NBA Power Rankings Week 2: The rise of the Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Beat Chicago Bulls 129-128, Beat Detroit Pistons 116-106, Lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 123-98

This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 1/4/2021 vs. Sacramento Kings, 1/6/2021 vs. LA Clippers, 1/8/2021 vs. LA Clippers

It would seem the return of Draymond Green was not the answer to all of the Golden State Warriors’ problems. The roster is a mismatched fit and the talent level is not up to snuff with the rest of the Western Conference. Stephen Curry has looked like the Curry of old. But instead of the usual cast of characters, there is too much reliance on players who leave you wanting more.

Andrew Wiggins has been the second-best Warrior so far this season and was remarkably instrumental in the late run that put away the Detroit Pistons. The team needed a buzzer-beater from Damion Lee to outlast the similarly hapless Chicago Bulls. No one could help enough against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Kelly Oubre Jr., a highly touted offseason pickup, has made a single 3-point attempt and is shooting 4.0 percent on the season. Read that again, clean yourself up and realize just how damaging that is. If it is not a dunk, he is completely ineffective thus far this season.

The only true harbinger of hope is how clearly good James Wiseman is going to be. The biggest issue for the team is he might now be able to play the role they need him to (second option) for a couple of years. Until then the Warriors will be far too reliant on Step Curry shooting them to wins.