It has been awhile since I have posted my top-15, but not much has changed. I still love the Hawks and don’t like the Blazers or the Hornets…
1. L.A. Lakers-The Lake show gets the nod as the most powerful team in the NBA. With Gasol and Bynum playing well, the Lakers will be tough to beat. SF Luke Walton is out for a couple of weeks, but that shouldn’t be a problem with Trevor Ariza playing so well.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers-The Cavs looked to be pushing the Lakers for the top spot in my power rankings…and then promptly lost to the lowly Wizards. The Cavs are 17-0 at home and have clearly surpassed the Celtics for Eastern Conference supremacy.
3. Orlando Magic-The Magic are 26-8 and playing as well as any team in the NBA despite yesterday’s loss to the Raptors. Stan’s clan is banged up and could use some additional depth. Despite their weak bench, the Magic have a starting five that can compete with anyone.
4. Boston Celtics-Boston is still great defensively despite having lost three of four. Yesterday’s loss to the Knicks was brutal and highlight the Celtics primary weakness: a severe lack of depth. With Kevin Garnett banged up and Rajon Rando struggling, Doc Rivers played Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine big minutes. That cannot happen if the Celts want to continue to be an elite team. Danny Ainge really needs to make a deal to add some depth. Bobby Jackson could really help bolster Boston’s backcourt depth.
5. San Antonio Spurs-The same ole Spurs; old, boring, and ugly. Like it or not, they are certainly winners, and are flying up the TTT power rankings. A healthy TP and Manu have San Antonio playing at a very high level. As with most NBA teams right now, the Spurs could use additional depth.
6. Atlanta Hawks-The Hawks are finally drawing at home while playing sensationally right now. Atlanta has won eight of ten and boasts a 15-2 home record, including a win over the Cavs. Joe Johnson must make the All-Star team and should be in the running for league MVP honors. Josh Smith is healthy and playing very well for the Hawks.
7. Denver Nuggets-The Nuggs have fallen off a little bit but are still one of the best teams in the NBA. C Billups seems to have inspired Melo to play with more intensity and consistency, making the Nuggets a difficult matchup. If K Mart and Nene continue to play well, Denver should make plenty of noise in the Western Conference Playoffs.
8. New Orleans Hornets-The Hornets really need perimeter help, but CP3 has managed to lead a relatively mediocre team to a 20-10 record. New Orleans is dangerous and can beat anyone, despite relying heavily on the 67 year-old Mo Peterson.
9. Detroit Pistons-Rodney Stuckey is straight ballin right now, making the Pistons an interesting team in the Eastern Conference. I expect A.I. and Rasheed to play well for the rest of the season despite nearing the end of the road. The Pistons will win at least 50 games this season.
10. Dallas Mavericks-The Mavs are still kicking themselves for the Devin Harris trade, but aside from Mark Cuban’s asset freeze, things are rolling along in Dallas. I like the Mavs to fly under the radar and then surprise in the postseason It will get easier if Josh Howard cannot be moved for a big man, but that doesn’t seem likely at this point. Stay tuned.
11. Portland Trail Blazers-I have never been real high on the Blazers, but last week’s win against the Celtics sans Brandon Roy opened my eyes a bit. The Blazers really want to acquire Knicks F/C David Lee, but for right now they still have a decent amount of talent. Oden has played better lately too, but remember that Sam Bowie’s rookie year ended up being his best season.
12. Phoenix Suns-Shaq has played really well and J-Rich should continue to gel with Steve Nash. The Suns don’t seem to like Terry Porter, but a 50 win season could happen providing that STAT stays interested.
13. Utah Jazz-Paul Millsap has record a double-double in 17 straight games but the Jazz are still playing without much consistency. Deron Williams is starting to get in shape and the Jazz could be a threat in the west as the season continues.
14. Miami Heat-Dwayne Wade is my MVP this season, and the Heat have some nice pieces to work with. However, Miami really needs a big man, possibly the Kings Brad Miller, if it hopes to compete in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
15. Houston Rockets-Jeff Van Gundy’s favorite team is hanging on for dear life. Expect the Rockets to fall out of the top-15 soon unless Ron Artest and T-Mac can get healthy.
