New NBA power rankings: Is the East better than the West?
The NBA power rankings may have shifted after a busy weekend in which the rich got richer in the Eastern Conference.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who won 58 games last season, just traded for Damian Lillard, adding another superstar for the Detroit Pistons to contend with in the Central Division.
The Celtics were just behind them with 57 wins and walked away from the Lillard fallout with an All-Star guard of their own in Jrue Holiday. This is probably the worst-case scenario for the Bucks, who momentarily pulled away from Boston in the arms race, but then had to watch their guy go to their biggest competition in the East.
light. Related Story. Rumors of the first injury starting to emerge
The Western Conference has been the better conference for decades, with the West winning 17 of the last 25 titles and being the more balanced side overall.
But has that shifted with the recent deals? I’ve broken the league into three categories and teams are listed in no particular order.
New NBA power rankings: Is the East better than the West?
No chance to win the East
- Washington Wizards
- Orlando Magic
- Charlotte Hornets
- Detroit Pistons
No chance to win the West
- Utah Jazz
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Houston Rockets
- San Antonio Spurs
Let’s start with the bottom, which unfortunately includes the Detroit Pistons in the East. Both conferences have four teams with no realistic chance of winning their respective conferences next season.
The bottom of the West looks a little stronger, though the Pistons could be the wildcard here, as they are set to defy expectations with the return of Cade Cunningham.
The Spurs are set to make a leap with Wembanyama on board, and the Rockets should be better with a new coach and the additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. You could argue which of these four teams is the best or worst, but I’d give a slight edge to the West.
Edge: Western Conference