Piston Powered 2016-17 NBA power rankings: Week 1

24. The Chicago Bulls are the only team in this top 10 who I believe to be fraudelent. On a team that doesn’t have much shooting and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense on paper, they’re torching their opponents from long range at a 42.5 percent clip. Dwyane Wade, <a rel=. . Previous: . Chicago Bulls. 5. team

team. 41. The Golden State Warriors are WHERE? That’s right, they are fourth in these rankings with a 2-1 record. They got destroyed at home on opening night by the San Antonio Spurs, and they struggled against the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns. They’re going to be spectacular, but they have some work to do in the meantime.. . Previous: . Golden State Warriors. 4

The Oklahoma City Thunder may end up a fringe playoff team, but they’re being dragged kicking and screaming to victory by a vengance-fueled Russell Westbrook. Russ is averaging eye-popping numbers, putting up 38.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. He’s hitting 45.3 percent of his 28.7 shots (you read that right) per game, and he’s hitting 44.4 percent of his three-pointers. The Thunder have had a soft schedule so far and there will be a price to pay when they come up against superior competition, but right now Westbrook’s revenge tour is in fine form.. . Previous: . Oklahoma City Thunder. 3. team. 149

. Previous: . Cleveland Cavaliers. 2. team. 156. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the defending NBA champions and haven’t lost a game yet, but they’re second in these rankings. That’s no slight on them, it just goes to show how impressive the top team has been. LeBron James seems to be showing interest in winning this season’s MVP award as he’s averaging a near triple-double at 21 points, 8.3 rebounds and 10 assists per game. The other two parts of the Cavs’ Big Three is not far behind, as <a rel=

29. <a rel=. . Previous: . San Antonio Spurs. 1. team