NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Favorites keep falling, champs keep climbing

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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NBA; NBA Power Rankings
Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons yells to his coaching staff during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

NBA Power Rankings: 28. Detroit Pistons (4-11)

Rank last week: 28

Last week: (1-2) – vs. SAC (L), vs. IND (W), vs. GSW (L)

Offensive rating: 100.4 (28th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 109.3 (22nd in NBA)

Everyone knew the Detroit Pistons would be one of the worst teams in the league this year, and they are. They have one of the worst defenses and one of the worst offenses, too.

Despite this, there are some positives to consider for Detroit. Number one pick Cade Cunningham is finally coming into his own as of late, averaging 20.0 points in the past week.

The rest of the team is playing decently as well, but inefficiency is really killing them on the offensive end. They even managed to lose a game to the Warriors without Stephen Curry or Draymond Green playing.

Detroit was also involved in a rumor this week involving Ben Simmons. Apparently, there have been ongoing discussions surrounding a deal involving Jerami Grant.

Season outlook: This was always going to be a rough season for the Detroit Pistons. Their main goal going into the season was to develop their young core and they are doing just that. Cunningham’s improvements are great, but the team as a whole is heading straight back to the lottery.