NBA Power Rankings: Ours is much more of an emotional look than most. Recent events matter, and long-term projections are (mostly) ignored. After all, no one wants to simply read the Vegas odds for winning the title each week, right?
In this week's rankings, the Celtics climb to their (almost) rightful place in the NBA world, while teams like the Sixers and the Raptors had a fairly sizable drop. Again, that's just how it's going to go down here based on the last few games. Volatile rankings are way more fun than seeing the Lakers and Celtics swap the top two spots all season, right?
If you're too lazy to get through it all, teams I like this week include the Hawks, Suns, and Knicks. Teams I think took a step backwards or are in trouble? Let's talk Spurs, Rockets, and Sixers. The details, as well as a place in my heart for all 30 teams, after the jump.
- 1. Lakers (5-0) | Prev.: 1
Had the NBA equivalent of a bye week, playing just two games in eight days. But after falling behind by 16 early in the second quarter to the Rockets, woke up and ended up beating them by 29. A 45-point turnaround against a supposed contender? Yeah, these guys will probably be number one for a while. - 2. Hawks (5-0) | Prev.: 11
Yep, I said it. The Hawks are 5-0, with four wins against playoff teams, and their fifth coming without Josh Smith. Until they lose, they're staying right here. - 3. Celtics (7-1) | Prev.: 6
The defending champs are now 7-1, including a win over the new look Pistons at The Palace. - 4. Suns (6-2) | Prev.: 7
Really should be 7-1 right now, if not for basically conceding a game in Chicago. But either way, this team is solid, and finding themselves defensively. Big week ahead with games against Houston, Detroit, and Utah. - 5. Jazz (5-1) | Prev.: 8
Still without Deron Williams, they finally dropped their first game of the season in New York to the Knicks. 5-1 without your All-Star point guard is still pretty impressive, so they get to remain ahead of ... - 6. Hornets (4-2) | Prev.: 2
1-2 this week, with their only win coming at home against the Heat. Needless to say, tomorrow night's game at home against the Lakers is somewhat ginormous. Both for NOLA's confidence as the season goes on, and, even more importantly, for their place in these rankings. - 7. Cavaliers (5-2) | Prev.: 13
Beating the Bulls twice and Indiana once during the week isn't exactly mind-blowing, but you can only beat the teams on your schedule, which the Cavs did fairly easily. - 8. Knicks (4-2) | Prev.: 23
What? The Knicks are now 4-2, with three straight wins, including one over the Jazz. D'Antoni is getting Crawford to score, Z-Bo to board, and Duhon to dish. No one's playing D, but when you score over 107 per game, who needs defense? - 9. Pistons (4-2) | Prev.: 4
I guess Detroit gets this spot by virtue of their 4-2 record, but they really haven't looked so hot since trading for Allen Iverson. They miss Antonio McDyess offensively, and it looks like AI brought some of that woeful Denver defense with him the way he let Devin Harris of the Nets drop a career high 38. - 10. Blazers (4-3) | Prev.: 16
I was less than impressed with Portland at the beginning of the season, seeing them fall to both the Lakers and Suns in person. But since then, the team has won three straight, including an insane win over the Rockets and a road victory in Orlando. They may be starting to find themselves. - 11. Magic (4-3) | Prev.: 10
I have no idea what to make of this team. They seem to lose against the clubs that are perceived to be decent, and beat who they're supposed to beat. Looking at their schedule for the next couple of weeks, it may be a while before we find out how legit they may or may not be. - 12. Heat (4-3) | Prev.: 22
Winners of three of their last four, and D. Wade 2.0 has averaged over 30 points per game in that stretch. This team is very, um, watchable, two weeks into the season. - 13. Raptors (4-3) | Prev.: 5
Besides Chris Bosh going absolutely bonkers thus far, there's not a lot to like. Raps have dropped three of their last four. - 14. Pacers (3-3) | Prev.: 14
After shooting themselves out of the game against the Suns, Indiana dropped a close one to Cleveland before winning their last two. All without Mike Dunleavy (Jr.), one of the team's leading scorers from a season ago. - 15. Nuggets (3-3) | Prev.: 19
I don't love this Denver team, but they are 2-0 since trading for Chauncey Billups; that much is irrefutable. - 16. Rockets (4-3) | Prev.: 3
This is the lowest ranking I could justifiably give to a team with a winning record, but I think the Rockets have a great many problems for an alleged contender. For one, Yao Ming is either a) WAY overrated, or b) playing on very tired Olympic-fatigued legs. And Tracy McGrady? Five total points in his last two games. This team has serious issues, people. - 17. Kings (3-4) | Prev.: 29
Sure they only beat Memphis, Minnesota, and Golden State. But three in a row is three in a row, and after starting 0-4 they're almost back to .500. - 18. Bulls (3-4) | Prev.: 12
Say what you will, but the team did use the fake motivation of the Suns resting Shaq to play inspired ball and blow out Phoenix by 18 points. - 19. Nets (2-4) | Prev.: 17
Bad team, but they did spoil Iverson's debut with the Pistons, so that counts for something. - 20. Bucks (3-4) | Prev.: 15
Playing without Michael Redd who's down with a sprained ankle, they've been competitive against quality teams like Boston and Phoenix. - 21. Bobcats (2-4) | Prev.: 18
With Gerald Wallace trade rumors swirling, still managed to pull off a victory against the Hornets. - 22. Grizzlies (3-5) | Prev.: 21
Hey, how about those Grizzlies? OJ Mayo is the real deal, and the club's been competitive throughout the majority of their eight games. - 23. Sixers (2-4) | Prev.: 9
Struggling to get it together. Their only two wins came at home over the Knicks and the Kings. - 24. Mavericks (2-4) | Prev.: 20
Jason Kidd may be shooting better, but he's still no Devin Harris, and the Mavs couldn't avoid letting the Clippers notch their first win of the season. - 25. Warriors (2-5) | Prev.: 25
Until Harrington gets traded and Ellis comes back from his injury, there will be many more losses than wins for the Dubs. - 26. Clippers (1-6) | Prev.: 30
Finally getting Baron Davis and Marcus Camby on the court together, which, not surprisingly, resulted in the team's first win of the season over the Mavericks. - 27. Timberwolves (1-5) | Prev.: 26
Young team, even semi-taleted. But will struggle to win 20 games, and they're currently riding a five game losing streak. - 28. Thunder (1-6) | Prev.: 24
Just one win in seven tries, and they're not even selling out their games. They might as well have stayed in Seattle. - 29. Spurs (1-4) | Prev.: 27
The only reason the Spurs aren't dead last is because Tony Parker dropped a double nickel to get his team a win, before deciding to take the next month off with an ankle injury. It'll be interesting to see if this team can win at least a couple of games to keep the team afloat before Parker and Manu Ginobili return. - 30. Wizards (0-5) | Prev.: 28
No Gilbert Arenas, no Brendan Haywood, and these guys are getting rolled regularly. All that money to lock up the, um, "big three" and due to injuries they can't even take the floor together.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
I can't believe I saw the hawks a top of celtics.
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LeBron James and Cavs will be higher than 7th before year's end.
Cleveland Rocks.
Like last year the Celtics were not the strongest nor deepest team on paper, but they showed that heart and true team ball, especially defense, they can win championships. Unfortunately, the Lakers once again show great team depth with good qaulity players. If they continue to let Kobe contol and try to carry the team during the the second half of the game as last year, they will once again fail to win a championship. Reasoning, it's a proven fact that with their game plan, they don't come close when it really matters and Kobe isn't Jordan.
All these Laker haters...don't worry...just sit back and eat these victories they keep piling up...okay!!!!!
The Hawks deserve to be #2 in the rankings. As long as they keep winning, they should be ranked up top. Im just happy as hell to have a real pro b'ball team back in Atlanta. Go Hawks!
I'm just curious how the defending Champions are ranked at number three? Not like they are off to a rough start. They are 7-1? Seems pretty disrespectful. I thought the champions were considered the champs until proven otherwise.
you have got to be kidding me! Celts at number 3, behind the Hawks. World champs until someone beats them. Put down the kool-aid guy.
Once again, I see people have not read the introduction to the paragraph. It doesn't matter if the Celtics are the defending champions-Edwards is ranking NBA teams based solely on performance, and so far, the Celtics haven't cut it. The fact that they aren't undefeated (and should be) says something. It also says something that they almost lost another game earlier this week.
However, on the same note, as much of a Laker fan I am, I don't think the Lakers should be #1. In my view, playing basically one game in the past week can't prove much. Also, the fact that they escaped with a win over the Rockets says something. If the Rockets hadn't screwed up after the first quarter, the Hawks would be the only undefeated team in the NBA.
(Sorry for any multiple posts, but I'm not getting any confirmation of posting.)
I'm not sold on Atlanta one bit. They'll have to prove it over the course of an entire season. They've played five regular season games. So what, it won't last.
The Celtics should be #1....they are much better then last year at this time.....having played together for the Championship. They have already beaten Houston , Detroit and Atlanta.
Banner # 18 will fly....
A couple of things here, Atlanta is playing really well right now, granted its just been 5 games, but the seasons early, and its just an early rankings. Also DON the Celtics havent beaten Atlanta, Atlanta, unlike the Celtics, is undefeated! Just thought you should know. Im sure the Celtics will be up at number one soon enough. Go Hawks!!!
Guy are you kidding me? Celts at 3rd! This team was down by 16 to the raptors and came back and won by 7 with only 4 mins left. This is the same team that came back last year against you #1 ranked Lakers. One of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. I get a kick out of you so called sports experts. It doesnt matter whats on paper. What matters is what shows and what you can see. "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS" And my friend when the Celts. are Champs yet again you'll be eating those words and that number 3. And next time you grah your paycheck, make sure you wear a mask and bring a pistol.
Brett, you are basing this all on win and loss. Please please tell me who the Lakers have played that is worth a crap. The Rockets have lost to each decent team they have played so don't give us that story. Maybe the Lakers will turn out to be the best, who knows but they have only played four games while others have played 7 and have had a patsy schedule.
What the Detroit Pistons should be ranked higher!!! The players are just getting used to the whole AI stuff. Yes they are capable of beating hahaha the (HAWKS)lol. Also they are very capable of beating the celtics. Yes I know the celtics beat them on Sunday they deserve to win but im saying after the pistons get used to everything they will be the #1 ranked team!
CELTICS ARE ON TRACK TO BLOW THE REST OF THE LEAGUE AWAY INCLUDING THE HAPLESS HAWKS AND THE HEARTLESS LAKERS AND THE SEVEN CYLINDER V8 PISTONS AND THE ONE MAN SHOW IN CLEVELAND SO STEPP WANABEE'S SEE SOME OF YAH IN THE PLAYOFFS .
If you figure the strength of schedual the Hawks should be #1.
celtics are still #1 ,until further notice so quit your whinning and suck it up,until they lose the crown then they are the team to beat so read it and weep
It's nice to see all these C's fans around...2 years ago there weren't any to speak off. Boston is the biggest bandwagon city in America.
Well its looking like you Celtic fans will get your chance to back up your post. Hawks vs. Celtics, will take place on wed. Nov. 12th, in Boston. Should be interesting!