Album of the Week: “Don’t Be Dumb”, A$AP Rocky (2026)
A new year has arrived, and we’re shining a light on an anticipated album that has been in the making for years, and it’s expected to drop this month!
Welcome to the 2026 segment of this season’s Power Rankings. It’s time to wake everyone from their holiday slumber, especially since it’s my birthday today, which makes it even better.
The New York Knicks are facing off against Detroit in a first-round rematch from last spring, featuring the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Later this week, the Los Angeles Lakers will go against San Antonio, and on Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves will visit Cleveland for a clash between two of the league’s finest shooting guards.
Power Rankings Overview
These Power Rankings provide more than just a team ranking. Each week, teams will be organized into five tiers:
- Top Contenders — The top five teams in the league
- In a Good Place — Between one to seven teams
- The Bubble — The middle tier
- Not the Tier to Fear — Improvement needed, but not the worst in the league
- Basement Floor — Bringing up the rear
What to Expect
- These rankings are my subjective views based on various objective measures.
- They’re not only a recap of the previous week but also forward-looking.
- While subjective, these rankings are unbiased and aim for fairness.
- They carry a sense of “Ruthless aggression.”
- Enjoy the games and the rankings!
Week 12 Resolutions
This week’s Power Rankings will delve into New Year’s resolutions for each team.
Top Contenders
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (30-6)
Last ranking: 1
Recent games: W vs ATL, W vs POR, W at GS, L at PHO
Offensive rating: 118.8 (5th)
Defensive rating: 104.4 (1st)
2026 Resolution: Ensure the key players are healthy and back on the court together.
2. Detroit Pistons (26-9)
Last ranking: 4
Recent games: W at LAL, L vs MIA, W at CLE
Offensive rating: 116.7 (9th)
Defensive rating: 110.6 (2nd)
2026 Resolution: Acquire shooters for Cade Cunningham.
3. San Antonio Spurs (25-10)
Last ranking: 2
Recent games: L vs CLE, W vs NY, W at IND, L vs POR
Offensive rating: 118.1 (6th)
Defensive rating: 112.8 (8th)
2026 Resolution: Increase Victor Wembanyama’s playing time back to 30 minutes.
In a Good Place
6. Denver Nuggets (23-12)
Last ranking: 3
Recent games: L at MIA, W at TOR, L at CLE, L at BRK
Offensive rating: 123.0 (1st)
Defensive rating: 116.9 (21st)
2026 Resolution: Jamal Murray should aim for an All-Star selection considering the team’s injuries.
7. Phoenix Suns (21-14)
Last ranking: 7
Recent games: W at WAS, L at CLE, W vs SAC, W vs OKC
Offensive rating: 114.9 (15th)
Defensive rating: 113.1 (9th)
2026 Resolution: Enhance Devin Booker’s three-point shooting.
