Welcome to a new feature on MSF: Devon’s Weekly NBA Power Rankings.
I will be posting once a week (every Monday) MSF’s version of the NBA Power Rankings. Not only will I be posting the rankings for viewers like yourself to view, but you will be able to comment and give me any input you would like.
So, I would like to introduce to you my first power rankings as we head into the 2009-10 NBA Season:
The Contenders
1. Los Angeles Lakers:
This should be no suprise to anyone at all. The Lakers not only have have nearly the same squad that won last year’s championship, but they have upgraded. The Lakers released SF Trevor Ariza and obtained SF Ron Artest. Kobe Bryant is still in the race with LeBron for world’s best, Pau Gasol has just come off a FIBA European championship with Spain, and Phil Jackson still knows how to coach. I see these guys threatening the 95-96 Bulls.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers:
“..the perfect team”, according to newly acquired Cavs C Shaquille Oneal. I don’t think I can disagree, but I also don’t think I can completely agree. These guys were great last year (regular season), finishing with an NBA best 66-16 record. But, we all know how the season ended. Now this off-season, the Cavs have added length, size, shooting, and depth; everything they needed. Now it’s all up to the role players to show us they can stay “hot” in April, May and hopefully June. If they do, expect the King to return to his Cleveland throne.
3. Boston Celtics:
The Celts have had an interesting off-season, losing Starbury, Leon Powe and Mikki Moore. They also gained Rasheed Wallace, and I’m almost postive we will see an improved Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins next season. But none of these will be the major factors heading into the post-season. It will be if KG knees can last, because if they do, the Boston 3 Party just might give Cleveland trouble in the ECF.
4. Orlando Magic:
The Magic have downgraded. Yes, that’s right. They have lost Hedo, Rafer, Courntey, and a couple others. Who have they gained? Vince Carter. Don’t get me wrong, Carter is a great player, but he does not balance out what they have lost. There is one player that can make up for all of this, one player who can bring the Magic over the Celtics possibly. That is Jameer Nelson, yes Jameer Nelson. We all know what Howard and Lewis will do, but if Nelson can stay healthy and show us a couple improvements, it will be one heck of a battle to reach the ECF.
5. San Antonio Spurs:
Congrats San Antonio, you had the best off-season out of any team in the NBA. Does that mean you’re ready to take another title. Not necessarily. I’m not going to lie, they have a damn good team. Timmy, Manu, TP, and newly acquired Richard Jefferson, and they have a good bench as well with Mason and Bonner. But in the end, I believe that LA will be too much, and they will take it from SA, rather than SA losing it themselves.
The Contending Underdogs
6. Denver Nuggets:
These guys didn’t do much this off-season other than re-signing Chris Andersen, who is a great player off the bench. They have a solid squad; Melo, Mr.Big Shot Billups, Nene and Kenyon. Don’t be suprised if Melo has a (second) breakout year, and ends up assisting the Nuggets in the murder of the San Antonio Spurs, but when it comes down to it, neither SA or DEN will beat LA.
7. Dallas Mavericks:
Age is a big factor when it comes to this squad, just like Boston. The only difference is, Dallas does not have the skill level Boston does. The acquisiton of Shawn Marion is great, even though I believe his All-Star days are over. Dirk is still Dirk, and Jason is still Jason…only older. Dallas has a shot at challenging Denver, but in the end Denver will come out on top.
8. Portland Trailblazers:
I am still suprised this whole squad is still together. It is scary how good this team will be, especially if Greg Oden can show us what we all had hoped for. But for now, they are not ready to handle San Antonio and Los Angeles. Can they challenge Denver? I believe so. Watch out for a great year from Brandon Roy.
9. Washington Wizards:
Second greatest off-season. They will be the most improved team next season, with a healthy Gilbert and Caron, and the acquistion of Randy Foye and Mike Miller. I am definitley looking forward to a matchup between Washington and Cleveland again in the playoffs…especially Deshawn vs LeBron (lol).
10. Utah Jazz:
Utah is another good team, even though the highlight of their off-season was hearing the bickering of Carlos Boozer. I don’t see them beating any of the upper echelon Western Conference teams. I just hope for Deron Williams sake that Utah’s front office makes a couple decent moves during the season, and after the season so that Deron remains in Utah.
The Playoff Contending Teams
11. Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks are probably one of my favorite teams…in NBA Live 10. They have a really athletic team, and have offensive firepower. Mike Bibby, though, will be questionable in the post-season as age seems to be catching up with him. But no doubt they make the playoffs.
12. New Orleans Hornets:
The Hornets made a trade: Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor. Did that do much? Heck yes, and for the worse. Okafor has not been healthy, and is not as mobile as Chandler. This will be key in pick & roll plays for Chris Paul. I do believe they will make the playoffs, but Chris Paul will have to put on a couple shows to get past the 2nd Round.
13. Toronto Raptors:
Nice job Hedo! You got the money you wanted in Toronto, you live in Canada now too! The best part about it is, you moved from a contending team to simply a playoff contending team! Toronto has a decent team, but nothing great. I’m looking forward to seeing how Bosh and Hedo will operate with one another.
14. Chicago Bulls:
I love the Bulls. Great young squad with Rose leading the charge. This doesn’t mean they will come close to getting a ring this year, but they are just a fun bunch to watch. Tyson, Noah, and newly acquired Taj Gibson are all looking great. These guys just might be the Eastern version of Portland in a few years.
15. Phoenix Suns:
The Suns don’t have much to look forward to in the future, because I don’t believe Amare Stoudemire will stick around much longer. Steve Nash is aging and it is showing, and they don’t have much else other than Jason Richardson and Grant Hill. It’s going to be a long year for Suns fans.
16. Detroit Pistons:
The Pistons solved their issues this off-season…well their issue: Allen Iverson. I love AI, but he didn’t look good in a Detroit uniform, nor did he play great in one. His style did not fit with the Pistons’ team play. Now with Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon joining Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, the Pistons will be a fun team to watch. Let’s see what they can do.
17. Miami Heat:
I was strongly considering putting the Heat in spot 19, but you know what came to my head? Dwyane Wade. He is simply amazing, and his game reminds me of MJ’s so much. But other than him and Michael Beasley, the Miami fans don’t have much to cheer about. Hopefully we see a bit more from Mario Chalmers this season as well, otherwise Miami doesn’t get past the 1st Round.
18. Philadelphia 76ers:
Philly is probably the most BASIC team in the league. Everything about them is average. Their D, their offensive game, their coach, everything! But I do like Andre Iguodala, that man can dunk! Philly won’t make it past the 1st Round in my opinion, if they make the playoffs at all.
19. Houston Rockets:
Poor Houston. Their future is uncertain with Tmac on the wrong side of 30 and their All-Star center out for a year. But there is a bit of light: Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola. I really like these two, but they’ll need more help in the end to make the playoffs. If they do. Houston will still have trouble passing the 1st Round.
20. Indiana Pacers:
This was a tough one for me. I had so many teams in mind, whether it be Memphis, Oklahoma City, or the Clippers. But in the end, I believe Danny Granger will be an All-Star and rally his Pacers around and possibly make a strong run to the Playoffs.
The “Looking Aheads”
21. Charlotte Bobcats:
Something about them says “suprise”. Charlotte has a great coach in Larry Brown, and a decent team. They traded Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler (who I believe is more valuable to them in the end). I expect a good year from Gerald Wallace, and who knows, these guys might be playoff bound..but I don’t think so.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder:
Kevin Durant. He is the now, the future, and the bright light for the Thunder. I love these guys in a couple years, as well as the Bulls, Clips, and Blazers. Will Russel Westbrook show us more? Will James Harden be a good fit? Will KD lead this team to the playoffs? Maybe. This one is up in the air.
23. Los Angeles Clippers:
Blake Griffin should have a great year with the Clips, which will probably earn him Rookie of the Year. But I don’t see them making the second season. Baron Davis will continue to have issues with the franchise, and there isn’t much more to talk about the Clippers…for now.
24. Minnesota Timberwolves:
Poor Ricky. He missed out on an opportunity to be apart of the making of a great T-Wolves team. They will sure be a force in the future with Big Al, Kevin Love, and newly acquired PG Johnny Flynn. Shout out to my friend Ryan Gomes!
25. Memphis Grizzlies:
Memphis has acquired the best player in their history! But they won’t make the playoffs. It’s funny how that works. Allen Iverson should have a good rebound year, and I believe he makes the All-Star team, while Thabeet has a good rookie campaign as he shares time with Marc Gasol.
26. New Jersey Nets:
The Nets have lost Carter, which probably puts them into rebuild mode. They have acquired a very good young talent in Courtney Lee. I also like Devin Harris and Brook Lopez as well. Sorry Jay Z, no playoffs, but maybe LeBron will sign in ’10…or not.
27. Golden State Warriors:
Probably the most comical team in the NBA. Trade demands, teammates bagging on one another, and a roster with nearly half of them being under 6’6. I love Stephon Curry, but I don’t see Stephen Jackson nor Monta Ellis sticking around too much longer. Time to turn to rebuild mode.
28. Milwaukee Bucks:
The Bucks are another team with not much to look at. I like them re-signing Ramon Sessions, but they need to do more. Much more.
29. New York Knicks:
Hey all my Knicks fans! I like the drafting of Jordan Hill, great young big man. Sorry you didn’t get Steph, but don’t worry, say what all other Knicks fans say…”2010, 2010, 2010″
30. Sacramento Kings:
Drumroll please…with all due respect, my last placed team is the Kings. Great pick in Tyreke Evans, and nice job in keeping Kevin Martin there. I hope your two GM’s do something soon, because I have a feeling the Martin and Evans combo could blossom into something beautiful in a couple years.
Tune in at after the first week of the 2009-10 NBA season to get my updated rankings. Much thanks
-Devon (devonnba4193@aim.com)
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* – Phil Jackson photo credit: MontanaKids.com
