NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /

3 of 31

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

OKC Thunder

Last Week: Lost to Detroit Pistons 132-108, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 113-102, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 129-102, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 117-93

This Week: 4/13 at Utah Jazz, 4/14 vs. Golden State Warriors, 4/16 at Detroit Pistons

The OKC Thunder seem to be content not winning a game for the rest of the season, trying to catch up in the race to the bottom with the rest of the league’s tanking teams. They have lost six games in a row and nine of their last 10. At this point the Thunder are not looking at one specific x-factor, considering their ostensible franchise player (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) is out indefinitely.

For now, the focal point is the two rookies. Theo Maledon and Aleksej Pokusevski have both shown flashes of the promise that could be a bright future for the Thunder. Look no further than the loss to the Charlotte Hornets this past week. Pokusevski posted a line of 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists while hitting seven 3-point shots. Maledon also reached the 25-point mark and added five rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

The potential is clear and there is no rush. Pokusevski will not turn 20 until after Christmas. Maledon will turn 20 during the offseason. They are no expected to hit their ceilings for a few years, ideally after the addition of a few more top lottery picks. The journey is the fun part for Thunder fans.