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2024-25 Vendetta NBA Power Rankings: January
2024-25 Vendetta NBA Power Rankings: January
We are over two months into the 2024-25 NBA Season, and we’re now only one month away from the trade deadline. Let’s not waste any more time and dive into our power rankings below!
(Editors Note: Stats and records are updated through Jan. 10. Tiebreakers go to the team with the best W-L record.)
30. Washington Wizards
(Matt Hanifan 30, Alex Chick III 30)
Average: 30
Last month: 30
For the second straight month, the Wizards come in as our unanimous last-place team. At 6-30, they are on track to win fewer games than they did last year (15), the fewest in franchise history. If you’re looking for positives, look at the young guys: Bilal Coulibaly, Carlton Carrington and Alexandre Sarr, last year’s No. 2 pick. They are also getting good contributions from Justin Champagnie, who they signed from the Heat organization last year, plus rookie Kyshawn George and Jared Butler.
29. New Orleans Pelicans
(Matt 29, Chickster 28)
Average: 28.5
Last month: 28
This team is far better than their record says…if they were fully healthy. Zion is seemingly back for his quota of five games a year. Brandon Ingram is recovering from an ankle sprain but the Pelicans are looking to trade him anyway. I still like Dejounte Murray’s game. I just don’t think this team has been given a fair chance cause nothing seems to go consistently right. I feel like this could be a .500 team if they were healthy altogether. I think if they trade Brandon Ingram, they should trade Zion, DeJounte, and CJ McCollum and start brand new. Or if they continue to have problems, try to bring everyone back after having a high draft pick this year. I don’t like, life hasn’t been fair to New Orleans, but then again, life ain’t fair. — Chickster
28. Toronto Raptors
(Matt 27, Chickster 29)
Average: 28
Last month: 24
The Raptors are a disaster. They are one of four teams that have lost by 30 points at least three times, losing by 30, 37 and 54 points (franchise-worst). Scottie Barnes has quieted some question about whether he should be a max player or not, which has been a positive. Another has been Gradey Dick’s sophomore leap, but that hasn’t been as efficient since returning from injury in early December.
27. Charlotte Hornets
(Matt 28, Chickster 26)
Average: 27
Last month: 26
Listen the Hornets suck but I just love watching LaMelo Ball play basketball. Not in like a wow this player is really good in a traditional way, but more in a I never know what this player is going to do and is good type of way. I think the most accurate description of how LaMelo Ball plays basketball is that he plays basketball like he has AirPods in a pickup run at LA Fitness. You can’t unsee it. The only time I tune into the Hornets is to watch LaMelo Ball do some wild shit and be electric while they still lose. I’m not even sure he can make an NBA team good, but he’ll always be fun to watch. He reminds me a lot of Jason Williams with his flashiness.
26. Utah Jazz
(Matt 26, Chickster 27)
Average: 25.5
Last month: 29
The Utah Jazz still don’t have enough talent to compete with the majority of teams on a night-to-night basis, but they still have some pieces with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, among others. There’s a chance–a slim one, perhaps–but a chance that Kessler gets moved ahead of the deadline. If you’re looking at any anyone possibly being traded, John Collins is the likely best bet. Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson could, as well. Danny Ainge will do his best to win #CaptureTheFlagg™, and envisioning a Markkanen/Flagg frontcourt is … fun?!?!
25. Portland Trail Blazers
(Matt 25, Chickster 25)
Average: 25
Last month: 27
It’s been a disappointing first two seasons for Scoot Henderson, who still struggles with his decision-making. As of right now, the Blazers looked to have hit on Clingan, an anchor in the paint. Portland has been competitive in games of late, going 8-8 at home with wins over the Nuggets, Timberwolves and Mavericks. But they’re still 11 games below .500 and far from any sort of contention.
24. Brooklyn Nets
(Matt 24, Chickster 24)
Average: 24
Last month: 23
The Nets have been the league’s most active team ahead of the deadline over a month out, already flipping Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith for second-round draft capital. Next up could be Cam Johnson or … gulp … Ben Simmons, who’s on an expiring contract, albeit north of $40 million. I’ve been very impressed with the job Jordi Fernandez has done, all things considered, but this roster nor the returns got in the previous deals aren’t good enough to not make at least one other move before the trade deadline.
23. Chicago Bulls
(Matt 23, Chickster 22)
Average: 22.5
Last month: 22
We are less than a month away from the trade deadline and I think the Bulls could be one of the most active teams–beginning with Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine. The latter’s built up some trade value while the former is having the most efficient season of his career on an expiring contract. Coby White’s slowly creeping back into where he was last year, averaging 21.9 points and 5.8 assists on 49.2 percent shooting and 40.9 percent from 3-point range over his last eight games.
22. Philadelphia 76ers
(Matt 22, Chickster 21)
Average: 21.5
Last month: 25
The 76ers have been better after their disastrous start to 2024-25, but they still haven’t been good and are on the outside-looking-in with the play-in race. A lot of it will be determined on the health of Paul George, who’s struggled lately, and Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey has been excellent, as has offseason signee Guerschon Yabusele, but Maxey’s going to need much more help and reliability from their other stars if they want to be a postseason threat.
21. Miami Heat
(Matt 20, Chickster 23)
Average: 21.5
Last month: 18
The Heat continue to be perpetually mediocre while the Jimmy Butler situation is a disaster. He doesn’t want to be there anymore, but he may ultimately forced to be because of the very limited trade market. Butler wants his money, but won’t play nor has any more joy. He’s on pace to play 46 games with a max of 65, and could be on his way back after a team-sanctioned seven-game suspension will keep him out until Jan. 15. At least Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have stepped up in his absence, as has Tyler Herro, who could be on his way to the All-Star game for the first time his career.
20. Phoenix Suns
(Matt 21, Chickster 19)
Average: 19.5
Last month: 13
The Suns are all in because they don’t have picks or anything resembling a future. They’re riding with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal right now. They have been linked to Jimmy Butler as he seeks a trade. Durant is not young, so essentially if they don’t win with him, they don’t have a future to rely on. The Suns may trade Beal for Butler so even then, they’re riding with 3 good plays and then winging the rest of it. It’s good enough to be a playoff team, but I don’t think anyone is taking this team seriously as a contender. Maybe if this team got Jimmy Butler and still kept their original 3, they have a chance, but they have no bench and no cap space, how they think this was a winning roster, I’m not sure. — Chickster
19. Sacramento Kings
(Matt 19, Chickster 19)
Average: 19
Last month: 17
The Kings have six straight and are 6-1 since Mike Brown’s firing. A huge part of that has been the willingness to consistently give Keon Ellis leash. That was my biggest knock on Brown. In his first 29 games, he averaged 19.9 minutes; in his seven games since, he’s averaged 28.7 minutes, including three games exceeding 34 minutes. He’s averaging 10.6 points, 2.6 steals and 0.9 blocks on 46.2/41.2/85.7 shooting splits over that stretch, consistently defending the opposing team’s best guards and be disruptive. Keep playing him, Doug!
18. Detroit Pistons
(Matt 17, Chickster 18)
Average: 17.5
Last month: 19
The Detroit Pistons are a playoff team, as crazy as it is to say that. But currently are a play-in team at the 8th seed, that’s growth and progression for this young Pistons team. Cade Cunningham is really grown into his role as the franchise and the team is at least good enough to string some wins in together. The Detroit Lions are in the playoffs and maybe the Pistons too? Good year for Detroit. What’s best for Detroit is that most of their young guys are getting valuable playing time and becoming better because of it. With the Eastern Conference being weaker, maybe there’s a chance that the Pistons sneak in. — Chickster
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
(Matt 18, Chickster 15)
Average: 16.5
Last month: 14
Winners of three straight and six of their last nine, the Timberwolves are only three games above .500 after being 15 games above .500 at this point last year. They haven’t been very consistent this year, still attempting to see if they can find any rhythm with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert on the floor together. So far, the trio is a middling plus-1.6 per 100 possessions, though the addition of Donte DiVincenzo to the starting 5 has helped in recent games.
16. San Antonio Spurs
(Matt 16, Chickster 14)
Average: 16
Last month: 15
hey want to win and they want to win now. Those young Spurs are waiting for a turn, they’re trying to take their turn now. Victor Wembanyama is indeed in fact, an Alien, even scared than originally thought. Him shooting 3s isn’t a gimmick, he really is developing that as a range and being the best rim protector in the NBA. He’s a freak show. The other young guys are getting plenty of experience and learning off of it, with veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to help mold the youngins, this team is progressing farther along than originally thought. This was still supposed to be a rebound year, but with the Spurs are the No. 11 seed and four games back of the No. 4 seed, they’re not waiting. The Spurs are in fact more active in trade talks for another PG and a backup center or a traditional center to play beside Wembanyama. This team could be, I don’t want to say dangerous, but maybe perilous? I don’t know that sounds less threatening than dangerous. Anyway, this team could give people fits and it’ll be fun to watch if they make the playoffs. — Chickster
15. Atlanta Hawks
(Matt 15, Chickster 17)
Average: 16
Last month: 21
There was plenty of question surrounding the No. 1 pick seven months ago, with Atlanta ultimately taking raw 3-and-D wing Zaccharie Risacher. The efficiency still isn’t good, but he’s noticeably looked more comfortable on both ends of the floor. Jalen Johnson’s continued to be a revelation when he’s been healthy while De’Andre Hunter has been a huge boost off the Hawks bench, averaging 20.1 points and 3.8 rebounds on 44.7 percent shooting from deep since the start of December.
14. Indiana Pacers
(Matt 13, Chickster 16)
Average: 14.5
Last month: 20
The Pacers are winners of five straight, six of their last seven and 12 of their last 16. They have been one of the league’s most efficient offenses over that span, scoring 118.3 points per 100 possessions with the third-highest effective field goal percentage and true-shooting percentage. Remember when Myles Turner was vehement about being a better team on the backboards? Well, they’ve climbed to No. 13 in total rebounding percentage–including the top-4 in DRB%–since the start of December. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a start.
13. Milwaukee Bucks
(Matt 14, Chickster 13)
Average: 13.5
Last month: 12
It’s been a roller-coaster season for Milwaukee. It began the season 2-8, won 14 of its next 19 (not including the IST Title against OKC), lost four of its next five and have now won three straight over Toronto, San Antonio and Orlando. Damian Lillard’s shook off a slow start from beyond the arc. Though guard AJ Green has been one of their biggest difference makers off the bench, being their best one-on-one defender on the perimeter while canning 44.7 percent of his 5.7 triple tries over his last 20 games.
12. Los Angeles Lakers
(Matt 12, Chickster 11)
Average: 11.5
Last month: 16
This team has already gone through ups and downs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are going to compete but it’s up to the rest of the Lakers to help win games, JJ Reddick has already been through some growing pains. It does help that the Lakers traded away D’Angelo Russell and got Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton out of it. DLo wasn’t beneficial to the Lakers and LA got solid depth out of it. However, you feel as if the Lakers are still missing that extra piece to push them over the edge. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith can’t be the guys after Bron and AD. No one will take that seriously. Unfortunately, Father Time is unbeatable and time is running out for LeBron and the Lakers. — Chickster
11. Los Angeles Clippers
(Matt 10, Chickster 12)
Average: 11
Last month: 11
Hand up: I was wrong about the Clippers heading into the season. I projected them to be one of the worst teams in the West entering 2024-25, and Tyronn Lue proved me–and several others–wrong. Norman Powell is averaging 24.7 points and 4.1 rebounds on 46.2 percent shooting, including 37.6 percent from distance while shooting 85.9 percent from the free-throw line. Add in Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Nic Batum, Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard, who’s currently away from the team, this team could be a hard-out come April.
10. Golden State Warriors
(Matt 11, Chickster 10)
Average: 10.5
Last month: 8
The Warriors have a “crisis of confidence,” according to head coach Steve Kerr. They still crack the top-10 in this month’s rankings, but have gone 7-12 since the start of December December with the league’s seventh-worst NET rating (-5.3). At some point, Stephen Curry’s going to need help … and it’s going to need to be more than just Nikola Vucevic, if acquiring a $20-25 million star is the route they choose to go.
9. Denver Nuggets
(Matt 9, Chickster 8)
Average: 8.5
Last month: 10
This is a very weird team to evaluate. However, you know what Nikola Jokic is going to do. He’s going to produce no matter the circumstances. However, this team only goes as far as Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon take them, and as of right now it’s…not far. Nikola Jokic will be in “God mode,” as Trey Daubert likes to put it, but the lack of bench and consistent scoring is hurting this team. MPJ is super streaky, Jamal Murray hasn’t played his best basketball and now Aaron Gordon is hurt. Russell Westbrook is Russell Westbrook, will play hard, play defense, turn the ball over and shoot bad shots and sometimes make them. That usually either hurts the Nuggets in the worst way or they win, no in between. You almost feel as if the Nuggets have to do something drastic to stay in championship contention but it would mean making hard moves as in moving MPJ and Jamal Murray for better, reliant, and consistent pieces around Jokic. — Chickster
8. Orlando Magic
(Matt 7, Chickster 9)
Average: 8
Last month: 5
Paolo Bancher returned to action from a two-month-long absence (oblique) Friday against Milwaukee, scoring 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting and 5-of-8 from 3-point range. The Magic still lost, but it’s still pretty incredible how the Magic are 22-18 despite being crushed by injuries to Banchero, Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, among others. Rookie wing Tristan da Silva’s averaging 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds over his 13 games, too, which is encouraging to see in Wagner’s absence.
7. Dallas Mavericks
(Matt 8, Chickster 7)
Average: 7.5
Last month: 9
Luka Doncic got hurt on Christmas Day (Merry Christmas to the Mavs fans) and the impact was immediately felt. In the short 7 games that he’s been out, the Mavs are 2-5. While the sample size is small, it’s very telling of how the Mavs are without Luka Doncic. It’s expected that he’ll be out at least another month. To make matters worse, Kyrie Irving is also on a week-to-week basis. It’s probably safe to say that Luke Doncic might miss the next 10-15 games, and hopefully, Kyrie doesn’t miss more than five games at most. However, January can be a dark month for Mavs fans. While they are 22-16, they could look like a 25-30-win team by the time Luka Doncic is back. While that might seem extreme, a more likely outcome is that they are 30-25 when the Mavs are fully healthy. However in the tougher Western Conference that can definitely drop them in the standings. — Chickster
6. Houston Rockets
(Matt 6, Chickster 6)
Average: 6
Last month: 7
The Rockets have been the league’s sixth-worst offense in the halfcourt with the third-worst true-shooting percentage, but are still a fringe top-10 offense. Houston is the league’s best rebounding team, corralling nearly 53 percent of available misses, including 35.4 percent of their misses on the offensive glass. Steven Adams, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason are all elite rebounders for their position, as is 22-year-old big Alperen Sengun, who’s averaging 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists since the start of December.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
(Matt 5, Chickster 4)
Average: 4.5
Last month: 6
We know that Jimmy Butler won’t be heading to Memphis … for some reason. They are the third-best team in the West with a budding core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Zach Edey is still the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year despite playing 24 of Memphis’ 38 games. The real story, however, continues to be the emergence of second-round rookie Jaylen Wells, who canned eight 3s on Jan. 3 against the Sacramento Kings.
4. New York Knicks
(Matt 4, Chickster 5)
Average: 4.5
Last month: 4
Karl-Anthony Towns is playing the best basketball of his life, averaging 25.3 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 55.2 percent shooting and a career-best 45.0 percent from 3-point range on 4.8 triple tries per game. He’s scored 30-plus points 13 times, including four 40-point games against the Bulls (twice) and Heat. New York is the third most efficient offense with the sixth-highest NET Rating and the fourth-highest rebound percentage.
3. Boston Celtics
(Matt 3, Chickster 2)
Average: 2.5
Last month: 1
If we have figured out anything about the Celtics is that they will live or die by the 3 ball. It seems they are much more reliant on it this year than last year. The spacing on the Celtics is beautiful, they pass the ball, they usually shoot the 3 well, and they have pieces that fit each other. Usually, if someone is having an off night, someone else picks up the slack and so on and so forth. While still in my opinion, the best team in the NBA, they will have their moments where they are stagnant and have a bad night. Like only scoring 27 points in the 2nd half against another championship contender in the Thunder. That can be concerning. As long as only have those types of performances occasionally and not frequently, they’ll be fine. — Chickster
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
(Matt 1, Chickster 3)
Average: 2
Last month: 3
The Cavaliers are winners of 12 straight and 16 of their last 17, including a seven-point win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. They are 6-1 against Boston, Dallas, Denver, New York and Oklahoma City. Cleveland is a machine and is plus-9.5 points per 100 possessions with every one of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the floor together. I don’t expect it to keep this sort of pace all season, but it has a very strong top-10/11 with high-end talent.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
(Matt 2, Chickster 1)
Average: 1.5
Last month: 2
This team could be the best team in the league. They held the Boston Celtics to 27 points in the 2nd half. THEY HELD THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS BOSTON CELTICS TO 27 POINTS IN THE 2ND HALF. This team can downright play defense. They have the best defensive rating in the NBA and it shows if they can stop a volatile offense in the Celtics. They have the best net rating in the NBA as well. The offense doesn’t wow you and most of their offensive production will go through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but defense travels and will make you uncomfortable night in and night out. The scariest part about the Thunder is that haven’t had Chet Holmgren since Nov. 10. He’s only going to help this team when he comes back. Did someone say Thunder/Celtics NBA Finals? — Chickster
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