2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Knicks, Bulls Regress In Week 9
In Week 9 of NBA Power Rankings, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls show signs of regression after hot starts in 2016-17.
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) defends Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Regression is a part of life, and it’s certainly a part of the NBA. For every two teams that get off to a hot start at the beginning of the season, there’s at least one that regresses back to the mean as time goes by.
Sometimes teams defy expectations for an entire season, but most of the time, pleasant surprises early in the year are quickly revealed as fool’s gold as the sample size grows larger and larger.
Less than two months into the 2016-17 campaign, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are starting to show signs of regression.
The Knicks feasted on a favorable early schedule, climbing as high as third in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls also reached third in the standings, but have been unable to sustain the solid early play of their “three alphas.”
Are these teams doomed to the mediocrity and shortcomings we predicted from the start? Or can they turn things around and get back on track?
Here’s a look at our Week 9 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings, but first, we take a moment to honor the late Craig Sager, who passed away last week at the age of 65. Sages is gone, but certainly never forgotten.
We are forever #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/t9C3x6znkb
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 15, 2016
Dec 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets
7-19
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 29th
Speaking of Brooklyn’s upcoming schedule, their next nine games are an absolute gauntlet: Raptors, Warriors, Cavs, Hornets, Bulls, Wizards, Jazz, Pacers and Cavs again. Suddenly that loss to the Sixers looks even worse.
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers
7-20
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th
After eight minutes of playing time in a loss to the Lakers, Noel sounded off about his lack of playing time. He’s absolutely right; something needs to be done. The only problem is, will suitors be tripping over themselves to surrender anything noteworthy when everyone knows Philly needs this trade to happen?
In case you missed Nerlens last night, here is his post-game video: pic.twitter.com/Y5xVncqSyX
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) December 17, 2016
Dec 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks the ball in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
7-19
Last week: 1-1Last rank: 27th
By this point, even the most optimistic of Wolves fans have accepted that this team is still a year or two away. That OT loss to the Rockets — in which Minnesota led by 12 points with two minutes left in regulation — is the latest example why.
Dec 7, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (left) and forward Dirk Nowitzki (center) and guard Wesley Matthews (right) cover their eyes from the bench during the second half of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the American Airlines Center. The Kings defeat the Mavericks 120-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks
7-20
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 30th
Even worse, it’s starting to look like the end of the line for Dirk Nowitzki. The thought of Dirk’s final season coming here in 2017 because of lingering injuries is almost too much to bear in the midst of a 7-20 start.
Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns
8-19
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 28th
Unfortunately, Phoenix then took poundings from the Spurs and Russell Westbrook‘s 50th triple-double, overshadowing Devin Booker‘s first efficient shooting night in over a week and shedding more light on the Suns’ league-worst total point differential in fourth quarters (-86).
Dec 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Lakers
11-19
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 22nd
D’Angelo Russell may be back, but he hasn’t magically fixed the Lakers’ problems. That 7-5 start seems like ages ago, even with Lou Williams leading the Sixth Man of the Year race and Larry Nance Jr. doing his best Skywalker impression just in time for Rogue One:
Dec 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans
9-20
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 23rd
Anthony Davis is a monster, with the latest example being his three-point play, three-pointer, four free throws and two blocks during a decisive 15-0 run against Indiana to carry the Pellies to their lone victory of the week. Unfortunately, Jrue Holiday and the rest of the supporting cast have been too inconsistent, even with Langston Galloway starting to show flashes off the bench.
Dec 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) exchanges words with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (not pictured) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Kings 99-79. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento Kings
10-17
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 24th
Going 2-2 on the week is just fine, but DeMarcus Cousins‘ locker room tirade on a reporter is both alarming and perfectly indicative of why it’s so hard to know what to do with him. This is the latest example of why he’s not meant to be the leader of an NBA team, but doesn’t that perception kind of hinder the obvious trade value he has as one of the league’s best centers?
Dec 14, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) passes the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Miami Heat defeat Indiana Pacers 95-89. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat
9-19
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 25th
In any case, the Heat just look like a more competitive team with Gogi leading the way, and it’s been thrilling to see Dragic recapture that same magic he had in 2013-14 when he won the league’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award. He reached the 30-point threshold twice in the last week alone, and that 1-2 punch with Whiteside would be a lot more engaging if they only had some help.
Dec 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on as a teammate shoots free throws during the third quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. The Blazers won the game 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers
13-16
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 19th
Damian Lillard has looked more like himself lately, but if not for the current state of the West after No. 7, Rip City would be well outside the early playoff picture.
Dec 18, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) makes a backwards dunk against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic
12-17
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 20th
As a 31.7 percent shooter from three-point range this season, Aaron Gordon is not a 3. Aaron Gordon’s 33-point outburst against the Clippers will continue to be the exception, not the rule, as long as he is played out of position as a 3. Put Aaron Gordon closer to the basket so he can do more things like this, please and thank you.
Dec 15, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and forward John Henson (31) tries to block a shot by Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls
13-13
Last week: 0-3Last rank: 12th
Another stat that hasn’t improved much over the last few weeks: The Bulls are a +1.4 with Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo sharing the court this season…but a +3.3 when it’s only Butler and Wade. Also, a rough week for the Lopez brothers extended to Robin Lopez, who was erased by Jabari Parker. At least he got one epic block on Karl-Anthony Towns in before his untimely demise!
Dec 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) gets away from the pressure of Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hornets won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks
13-14
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 14th
The Hawks, like so many teams hovering around .500 in the East, are right in the thick of the playoff hunt still. But with Atlanta’s once mighty defense slipping all the way to ninth in defensive rating, it’s fair to wonder when the league’s 23rd ranked offense will start to click.
Dec 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (left) talks with Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-120. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets
11-16
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 21st
That long-awaited switch comes at the expense of Jusuf Nurkic, who has played just 13 minutes over the last two games, but with Gary Harris back and the Nuggets making sure Carmelo Anthony remained winless at the Pepsi Center since joining the Knicks, it was a pretty good week overall.
Dec 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) stretches on the baseline in the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 127-114. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
14-13
Last week: 0-3Last rank: 10th
Furthermore, as good as Kristaps Porzingis has been, it’s a little concerning how old Carmelo Anthony has looked at times this season. Forget about the loss at the Pepsi Center against his former team to keep him winless there; Melo looked about 50 years old during a 3-for-15 shooting night in a loss to the Suns:
Dec 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers
14-14
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 16th
Looking for examples? A loss to the lowly Heat and getting outscored 15-0 over the last five minutes of a loss to the Pelicans were sandwiched in between double-digit wins over Charlotte and Detroit…and that’s just this week.
Dec 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates after making a three point field goal against the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards
12-14
Last week: 3-1Last rank: 18th
Over the last week, Beal put up 29, 20, 25 and 41 points. He’s averaging a career-high 22.8 points per game, while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three-point range — both career-highs as well. Don’t be surprised to see Washington crack that top eight in the East soon if this kind of play from Beal continues.
Dec 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is defended by Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks
13-12
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 17th
The story this week, though, was Jabari Parker, who dropped 27 on the Raptors, dropped 28 in that first Bulls game, and dropped Robin Lopez with one of the best dunks of the week:
Dec 17, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pacers won 105-90. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons
14-15
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 15th
On the bright side, Jon Leuer might be the most under-appreciated reserve in the NBA, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is starting to expand his game, scoring 20 in back-to-back games and reaching double figures in 12 of his last 14.
Dec 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles as center Cody Zeller (40) sets a pick on Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit:
Charlotte Hornets
15-13
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 11th
Though Marco Belinelli has found his groove off the bench, reaching double figures in seven of his last eight games, the Hornets will only go as far as their soon-to-be All-Star is able to take them.
Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) react to a call during the first half at FedExForum. the Utah Jazz defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies
18-11
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 8th
There’s also the small matter of Marc Gasol, who looked like an MVP candidate with Conley sidelined. Big Spain averaged 23.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game on .519/.533/.829 shooting splits in 10 games sans Conley, compared to 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game on .412/.362/.813 shooting with him on the court.
Dec 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (right) greets guard Avery Bradley (left) after Bradley make a three point basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics
15-12
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 13th
In their other 14 games, the Celtics were 6-8. It’s no shocker, but this team is infinitely better when three of its four best players are healthy, and Thomas’ return this week (two straight wins by a total of 18 points) is exemplary of that fact. We continue to reserve judgment until we can see this team stay healthy long enough to get in a real groove.
Dec 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrates making three basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder defeat the Suns 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder
16-11
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 9th
Unfortunately, a home win against those struggling Suns was all they got this week, following a 19-point loss to the Blazers and a 20-point loss to the Jazz. Not so coincidentally, the Thunder rank 20th in defensive rating over the last four games in which Oladipo missed all but 10 minutes because of his wrist injury.
Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) rests during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers
20-8
Last week: 3-1Last rank: 5th
Throw in the fact that they nearly blew a 16-point lead in Miami, gave up 41 to Bradley Beal in a loss, and slipped to fourth in the Western standings, and it’s no surprise the Clippers are starting to fade to the bottom of our “legitimate title contenders” category…and that was before Sunday’s unfortunate Blake Griffin update:
Dec 18, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) sets a pick for Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (1) during the first half at FedExForum. the Utah Jazz defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Utah Jazz
18-10
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 7th
Rodney Hood is still working on his consistency now that Hayward has been back awhile, but if his game-winning three against Dallas was any indication, things are starting to come together for a team that still isn’t fully healthy yet.
Dec 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) celebrates with guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after a basket against Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors
19-8
Last week: 3-1Last rank: 6th
Unfortunately, as much as the Raptors have proven themselves as the undisputed No. 2 in the East, and as bizarre as it is that they continue to lead the NBA in offensive rating with a midrange throwback as their leading scorer, Toronto is still just playing for second best.
Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; A general view of the scoreboard prior to the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Memphis Grizzlies showing the status of Kyrie Irving and LeBron James and Kevin Love at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers
19-6
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 3rd
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this is going to continue happening over the course of an 82-game season, especially when teams like the Warriors and Spurs out West look so formidable compared to Cleveland’s breezy path through the East.
Dec 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets
21-7
Last week: 4-0Last rank: 4th
In that span, James Harden passed Hakeem Olajuwon as the franchise’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, taking 836 fewer games to reach his 15 than it took Hakeem to reach his 14; the Rockets set the NBA record for most three-pointers made (24) and attempted (61) in a single game; and Houston overcame a 12-point deficit with two minutes to play to force OT against Minnesota. The Rockets are on a serious roll right now.
Dec 18, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Former San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan hugs head coach Gregg Popovich during a ceremony after an NBA basketball game between the Spurs and the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs
22-5
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 2nd
Earlier in the week, however, Pop’s genuinely raw, shaken reaction to the passing of Craig Sager mattered more than anything that took place on a basketball court.
#Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was shaken up on the passing of Craig Sager. Didn't take any questions afterward. pic.twitter.com/cHvzH3R8vb
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) December 16, 2016
Dec 17, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35), forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) high five after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 135-90. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors
24-4
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 1st
The Dubs are no longer the league’s best offense, but they still have the NBA’s best record, rank in the top four for both offensive and defensive rating, and they’ve got the league’s second longest win streak. They’re the first team since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls to record 40 assists in at least three games, and they’re on pace to reach the heights of the Showtime Lakers. In other words, business as usual.
The Warriors are turning back the clock. pic.twitter.com/gDsTicwQh9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 16, 2016
Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 9 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
More from Hoops Habit
This article originally appeared on 
