ESPN Power Rankings Show Portland Trail Blazers Rise, Knicks Plummet

The Portland Trail Blazers, with a perfect 3-0 start to the season, have seen a significant jump in ESPN's initial 2026-27 NBA power rankings, moving from 17th to 10th. Analyst Ben Golliver highlighted the team's strong start, particularly the "intriguing partnership" between Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, which powered a decisive opening night win over Phoenix. Lillard's return from an Achilles tendon injury was met with enthusiasm by the home crowd at the Moda Center, where Portland began the season with a 21-0 run.

Golliver noted that despite starting as a starter, Morant has had to adjust his role within Portland's deep backcourt, potentially heading towards a career low in minutes, points, and usage rate. Meanwhile, the reigning champion New York Knicks have experienced a dramatic fall, dropping from third to 16th after starting the season with three consecutive losses before their first win against Detroit. ESPN pointed out that the Knicks ranked last in offensive efficiency and scoring average prior to their initial victory, struggling to replicate their championship form.

Miami also saw a considerable drop, falling from 14th to 24th after opening the season with four straight losses, marking only the second time in franchise history the team has started 0-4. Golden State is also underperforming, with one win in four games, causing them to slide from 19th to 27th. This is despite an impressive start from rookie Yaksel Landborg, who joined Shaquille O'Neal, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson as one of four players since 1986 to record at least 85 points and 35 rebounds in their first four NBA games.

ESPN's top-ranked team is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who maintained their first-place position from the preseason rankings. The rankings reflect early-season performance and team dynamics across the league.