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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(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

142. . 6-17. Previous: 27th. Washington Wizards. 29. team

Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 119-97, Beat Chicago Bulls 105-101, Lost to Toronto Raptors 137-115, Lost to New York Knicks 109-91

This Week: 2/14 vs. Boston Celtics, 2/15 vs. Houston Rockets, 2/17 vs. Denver Nuggets, 2/20 at Portland Trail Blazers

To put it lightly, the Washington Wizards might be the most unserious franchise in the NBA. Giving up a first-round pick to bring Russell Westbrook into the fold was questionable at the time and has aged like milk. Westbrook has played in 16 games for the Wizards this season and they are a putrid 2-14 in those games. He has not been involved in a win this month.

Rui Hachimura is the only Wizard that generated real positivity this week, other than the big-time scoring numbers of Bradley Beal. Hachimura is one of two Wizards who played in all four games this week and averaged double figures in scoring. While that may seem like a low bar (it is), such is the life of the Washington Wizards.

Beal keeps on saying all of the right things, but as the season goes along that may be part of the problem. It may be why no moves are made and Scott Brooks has continued as the coach for so long. It is one thing to be a team-friendly superstar. It is a step further to not hold a team accountable for mismanaging the prime of one of the best players in the league.