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

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3 of 30

(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

38. . 18-38. Previous: 28th. Orlando Magic. 28. team

Last Week: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 124-87, Lost to San Antonio Spurs 120-97, Beat Chicago Bulls 115-106, Lost to Toronto Raptors 113-102

This Week: 4/18 vs. Houston Rockets, 4/20 at Atlanta Hawks, 4/22 vs. New Orleans Pelicans

It has become abundantly clear that Wendell Carter Jr. was desperately in need of a change of scenery. His time with the Chicago Bulls was disjointed, complicated by roster fit and injuries. Now that he has joined the Orlando Magic, Carter appears rejuvenated and ready to prove himself.

Over the last week he has been impressive, averaging 15.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists. 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He led the team in minutes (30.0), scoring and rebounds. He even got a measure of revenge against his former team, dropping 19 points and 12 rebounds on the Bulls this week.

There is a path to the future here for Orlando. Four of the top six scorers for the Magic this week are 22 or younger. Mo Bamba is still limited by a variety of issues but is showing flashes of the potential that saw him drafted so early a few years ago. Bringing in a couple of lottery picks this year (should the Bulls pick convey) along with the returns of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz could keep the Magic as one of the most fun to watch teams in the league. Tearing things down has never felt so good for a team like Orlando.