Power Rankings v 0.50
1 ) Boston Celtics
The Celtics are the defending NBA champs. They still have the big three, so they still have the top spot in the power rankings. There are no real question marks on this team, except maybe why they would bring in Darius Miles. Look for Boston to remain on top until someone can prove that they can knock them off.
2 ) Los Angeles Lakers
A healthy Bynum could be all Kobe needs to take the Lakers to a NBA Championship in 2009. The good news is he still has Odom and Gasol. The Lakers will take the early lead in the West without too much trouble.
3 ) New Orleans Hornets
They came out of nowhere last season. CP3, David West and Tyson Chandler look too improve on their impressive season. We are picking them to keep the success going in 2008-09.
4 ) Houston Rockets
The new big 3? Is Artest the missing piece to fix T-Mac’s playoff woes? Artest is already saying he hopes to end his career as a Rocket. Yao looked good enough in Olympic play. The Rockets are coming off a year that included a huge win streak. They should be competing for the top spots in the west.
5 ) San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs love years that end in an odd number. Can they keep the pattern alive in 2009? They still have one of the best back courts in the NBA. They still have one of the best front courts in the NBA. Combine those two and you get a quality team that can compete with anyone on any night.
6 ) Detroit Pistons
There are rumors of Sheed leaving Detroit. We don’t believe them. They are still a power in the East and the biggest competition for the Boston Celtics.
7 ) Utah Jazz
Went 38-10 with bull’s eye shooter Kyle Korver. Deron Williams is the second-best point guard in the league. Malone might be coming in to teach the team some defense. They should walk in the Northwest division.
8 ) Toronto Raptors
Not many teams can defend one big man, so how will teams fare against the two headed monster of Bosh and O’Neal? The Raptors off-season moves make them just to become one of the elite in the East.
9) Phoenix Suns
Shaq is old. Nash is old. Marion is gone. The Suns aren’t in free fall yet, give it 2 more years before total destruction. They can still put up points and Shaq is still a hard matchup for most of the NBA.
10 ) Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is a surprise to break the top-10, but with solid play in the playoffs and Lebron James, we figured the 10 spot would suit them just fine. He is getting a real point guard this year, so that helps the Cav’s status too.
11 ) Orlando Magic
Defense remains the biggest question. Free agent acquisition Mickael Pietrus adds more long range ability to the league’s most three point happy team.
12 ) Washington Wizards
Agent Zero is back. Is he the hero the Wiz need to regain the success they had in 2007?
13 ) Dallas Mavericks
We have the Mavericks just edging out the Blazers. They have an experienced big man and an experienced point guard. Their days are numbered, but there is still some left in the tank, we think.
14 ) Portland Trail Blazers
We know what we will get form Roy and Aldridge, the question is what impact Oden will have on the team that finished .500 last season. Rudy and Bayless have looked incredible in their play over the summer.
15 ) Denver Nuggets
A.I. and Carmelo will never win a title together in Denver. Is it time to unload one of the superstars?
16) Philadelphia 76ers
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid just yet. They still need to re-sign Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand definitely needs a good second option on the wing.
17) Miami Heat
The have a star in Wade, a proven veteran in Marion and a young talent in Beasley.
18) Los Angeles Clippers
Not basketball related but Eric Gordon was in Space Jam. One of the toons comes back and gets Jordan’s shoes and little E is surprised. Look it up.
19) Milwaukee Bucks
Andrew Bogut had better be worth it: $60 million had better get you more than the seven road wins the Bucks got last year.
20) Chicago Bulls
They’ll slip from here. Far. Rookie point guards always take a while (here’s looking at you Derrick Rose) and there’s rumors Kirk Hinrich will be dealt.
21) Atlanta Hawks
Childress gone. Smith still unsigned. Now that’s competent management!
22) Indiana Pacers
Could sneak into a playoff spot in April if they can find a taker for Jamaal Tinsley in exchange for a big man. Man, the East is weak.
23) Golden State Warriors
The Flight of the Baron might not be all that dooming. Keeping Kelenna Azubuike and adding the human Energizer Bunny (Ronny Turiaf) will aid the transition.
24) Memphis Grizzlies
While the Gay-Love Era didn’t last long, the trio of Mayo, Gay and whichever point guard management picks will be solid down the road. Just not this season.
25) Charlotte Bobcats
Adam Morrison should be back from a torn ACL. Remember him? The next Bird? Not so much.
26) New York Knicks
Will Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry put down their cheeseburgers long enough to run in Mike D’Antonio’s hyper offense?
27) Oklahoma City
Thunder? Barons? Wind? Bison? Whatever it is, it won’t be good.
28) New Jersey Nets
Vince Carter’s days in New Jersey are numbered. A #1 pick in the 2009 draft could be the icing on the Bring Lebron to New Jersey cake.
29) Minnesota Timberwolves
Another year with Telfair running the point. They have just enough talent to not be last.
30) Sacramento Kings
The good news? They have Patrick Ewing. The bad news? It’s Patrick Ewing Jr.
