Major League Pickleball Premier Level Power Rankings

Welcome to The Dink's inaugural midseason Major League Pickleball Power Rankings.

The closest thing we have had to power rankings for MLP is California Black Bears owner Ritchie Tuazon's initial power rankings after the draft in April. He actually did very well in retrospect, missing big on two teams – the Shock and the Sliders.

Since we have six weeks between MLP Kansas City and MLP NYC, we figured this would be a great time to evaluate the Premier Level teams in detail.

A few ground rules before we get started ...

I used 37 points as the "magic number" to make the playoffs – I am predicting a team will need to average at least 1.6 points per match to make the playoffs. For context, the D.C. Pickleball Team is in sixth place (last playoff spot) and are averaging 1.83 points per match.
I use a stat called "Max Points Possible" – this is just their number of remaining matches multiplied by three (3 pts for each win) plus their current points.
Since the Mid-Season Tournament doesn’t count toward the regular season standings, I am not counting any of those stats in my calculations.
I also give my predicted percentage chance a team has of making the playoffs. This is NOT scientific. It takes into consideration current points per match, how many points per match they need to average moving forward to hit 37, and how the team is playing right now.

These power rankings are a combination of points per match, how the team is playing, recent match outcomes, and my own opinions of team construction.

12. Columbus Sliders

Original team: (4) Riley Newman, (18) Meghan Dizon, (31) Connor Garnett, (45) Brooke Buckner

Draft points used: 1,000,000

Transactions

Trade - July 22nd (Prior to MLP SLC) - Connor Garnett was traded to the Utah Black Diamonds for Jay Devilliers (his second trade of the year)
Trade - July 22nd (Prior to MLP SLC) - Brooke Buckner was traded to the Carolina Pickleball Club for Andrea Koop

Current team: Riley Newman, Meghan Dizon, Jay Devilliers, Andrea Koop

Last 5 matches: L (1-3) CAR, L (2-3) STL, L (1-3) STL, L (1-3) TEX, L (0-4) DAL

Riley Newman was drafted fourth overall but he hasn’t been playing like it. He is ranked T-32nd in terms of match win percentage. Meghan was sick for an event, and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong for Columbus. They had a VERY tough schedule in Kansas City, playing the top teams in Premier. The most points Columbus could possibly record this year is 40, two more than the St. Louis Shock currently have.

Chances of making playoffs: less than 1 percent

Columbus needs to average 2.7 points per match to make the playoffs – for context, the Shock are in first place at 2.11 points per match.

11. Utah Black Diamonds

Original team: (19) Jay Devilliers, (27) Callie Jo Smith, (36) Tyler Loong, (48) Alix Truong

Draft points used: 497,000

Transactions

Trade - Immediately after the draft - Tyson McGuffin and $50k was traded to the Orlando Squeeze for Jay Devilliers and $50,000
Trade - July 22nd - Jay Devilliers was traded to the Columbus Sliders for Connor Garnett

Current team: Connor Garnett, Callie Jo Smith, Tyler Loong, Alix Truong

Last 5 matches: L (1-3) STL, L (2-3) ORL, L (2-3) NY, W (3-1) LA, L (2-3) UBD

The Connor Garnett trade has made a tremendous difference for Utah in two events. They didn’t get a win in Atlanta, going 0-4 in regulation. In SLC they got four points in six matches, and in KC they earned five points in three matches. It's definitely too little too late, but signs are VERY positive for the future. Truong continues to get better each match and her and CG have gone 7-2 in mixed matches. If the ladies can figure out women’s doubles, the Black Diamonds could play spoiler to someone’s season.

Chances of making playoffs: 1 percent

The Black Diamonds would need to average 2.8 points per match to make the playoffs.

10. AZ Drive

Original team: (5) Andrei Daescu, (13) Dylan Fraizer, (34) Lacy Schneemann, (35) Kaitlyn Christian

Draft points used: 985,000

Transactions

Andrei Daescu - 60 Day Suspension (5/19 - 7/18) - Missed Mid-Season Tournament
AJ Koller - Filled in for Andrei Daescu during the Mid-Season Tournament

Current team: The AZ Drive is currently playing with it’s originally drafted team, now that Daescu is back from suspension

Last 5 matches: L (1-3) COL, L (1-3) TX, L (1-3) TX, W (3-2) NY, L (1-3) D.C.

The Drive were the only Premier Level team to draft man-man. This was a risk, but getting two men in the top 15 picks seemed like a wise choice at the time, because I thought they would dominate. However, the Drive men are only winning 42 percent of the time and are eighth out 12 men’s doubles teams. That number should be closer to 60 percent. On the other side, I figured the women would struggle, but not as bad as they have. Overall, this team has been one of the biggest disappointments to date.

Chances of making playoffs: 4 percent

The Drive need to average 2.5 points per match in order to make the playoffs, and I don’t see that happening.

9. LA Mad Drops

Original team: (9) Catherine Parenteau, (10) Thomas Wilson, (26) Jade Kawamoto, (39) Hunter Johnson

Draft points used: 1,000,000

Transactions

IR Status Update: July 8th - Thomas Wilson placed on IR and Blaine Hovenier signed to the team to replace Wilson for the Mid-Season Tournament, MLP SLC, and MLP KC
Trade: July 7th - Blaine Hovenier traded to the Las Vegas Night Owls for Anderson Scarpa and cash
Waive: July 8th - Anderson Scarpa was waived

Current team: Catherine Parenteau, Thomas Wilson, Jade Kawamoto, Hunter Johnson

Last 5 Matches: L (1-3) TEX, W (3-2) COL, L (1-3) UBD, L (1-3) STL, L (1-3) ORL

The Mad Drops looked great early, but Thomas Wilson’s injury/illness has caused them to drop in the standings significantly. Blaine Hovenier played well for a non-Challenger replacement for the Mid-Season Tournament and two regular season events. Even when Thomas comes back, I don’t think he will be enough to propel this team forward. The two bright spots for this team are women's doubles, and Hunter Johnson has been playing lights out in Dreambreakers.

Chances of Making Playoffs: 10 percent

LA needs to average 2.1 points per match moving forward to make the playoffs – that’s the same as No. 1 seed St. Louis Shock right now – I don’t see that happening.

8. Carolina Pickleball Club

Original team: (1) Ben Johns, (43) Andrea Koop, (46) Jessie Irvine, (47) Collin Johns

Draft points used: 863,000

Transactions

Trade - July 22th (Prior to MLP SLC): Andrea Koop was traded to the Columbus Sliders for Brooke Buckner

Current team: Ben Johns, Brooke Buckner, Jessie Irvine, Collin Johns

Last 5 Matches: L (0-4) DAL, W (3-1) UBD, L (1-3) 5s, W (3-1) COL, L (0-4) TEX

The Johns brothers have looked disinterested of late, something that has been scrutinized in great detail. Jessie Irvine and Andrea Koop are ranked 46th and 53rd overall. At least one trade involving them needs to happen for Carolina to have a chance at the playoffs. The team is probably two trades away from playoff contention.

Chances of making playoffs: 24 percent

Even though they are lower in my power rankings than the Squeeze, I give them a better percentage chance of making the playoffs because they have Ben Johns. If he decides he wants to win and he gets one or two upgraded teammates in the next month, anything is possible.

7. Orlando Squeeze

Original team: (11) Federico Staksrud, (20) Vivienne David, (25) Parris Todd, (32) Jay Devilliers

Draft points used: 1,000,000

Transactions

Trade - Immediately after the draft: Jay Devilliers was traded to the Utah Black Diamonds for Tyson McGuffin and $50,000
Substitution - MLP SLC: Milan Rane played the entire event for Vivienne David (excused absence) on loan from Miami Pickleball Club ($10,000 cash)
Substitution - MLP SLC: On-site substitutions Roscoe Bellamy and Spencer Smith played two matches for Federico Staksrud and Tyson McGuffin (illness)

Current team: Federico Staksrud, Vivienne David, Parris Todd, Tyson McGuffin

Last 5 Matches: L (1-3) TEX, W (3-2) UBD, W (3-1) DAL, W (3-1) LA, L (1-3) NY

The Squeeze just haven’t been healthy and together a ton this season. They have great team chemistry and seem to really fight for each other. The men are better than their fourth-place ranking because they suffered two losses with the subs at MLP SLC. The women are trying to put it together, with both more comfortable on the right. If they can figure it out in women’s and get their mixed doubles closer to 50 percent, they could be formidable.

Chances of making playoffs: 17 percent

The Squeeze has to average 2.2 points per match and even the Shock aren’t doing that right now. If the Squeeze are fully healthy they can really put together a run with 11 matches left. The Hustlers and/or D.C. need to fall off, but there is an outside chance.

6. NY Hustlers

Original team: (6) Jack Sock, (16) Lea Jansen, (28) Jackie Kawamoto, (46) CJ Klinger

Draft points used: 991,000

Current team: The Hustlers are one of four Premier Level teams that has kept its team intact

Last 5 matches: W (3-1) UBD, W (3-2) TEX, W (3-2) UBD, L (2-3) AZ, W (3-1) ORL

Jack Sock needs to step up in the second half of the season in order to ensure the Hustlers make the playoffs. Jack has won 38 percent of his matches and has an overall point differential of -75 this year. As the sixth overall pick currently ranked 47th overall, he is drastically underperforming. The ladies of the Hustlers are holding down the fort, especially Jackie. She is ranked T-8th in terms of match win percentage and was drafted at 28th overall.

Chances of making playoffs: 70 percent

The Hustlers are very up and down this year. They do well in Dreambreakers and since they only need to average 1.3 points per match to make the playoffs moving forward, I like their odds.

5. D.C. Pickleball Team

Original team: (8) James Ignatowich, (14) Rachel Rohrabacher, (29) Dekel Bar, (40) Allyce Jones

Draft points used: 1,000,000

Transactions

Trade - June 20th (After MLP Washington D.C.): Allyce Jones was traded to the Bay Area Breakers for Vivian Glozman and $100,000 cash

Current team: James Ignatowich, Rachel Rohrabacher, Dekel Bar, Vivian Glozman

Last 5 Matches: L (1-3) STL, W (3-2) CAR, L (2-3) DAL, W (3-1) AZ, W (3-1) TEX

D.C. is 2-1 since trading for Glozman. We don’t have a ton of data on the team, as they have only played those three matches as a group. D.C. has an EXTREMELY well-rounded team – they are first in mixed doubles and win 50 percent of the time in gender doubles. I don’t think any team wants to see D.C. on their schedule in the second half of the season.

Chance of making playoffs: 87 percent

D.C. only needs to average 1.3 points per match to lock up a playoff spot, and that will be pretty easy for them to do. They have a lot of matches in hand, so we will see how close to the top they can get.

4. New Jersey 5s

Original team: (2) Anna Leigh Waters, (22) Zane Navratil, (33) Mari Humberg, (37) Will Howells

Draft points used: 998,000

Current team: The 5s are one of four Premier Level teams who have kept their entire team together this season

Last 5 matches: W (3-1) COL, W (3-2) TEX, W (3-1) ORL, L (1-3) STL, W (3-1) CAR

The 5s are the least known team in Premier Level because they have played the least amount of matches. The Clowns (as they are affectionately known by their fans) are built differently from most teams. They want to win women’s doubles and mixed doubles with Anna Leigh and Will Howells, and win a Dreambreaker. Anything outside of that is gravy. If Will Howells and Zane Navratil can start winning even 40 percent of their matches, this team will probably end the year in first place.

Chances of making playoffs: 90 percent

The 5s have the most variability because they have played HALF the matches of some other teams. They need to average 1.4 points per match to make the playoffs, something I predict they will easily accomplish.

3. Texas Ranchers

Original team: (7) Christian Alshon, (15) Etta Wright, (30) Tina Pisnik, (41) Pablo Tellez

Draft points used: 996,000

Transactions

MLP Atlanta: Quang Duong injury substitution for Christian Alshon
Trade Prior to Waiver Period 1: Pablo Tellez traded to Brooklyn Aces for Martin Emmrich and cash considerations
Waiver Period 1: Waived Martin Emmrich and added Quang Duong

Current team: Christian Alshon, Etta Wright, Tina Pisnik, Quang Duong

Last 5 Matches: W (3-1) ORL, W (4-0) DC, W (3-1) AZ, W (3-1) COL, L (1-3) D.C.

The Ranchers are 7-2 in their last two events and Quang Duong has proven he belongs in the Premier Level. All four current players are above 50 percent win percentage in mixed doubles. Pisnik and Wright are a very formidable duo in women’s. Tina Pisnik is looking like the steal of the draft – she was drafted 30th and has won 72 percent of her matches and has a +107 point differential.

Chances of making playoffs: 97 percent

The Ranchers need just two points in their last five matches to make the playoffs. Can they push for one of the top two spots?

2. Dallas Flash

Original team: (12) JW Johnson, (17) Jorja Johnson, (23) Hurricane Tyra Black, (38) Augie Ge

Draft points used: 881,000

Current team: Dallas is one of four Premier Level teams that has kept its entire team together this season

Last 5 Matches: W (3-1) STL, W (3-2) DC, L (2-3) STL, L (1-3) ORL, W (4-0) COL

The Flash have been very consistent and steady this year. Averaging over 2 ppm is no easy feat – there are only two teams to accomplish that to this point. JW and Augie are T-1st in men’s and JW and Jorja are the second-best mixed doubles team. The "weak link" is Augie/Tyra in mixed, and they still win at a 50 percent clip. I think 10 out of the 12 teams would beg to have their weak link win at a 50 percent rate. My biggest worry for the Flash is come playoff time – from time to time they get tight in crucial points, especially Jorja. Can they perform in the playoffs or are they a regular season team?

Chances of making playoffs: 100 percent

The Flash have already guaranteed themselves a playoff spot in my book. Can they earn a first-round bye in the playoffs?

1. St. Louis Shock

Original team: (3) Anna Bright, (21) Hayden Patriquin, (24) Gabe Tardio, (42) Kate Fahey

Draft points used: 980,000

Current team: St. Louis is one of four Premier Level teams that has kept its entire team together this season

Last 5 Matches: W (3-2) COL, W (3-2) DAL, W (3-1) COL, W (3-1) LA, W (3-2) UBD

The Shock is firing on all cylinders, having won their last five matches. Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin are both top-five players in the rankings. The biggest weakness is the Tardio/Fahey mixed doubles pairing, as they have only won 11 percent of their matches (2-18). They only have five matches left before the playoffs, but I wonder if it might be worth trying out AB/Gabe and Kate/Hayden to see if they can up that 44 percent mixed win percentage. Bottom line is no team wants to see the Shock on their schedule.

Chances of making playoffs: 100 percent

The Shock have already locked up a playoff spot by my calculations – the question is whether they can get a first round bye in the playoffs by finishing first or second.