As March unfolds, we find ourselves deep in the heart of NCAA tournament excitement. With the upcoming draft class making its mark, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the current NBA draft class.
I emphasize “draft” instead of “rookie,” as I make no stance in the ongoing Donovan Mitchell versus Ben Simmons conversation (Blake Griffin can attest). This week’s Power Rankings will explore the impacts of players from the 2024 NBA Draft, regardless of whether they were chosen in the draft.
For clarity, these Power Rankings will not merely rank each team; we will keep teams organized into tiers, with potential promotions and relegations. Every week will feature five distinct tiers:
- Top Contenders – Five teams currently leading the league.
- In a Good Place – Could be one team or as many as seven.
- The Bubble – The middle-tier teams.
- Not the Tier to Fear – Not the worst in the league, but still needing improvements.
- Basement Floor – The teams at the bottom.
Tier 1: Top Contenders
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (56-11)
Last ranking: 1
Recent results: W vs. BRK, W at MEM, L vs. ORL
Offensive rating: 121.5 (1st)
Defensive rating: 110.9 (7th)
2024 draft class: SF Jaylon Tyson (20th Pick), PF Nae’Qwan Tomlin (undrafted)
The Cavaliers had their 16-game winning streak ended, and rookie integration has been minimal. Tyson has seen limited minutes during this streak and doesn’t seem part of the current rotation, especially with the addition of De’Andre Hunter and Javonte Green. Tomlin earned a two-way contract after attending four universities.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (56-12)
Last ranking: 2
Recent results: W at BOS, W at DET, W at MIL
Offensive rating: 118.5 (4th)
Defensive rating: 106.2 (1st)
2024 draft class: PG Nikola Topić (12), SF Dillon Jones (26), PG Ajay Mitchell (38), SF Alex Ducas (undrafted), C Branden Carlson (undrafted)
The Thunder are hoping for further losses from the Cavaliers in case both teams reach the NBA Finals. Topić is redshirting due to an ACL injury, while Jones has had minimal playtime post-All-Star break. Mitchell successfully transitioned from a two-way contract but is sidelined due to a toe surgery. Ducas has been active on a two-way deal, showing potential as a wing shooter.
3. Boston Celtics (49-19)
Last ranking: 3
Recent results: L vs. OKC, W at MIA, W at BRK
Offensive rating: 119.2 (2nd)
Defensive rating: 110.4 (5th)
2024 draft class: SG Baylor Scheierman (30)
The Celtics have struggled against the Thunder, making their journey back to the NBA Finals contingent on the performance of other Western teams. Scheierman remains the only rookie on the Celtics’ roster, with recent performances indicating an upward trajectory in his play.
4. Houston Rockets (44-25)
Last ranking: 7
Recent results: W vs. PHO, W vs. DAL, W vs. CHI, W vs. PHI
Offensive rating: 114.2 (12th)
Defensive rating: 109.6 (4th)
2024 draft class: SG Reed Sheppard (3), C N’Faly Dante (undrafted)
After a remarkable seven-game winning streak, the Rockets have yet to face noteworthy competition. Sheppard’s absence has stifled his rookie contributions, while Dante makes a sporadic impact under a two-way contract.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (42-25)
Last ranking: 5
Recent results: L at MIL, L at DEN, W vs. PHO, W vs. SA
Offensive rating: 114.5 (11th)
Defensive rating: 112.9 (13th)
2024 draft class: SF Dalton Knecht (17), SG Bronny James (55)
LeBron James needs to participate in seven more games to qualify for postseason accolades. As the Lakers prepare for a busy April, both Knecht and Bronny James aim to demonstrate their value on the court amidst James’s recovery.
