Day 1 NBA Power Rankings, With Reasons for Hope and Despair for Every Team

Reason to be optimistic: Stephen Curry and Yaxel Lendeborg

Even though he enters his campaign at 38 years old, Stephen Curry remains one of the best performances in the league. And this season, it looks like he may suddenly have a new, more dynamic spot to play on. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, 24, looks like a seasoned veteran this preseason, averaging 23.7 points, 12.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists. And his first team match should quickly spoil that of Curry.

Reason for concern: Injuries (or illnesses) galore

For those keeping track at home, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are all out indefinitely. There is no concrete timetable for the return of any of them. And their salaries are almost $90 million and more than 50 percent of the salary cap. Beyond that, Curry, Al Horford and Draymond Green are 38, 40 and 36 years old, respectively. Sustainability is not a given for any of them. And if Curry has an extended absence, this season could get really ugly, really fast.

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