OKC Thunder: TI editor power ranking week 9: The shuffle is on
Perhaps a few of the TI staff knew something when the lower ranked Bridges (Miles), selected 12th by the Hornets was earmarked to perform at a higher level this season in our preseason awards projections. Of note: Mikal was selected 10th by the 76ers and then traded to Phoenix for Zhaire Smith).
"Preseason selections – All-Rookie teams: Tamberlyn Richardson: First: Luka Doncic (Mavericks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Clippers), Miles Bridges(Hornets), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies), Deandre Ayton (Suns) Second: Trae Young (Hawks), Collin Sexton (Cavaliers), Kevin Knox (Knicks), Harry Giles (Kings), Wendell Carter Jr. (Bulls)"
The Suns sure made last week interesting as they finally traded Trevor Ariza although it didn’t come without drama. Social media was on fire talking Brooks Brothers and they didn’t mean suits.
Ultimately, the trade which involved the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t happen, but the Wizards and Suns still managed to complete the trade with Ariza going back to Washington while Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers head to Phoenix.
With a meager 4 wins on the heading into week nine the Suns started collecting wins with much of their success due to the return of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton producing double-doubles in three of the Suns four games Phoenix played.
Key Stats:
Offensive Rating: 29th
Defensive Rating: 26th
Net Differential: 29th
Points per game: 102.3 (29thth)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.1 percent (tied 20th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 48.0 percent (29th)
Opponent points per game: 112.7 (24th)
3-Point percent 33.3% (26)
Opponent 3-point percent: 34.5T (10)
Home: 5-11
Road: 1-13
Back to back sets played: 4
Versus the West: 5-15, 15th in WC
Versus the East: 1-9
Week nine: 2-2: Losses to Clippers, @Spurs (OT) wins vs. Mavericks, Wolves (LAC, SAS was B2B)
On tap for week 10: @Knicks, @Celtics, @Wizards, @Nets.