NBA Power Rankings Week 3: A new number one has arrived

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Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans high fives teammates after a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Week 3 NBA power rankings: 29. New Orleans Pelicans

. 1-9. Previous: 26th. New Orleans Pelicans. 29. team. 69

Last week: (0-3) – @ PHX (L), @ SAC (L), @ GSW (L)

Offensive rating: 101.8 (24th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 112.5 (28th in NBA)

The New Orleans Pelicans may be the most disappointing team of the season so far. Losing Zion Williamson hurt them, but there’s no reason for them to be this bad this year.

They have an All-Star-level player in Brandon Ingram (although he’s missed the last four games), Jonas Valanciunas is playing incredible, and decent supporting pieces in Devonte’ Graham, Nickel Alexander-Walker, and Josh Hart (who has also been dealing with an injury).

Injuries aside, it doesn’t even seem like the Pelicans are putting up a fight half the time. Last week, they lost their three games by a combined total of 66 points. That is absolutely unacceptable.

Getting Williamson back could help in theory, but with his ongoing foot injury along with the poor shape he’s been seen in, it’s looking like he may not even suit up at all this season.

Season outlook: As of now, it’s looking like the New Orleans Pelicans are destined for a lottery pick. Their only win so far this season came against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it took 20-point games from three of New Orleans’ top players to get it done.