This is not something I normally do, but it seems like everywhere I look and listen, there are faulty NBA power rankings. I have no choice but to improve upon what I've seen and heard. It's about that time for me to get my two cents in, but quickly I have to go over a couple rules:
(1) I'm not basing this entirely on records; otherwise there'd be little room for opinion.
(2) There's a little bit of projection going on, meaning it doesn't all have to be about this very moment in time.
That said, here we go...
1-Boston Celtics; 41-10, 2nd in the Eastern Conference
Yes, I'm completely aware of the fact that the Lakers beat the Celtics, in Boston, without Andrew Bynum last night. Still, I refuse to put all my eggs in one basket. I personally prefer the Lakers to the Celtics, and I was rooting for Los Angeles last night, but I'm reserving my biases for the purpose of this post.
There's a possibility that Bynum could be done for the season. With that in mind, we're back to last postseason's scenario: Celtics with a full squad and Lakers without their young stud in the middle. Even if the rangy center does manage to return to the lineup at some point, it's unrealistic to believe that he'll return to full strength and play at his pre-injury level.
Kevin Garnett hasn't quite returned to form after battling his nagging injuries the past couple weeks, but he'll get there soon. For now, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo will make up for his slightly decreased production.
2-Los Angeles Lakers; 40-9, 1st in the Western Conference
With Bynum, they're (barely) the best team in the NBA. Without him they're second -- again. Kobe Bryant is, without a doubt, the premier basketball player in the universe, but Pau Gasol is his only reliable partner in crime.
Bynum made for a dangerous third option, and role that will now have to be occupied by the enigmatic, headache-inducing Lamar Odom.
3-Cleveland Cavaliers; 39-9, 1st in the East
The Cavs are better than they were a year ago, but not by much. I've always been a fan of Mo Williams, and he complements LeBron James beautifully. However, ultimately what it comes down to is that I don't believe they can beat the Celtics in a playoff series with their current roster situation.
There's been some talk about adding Vince Carter via trade, and that would certainly change things. Until then, I'll take the Celtics' defense and chemistry over the Cavs by a small-but-certain margin.
4-San Antonio Spurs; 33-15, 2nd in the West
Slow and steady wins the race -- Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili know that. The Spurs, internally, are probably just as good as they were in past championship seasons. The difference lies in the level of competition.
San Antonio lacks the athleticism and explosiveness of the Celtics, Lakers, and Cavs. No matter what happens, there's no way this team is reaching the NBA Finals. Last postseason proved that plain and simply, they have no answer for Kobe Bryant. Bruce Bowen's days of "Kobe stopping" (which he never really did anyway) are far behind him.
5-Dallas Mavericks; 29-20, 7th in the West
They may be seventh in the West, but the Mavs are surging having won their last four, including victories over formidable opponents like the Orlando Magic, to name one. Dallas appears to be putting it together under underrated head coach Rick Carlisle, and Josh Howard and Brandon Bass are back in the swing of things offensively.
That duo alongside superstar Dirk Nowitzki, reliable shooter Jason Terry, and experienced floor general Jason Kidd gives the Mavs are very respectable core of five. Erick Dampier has his nights in the paint, too. I like the poise and patience that this club plays with.
6-Utah Jazz-28-22, 8th in the West
I know what you're thinking, how could the seventh and eighth teams in the West be fifth and sixth in the entire league?
Well, as I said earlier, I'm not basing these rankings entirely upon the current records. I'm projecting a little.
Deron Williams is banged up but his offensive production doesn't appear to be suffering. The Jazz play relentless defense with hustle players like Ronnie Brewer and Paul Millsap, and there are rumblings that Carlos Boozer may eventually work his way back to the court. They miss Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko at the moment, but Utah continues to play well, regardless of the injuries.
Credit for that has to go to outstanding head coach Jerry Sloan.
7-Denver Nuggets-33-16, 3rd in the West
I'm very hesitant to rank this team this high, but it doesn't look like I have much of a choice. Personally, I'm not a believer. Obviously Chauncey Billups is a better complement to the offensive styles of Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, but I can't see this team winning any more than a single playoff series.
It's only a matter of time before either Nene or Kenyon Martin break down, and George Karl has been nothing but a disappointment during his tenure in front of the Nuggets' bench.
8-Orlando Magic-37-11, 3rd in the East
This team takes a major hit with the loss of Jameer Nelson, who was in the midst of a career year. Anthony Johnson has played surprisingly well in his stead thus far, but it's a short stint. Long term, we all know AJ isn't the answer for a squad looking to make an NBA Finals run.
Dwight Howard's lack of interior offensive development also bothers me. Sure he can get his dunks and three-foot hooks in the first three quarters of games, but what about the fourth? He's not quite there yet, and Orlando will really miss Nelson in fourth quarters as well.
9-Portland Trail Blazers-30-18, 4th in the West
I don't think Greg Oden will get to the point where he's truly an impact player this season, but Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge are enough to keep the Blazers in the top ten. Portland came away with an impressive win over the Hornets -- in New Orleans -- this week, and their consistent defensive effort will always keep them in games.
10-New Orleans Hornets-28-18, 5th in the West
I have no faith in this team come playoff time, but I love head coach Byron Scott. The man did a phenomenal job during his tenure in New Jersey, and his firing there, was a travesty. Oh yea, there's a couple of guys named Chris Paul and David West in the picture here, too.
11-Atlanta Hawks
12-Houston Rockets
13-Detroit Pistons
14-Phoenix Suns
15-Miami Heat
16-New Jersey Nets
17-Philadelphia 76ers
18-New York Knicks
19-Milwaukee Bucks
20-Chicago Bulls
21-Toronto Raptors
22-Indiana Pacers
23-Golden State Warriors
24-Charlotte Bobcats
25-Minnesota Timberwolves
26-Memphis Grizzlies
27-Oklahoma City Thunder
28-Washington Wizards
29-Sacramento Kings
30-Los Angeles Clippers
Please feel free to post your comments. Note: I've posted this piece on another blog of mine, here.
