouncing back against a beat-up Memphis Grizzlies team.

In the NBA, a win is a win. No matter who it is against.

With that said, because of how bad the Knicks looked against the Cavs, it’s difficult to get a good gauge on how good this team really is. No matter what, this team still has to be considered a work in progress.

Oct 29, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) takes a shot against Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) as time expires at the Pepsi Center. The Trail Blazers won 115-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

1-1

Last week: 1-1Last rank: -

I’m not sure how good or bad the Denver Nuggets are right now, sitting at 1-1 after beating the New Orleans Pelicans and dropping a game to the Portland Trail Blazers, but they sure are fun.

The one big concern is the same as last season – Emmanuel Mudiay. There’s a real questions as to whether or not he will ever develop into a good point guard in the NBA.

In today’s game, he seems like an ideal fit. He’s athletic, big and fast. Problem is, he still can’t shoot.

Oct 29, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Matt Barnes (22) after being fouled controlling a rebound in the final 0.2 seconds of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings won 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

Believe it or not, but the Sacramento Kings have gotten off to a pretty good start to the season. They’re 2-1 and their lone loss came at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, which was expected.

Their best win, however, was against the Minnesota Timberwolves where DeMarcus Cousins and his 29 points got the best of the KAT.

With that said, I’m certainly not expecting the Kings to keep this momentum going. Sacramento has burned me a ton. Just when I start believing that they could really surprise people, they begin to fold.

Right now, they’re still in prove it mode.

Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson (33) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

Like the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Utah Jazz were one of the trendy picks of the summer in the Western Conference. Though, they too are off to a lackluster start to the season.

However, without Gordon Hayward, this is a bit more expected. I don’t think anyone believed they’d be perfectly fine without their best player. While he’s still expected to miss a few more weeks, all you can really ask from the Jazz is to stay afloat.

In other words, hover around .500 or better until reinforcements return.

Oct 28, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Miles (0) dunks the ball over Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris (12) and guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

1-2

Last week: 1-2Last rank: -

Maybe we were all just wrong about the Indiana Pacers? I know it’s an extremely small sample size compared to an 82-game season, but you can’t be happy with the early returns.

The Pacers traded away George Hill in order to bring in Jeff Teague. For instance, in his last two games (two Pacer losses), Teague has shot 2-20 from the field and has scored four points. That’s simply not going to cut it.

Right now, the Pacers are failing expectations. However, you can’t help but wonder whether we all just missed the mark on the new-look Pacers.

Oct 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) yells to the fans in a break in action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

3-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: -

The Oklahoma City Thunder may not be winning pretty, but they’re winning nonetheless. And Russell Westbrook is already beginning to post some outrageous stat lines.

Against the Phoenix Suns, Russ dropped 51 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. Problem is, he took 44 shots. Not the greatest of efficiency but it might be the type of games that the Thunder will need in order to win.

OKC plays the Warriors – and Kevin Durant – later this week. That should be must-see TV.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

The Houston Rockets, if nothing else this season, are going to be one of the best NBA League Pass watches of the year. They’re also going to score a significant amount of points, and James Harden is going to have the occasional insane state line throughout the year.

That’s just what Mike D’Antoni’s system does – even moreso in today’s game.

Question is, do the Rockets have enough to make the to 8 in the West? Through three games, that’s almost impossible to predict. Either way, you’re going to want to continue watching the Rockets this season – good or bad.

Oct 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) celebrates after making a three point shot in overtime against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Washington 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

It’s difficult to judge the Memphis Grizzlies right now because they’re not 100 percent. A few of their key players have been in and out of the lineup – even through only two games – and Chandler Parson has still yet to make his Grizzly debut.

With that said, the fact that Marc Gasol has looked good so far this season is definitely a good sign.

If this team can build off that, and get healthy, you’d have to like this team’s chances in a much-watered down Western Conference – you know, other than the Golden State Warriors.

Oct 30, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) celebrates with forward Stanley Johnson (7) during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

After a disappointing 18-point loss against the Toronto Raptors in the first game of the season, the undermanned Detroit Pistons – who will continue to be without Reggie Jackson for at least the next few weeks – bounced back against the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks

With high expectations coming into the season, it’s going to be interesting to follow how this team continues to survive the first couple of weeks of the season without Jackson.

If nothing else, it’s something to note.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford argues a call in the second half against the Boston Celtics at the Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

As expected, the Charlotte Hornets got off to a strong start to the season after knocking off the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, which included a 19-point comeback in the second half, in their first two games.

Even though I can’t fault the Hornets for losing to the Boston Celtics on a second night of a back-to-back, it should be noted that the Celtics were also playing their third game in four nights. No matter how talented you are, that’s not an easy task by any means.

With that said, the Hornets look like a team that will be battling for a top 4 seed in the East. After losing Jeremy Lin, Courtney Lee and Al Jefferson, that’s a really good sign.

Oct 29, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) guards Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Trail Blazers won 115-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

At 2-1, the Portland Trail Blazers are off to a solid start. Even though I’m still not completely sold on this team being a top 5 squad in the Western Conference, it looks like Damian Lillard is even better than last season.

And having one special player, which Dame is right now, could be the only thing that matters for Portland this season. It might be enough to catapult them into the top 4, especially in a watered down West.

Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) talks with referee Mark Lindsay (29) during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

2-0

Last week: 2-0Last rank: -

Maybe we were all wrong about the Chicago Bulls. Because through two games, their “lack of shooting” doesn’t seem to be much of an option. Specifically, the combination of Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler are 9-18 from three-point range on the season.

I’m confident that if the Bulls continue to shoot 50 percent from three-point range, they’re going to be OK. In fact, they’ll be a really good team if that’s the case.

However, don’t expect that trend to keep up. In fact, in the second game alone, the trio shot 0-4.

Still, it’s an interesting storyline to follow as the season unwinds. No matter how you chop it up, though, 2-0 is still 2-0.

Oct 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) dribbles as Philadelphia 76ers forward Jerami Grant (39) defends during the fourth quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 104-72. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

2-0

Last week: 2-0Last rank: -

After taking care of business in their first two games of the season – against the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers – the Atlanta Hawks look like a team that is picking up where they left off over the past two seasons.

Dwight Howard has looked more than solid after his season-opening performance against the Wizards, even though he got a bit banged up against the Sixers.

Hopefully, Dwight can avoid the “big” injury this season. If he can, don’t count out the Hawks as a potential dark horse in the East.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) goes up for a shot against Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) at the Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

The Celtics are only 2-1 on the season, which included a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bulls, but you can blame the schedule makers on that. They gave the C’s a scheduled loss on the third day of the NBA season.

Boston had to open the season with a back-to-back. They dropped their second game of the season, to the Bulls, on the road. The fact that Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo – all noted below average three-point shooters – transformed into Kyle Korver in their season opener didn’t help mattes either. Though, that’s kind of a game you throw out. The Celtics are going to win a lot of games this season.

Oct 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) defends during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

1-1

Last week: 1-1Last rank: -

The Toronto Raptors may not have Bismack Biyombo anymore, but they’re still really good. That somehow got forgotten over the last few months. They were in position to knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers, but ended up losing by three.

It’s not a bad loss, especially considering it was fresh off their 18-point beatdown of the Detroit Pistons.

The Raptors are going to win a lot of regular season games this season. Not much has changed for this team, especially as long as Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are front and center.

Question is, can this team get over the LeBron-sized hump in the playoffs?

Oct 30, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) along with center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) in the first half of the game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Clippers won 88-75. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

LA Clippers

2-0

Last week: 2-0Last rank: -

We haven’t seen the Clippers much to start the season, but in the two games that we’ve seen them they’ve looked like the old Clippers. And that means they’re – again – going to win a lot of regular season games.

The question is always about the postseason for this team, though. Beating the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, two teams who many believe will be in the playoffs this season, is a good start for the Clippers though.

Oct 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after scoring a basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors won 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

2-1

Last week: 2-1Last rank: -

After getting absolutely annihilated by the San Antonio Spurs on opening night, the Golden State Warriors got back to their winning ways – as well as integrating Kevin Durant – thanks to the Pelicans and Suns.

This Thursday, though, we get our first Thunder-Warriors matchup of the season. That could prove to be…well, interesting to say the least.

You’re going to want to be near a TV screen to catch that game, even if the Warriors blow the Thunder out. The KD-Russ tension, especially after everything’s that been said in the media, should be great television. For a while, at least.

Oct 30, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is pressured by Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Spurs won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

4-0

Last week: 4-0Last rank: -

The San Antonio Spurs are a damn machine. Don’t ever count them out. I, along with many of you, made that mistake this summer. The Spurs, after the construction of the new-look Warriors, became an afterthought.

However, that should no longer be the case. The Spurs annihilated the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on opening night. They beat them by 29, and it didn’t even feel that close.

Perhaps the scariest part about the Spurs’ start to the season? Kawhi Leonard looks like he’s taken another step in his progression. Looking for the NBA MVP favorite? Look no further than Kawhi.

Oct 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) defends during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

3-0

Last week: 3-0Last rank: -

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still good. Through three games, that has been confirmed. However, as always is the case, this team will not be judged by anything they accomplish in the regular season.

One interesting storyline to follow with this team is whether or not they decide to move pieces in order to acquire a backup point guard. They could either move Iman Shumpert, use one of their trade exceptions or sign a street free agent, such as Mario Chalmers or Kirk Hinrich.

Either way, so far the Cavs are doing exactly what we’d expect the Cavs to do.