NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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11-14. Previous: 16th. New Orleans Pelicans. 19. team. 69.

Last Week: Beat Houston Rockets 130-101, Lost to Chicago Bulls 129-116, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 143-130

This Week: 2/14 at Detroit Pistons, 2/16 at Memphis Grizzlies, 2/19 vs. Phoenix Suns

Continuing their trend of being impossible to figure out, the New Orleans Pelicans demolished the best defensive team in the league before losing by double-digits to the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks. Much of this inconsistency can be attributed to the fact that the Pelicans are so reliant on young talent.

Speaking of said young talent, the three building blocks of the Pelicans future balled out this week. Against the Houston Rockets, seven Pelicans reached double figures in scoring. Zion Williamson had a dominant week, putting up a line of 28.3 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on an absurd 74.4 percent shooting from the field.

Brandon Ingram did his part as the second option, averaging 24.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Completing the trio, Lonzo Ball showed again exactly why he should not be traded, complementing the two stars perfectly by averaging 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 42.3 percent from distance.

Not enough has been made about the fact that Lonzo Ball has turned the corner so far this season. He struggled early on which led to trade rumors circulating. This trade may still happen, but it wouldn’t if New Orleans was smart. Ball should be a part of this team’s future without a doubt.