NBA Power Rankings: Week of January 11th

Chris Bosh to the Lakers? Antawn Jamison to the Cavs? Danny Granger to Minnesota?

Well everyone, this past week of NBA ball has mainly been concentrated on trade rumors. I mean, no surprise there with the February trade deadline right around the corner.

But amidst all this trade rumble, there were games to be played.

How did the Cavs handle their current hot streak? How and why are the Thunder playing so great right now? Did the Wizards get lost in the “Arenas mess” ? How are the Celts doing without KG?

All that is covered and more in this week’s NBA Power Rankings.

Starting 5

1.  Cleveland Cavaliers (29-10)

H(14-3) A(15-7)

The Cavs have won 14 of their last 17 games. I mean, is there much more to say?

Yes, there is.

They have also figured out how to incorporate Shaq into their game plan. Quite well, my I add. There is no doubt that they have slowed down, but want to know what they got in return? They are allowing the fewest points in the paint so far this year, a great stat.

Think about it…Shaq, Z, Varejao, Hickson, etc. A list full of BIG men. But they are missing that one versatile forward. Will they get him anytime soon? Wait, what’s that? Do I hear Antawn Jamison? Maybe. But all I know is that this Cavs team is great, but another addition will…well, let’s just say there is a crash course on the way.

2. Boston Celtics (26-9)

H(11-4) A(15-5)

The Celtics are really missing KG. But who has stepped up? Some kid named Rondo, who recorded a triple double his last game against the Raptors. The Celtics are 2-1 this past week, as they picked up two nice victories over the recent struggling Heat, and a great win over the good-looking Raptors. Imagine if Rondo continues this when KG is back. Woo….scary.

3. Los Angeles Lakers (29-8)

H(21-3) A(8-5)

The Lakers have somewhat hid a road block this past week. Actually, they’ve hit two. One against LA (the other one), and another against Portland. The Clippers? Really? Come on Lakers, I know the defending champs are better than that. Kobe has definitely been doing his part, but where’s his cast. I know Gasol has been hurt, but Ron? Odom? Farmar? With Gasol coming back, and these recent struggles, the Lakers are almost guaranteed to shut people (like me) up this coming week.

4. Dallas Mavericks (25-12)

H(12-6) A(13-6)

I really like this Mavs team. They don’t look like an ‘02 All-Star team at all, because their vets are playing at a great pace and level right now. Especially Dirk, who in my opinion, is in the top 3 hardest players to guard in the A. This past week the Mavs beat the slumping Pistons, and beat the ever-rising Spurs, but lost to the Jazz.

5. Atlanta Hawks (23-13)

H(14-4) A(9-9)

The Hawks were playing disgusting, that is, before they played the Celtics on Friday. Call me crazy, but could Jamal Crawford be the best acquisition this past off-season? The guy does everything. He defends, can drive, shoot 3’s, everything! He, and Josh Smith have to maintain playing at a good level in order for the Hawks to survive the top of the East. This past week, the Hawks won against New Jersey, and Boston, but loss to the Heat and Celtics.

Bench

6. Orlando Magic (25-12)

H(14-4) A(11-8)

It’s unfortunate, but the Magic have played themselves right out of my Top 5. It seems like there has been no improvement in the Magic’s game, nor Dwight Howard’s game. Have you seen how Roy Hibbert layed eggs all over Dwight Howard. I did, and it wasn’t pretty. With losses this past week to the Pacers (below .500), Raptors (.500 even), and Wizards (you already know), I had to take them out. Should the Magic make a move before the deadline?

7. Denver Nuggets (23-14)

H(15-3) A(8-11)

With Melo being out, and Billups as well, you would think the Nuggets would be dead right now. Wrong. This past week the Nuggets are          2-2, but had a very key victory against the Cavs on Friday, as they kept LeBron and co. from making a come back. Much of this due to J.R. Smith’s hot shooting. Let’s hope Denver can keep it together until Melo and Mr.Big Shot return.

8. San Antonio Spurs (22-13)

H(16-6) A(6-7)

Come back team of the year? Quite possibly, as the Spurs started horribly, but are now making run, after run, after run. Even though the they’ve played teams like the Wiz, Pistons etc, they are capitalizing on every opportunity. Did you hear Tim Duncan scored 30+ this past week? Wow. What is this, the 90’s?

9. Portland Trailblazers (23-16)

H(14-7) A(9-9)

Tattered, beaten and battered the Blazers are. Is that stopping them? Not necessarily, because last year at this point, they had nearly the same exact record as they do today. May I remind you that they had Fernandez and co. This past week the Blazers lost 3 of 4, but the one victory came against the Lakers. The losses came to the Clips, Grizz and a game that they nearly fought back into, but lost against the Cavs. You have to feel bad for Roy, but when this team has all their pieces, you can put em right up their with LA and DAL.

10. Phoenix Suns (23-14)

H(14-4) A(9-10)

It’s fair to say that the Suns have cooled down, but their stars Nash and Stoudamire are still keeping it real. The Suns this past week are 2-1, with victories against the Kings and Rockets, but a loss to the Miami Wades.lol. The Suns have the next two easy, as they head out east to play the Bucks and Pacers.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-16)

H(10-8) A(10-8)

How bout them Thunder? Who would’ve known that they Thunder would eventually reach 4 games above .500? I didn’t think so, but guess what? They are, and they are continuing to surprise everyone. The Thunder are winners of 3 of their past 5, and should have an easy won coming up against the Knicks, but then take on the rising Spurs, and the elite Mavericks. Should be a great test for the young squad.

12. Miami Heat (18-17)

H(11-10) A(7-7)

The Heat have had it rather rough recently. First the OT loss to the Celts, courtesy of that Rondo guy, then the loss to the Clippers. What do you think is going through D-Wade’s mind? But on the plus side, is that Jermaine, Chalmers and Beasley have stepped up their games quite a bit this season. Unfortunately, the Heat are in a tough Southeast division, which is being dominated by the Magic and Hawks.

13. New Orleans Hornets (19-16)

H(14-3) A(5-13)

The Hornets are simply HOT at the moment. Nothing else better explains it. You know that one girl you see at the beach, long black hair, tan skin and killer body? Well, that’s exactly what the Hornets are at the moment (laugh). The victims have been the Heat, Rockets, Jazz, Thunder, Nets and Magic. That would make it 6 games in a row, but only if a contender was on that list would I be flat out shocked. But much of the thanks goes to David West, whose been simply destroying it. The one negative? David West’s stock might be rising, meaning as the deadline approaches, teams may bite the bait.

14. Toronto Raptors (19-19)

H(12-6) A(7-13)

I take back what I said. The Raptors aren’t as bad as I said the were. To be honest, I think they are a very good defensive team. Bosh can guard positions 3-5, Hedo can guard 1-4, Bargnani can guard 4-5, and Calderon can guard the two guard positions. Never mind the fact that Hedo, Bargnani and Calderon can light it up from three. The only thing missing with this team, has to be a bench. But with rumors swirling about Bosh leaving, Bosh himself is beginning to doubt the organization. Don’t be surprised to see Bosh take the high road.

15. Utah Jazz (20-17)

H(13-6) A(7-11)

The Jazz have been playing rather poor lately, as they’ve won 2 of their previous 7. One question many Jazz fans should be asking is, is why? I mean, they have a great guard, great forward. They have great role players in AK47, Mehmet, etc. So why the poor play? To be honest, I can’t answer that. But another thing the fans should be asking is, who is going to be here past the deadline. Why? Well Jazz executives have repeatedly announced that Williams is the only “untouchable” player on that roster. Let’s see what will happen.

16. Houston Rockets (21-16)

H(11-4) A(10-12)

The Rockets haven’t had it too easy recently. They played the Lakers, Suns, and Mavs in a span of 10 days. But still, I will continue to call them the hardest working team in the league. Heck, Rick Adelman for Coach of the Year?

17. Los Angeles Clippers (17-18)

H(12-8) A(5-10)

WOW! For the first time in my life, I can say I am proud of the LA Clippers. You know, the other LA team? These guys have had a hell of recent games. Teams included the Lakers, Celtics, Blazers, etc. Guess what? This other LA team has won their past four games. All in a row!! Can you believe it?? The Clippers? Baron Davis has been playing pretty good as well. Maybe this is the way for the Clippers to roll out the red carpet for Mr.Griffin?

18. Memphis Grizzlies (18-18)

H(11-5) A(7-13)

The Grizz have been playing decent ball as of late. Nothing too flashy, except for a buzzer beater by the opposing Gerald Wallace, but that doesn’t really count does it? It’s great to see Randolph coming into his own as well. It should be a dandy to watch Mayo, Gay, and Gasol grow up together this season.

19. Charlotte Bobcats (16-19)

H(13-4) A(3-15)

The Bobcats are doing pretty well for what people were giving them earlier on. But why? All due to the spectacular play of Gerald Wallace. The small forward is averaging 19 ppg, and about 12 rpg. Twelve rebounds? We usually love to give Bron credit for his rebounding skills for his position, but Wallace is in the top 5 for rebounding in the NBA! Crazy huh? I think Wallace should be in some MVP talks as well.

20. New York Knicks (15-21)

H(9-10) A(6-11)

Well, the Knicks have finally cooled down, much thanks to the Rockets. Before that, they were on a 3 game coaster. But let’s remember folks, this is supposedly the destination for guys like LeBron, Wade, or Bosh. So keep it chanting…

“2o1o, 2010, 2010″

The Reserves

21. Chicago Bulls (15-20)

H(12-7) A(3-13)

Well it’s good to hear that the Del Negro talks have been put out as of late. It would’ve negatively affected the Bulls in the long run in my opinion. But the Bulls are still struggling, as they only won 1 of their past four games. Guess who it was against? The second worse recorded team in the A. The T-Wolves.

22. Sacramento Kings (15-21)

H(12-8) A(3-13)

The Kings finally halted their 5 game losing skid, with a victory against Denver. A victory that was only won by two, but hey, they still won. But let’s not forget, this is a learning season for Evans, Casspi.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (15-19)

H(11-7) A(4-12)

The Bucks were also on a streak of their own, but this one was a winning streak, but was halted by no one other than the defending champion Lakers, and trust me, MIL isn’t stopping them. It’s ok Milwaukee, with a couple right pieces around Jennings, you should be a good team in a couple years.

24. Golden State Warriors (11-24)

H(7-7) A(4-17)

The Warriors are winners of their past two, and I don’t see it continuing.lol. They face LeBron, then Wade next. I wonder how much longer the Warriors will be a team full of guards and fowards.

25. Washington Wizards (12-23)

H(6-10) A(6-13)

The fallout is only beginning. The Arenas incident is going to cause a HUGE ripple effect in the DC area. It started with suspension, then no rhythm, and next…trades. Trust me on that one. Someone is leaving, I may not know who, but I know someone is.

26. Indiana Pacers (11-25)

H(8-9) A(3-16)

With the Pacers struggling, we begin to hear more trade talk. I recently heard about a Granger for Al Jefferson trade. In my mind, that isn’t too smart for Indiana, whom has a good, solid future center in Hibbert (whom is said to be untouchable by Larry Bird). Also, Troy Murphy might be shipped to CLE as well. Stay tuned.

27. Philadelphia 76ers (11-25)

H(4-12) A(7-13)

I thought I would see more with the return of “The Answer”, but i guess I was wrong, as the Sixers are struggling to get back on track and have lost 3 of their previous 5.

28. Detroit Pistons (11-24)

H(8-9) A(3-16)

You begin to wonder what the Pistons can do. I mean they spent a load this past summer, then they have vets. Hamilton and Prince only aging. Then you have Kwame Brown. Ugh. Can’t get much worse for DEEEEETROOITTT BASKEEETTBAALL!!!

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-30)

H(5-15) A(3-15)

Like I said……

30. New Jersey Nets (3-34)

H(2-15) A(1-19)

….these two will always be at the bottom.

I hope everyone enjoyed my rankings! Come back next Monday for more!

• Email: Devonnba4193@aol.com
• Twitter: twitter.com/devonmsf

**********

* – Shaq / LeBron photo credit: SI.com

---------------