Hey again!
Ok, so maybe my Week 4 (You) rankings did not go as planned, so I’m going back to the classic style, my original weekly method for the NBA Power Rankings.
This past week of ball was pretty competitive. It was also a record tying week for some, unfortunately…(cough) New Jersey.
There’s also the normal swirl of Iverson rumors, but this time to Philly? Hmm. Sounds interesting.
Let’s take a look at these stories and more, plus a team-by-team rundown in the Week 5 NBA Power Rankings.
Biggest Jump: San Antonio/Charlotte: (+7)
Biggest Drop: Philadelphia: (-6)
NBA Power Rankings – Starting 5
1. Orlando Magic (14-4)(+1)
First off, let me congratulate the Orlando Magic for landing the top spot in my Rankings! The Magic are an impressive bunch. I just take a look at their roster, whether it be present or for future plans, and I can’t help but drop my jaw. With players currently like VC, Rashard, and Pietrus, this Magic team can simply put up the points. Then on a future point of view, the Magic have the emerging Ryan Andersen (who gets my vote for Most Improved), Dwight (whom is a factor currently), and the young PG Nelson. The Magic will be around.
So, this past week Orlando lost a heart-breaker against Miami with much courtesy to Mike Beasley, and Wade’s air ball, but then bounced back with a punishing lesson in Atlanta, then cruising by Milwaukee and the Knicks. Orlando is simply TOUGH.
2. Phoenix Suns (14-3)(+1)
The Suns of late have had it VERY easy. First they took on Memphis at home, and routed the Grizz by dropping a whopping 126, then they headed out to Minnesota and took down the Wolves by 20+. Then they traveled to “Oh-Canada”, and shut out the Raptors on their home court. Phoenix hasn’t had much competition, but it’s coming in the coming weeks, as they travel to Ohio to take on the Cavs on Dec. 2, then travel to Cali to take on the Lakers on the 6th. But other than that, the Suns have it easy…for now.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (13-3)(+2)
The Lakers are another team that has had it easy. Way too easy.
First off, they welcomed the Knicks to town, and took them down pretty easily as Bryant put up 34, then they traveled to Golden State, and pretty much put a hurting on them..BIG TIME, as the Lakers put up 130, and only gave up 97. Then, came the record setting night..Oh, don’t get me wrong. Not for LA, but for NJ, as the Lakers went into the IZOD Center, and handed the Nets a beautiful gift, the gift of having tied the all-time worst start to a season (0-16). Ouch! That’s all I have to say.
Kobe has been playing solid, and with Gasol back and healthy, the Lakers should be taking my number one spot in a couple weeks.
4. Boston Celtics (13-4)(+2)
Even though the Celtics have a good record, I have a feeling of uncertainty about them. Probably the same feeling many of analysts have as well. The uncertainty that the Celtics will begin to show fatigue.
Let me tell you why. First off, KG had to put up a buzzer-beater to take down the Knicks (after making less than 30% of his shots). Then they barely escape the clutches of the 76ers in Beantown. Don’t get me wrong, I know these guys will be there in the end when it’s all said and done, but the Celtics are probably the team that would suffer the most if any of their stars were injured. But besides that, the Celtics are on a nice little streak, and I am really liking how Pierce is playing as of late.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-5)(-1)
The Cavs..excuse me…Mo Williams and co. need to step it up. Please exclude LeBron James from that convo. as he has been putting up staggering numbers these past weeks, averaging over 30 ppg, over 6 rpg, and over 8 apg.
So why have their been questions in Cleveland? Well, first off Mo Williams (excluding this past game against Dallas, cause he was ridiculously on fire. ) has been cold, Shaq has been absent, and he needs to be there in order to get accustomed to the rotation. Then Delonte has been somewhere, I don’t know where, but it hasn’t been on the floor balling like he was last year. Other than that, J-Moon and Parker have been looking good in Wine & Gold. Just hope the rest of the squad steps their game up a bit more, especially for the upcoming showdown against the number one team in the West, the Suns.
NBA Power Rankings – Bench
6. Atlanta Hawks (12-5)(-5)
The Hawks have plunged right out of my Starting 5. Why? Well, let’s start with how they looked against Orlando (which was in Atlanta.)
The Hawks were outscored 54 – 25 in the second half after leading the Magic 51 -39 at the end of the first half. Then they went cold for about 10 (real life minutes) as they missed 13 shots in a row. Simply pitiful. The second half Hawks looked like a bunch of drunken recreational basketball players. Really.
But, then they bounced back and won against the 76ers in Philly, but then they showed us some more drunken-ness, as they lost to the Detroit Pistons. Ew.
ATL, you need to get back on track.
7. Denver Nuggets (12-5)(+2)
The Nuggets have been having some recent troubles on the defensive side of the ball, as the past 3 games they have given up a whopping 114. The worst part it, it has been against teams like Minnesota and the Knicks. Come on.
But on a fan point of view, Melo gave us quite a show at home, as he and Al Harrington dueled in a Denver showdown, as Harrington dropped 41, and Carmelo poured 50 on the Knicks, to sizzle them 125-128 at home. But the next game was quite upsetting, as the T-Wolves took out the Nuggets at home 100-106. Â Pitiful.
8. Dallas Mavericks (12-5)(-1)
Like I said earlier in the year, Dallas will be right up there with the top teams in the NBA. They just need that one key (young) player, which will put them in the top 5 category. I mean, they look like a 2005 all-star team, but in 2010. I don’t know how that’ll work out, but it’s going decent for them so far.
The Mavs have been playing solid, as they won two on the road. One in Houston and another in Indiana, but then lost at home against the Cavs due to Mo Williams’ hot hand. Understandable loss, just want to see a bit more from the Dallas bench.
9. Portland Trailblazers (12-7)(-1)
The Blazers could be playing a bit better, as this past week they lost to Utah and Memphis. Both are “must-wins”. Especially against Utah, simply because Portland needs to show the gap between playoff contender, and championship contender (not that they are).
But they snagged two easy victories against New Jersey (blah), and the Bulls. I just want to see this Blazers team continue to improve.
10. San Antonio Spurs (9-6)(+7)
The Spurs have done it! They are turning it around..FINALLY! They are on a (easy-mild) 5 game win streak, as they have cruised past Washington, Milwaukee, Golden State, Houston and Philadelphia.
Timmy, and Parker seem to be lifting the load though. I want to see more from R.Jeff, Bonner, and Mason. I have one question though. Have the Spurs fallen too much to ever get back into my Starting 5?
11. Miami Heat (9-7)(+1)
The Heat are on a bumpy road, as they have lost 4 of their past 6 games. But this road could get much bumpier as they face Portland, Denver and the Lakers. If I was D-Wade, I’d be like “holy (explicit).
What is David Stern thinking by giving the Heat 3 games in a row like that? Oh well, Wade has to show us a couple superhuman performances again.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (9-8)(+2)
I’m really liking the way this Thunder team is molding together. First off, Durant is averaging 27 ppg, 5 rpg, and 2 apg. Great (LeBron-like) numbers.
Then they have the emerging Westbrook, who is being taught very well by assistant Maurice Cheeks. Let’s not forget the young rookie James Harden as well, who seems to be fitting in perfectly. Oh yeah, and they have Jeff Greene as well. Great young squad, and we may have seen a glimpse of who they are after last week’s ESPN game against Milwaukee, in which Durant put up 33. Keep it up Thunder!
13. Milwaukee Bucks (8-7)(-3)
The Bucks have cooled down a bit, but that’s perfectly fine, as no one expected them to come out of the gates like this, as Jennings led the charge.
The Bucks are currently riding a 4 game losing streak, and a few of those contests could’ve easily been won with better execution. But the next 3 games should be a bit easier for them, as they play WAS, DET, and CHI.
14. Utah Jazz (9-7)(-1)
Wow. So Carlos Boozer is finally having his breakout year, as these last 3 games he is averaging 27.5 ppg, and 9 rpg. Solid, and MVP like numbers. But the issue is, the Jazz don’t have many other offensive weapons than Williams and Boozer.
Hopefully AK47, and Okhur can begin to heat up from 3, cause if they don’t, Boozer and Williams just might have to carry the load alone.
15. Houston Rockets (9-8)(-4)
The Rockets are right smack dab in the middle of this entire Western playoff hunt. There is nothing really “WOW” about Houston (With T-Mac and Yao out). I mean, Ariza, Brooks, and Scola are a nice young trio, but they need some real scorers.
They also lost a much winnable game against the Thunder, and then were spanked by the Mavs on the 25th. Things should get easier, as they play teams like the Clips and Warriors this upcoming week.
16. Charlotte Bobcats (7-9)(+7)
Gerald Wallace for MVP? Nah. But he sure as hell looked like it on Friday against the Cavs, as he put up 31 points, and 14 rebounds. Oh, and LeBron also got invited to Wallace’s poster as well. Care to take a look? Here:
But anyways, the Bobcats are on a nice roll, as they have won four straight. If Wallace can keep this up..playoffs?
17. Sacramento Kings (8-8)(+5)
Well the Kings are getting their things together just like San Antonio, and are on a 3-game win streak. But they just might begin to slide, as they play MIA, and PHX soon.
Oh, and welcome to the Bench!
18. Chicago Bulls (6-8)(-3)
The Bulls are beginning to lose the pep in their step, as they are on a 4-game losing streak, as they’ve played teams like Utah, Portland, Denver and LA. OUCH! A 4-game, Western Conference losing streak. Dang, that sucks. But one positive is that you know that Rose. and the “Baby-Bulls” are obtaining a lot of experience each game they play.
The Bulls have it easy, as they soon play Milwaukee and Detroit. But then run into the Cavs.
19. Los Angeles Clippers (8-10)(+5)
Way to go LA! And this time, I mean the Clippers as they are on a 5 game win streak. One which includes teams like Denver and…well, that’s really the only good team they’ve played, but hopefully that will give them confidence to continue against Houston, Orlando, and San Antonio..or maybe not.
20. Indiana Pacers (6-8)(-4)
The Pacers are on a bad skid, as they have won 1 out of their last 6 games. Tough to take for any NBA team, I mean just ask Lawrence Frank.
Anyways, the Pacers need to get themselves together, and so does Granger (who is expected to be the star). i love the kid, but he needs to develop that “takeover” mentality, because he just seems like a tiger with the heart of a kitten. A ton of potential, strength, and power, but no drive to kill.
NBA Power Rankings – Reserves
21. New Orleans Hornets (7-10)(-3)
The Hornets aren’t looking good..as of now. I mean, sure Chris Paul has been out, Emeka Okafor’s stats weren’t as good as Chandler’s and Byron Scott was shown the door, but they have a future in Thornton and Crawford. Time to turn into DEFINITE rebuild mode.
22. Toronto Raptors (7-11)(-3)
Poor Canada. Poor Chris Bosh. The Raptors went out and gave Turkoglu all this money, but for what? They are on a 3-game skid, and seem to not have a rhythm. Why do I feel a trade happening soon?
23. Memphis Grizzlies (6-11)(+4)
Memphis didn’t expect to do anything this year, but they are playing decent ball. This past week, they ended up taking out the Trailblazers in Portland by 10, and Marc Gasol is improving very nicely. it’ll  be nice to see how this team fairs later during the stretch.
24. Detroit Pistons (6-11)(-4)
Mo-Town, Mo-Town, Mo-Town. Poor city, poor team, just poor everything. Where’d they go? 3 years ago these guys were contending for a ring, but now they have lost half their roster, and are batter by injuries.
But on the positive side, they picked up a very nice looking W against the Hawks in the Palace, as Stuckey had 23 and Wallace had 18 bounds. Shout out to Boris!
25. Washington Wizards (5-10)(+1)
The Wizards are doing a decent job at attempting a nice comeback. I’m also really liking the play of Antawn Jamison, but unfortunately they have another injury, as Mike Miller is out.
The Wiz should get some W’s, as they play MIL, and TOR twice.
I just hope we can see the old Agent Zero we have been used to.
26. Golden State Warriors (5-10)(-1)
The Warriors picked up two nice victories last week against Portland and Dallas. But then they fell twice (understandably) to the Lakers and the Suns.
Curry should start coming into his own soon.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (5-12)(-6)
ALLEN IVERSON! ALLEN IVERSON! GET HIM! GET HIM!
With that out of the way, the 76ers are on a poor 6-game skid. I don’t quite know the direction of this team, but I hope it includes the 1st and 9th letters of the alphabet.
28. New York Knicks (3-14)(+2)
Al Harrington has been doing a good job against many superstars, like last year against LeBron when he went over 30 in NYC. Then last week he put up 40+ in Denver against Melo’s 50. But NYC still came up short..again.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-15)(-1)
The T-Wolves have been playing poorly lately..until last night as they shut out Denver in Colorado. Great game for fans, and shout out to my boy Ryan Gomes who put up a team-high 27!
30. New Jersey Nets (0-16)(-1)
WHAT!? WHO!? WHEN!? WHERE!? WHY!?
The Nets are tied for an NBA record worst, 16 consecutive losses to start the NBA season. Disgusting. Outrageous. Hideous. I don’t know what else to say about that. But the Nets did manage to save the rep. of head coach Lawrence Frank by firing him before the Nets collapsed to the Lakers last night.
Can they get their first win against the Mavs?
THANKS FOR TUNING IN EVERYONE!
Make sure you check by next week, for Week 6!
Email: Devonnba4193@aol.com
Twitter: twitter.com/devonmsf
**********
* – Vince Carter photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
