Note: NBA2KLeague.com’s Power Rankings are the opinion of this writer and do not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs.

The first week of the NBA 2K League season saw five days of competitive play at THE TIPOFF culminate in a fantastic finish as 76ers GC defeated Blazer5 Gaming to win the championship.

Now that games have been played, it’s time to sort through how the 17 teams stack up entering the start of the regular season in our initial power rankings.

1. 76ers GC

(Tournament record: 5-1)

You didn’t expect any other team, right? Fresh off their surprising tournament run, 76ers GC are officially the team to beat until further notice. Perhaps the most impressive aspect about their title is it came after the squad dropped its opening game before rattling off five straight wins. In proving it was a full team effort, ZDS — the 89th overall draft pick — scored 34 points with six 3-pointers over the final two games.

2. Blazer5 Gaming

(Tournament record: 5-1)

These guys came up short at the end, but they’re going to be more than just fine. Blazer5 Gaming put on a dominant display throughout, taking an unblemished record into the final. Even there they dug out of an early 23-point hole to put a scare into their brethren from Philly. Point guard Mama Im Dat Man was among the steadiest at his position during the tournament. He received plenty of support from OneWildWalnut and Dat Boy Shotz, a frontcourt tandem that opposing teams simply struggled to contain.

3. Cavs Legion GC

(Tournament record: 3-2)

This squad had the look of a tournament favorite following pool play. Small forward Hood was arguably the most impressive player in the tournament with a pair of 46-point games, while carrying his team into the semifinals. Cavs Legion possesses a solid two-man game with Hood and big man Sick x 973 playing off each other. The issue the team must solve is finding which player is going to step up as the third scoring option.

4. Pistons GT

(Tournament record: 3-2)

Here’s a confident bunch with the game to back it up. Led by an outspoken leader in Lets Get It Ramo, Pistons GT made a gritty run into the semifinals before being stopped by the eventual champions. They did it playing their own style of play, eschewing 3-pointers in favor of working inside the arc. The approach worked to this point, now we’ll see if it can be sustained

5. Celtics Crossover Gaming

(Tournament record: 3-1)

It was a rather unlikely debut for CLTC Crossover Gaming. CLTX Gaming compiled a 3-1 record in the so-called Group of Death (Group D), only to be left out in the cold for the playoff rounds due to a point-differential tiebreaker. Do not sleep on them, especially with a chip on their shoulder. With oFAB at the point and ARSONAL x down low, it won’t be a surprise to see CLTX Gaming make some noise the rest of the way.

6. Jazz Gaming

(Tournament record: 2-2)

Even if you weren’t watching them play, you probably could hear Jazz Gaming. This is a vocal group, to say the least. Constantly communicating on the mics, they have bonded quickly and appear to genuinely enjoy playing with one another. Oh, and they’re pretty good, too. Yeah I Compete and the rest of the squad came within one basket of a berth in the semifinals.

7. Pacers Gaming

(Tournament record: 3-2)

Want to know who is the best two-way player in the league right now? You don’t have to look much further than WoLF 74. The team’s top offensive threat is actually best-known for his lockdown defense, and he put it all on display in the tournament. The team elected not to start vGooner- in their opener while acclimating the point guard from the UK into the squad. But he brought a whole different dynamic to Pacers Gaming when he was on the floor.

8. Mavs Gaming

(Tournament record: 3-2)

The team from Dallas has been facing an uphill battle since draft day. Yes, they got Dimez at No. 1 overall, but they also have been tasked with incorporating three late-arriving foreign players into the mix, leaving little practice time. Dimez did his part in carrying Mavs Gaming out of the toughest group into the quarterfinals, setting the league scoring mark with 50 points in the process. Dayfri proved to be a handful in the paint.

9. Warriors Gaming Squad

(Tournament record: 2-2)

They slowly came together as the tournament progressed, making an unexpected appearance in the quarterfinals. Vert carried the load down low, coming within two assists of the league’s first triple-double during pool play. When their shooters are hot, Warriors Gaming Squad is a tough out. When they’re not, coming out victorious is a tall order.

10. Kings Guard Gaming

(Tournament record: 1-2)

It was a disappointing showing for Kings Guard Gaming, only because they might be the most talented team on paper not to advance to the playoff rounds. Kings Guard Gaming’s two losses came by just a combined four points. Their top pick, Mootyy, is too good of a player to not have this team headed in the right direction. That’s likely coming sooner than later.

11. Bucks Gaming

(Tournament record: 1-2)

Here’s another team that was dealt a tough hand. Bucks Gaming defeated Cavs Legion early on but then suffered two narrow losses by seven total points in pool play. With Game6Drake running the point and oLARRY holding it down at center, this team has the makings of one that shouldn’t be taken lightly moving forward.

12. Raptors Uprising GC

(Tournament record: 1-2)

Thought to be a favorite in its group at the onset, Raptors Uprising GC was on the outside looking in when it came to the playoff rounds. Yusef_Scarbz busted out of the gate with 28 points and 15 rebounds, but he is going to need more consistent play out of his supporting cast for this team to be have prolonged success.

13. Wizards District Gaming

(Tournament record: 1-2)

In point guard Demon JT and power forward Boo Painter, this squad has a one-two punch to rival most in the league. Both turned in strong tournament performances, but the team as a whole lived and died by the 3-pointer too often. If the shooters can keep the defense honest by spacing the floor for the two-man game, Wizards District Gaming will find its groove.

14. Knicks Gaming

(Tournament record: 1-2)

Probably lower on the list than their talent would suggest, Knicks Gaming proved to be a tough out. However, they couldn’t put together enough stretches of steady play to impress in front of the home crowd. A win over Warriors Gaming Squad displayed the team’s balance, with four players scoring at least 15 points.

15. Heat Check Gaming

(Tournament record: 1-3)

A team with grand aspirations, Heat Check Gaming got a tough draw in the Group of Death. Despite that, they only managed a narrow win over Grizz Gaming and were easily outmanned in their other contests. They clearly used the tournament to experiment with lineups in hopes of finding the right combination, so the results aren’t totally indicative of their future capabilities.

16. Magic Gaming

(Tournament record: 0-3)
The highlight of their tournament was a near-upset of 76ers GC to close pool play. Magic Gaming looks like it team still searching for its identity. They need someone to step up as the leader and pull everyone together. Right now they are playing a little too passively.

17. Grizz Gaming

(Tournament record: 0-4)

In an interesting and surprising move, Grizz Gaming sat Winner_Stayz_On, their first-round pick and point guard, on the sidelines in their opener. Experimenting with lineups to build team rapport is fine, but making sure your core five is insync first would stand to be more beneficial. As a result, the squad had a rough go at it in dropping all four games.

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Note: NBA2KLeague.com’s Power Rankings are the opinion of this writer and do not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs.