Thanks to all of you for tuning into my second NBA Power Rankings! (Care to see the first? Here you go: preseason NBA Power Rankings.)
I hope all of you enjoyed the NBA’s opening week, I sure did. Some great teams were on display, with some poor starts and some surprising starts as well. These rankings are based on the team’s performance from the previous week. Don’t like my rankings? Love them? Be sure to comment, as I accept all forms of criticism. I have also shown how far the teams have jumped or dropped, with a plus or minus.
With all of this commotion going on, let me dissect the NBA’s opening week for all of you. I present to you, Devon’s Weekly NBA Power Rankings (Week 1)
Biggest Jump: Milwaukee (+8)
Biggest Drop: Detroit (-6)
The Starting 5
1. Boston Celtics (4-0)(+2)
The Celtics are really showing us how and why they won the 2008 NBA Finals. They are running circles around everyone they have played, especially in their second game, which was against the Charlotte Bobcats. This was a game in which the Celtics gave up a total of 59 points. Then, they spoil King James’ season/home opener. An incredible display of defense, teamwork, and communication early in the season for the C’s. For all you Bostonians, just hope health and age don’t slow down any of the vets, because if this holds up,  you may have reason to celebrate in June.
2. Orlando Magic (3-0)(+2)
The Magic are playing very fluid ball. But, they should. They’ve played the 76ers, Nets, then the Raptors being the most difficult team thus far. I love how Ryan Andersen is playing, as he is averaging 16 ppg. Where did this guy come from? Really? Oh yeah, they also have guys like Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis.etc. The Magic might not have had any real challenges yet, but I believe when they do, we will truly see how good this Magic team is.
3.Los Angeles Lakers (2-1)(-2)
Everyone was wrong. Everyone expected to see this Lakers team come out and run the tables on every team they played. Don’t get me wrong, LA is definitely a top contender, but let’s be realistic, they have weaknesses. It showed when the Lakers played Dallas, the game that resulted in DAL spanking LA. I believe I have found the weakness in this Lakers team: they do not have a true, solid backup power forward. So Dirk took advantage of Pau Gasol being out with injury, and played wonderfully (as usual). This resulted in the rest of the team doing the same, and in the end the Mavericks beat the Lakers in LA. The Lakers will be higher though when Pau’s back, don’t worry knuckleheads.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2)(-2)
The Cavs didn’t start the season the way they wanted to. A loss to the Celtics is understandable (even at home). I mean, it’ll take a couple of regular season games to incorporate a guy like Shaq into any team’s lineup. But then a loss to Toronto? C’mon Cleveland, I know you guys are better than that. After those first two losses, I began to see more of what I saw from last year’s 66-16 team, which was defense, good ball-movement, and more defense, as they shut the door on both Charlotte and Minnesota. But in this upcoming week, I’m expecting to see three straight W’s against a good Washington team, Chicago and New York. Let’s get a streak going Cleveland!
5. Denver Nuggets (3-0)(+1)
I’m very excited for all of you in Denver! This Nuggets team is looking good early! I know it’s only been two games, but from a team that hasn’t really done too much to improve in the off-season, they are showing loads of confidence. Carmelo Anthony is literally chasing the first Player of the Month award. He is averaging 35 ppg, and 7 rpg. Again, I know it’s early, but you can’t help but just love this team. Nice job beating two playoff contending teams (Utah and Portland) as well, that’s why I had to put you in my Starting 5.
The Bench
6. San Antonio Spurs (2-1)(-1)
The Spurs  got dropped to 6th man for a reason. They lost to Chicago? C’mon. A championship contending team needs to show more than that. They lost to a team led by a second year point guard. I’m sure Tony Parker has the veteranship and talent to stop Derrick Rose, but he didn’t.
But other than that, the Spurs are showing us more than last year. Much more. Richard Jefferson seems like a great fit, and McDyess is a great add as well. Let’s hope that San Antonio can keep a good mixture of their young guns and vets on the floor. Let’s also hope that Timmy and Antonio can both keep healthy.
7. Dallas Mavericks (2-1)(0)
Sean Marion seems like a good it in Dallas. He looked great in LA when Dallas beat up on the “Pau-less” Lakers. Dirk Nowitzki is playing MVP caliber ball, and I expect to see that for the rest of the year. There’s also been talk that Dirk has developed some kind of hook shot as well that is supposedly “unstoppable”. I’m looking forward to seeing that.
But back to the point, Dallas is playing good ball despite the loss to a good Washington team. Maybe they can make a move or two later on in the season to bring in that “X” factor that I believe will take Dallas from the Nuggets, Spurs conversation, to the Lakers, Celtics conversation. Ok, maybe overdoing it, but something to get them past San Antonio and possibly Denver. Maybe a Carlos Boozer? Stephen Jackson?
8. Washington Wizards (2-1)(+1)
People are not talking enough about the Wizards. They are a good-looking team. Gilbert is healthy again, and everyone forgets what he used to do when healthy. Remember the buzzer-beaters? The 40 point nights? No? Well I’m sure he’ll remind soon.
They also have the additions of Randy Foye, who replaced Caron Butler and gave Washington a good 14 points and 8 assists against New Jersey. They also have the versatile Antawn Jamison who can play the 3 or the 4 spot. They picked up a nice victory over Dallas, I’m looking forward to see them later on in the year, and how they will play against the Easts best, such as Cleveland on Tuesday. Great to see Washington turning things around.
9. Portland Trailblazers (2-2)(-1)
Even though Portland has lost two, you’d be crazy not to have them in the top 10. Have some respect, they lost to a very good Denver team, in a game where Carmelo poured 41 points all over them. But I do not accept a loss to the    ”Yao-less” Rockets.
The Blazers need to give much credit to Brandon Roy (who I expect to be in the middle of the MVP hunt) who sizzled with 42 against the Rockets. But besides the record, Portland should remain healthy all year, as they are one of the youngest overall teams in NBA, and have a talented roster which should continue improving. Should be fun to watch how Roy leads the Blazers at home against San Antonio on Friday.
10. Atlanta Hawks (2-1)(+1)
Yes, Atlanta is in the top 10. Why not? They started 2-1, they beat a good-looking Wizards squad, and their only loss is to the defending champs. Not bad. They also have an excellent front-court game. Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia, and Marvin Williams are all good, long, and can hit shots from 10-15 feet. I’d say Atlanta has the best front-court in the whole league.
But what about their back-court? Well Bibby is a great PG, but his age should begin to show later in the year. This will affect the Hawks, but maybe Acie Law can come in and show us something. Then there’s Jamal Crawford who was a good pick up, I mean he can shoot 3′s, drive, play D here and there, what’s not to like?
Atlanta’s a good squad, but who will be their one guy to hit the game winner? Most will say Joe Johnson, but honestly, he isn’t a LeBron nor a Kobe.
11. Utah Jazz (1-1)(-1)
For these next three teams, the order really doesn’t make a difference. Mediocre starts, mediocre records. Nothing special. The one loss Utah has is against Nuggets. Then their one win is against the Clippers. Woo-hoo. Nothing special, but Deron Williams continues to show night in and night out that he is committed to this Utah Jazz team, even though others (Carlos Boozer) may not be as committed. Why not pull the trigger on Boozer? I mean, you’re not exactly a title contender, so why not?
12. Toronto Raptors (1-2)(+1)
Nice job guys! Beating Cleveland will look good on your record. But will it matter? Not really. It’ll matter more on Cleveland’s record more than yours. Then you lose to Memphis? C’mon. Then the loss to Orlando is understandable. Bosh is playing pretty well, while Hedo is holding his own (Still looked better in Orlando). Nothing much else to say about Toronto.
13. New Orleans Hornets (1-2)(-1)
Poor Chris Paul. He is going to be like last year’s Dwyane Wade…or worse. A great young talent, great vision, mentality, great everything! The one thing lacking, is the team.
Losing Tyson Chandler does the Hornets more worse than good. Emeka Okafor is not as mobile as Tyson (which will be key in pick & rolls), and Emeka is very susceptible to injuries. A loss to San Antonio, and Boston is understandable, and a win against Sacramento is no big deal. One thing Hornets fans can look at for a positive light is Fantasy Basketball! CP3 should be having a great, if not the best individual year!
14.Miami Heat (3-0)(+3)
The Heat are undefeated! Wow. I feel weird saying that. But yes, they are. Don’t be too shocked, as those victories came against the Knicks, Pacers and Bulls. They should have a loss or two by the next Power Rankings, as they head into the next week playing Denver once (which sounds like a good game, D-Wade vs Melo) and playing the Wizards twice. They just might lose each of those games, but don’t count on it as the “Mini-MJ” (Dwyane Wade) probably won’t let that happen. Another Fantasy Basketballer’s dream is in Dwyane Wade this year.
15. Phoenix Suns (3-0)(0)
The Suns are having a good start as they are undefeated. They haven’t faced any serious teams yet (played Clippers, T-Wolves, and Warriors), but they blew out the Clips by 20+ which is not bad at all. Leandro Barbosa is looking great, and Steve Nash isn’t really letting his age show either. Amar’e Stoudamire and his new specs don’t look bad either.
Could I have been wrong? Will Phoenix make a playoff surge? Will they pass Utah and Portland? OH NO!? Wait…I think I’m right, they probably won’t get past those two, but could possibly have a playoff spot in their future.
16.Houston Rockets (2-1)(+3)
Houston we have lift off. Well not really, but the victory against Portland might help. They may have let Brandon Roy drop 42 on them, but they contained him enough to get the W. If there is any team in the league that I am interested in seeing later, it’s Houston. I’m trying to figure out where they will end up, because nothing about them sticks out, but nothing is too bad either. We might even see Ariza possibly blossom into a star…maybe.
17. Philadelphia 76ers (2-1)(+1)
I dubbed them the most basic team in the A. I still stand by that. I mean, look at their lineup. Anyways, pretty fair start. A loss to Orlando is understandable, and nice job on picking up a victory against Milwaukee, and then heading out to Madison Square and taking out the Knicks as Al Harrington dropped 42 points. I can see something for this team in the future, but not now.
18. Chicago Bulls (1-2)(-4)
The Bulls aren’t doing that bad, they beat the Spurs which is an incredible feat for being the young team they are. Then they get mauled by the Celtics, which is acceptable, and then lose to Miami. The Miami loss in my mind is key because of the fact that those two just might end up fighting over a possible playoff start in the end. Might.
19. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1)(+3)
The Thunder are doing well also. They beat up on the Kings for their season opener, then beat a new-look Pistons squad. Kevin Durant is still trying to lead his team to a playoff spot, while learning a thing or two himself. James Harden is trying to fit in with his new NBA team (which he will do perfectly fine), and the Thunder’s mascot is still awesome! Keep it rolling Thunder!
20. Milwaukee Bucks (1-1)(+8)
I’m really liking Brandon Jennings. He’s showing me that he can be a real “freak” on offense, and I mean that in the best way possible! The Bucks aren’t going anywhere this year, but I just can’t help but talk about Jennings. He will definitely be a good player in the near future. Oh, and the Bucks beat Detroit, but lost to the 76ers. Whatever.
The Reserves
21. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-2)(+3)
The T-Wolves aren’t doing too bad, I just expected to see a little more (like win against Phoenix). But they still are progressing. I really am looking forward to watching them in the future, especially when Ricky Rubio is there. Oops…I got too ahead of myself.
22. Detroit Pistons (1-2)(-6)
Not only is Motown’s economy suffering, but the basketball team is as well. Not that I expected the additions of Charlie and Ben to do a whole lot, but the Pistons are losing to some pretty bad teams. Their first win was at Memphis  (Woo-hoo!), and then they lost at home against the rising Thunder and the Brandon Jennings-led Bucks. Hopefully Rip Hamilton becomes fully healthy, so things will turn around for Detroit, but if not..it could get ugly…er. (Want more Detroit Basketball? Take a look at Boris’ first article: Detroit Pistons Weekly Watch)
23. Charlotte Bobcats (1-2)(-2)
Disgusting. That’s all I have to say..about the game against Boston. You know, the one where they put up a total of 59 points? Anyways, a loss to Boston and Cleveland I can understand. Then a victory against New York is solid. A positive to look at is that they still have Tyson Chandler, whom they stole from New Orleans.
24. Indiana Pacers (0-2)(-4)
The Pacers are a work in progress, it’s as simple as that. Danny Granger will most likely make the All-Star team, Tyler Hansborough has a shot at 2nd Team All-Rookie, and that’s that. They reasonably lost to Atlanta, and lost to the Heat (which they possibly could’ve won). Probably going to get spanked when they play Denver on Wednesday.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (0-4)(-2)
Poor Clips. Actually poor Blake Griffin. He was injured like, the day before his debut. Sucks man. The Clips lost to the Lakers, (ok), Phoenix (ok), Utah (ok), Dallas (ok). Damn David Stern, give these guys a break. Should have a shot at winning against the T-Wolves.
26. Memphis Grizzlies (1-2)(-1)
Lost to Detroit (could’ve won), and lost to Denver (had little chance). But they beat Toronto at least, good going Memphis. A.I. gets his debut on Monday (11/22) supposedly, looking forward to it. But not expecting a playoff spot. Sorry Thabeet and Mayo.
27. New Jersey Nets (0-3)(-1)
Sorry Jay-Z. Actually, I’m sorry for the whole New York/New Jersey area. Nothing really going on over there. The Nets lost to Minnesota, Orlando, and Washington. Two out those three they were unavoidable, but they had a shot at Minnesota. But hey, chant what I told the Knicks fans to chant, “2010, 2010, 2010!”
28. Golden State Warriors (0-2)(-1)
The Warriors are a confusing bunch. Does Stephen Jackson want to stay, or not? Is Monta Ellis really happy playing with Stephen Curry? What is Don Nelson doing over there still? Anyways, they lost to Houston, and Phoenix. This year should be a good year for Curry to get the basics down…if he’s not traded. Who isn’t on the trade block in Golden State?
29. New York Knicks (0-3)(0)
They lost to Miami, Charlotte and Philadelphia. Who cares anyways, the Knicks aren’t planning on anything this year anyways.
“2010, 2010 2010!”
30. Sacramento Kings (0-3)(0)
Congrats, if this were a draft, you’d get the first pick. But it’s not, so forget about it. Kevin Martin is pulling the load, while Tyreke Evans is barely off of it. I’m just waiting for Evans to hop off of the load, and show us something. The Kings lost to the Thunder by 23, then the Hornets by 5, and the Spurs by 9. Sacramento should use this season to let Evans familiarize himself with the NBA, other than that. Adios!
Liked the rankings? Yes? No? Let me know…comments below.
Tune in next Monday for my next NBA Power Rankings (Week 2)
Contact Devon:
-Devonnba4193@aol.com
-Twitter.com/devonmsf
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* – Photo Credit: AP Photos/ Charles Krupa
