ESPN’s preseason BPI ranks the Houston Rockets No. 2 in the league

No surprise that the defending NBA champs are ranked No. 1. But, the Houston Rockets are coming in hot at No. 2.

ESPN released their preseason basketball power index this week with some interesting results. No surprise that the Golden State Warriors came in at No. 1. However, the rankings welcome in new contenders after the defending champs .

The Houston Rockets come in at No. 2, ahead of rival San Antonio, and the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers. Pretty cool for a team with as big an offseason as the Rockets. Chris Paul and James Harden have yet to play a minute of real NBA action together. However, the message is clear. The league has taken notice of Daryl Morey’s plan. And rightfully so.

Houston, we have title aspirations!

?Preseason BPI rankings are out? pic.twitter.com/G7IClD84AT

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 20, 2017

While it’s great that the Rockets are ranked so high, it’s a bit surprising. It is true that the team made some outstanding moves this offseason. Adding CP3, and some bench support in P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute, is awesome. But lets not forget, this team has yet to play together. Before getting too high on these rankings, lets see how they hold up against those Warriors on opening night. No doubt, this team can run with Golden State. However, these are preseason rankings. Rockets fans should be fired up, but also cautious.

With that said, it’s still exciting to see the Houston Rockets ranked so high. Make no mistake about it, this team is aiming at Golden State. There is no fear in these Rockets. New owner, new players, same goal. To win it all.

The San Antonio Spurs will be tough as always, and no one can forget about LeBron out in the East. The Boston Celtics made some impressive moves also. Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are fine additions. Oh, and then there’s Paul George and Russell Westbrook out in Oklahoma City. However, this Rockets team is loaded both in the starting lineup and on the bench. A top 5 ball handler will be present at all times, with the reigning sixth man of the year, and some pesky perimeter defenders coming off the bench who can also shoot.

Therefore, this team has enough to hold its own against the Warriors and compete with any team this season. So the No. 2 ranking is fitting, but this team has to mesh first. With time, I believe this team will live up to these rankings. Can the season hurry up already?

The title chase begins on October 17th in Oakland. It’ll be a long season, but a fun one nonetheless.

Next: Houston Rockets full team NBA 2K18 ratings

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No surprise that the defending NBA champs are ranked No. 1. But, the Houston Rockets are coming in hot at No. 2.

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