We rounded up NBA power rankings from several authority sports sites to see where the Washington Wizards rank among the experts before the start of the 2017-18 NBA season.

Only two Washington Wizards preseason games separate them from the start of the NBA season as the Wizards welcome the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 18 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The NBA offseason was highlighted by blockbuster trades and franchise-changing signings in NBA free agency. Kyrie Irving is now a member of the rival Boston Celtics, and Isiah Thomas joined LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Chicago Bulls sent Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and James Harden gets an upgrade at point guard with the Houston Rockets’ acquisition of Chris Paul.

However, the Washington Wizards swayed from the norm this offseason and stuck with their core unit by delivering NBA superstar John Wall with a lengthy contract extension and retaining small forward Otto Porter.

Not to mention, all five starters are returning for the upcoming season, but that doesn’t mean all five players will be in the Wizards starting lineup come Oct. 18 against the Sixers. The rugged 6-foot-10 forward Markieff Morris had successful sports hernia surgery on Sept. 22 and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks, per Ben Standig of The Associated Press.

Nonetheless, let’s get to the Washington Wizards NBA preseason power rankings roundup as we gear up for the 2017-18 NBA season.

Sports Illustrated’s The Crossover

Washington Wizards ranking: No. 9

Kenny Ducey of Sports Illustrated’s Crossover addressed his NBA preseason ratings for each team. Ducey placed the Wizards at a No. 9 and giving John Wall, Bradley Beal and company a place in the top 10 NBA teams.

Ducey voices his concerns of Wizards small forward Otto Porter, who signed a prosperous four-year deal worth more than $160 million to stay with the Wizards and starting forward Morris.

The talent in the backcourt is undeniable, but I still have some questions. Just how good is Otto Porter? And how does Markieff Morris mix in after missing training camp and preseason?

But, a high rating is given by Ducey due to arguably the best backcourt in the NBA, four-time All-Star John Wall and the third overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft Bradley Beal.

Bleacher Report

Washington Wizards ranking: No. 7

Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton presented his 2017 NBA preseason power rankings that likely gets the stamp of approval among many Washington Wizards fans.

The highest preseason ranking yet, the Washington Wizards come in at No. 7 ahead of the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves to round out the top 10 teams.

ESPN

Washington Wizards ranking: No. 12

The people at ESPN got creative and formed Warriors vs. the NBA edition for their power rankings with the Washington Wizards at No. 12 in the competitor rankings. Suprise to many, Southeast Division foes Miami Heat placed No. 10 ahead of the Wizards.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gives high praise to the Wizards and predicts their first 50-win season since the franchise’s lone NBA championship the 1978-79 season. Windhorst also hypes the possible Wizards-Cavs Eastern Conference playoff series, a team the Wizards want to overtake as kings of the East.

CBS Sports

Washington Wizards ranking: No. 8

The NBA preseason power rankings and follows suit with the Warriors atop the NBA. CBS Sports joins Bleacher Report and SI’s Crossover as the three to give the Wizards top 10 rankings.

At No. 8, Moore emphasizes the importance of quickly finding a lineup that converts during the absence of starting forward Morris. Lineup suggestions from Moore include Jason Smith at the four or going with a smaller lineup and have Kelly Oubre Jr. at the three and Porter at the four position.

NBA.com’s David Aldridge

Washington Wizards ranking: No. 14

Washington, D.C. native David Aldridge delivered his NBA offseason power rankings based on each team’s offseason and free agency moves, along with the importance of continuity. Also, NBA teams are categorized into three divisions, the top 10, middle 10 and bottom 10 teams.

The Washington Wizards landed in the middle 10 teams at No. 14, the lowest Wizards rating out of the group.

Aldridge voices his admiration for the Wizards starting five but throws concerns for the Wizards bench, a unit that ranked No. 28 in the NBA last season, per Hoopsstats.com.