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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors walks across the court in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 26, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 23. Toronto Raptors (9-11)

Rank last week: 21st

Last week: (1-2) – @ GSW (L), @ MEM (W), @ IND (L)

Offensive rating: 110.2 (9th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 110.5 (25th in NBA)

The return of Pascal Siakam hasn’t exactly translated to on-court success for the Toronto Raptors just yet. They are 2-7 in games he plays in this year and 7-4 in games where he doesn’t.

This doesn’t fully represent Siakam’s play since being back, though. He’s been putting up respectable numbers and is shooting more efficiently than he did last year.

The biggest issue for Toronto thus far has been their defense. They have been a really good offensive team, they just can’t seem to figure things out defensively.

After a bounce-back from a rough start, the Raptors are back down towards the bottom of the East. However, if they ever figure things out on defense, they could be a very competitive team.

Season outlook: After losing Kyle Lowry to the Heat this offseason, this Raptors season was always going to be a weird one. The quick development of Scottie Barnes gave them hope, but they have now fallen back down the standings. They’ll be in the fight for one of the last play-in spots.