Breaking News: General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks, Nico Harrison, has been fired.
“Fire Nico! Fire Nico!” has been all that could be heard at American Airlines Center ever since the blockbuster trade on February 2nd, 2025, where the Dallas Mavericks sent away star guard Luka Doncic to the L.A. Lakers. Letting go of the player who, by many fans, was considered the heart and soul of the franchise, led to protests, jersey burnings, and yes, chants screaming for the removal of Nico Harrison. Well, I finally have good news for Mavericks fans (the 2 of you that are left). According to ABC News, the franchise has finally awoken from their nap, taken their earplugs out, and have fired Harrison on November 11th, citing the lack of success, vision, and the Mavericks’ 3-8 record.
Power Rankings: Early Season Dive
Pistons:
Personally, the biggest surprise this season has been the Detroit Pistons, who currently sport a 10-2 record, leading the Eastern Conference. In fact, their record is second in the NBA closely following the 12-1 OKC Thunder, sharply contrasting their ’23-’24 record (14-68). But will this early success follow the Pistons throughout the season, and even into the playoffs?
Let’s look at the facts. According to Statmuse, the Pistons have net rank of 8th in the NBA, being in the bottom 10 of the NBA for 3 pointers made (10.7), 3 pointers attempted (31.4), free throws made (21.8), free throws attempted (29.7), and free throw percentage (73.4%), making them 16th in offensive rating. The place where they clearly shine, however, is defense, where they are 4th in the NBA, being top 10 in rebounds (48.3), blocks (6.2), and steals (10.2).
Overall, this team has the potential to make a deep playoff run, but most likely, they are simply a fluke, much like the ’24-’25 Cavaliers. Additionally, according to Sports Illustrated, their star player, 24 year old Cade Cunningham, just set an NBA record of FG misses (31), which, while offset by his 46 point triple double, might hint at future inefficiency on the court.
OKC:
Reigning champions, home of the reigning MVP, and first in net rating, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder have both highest expectations and the best chance to fulfill them in the whole NBA.
The only thing standing in their way? A generational choke-job.
In the Thunder’s way stand the five other current playoff teams, each well-rounded and led by MVP-caliber players. In their championship run, as shown by ESPN and The New York Times, OKC was forced into two win-or-die matchups, winning both of them due to significant injuries among the opposing team’s players. The NBA has not had a team win back to back since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Why should this OKC team be the first?
Knicks:
With over 50 years since their last championship, the ’25-’26 New York Knicks are in it to win it. According to Sports Illustrated, during a livestream commemorating the life of Kobe Bryant, Jalen Brunson stated, “That’s what you work, you work to win. I don’t really work for individual success. I want to win.”
With the Knicks fresh off of their first Eastern Conference Finals run in over 20 years, and both Tyrese Halliburton and Jayson Tatum being out due to injury, I believe that the East is left wide open for this gritty New York team.
Despite yesterday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, making their record 7-4, the Knicks are still a force to be reckoned with. Prior to their loss, the Knicks were on a 5-game winning streak and undefeated at home. Overall, I still believe they are the favorite to win the ECF, with their only liability being defense, especially from Karl Anthony Towns and Brunson.
Spurs:
I have two words for you: Victor. Wembenyama.
The San Antonio Spurs have been playing great offensively and are decent on defense, which is mainly anchored by Wemby. According to Statsmuse, Wemby is leading the league in blocks (3.9 PG), his team in points (25.4), and his team in rebounds (12.8).
Now, some of you might call this buttery smooth glaze, but every single aspect of Wemby’s game has become more polished since last season, including his 3 pointer selection, defensive anchoring, handles, and even his overall fluidity. Additionally, they have everything they need to win now despite their young age, especially with ROTY Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper leading the guards.
If Wembenyama and the Spurs continue at their current rate (2nd in the West, 8-3), then I believe that their chances of making a deep playoff run are very high.
Final Conclusions:
Just like the previous eight NBA seasons, this one is proving to be one of the most competitive ones yet. In the East, we have a surprising young core rising to an early lead and a tenacious roster led by one of the league’s best point guards. In the West, the defending champions fend off an eager generational talent ready for his first chance in the playoffs. Who will win the Larry O’brien? Only time will tell.
