NBA Power Rankings: Brooklyn Nets rise after acquiring James Harden

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Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball (Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports) /

24. Oklahoma City Thunder

Despite trading Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder during the offseason, there are still some positives to find for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are currently 6-6 and have seen flashes from some of their young prospects.

The Thunder are not going to make the playoffs this season, but they have a whole lot of assets to work with and a really good young player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The future is bright for Oklahoma City.

23. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets lucked into LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft and it’s paying off already through the first few weeks of the season. Even though he has yet to start a game for the Hornets this season, he’s still averaging 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 41 percent shooting from the field.

The Hornets also have a better record than many expected them to have at this point in the season and if this trend continues could find themselves in a playoff push late in the season.