NBA Top-10: November 12

Story posted November 12, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Dempsky

Throughout the first three weeks of the NBA season, there have been numerous surprise teams, and also teams that have played to their expectations.

Here are the top ten teams in the NBA so far in the 2021-2022 season.

1. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are by far and away the most complete team in the league so far, and the most deserving of the top spot in the rankings.

Golden State has the current MVP favorite Stephen Curry, and are expected to get back sharpshooter Klay Thompson back from injury soon. Look out for Golden State as they sit at 9-1.

2. Utah Jazz

The Jazz have been one of the best regular-season teams the last few years, and that is continuing so far in 2021.

The Jazz, led by offensive superstar Donovan Mitchell, have been one of the best offensive teams in the league.

Expect Utah to challenge the Warriors for the regular-season title this year.

3. Miami Heat

The Heat are off to a great start after a down year last year. Jimmy Butler has played like a top-five player this year, and Bam Adebayo is one of the best defensive players in the league.

The addition of Kyle Lowry has helped Miami regain their reputation as the toughest team in the league and a 7-3 record.

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Does Philadelphia need Ben Simmons?

The 76ers are 8-3, and have the best three-point percentage as a team so far, shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc.

Joel Embiid just tested positive for COVID-19, so the 76ers will have to tread water until the superstar center returns.

5. Chicago Bulls

All of the Bulls’ offseason acquisitions have paid off so far.

Demar Derozan is playing like an all-star again, Lonzo Ball is the exact playmaker Chicago needed him to be and Alex Caruso is the “3-and-D” player they expected when plucking him away from the Lakers.

Zach Lavine continues to shine, and the Bulls are still building the chemistry needed to become a championship contender.

6. Brooklyn Nets

After all the early struggles of James Harden and the Nets, Brooklyn is now 7-4, and Kevin Durant is continuing to prove why he is a top two player in basketball.

The major question for the future of the Nets: Will Kyrie Irving play for them this year? That question will decide a lot for the future outcome of Brooklyn’s season.

7. Washington Wizards

The decision to trade Russell Westbrook has proved to be the correct one for Washington.

Montrezl Harrell has looked like the sixth man of the year from a few seasons ago, and Kyle Kuzma has been a productive role player for the Wizards.

The offseason signing of Spencer Dinwiddie has paid off, and Bradley Beal continues to be one of the best pure scorers in the NBA.

Now, can the Wizards keep it up?

8. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers only sit at 5-4, but have won their past four games. Paul George has played like a superstar without Kawhi Leonard, who continues to rehab from his knee injury.

Reggie Jackson has continued his stellar play from last playoffs, and Luke Kennard has been a solid role player for Los Angeles.

If the Clippers can be in the playoff hunt until Leonard returns, look out for Los Angeles.

9. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have been a surprise this year in the Eastern Conference.

Fourth overall pick Scottie Barnes has been the best rookie in the NBA, OG Anunoby has finally developed into the two-way player Toronto expected him to be and Fred VanVleet has played well as the main guard without Kyle Lowry.

If Pascal Siakam can play to his potential when he returns from injury, the Raptors can be right back in the playoffs.

10. New York Knicks

Julius Randle continues to prove last year was not a fluke, as the Knicks sit at 7-4.

They have cooled down as of late, but with Tom Thibodeau as a coach, expect the Knicks to grit and grind every night.

Jack Dempsky is a first-year majoring in business management. To contact him, email jmd7563@psu.edu.