NBA Top-10 Rankings: Jan. 13

Story posted January 13, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Dempsky

Klay Thompson is officially back for the Golden State Warriors. Golden State, who owns the best record in the league, is now even more dangerous, but other teams have begun to get hot.

Here are the latest top-10 teams in the NBA.

1. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are back to the level of their previous championship teams.

Even though Steph Curry is in a slump, they continue to win and hold the best record in the league.

The return of Klay Thompson should only strengthen their grip on the No. 1 ranking.

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 2021-22.

Rudy Gobert is a legitimate MVP candidate due to his defense alone, while Donovan Mitchell only continues to improve.

3. Phoenix Suns

The Suns currently are tied for the best record in the league with the Warriors, and are in prime spot to contend for another NBA Finals appearance.

The Suns, along with the Warriors and Jazz, are the clear top-three teams in the Western Conference, and will likely battle it out for the rest of the regular season.

4. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls own the No. 1 seed in the Eastern conference, and they are led by newcomer DeMar DeRozan, as well as Zach LaVine, who each average 26 points per game.

The additions of DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso have caused the Bulls to become a threat in the East in just one season. The question at this point for the Bulls is how will they perform in the playoffs.

5. Miami Heat

Even despite the Bam Adebayo injury in early December, the Heat continue to win.

Kyle Lowry is proving to be just the guy they needed, while Jimmy Butler has shined in the limited games he has played.

Tyler Herro has rebounded nicely from last season, and the Heat are in a good spot to go on a deep playoff run if they get healthy.

6. Memphis Grizzlies

The other surprise team of the NBA season has been the Memphis Grizzlies.

They currently have a strong hold on the fourth seed in the West, while Ja Morant has been drawing Derrick Rose comparisons with his recent play.

The Grizzlies have been fueled by Morant, but their key role players like Desmond Bane, De’Anthony Melton and Steven Adams have been playing great.

7. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the current MVP favorite, as the defending champions continue to coast through the regular season.

Six players average double-digit points, as the Bucks will try to repeat as NBA champions.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

This ranking might seem too high at the moment, but when healthy, the Cavaliers have been one of the best teams, and certainly the biggest surprise of the season so far.

Darius Garland has made the leap to all-star contention, while rookie Evan Mobley is one of the favorites for the Rookie of the Year.  Jarrett Allen has lived up to his contract and more this season.

9. Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving has finally returned, even if it’s only for road games. Kevin Durant has only cemented his position as the top player in the game today, and James Harden seems to be returning back to his old self after a rough start to the season.

The Nets, as long as their “Big 3” stays healthy, will be one of the top favorites to win the championship.

10. Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic has not been the MVP favorite many expected him to be this year, but he has still led his team to the fifth seed so far.

Jalen Brunson has been a nice surprise this season, as the Mavericks look to hold onto their playoff spot.
 

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

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