NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

Player health was the topic of the week in the NBA. Any headline about the league seemed to focus on players being out for the coming weeks or the rest of the year and what effect that would have on the rest of the year. The condensed schedule was proposed as part of the reason for the injuries but sometimes it is impossible to explain what is happening.

This week was a microcosm of how injury-plagued this year has been. Which NBA teams were able to weather the storm for the time being?

The saddest of the group was LaMarcus Aldridge calling it a career. The 15-year veteran released a statement that moved many with the realization that his irregular heartbeat was causing him to walk away in the middle of the season.

Aldridge will likely not be remembered as favorably as he should be. During his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, he was a dominant force on the block and carried many a Blazer team throttled by injuries to impressive post-season performances. His tenure with the Blazers did not end on the best of terms due to the pride of two young stars.

It has been reported that Aldridge and Damian Lillard have grown closer in recent years, mending the fence that broke upon the former’s departure for hopeful title contention with the San Antonio Spurs. Now the hope that Aldridge is able to remain healthy and put family first, as he indicated in his statement.

Now, let’s start the Week 17 Power Rankings.

Last Week: Lost to Phoenix Suns 126-120, Beat Indiana Pacers 132-124, Lost to Denver Nuggets 128-99

This Week: 4/18 at Orlando Magic, 4/19 at Miami Heat, 4/21 vs. Utah Jazz, 4/23 vs. LA Clippers, 4/24 at Denver Nuggets

The tank is rolling along well for the Houston Rockets, who have finally surpassed the Minnesota Timberwolves for the least wins in the NBA. Flying under the radar for them is the man they chose not to buy out: Kelly Olynyk. The former member of the Miami Heat has been lethal since joining the Rockets and this week was no exception.

Over the last week, Olynyk was second on the team in points per game (21.3) while shooting 65.0 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from long range. Many expected him to find his way to a contender soon after the trade but he has committed to showing everyone what kind of contract he expects to come his way after this season with the Rockets is finished.

Outside of the Olynyk experience, the young guys for the Rockets remain interesting. Kevin Porter Jr. has his ups and downs but the talent is undeniable. He led the team in assists this week (7.3 per game), continuing to show that he is more than a scorer (a good thing when he shot just 35.9 percent from the field this week). Jae’Sean Tate is well on his way to making an All-Rookie team and continues to do a little bit of everything to try to make the team better. Maybe next week they will get a win.