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

NBA Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
NBA Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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NBA Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Darius Garland (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

26. Washington Wizards (8-20)

After starting off the season a bit better than expected, the Washington Wizards have begun to tail off as of late. The Wizards have lost seven of their last eight games and are only 2-9 during the month of December. The positive play from the likes of Davis Bertans, Bradley Beal and Rui Hachimura are great, but this team simply lacks the defensive prowess to make any kind of noise in the Eastern Conference this season.

The talent simply isn’t there yet. And while that’s OK, another wasted season from Beal’s prime isn’t great for the franchise moving forward. If nothing else, it’s something to monitor.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers (8-21)

The Cleveland Cavaliers definitely have shown some flashes of interesting play this season, but it’s becoming clearer and clearer that this season is all about the development of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, and the inevitable return of Kevin Love in the trade market.