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NBA Power Rankings: A reason for optimism for every team in 2021

Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty

It's too early to draw radical conclusions, although much of the play through less than two weeks of the NBA campaign can be classified as "interesting."

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, here's one reason for optimism for each team heading into 2021.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (5-2)

Previous rank: 1

It's all peachy in Lakerland as a quartet of savvy offseason additions means Frank Vogel can manage loads and ride LeBron James on autopilot into the new year. Must be nice.

2. Brooklyn Nets (3-4)

Previous rank: 8

Have you seen Kevin Durant play? His deadly pull-up jumper has ended any concerns about his long layoff and recovery from a ruptured Achilles.

3. Milwaukee Bucks (3-3)

Previous rank: 2

With Giannis Antetokounmpo locked up long term, the Bucks can focus on their title pursuit this upcoming season instead of fielding questions regarding the two-time MVP's future.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (5-2)

Previous rank: 3

The Clippers opened the season by clearing two psychological hurdles with wins over the Lakers and Nuggets. Confidence matters, and it's something that can be built upon.

5. Philadelphia 76ers (5-1)

Previous rank: 9

The Sixers' 3-point shooting struggles have been well-documented, though newly acquired guard Seth Curry appears to be the perfect floor-spacer alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

6. Boston Celtics (4-3)

Previous rank: 6

Ron Hoskins / National Basketball Association / Getty

Kemba Walker's injury has opened the door for both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to take another leap forward in 2020-21. The dynamic wing duo is quickly becoming one of the league's most devastating tandems.

7. Miami Heat (2-3)

Previous rank: 4

Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo are all scoring more efficiently, and that's with Jimmy Butler making just three forgettable appearances. Positive regression for Butler will improve the Heat's record dramatically.

8. Phoenix Suns (5-2)

Previous rank: 14

Chris Paul was a positive influence in the Thunder's locker room last season. His leadership and strong play are already helping a young Suns squad in their pursuit of a playoff berth.

9. Utah Jazz (4-2)

Previous rank: 10

Their off-court relationship is another conversation, but the on-court fit between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert remains strong. With both on the floor, the Jazz boasted a plus-8.2 net rating heading into Sunday's game.

10. Indiana Pacers (4-2)

Previous rank: 16

They haven't faced a particularly tough schedule, but the Pacers' wins have mostly been decisive while their losses have been close. Every player on the roster currently boasts a positive net rating. Not too shabby.

11. Portland Trail Blazers (3-3)

Previous rank: 7

Bart Young / National Basketball Association / Getty

Carmelo Anthony's decreasing role is a good sign for the Trail Blazers, who have benefited from the recruitments of Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr., and the emergence of bubble breakout Gary Trent Jr.

12. Denver Nuggets (2-4)

Previous rank: 5

It appears the hype surrounding Michael Porter Jr. in the bubble was for real. Nuggets fans will enjoy watching him continue to blossom in a much bigger role in 2021.

13. Dallas Mavericks (2-4)

Previous rank: 12

Luka Doncic is only beginning to warm up in what's sure to be an MVP-caliber season for the third-year pro. Kristaps Porzingis' likely return in January should only bolster Doncic's production.

14. Atlanta Hawks (4-2)

Previous rank: 19

Considering Danilo Gallinari, Rajon Rondo, and Clint Capela have all been hampered by early-season ailments, Trae Young and the high-scoring Hawks look like a decent bet to end a three-year playoff absence.

15. New Orleans Pelicans (4-2)

Previous rank: 17

What's better than a full year of Zion Williamson? Pelicans fans are finally getting to witness his season-long impact after the Duke product missed months as a rookie following meniscus surgery.

16. Toronto Raptors (1-4)

Previous rank: 11

Joe Murphy / National Basketball Association / Getty

This wasn't the start to the season the Raptors wanted, but at least they can still look forward to president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster finally signing those long-awaited contract extensions ... right?

17. Orlando Magic (4-2)

Previous rank: 21

Markelle Fultz's winding NBA road has led to the former No. 1 pick averaging just under 16 points, six assists, and a steal per game for the 4-2 Magic.

18. Houston Rockets (2-2)

Previous rank: 15

Forget the James Harden saga for a moment - the Rockets struck gold by signing Christian Wood. His roll-and-lob game and rim-protection have been a revelation.

19. San Antonio Spurs (2-4)

Previous rank: 20

Derrick White has only played once this season, but his performance in the bubble could mean big things are ahead. The 26-year-old averaged 18.9 points and shot 39.3% from deep over seven seeding games for the Spurs.

20. Memphis Grizzlies (2-4)

Previous rank: 18

Jaren Jackson Jr.'s return is looming large for Grizzlies fans in 2021. The floor-spacing big apparently grew 2-3 inches this offseason, which could translate to him becoming an even more unstoppable two-way weapon.

21. Sacramento Kings (3-3)

Rocky Widner / National Basketball Association / Getty

Previous rank: 25

Please consider "luxury orthopedic mattress" for rookie Tyrese Haliburton's nickname, since several GMs slept on the 12th overall pick. He's paired brilliantly alongside De'Aaron Fox in the backcourt. It's a shame he's injured now.

22. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)

Previous rank: 30

Welcome to "SexLand." The Cavaliers' backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton is breaking out right before our eyes, which should have Cleveland fans excited for what lies ahead in 2021.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-4)

Previous rank: 23

Anthony Edwards has hit some growing pains early, but the Timberwolves faithful can expect the No. 1 pick to better acclimate to NBA life as the year goes on, especially after he gave this incredible interview.

24. Charlotte Hornets (2-4)

Previous rank: 26

LaMelo Ball has injected some much-needed excitement and flair to the Hornets' offense. His development as a lead ball-handler should continue as his playing time increases.

25. Golden State Warriors (3-3)

Previous rank: 13

Sure, the Warriors stink, and Kelly Oubre Jr. can't shoot at all, but James Wiseman resembles an elite rim-protector who's remarkably skilled in transition.

26. Chicago Bulls (3-4)

Previous rank: 24

Gary Dineen / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Bulls aren't great defensively, but Coby White's development as a primary playmaker has helped Chicago hang in games with its offense. White looks like the point guard of the future in the Windy City.

27. New York Knicks (3-3)

Previous rank: 29

Like many of us, the Knicks are likely more thrilled about 2020 ending than 2021 beginning. However, their cap space is still an enticing offseason variable, even if some top targets are off the board.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-3)

Previous rank: 27

Canadian youngsters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort have combined for 33% of the Thunder's scoring output going into Monday.

29. Washington Wizards (2-5)

Previous rank: 22

The Wizards are winning the minutes Russell Westbrook is on the court, but he's sat out two games. Reducing his playing time game-to-game but allowing him to play more often should buoy the team's outlook.

30. Detroit Pistons (1-5)

Previous rank: 28

Saddiq Bey, the No. 19 overall pick, might be found money for a Pistons franchise in dire need of upward momentum. He shot 45.5% on threes through his first four outings and played a pivotal role in the team's win over the Celtics on New Year's Day.

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