NBA Power Rankings: Nets have shaken off uneven start; Suns get hot

Brooklyn Nets (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
Brooklyn Nets (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
16 of 21
Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

6. Washington Wizards

Truth be told, I’m not exactly sure how the Washington Wizards have managed to race off to a 9-3 record to start the season. Kyle Kuzma and Spencer Dinwiddie have made a far greater impact than I expected on the team and they are surprisingly one of the best defensive teams in the league.

If they can keep this up defensively – I’m not sure they can – they should be a lock to make the playoffs this season in the Eastern Conference. And if Bradley Beal can get his offensive efficiency numbers on track with his per usual numbers, there’s a chance this team can get even better.

The Wizards are not a bad team; I just don’t know how good they are at the moment. The early indication are that this could be the surprise team in the East this year.