Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Nov. 12

Philadelphia is the only team to not have a win in the NBA. While I liked the draft pick of Jahlil Okafor 3rd overall this spring and the trade with the Sacramento Kings to get Nik Stauskas for basically nothing, I have to wonder how much longer will the Philly faithful put up with GM Sam Hinkie’s hyper-tanking philosophies. No doubt will Nerlens Noel and company play hard for HC Brett Brown, but writing this team off immediately is starting to get very old. This isn’t Philly’s year, nor is it in the upcoming three.

The Brooklyn Nets are in serious trouble. They have no incentive to tank, as the Boston Celtics have their pick in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft. The point guard duo of Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin is a major liability for this team. Joe Johnson is starting to lose it. The only two redeeming qualities with this team are a healthy Brook Lopez and watching HC Lionel Hollins‘ head possibly explode from frustration another 74 times in 2015-16.

Bringing in HC Scott Skiles was a wise move for the Magic organization. He has an innate ability to take a loser and make them respectable. Though it will take probably another year, the Magic have many intriguing young players on their team. If the young Magic team can learn to shoot high-percentage threes and play more consistently on the defensive end, their athleticism could have them challenging for a playoff spot. However, I can’t see this team finishing over .500.

Next: Tier IV: Not Making the Playoffs