NBA Power Rankings: Giannis, Bucks prove they’re the team to beat

28. New York Knicks (7-23)

The New York Knicks made the coaching change, and have looked much better (in spurts) since the move. At the very least, they’ve looked much more competitive and have even won three games in the last 10 days. For the way the Knicks have looked this season, that’s a huge upgrade.

The big question is, what will this team look like in mid-January when the honeymoon phase has worn off?

27. New Orleans Pelicans (7-23)

Perhaps we might’ve jumped the gun a bit on how good and dangerous the New Orleans Pelicans could be this season. In fairness, they’re lack of success this season thus far probably has a lot to do with the absence of Zion Williamson – who we may not even see at all this season.

Zion was supposed to change the culture, shift this team’s ceiling and be the ultimate difference-maker as a generational talent – things that he could all end up doing one day, but not this season.

The Pelicans look like they could be big sellers at the NBA Trade Deadline, and the piece that looks to be on the block is Jrue Holiday.