NBA Power Rankings: LeBron by Himself

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?

The Cavaliers are on a six-game winning streak, and are 15-2 over their last 17. It's thanks largely to LeBron James being in a class by himself, as he calmly showed at the end of Cleveland's close win at home over the Magic. LeBron's club seems to be peaking right now, whereas the Celtics are just trying to get healthy, and the Lakers are trying to stave off boredom until the playoffs begin. Everyone else? Ranked as follows:

1. Cavaliers (54-13) | Prev.: 1
Seriously, what are you supposed to do if you're the Orlando Magic? Up one late, playing LeBron for the drive seems like the right move. But since LeBron is LeBron, he steps back and drains a long three to essentially give the Cavs the win. Cleveland is now 30-1 at home -- impressive.
2. Lakers (53-14) | Prev.: 2
Phil Jackson criticizes his team for not having a "killer instinct" after Sunday's win over Dallas, then they go ahead and prove him right by letting the Sixers come from 14 down in the fourth to beat them in their very next game. When do the playoffs start, again?
3. Magic (49-18) | Prev.: 5
Orlando has proven that they can contend with anyone (except the Pistons) even without Jameer Nelson. They have to be pleased with the contributions they're getting from guys like Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston, but Dwight Howard is going to need to shoot the ball in the fourth quarter most of the time if the team wants to win games.
4. Spurs (45-22) | Prev.: 3
With the Lakers virtually assured of the one seed for the playoffs, San Antonio can afford to rest Tim Duncan now and then to get ready for the post-season. And with Tony Parker doing his thing, they'll win a lot of those games without Duncan anyway.
5. Rockets (44-25) | Prev.: 7
The details of the Carl Landry shooting are pretty scary, and almost seem like someone was intentionally after him. Regardless, Houston will have to get by without him for a couple of weeks, which, in the tight race for seeding in the West, could have its consequences.
6. Celtics (50-18) | Prev.: 6
This is the lowest we can (with any conscience at all) rank Boston right now, despite the fact that they're injury-ravaged and have only won four times in their last 10 games. They should have plenty of time to get healthy for the playoffs, but the injuries are probably going to cost them home court advantage to the Cavaliers.
7. Hawks (40-28) | Prev.: 12
Winners of six in a row, holding steady in their lead over Miami for the fourth seed in the East. Which is important, because they'll need all the help they can get against Dwyane Wade in the playoffs.
8. Nuggets (43-25) | Prev.: 14
Denver seems to have stopped the bleeding at the moment, winning three in a row against the league's bottom feeders. Their win streak is likely to get to five, before we'll get a better idea of whether they've righted the ship or not when they head out on the road to face the Suns, Hornets, and Mavericks.
9. Blazers (42-25) | Prev.: 8
SLAM's Lang Whitaker, describing Brandon Roy's game while Portland was losing to Atlanta: "Does Brandon Roy get as many calls as Jordan used to get? Or more? it's unbelievable. He flops so much I keep thinking he's Italian."
10. Jazz (42-26) | Prev.: 4
Let the "Utah Jazz are a fraud" columns begin! (Hey, they are just 13-20 on the road, it's not like it isn't justified.)

11. Heat (36-30) | Prev.: 11
Dwyane Wade's MVP season is really fun to watch. But as long as LeBron keeps doing what he's doing, James is a lock to take home the hardware.
12. Sixers (34-31) | Prev.: 19
Peaking at the right time? Perhaps. Showed a lot of heart coming back from 14 down in the fourth to beat the Lakers, and if they can extend their current four-game winning streak, home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs isn't out of the question.
13. Mavericks (41-27) | Prev.: 10
Dallas is looking to improve their eight seed status, but their schedule down the stretch would indicate that maybe they should be happy to just hold onto that playoff spot.
14. Hornets (41-25) | Prev.: 9
Chris Paul is the only one playing consistently lately, and as tight as the West is, it's not a stretch to see the Hornets fall to that eight spot, where they'd get to play the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Have fun with that.
15. Suns (36-31) | Prev.: 15
We'll let the always optimistic Ben York of Fanster take it from here: "Down, yes, but not quite out...yet. If they can beat Philly and Washington at home this week, and somehow find a way to win at least 3 of the 4 games against Denver, Utah, and Portland next week...they could find themselves in a good position for a playoff push come April."
16. Bulls (31-37) | Prev.: 17
God bless the Bulls fans, who must be watching the single most gobsmacking NBA season in recent memory. Simply atrocious coaching from Vinny Del Negro, matched only by indecently inconsistent play up and down the roster. I guess it could only be worse if Chris Duhon were still running the point. (Tom Ziller)
17. Bobcats (29-38) | Prev.: 16
Winners in seven of their last 10, playoffs are still a possibility. Until you look at their remaining schedule, where back-to-backs against the Lakers and Celtics, along with games against the Heat and Magic await.
18. Bucks (31-38) | Prev.: 20
As long as @CV31 keeps Twittering, that's what we'll continue to talk about in this space. Seems like he might be looking for a loophole to get around not sending out updates at halftime. Let's hope so!
19. Pistons (33-33) | Prev.: 13
If Will Bynum (pictured below) played for the Celtics or Lakers, he'd be a household name by now. (Matt Watson)
20. Knicks (28-38) | Prev.: 21
As Shoals notes, the Knicks have been pretty much free of drama this season, ignoring Stephon Marbury's freedom quest, Eddy Curry's familial tragedy and (now) Danilo Gallinari's back injury. Ta' hell with wins -- Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni have created a winning culture. Maybe it's corny, cliche and Albomy. But it really matters. Cheers to that. (TZ)

21. Pacers (28-40) | Prev.: 22
When people are calling to see Josh McRoberts get some run, you know the season's over.
22. Nets (28-39) | Prev.: 18
Devin Harris has not one, but two injuries to his shoulder. Looks like his stellar season might come to a bit of a premature end, and the Nets' playoff chances are gone right along with him.
23. Raptors (24-44) | Prev.: 23
Fortunes change so remarkably fast in the NBA. Two years ago, LeBron was the Class of 2003 star most likely to flee. Then it was Dwyane Wade, watching his Miami empire crumble. Then Carmelo Anthony, ripping down his own Denver empire with DUIs and coaching feuds. Now? Chris Bosh is leaving the field in his dust. The Raptors need a major infusion of talent (coaching and playing) this summer. (TZ)
24. Thunder (19-48) | Prev.: 24
Winners in six of their last 10, including one over the Spurs earlier this week. There's hope here, people.
25. Warriors (24-43) | Prev.: 25
Two years ago when the Warriors stood on the surface of the Moon and screamed holy war, every team that rejected Don Nelson looked like a loser. So much for that conventional wisdom. Geniuses are difficult partners, and Nellie is more mad than most. Thank God the team gave him a lucrative contract extension and basically handed the GM job to his confidant! (TZ)
26. Grizzlies (17-49) | Prev.: 26
Scored just 32 second half points, but were still able to gut out a win in Detroit over the Pistons. What does that mean? Just fewer ping pong balls, unfortunately.
27. Timberwolves (20-47) | Prev.: 27
Just don't have the bodies right now to do much of anything. Managed only 86 points in a loss to the Tim Duncan-less Spurs.
28. Wizards (16-52) | Prev.: 28
Did their part in keeping the Kings winless against Eastern Conference teams, which is about all you can ask at this point.
29. Clippers (13-43) | Prev.: 30
Baron Davis made his long awaited return to the Bay, but despite his 29 points, the Clippers couldn't beat the Warriors who were playing without a suspended Stephen Jackson.

30. Kings (12-46) | Prev.: 29
Just three games left to lose against Eastern Conference teams before Sacramento becomes the only team ever to go 0-30 against an entire conference. You can do it, guys!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-18-2009 @ 6:35PM

demzrdopes said...

LeBron needs to get over his fear of Ron Artest before he can be considered the King. Right now he's still a Prince..

3-18-2009 @ 6:45PM

cantstopdrinkin said...

Wow Brett im amazed. Hornets at 14th???? And below the Heat, Mavs, and Sixers??!!! So let me get this straight - you put two teams from the East with victories in only the mid 30s higher then a team from the WEST with victories over the 40 mark and that has been battling injuries ALL year (I understand so have the Mavs and they are in the West also but the Hornets are a better team then them , and the Hornets have won 9 out of their last 11 game including a victory over the Mavs) . It makes absolutely no sense to put the Heat and Sixers above New Orleans when they have less victories in a weaker conference....

3-18-2009 @ 6:56PM

God not you again demz . Didnt i teach you enough in the earlier post about Lebron????

3-18-2009 @ 6:57PM

It has nothing to do with Lebron being afriad of him demz, its just he is Lebrons worst matchup because of like he said he is the only one even near Lebron in weight at that position and also because Artest and always been an elite and physical defensive player. Lol so you claim he would break Lebrons nose but that Lebron could wear him out.... makes no sense. Artest is a very physical player and Lebron scores 70% or more of his points by going to the rim and being physical because he is so much bigger then whoever guards him..... except Artest. Artest has the strengh and roughness to not allow Lebron to get those easy scores (and plus almost all of Houston's role players play good team defense and all buy into the system and that helps shut Lebron down , and having a 7'6" guy around the rim helps too) he gets against everyone else. You sound retarded gramps and your over thinking the mental part, its just Artest matches up the better against Lebron then anyone else can in the league. He has the strength without giving up to much quickness....

3-18-2009 @ 7:16PM

rjw6683 said...

Common people. Lebron had one bad game against Artest and you talk now like he's owned by the guy. As I remember Lebron was playing minus at least one if not two starters that game on the road. He also had a real bad game. I do remember like 2 months ago where Lebron dropped 30+ like 8-9 boards 4 steals and a couple blocks on Artest in 30 minutes. That's not realy shutting someone down. It's not only Artest that D's up on James. Battier is also in the mix. Talk about Artest locking down Lebron when he does it consistantly.

3-18-2009 @ 8:33PM

Exactly rjw. Lol if you think demz's comment on this article was ridiculous go look at his ones on the article about Lebron that posted early this morning *Lebron's 43 Reminds Orlando....* . He thinks Lebron is so scared and physiced out by Artest. I have been trying to tell him its not that Lebron is afriad of Artest its just Artest matches up against LBJ better then anyone in the league at SF because he is the only one that comes close to Lebrons weight and stops him from getting a ton of close layups and makes him shoot jumpers more. And Houston's role players play great TEAM defense and thats about the only way to really slow Lebron.

P.S. - In that early season matchup Lebron had 27 points , 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block - not 30+ points, 4 steals and multiple blocks. But the biggest stats that will tell you if Houston's D gave him trouble is that he shot under 50% and he had SEVEN turnovers. But as i stated above its because of Houston's overall team defense and the fact that Artest is the toughest physical matchup for Lebron in the league. But he by NO means OWNS Lebron. No one man does....

3-18-2009 @ 8:54PM

buttcrackobamy said...

demz is right, lebron wants no part of ron artest, and his size got nothing to do with it. ron in his head..

3-18-2009 @ 9:31PM

Lol without his size he wouldnt be able to make Lebron timid. Why do you think the only guy who is really able to give Lebron trouble happens to be the 2nd biggest SF in the league behind Lebron. You dont see any regular size SFs giving Lebron trouble do you? Name me some... i dare you. Its not possible because Lebron is just bigger, stronger, and overpowers them. HE CANT DO IT TO ARTEST BECAUSE HE IS THE CLOSEST ONE TO HIS SIZE . God people learn basketball and learn physics....

3-19-2009 @ 1:42AM

The only guy close is S. Battier. And he is just an outstanding defensive player, one of the top 10 in the league easy. He has been in the top 5 in defensive player of the year somethin like 3 outta the last 4 years. And like i said before the entire team plays great team defense and he plays a big part in that , along with Artest.

3-19-2009 @ 7:20AM

Those stats I gave above were just off the top of my head. When they play together that Rockets team can play a great team D. The Cavs have the same thing working when they are on their game. It's why I found it crazy that someone would give that credit all to one player. We have yet to see both of those teams play at full strength wich sucks. Yao was out the first time and I believe Z and West were missing when they played in Houston. Anyhow this whole article has nothing to do with Artest anyhow. When you look at every stat and the complete player there is not one person doing what James does.

3-19-2009 @ 7:50AM

hilryshaves said...

demz nailed it, the rest of you fools need to put down the lebron kool aid. artest owns him, but as everyone knows, it's impossible to predict which artest will show up any given night, or how long he chooses to stay engaged. the size argument is bogus. look at guys who have eaten artest for lunch, Kobe, and Tayshawn Prince come to mind..

3-19-2009 @ 8:36AM

Ok to shut up demz and his other little friends i went back to the 2004-2005 season and took numbers from every single time lebron and artest played. There were a few games artest was out and one james was out so i discarded them. James averages 25.8pts 5.8 rebs 4.8 assists 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks playing against Artest. So please tell me again how he shuts him down. I wont even go into the winning percentage of the James teams over Artest teams, but that is also heavily in favor of Lebron. I was just showing the matchup.

3-19-2009 @ 9:48AM

To be fair LeBron's turnovers are higher when playing against Artest so I'm not saying Artest in any ways isn't an excellent defender. You just down own someone that is dumping close to 26/6/5/2.5 on you over the last 5 years.

3-19-2009 @ 5:09PM

obamaizadope said...

Ron Ron is the truth. You gotta love a rich dude who applies for a job at circuit city to get the employee discount, or shows up for practice in a bathrobe..and yes it's true, he owns lebron.

3-19-2009 @ 8:42PM

goodnboy1 said...

Kobe is way better than lebron any day. It is a joke to even compare them and crazy to say lebron is better. all lebron has is size and hops his shot is garbage anyone can make a lay up. It takes skill to have a shot and, not only a shot but the best shot anyone has seen since m j and thats kobe everyone one needs to get off lebrons nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!

3-24-2009 @ 12:21PM

Kobe lifetime is a 34% 3pt shooter with lebron at 32.6% and Wade at 27.8%. His shot is better then Wade's from outside the 3 pt arc and not far off Kobe's. He's also got Kobe beat in fg%, boards, block, turnover-assist ratio, steals, and ppg. He might not be the pure shooter Kobe is but he's a better overall player.

3-20-2009 @ 7:14AM

lebron is a dump truck, Kobe is Lamborghini..

3-25-2009 @ 8:22AM

Lakerville said...

Labron is very good but lets be real Kobe is a YOUNG seasoned vet. Being the leader of a Cahmpionship team requires clutch shots minimal mental mistakes and a killer instint to rip the heart out of your opponet.... Need i say more?

4-01-2009 @ 7:31PM

bboa370192 said...

I hear everyone, but lets keep things in the right place, Kobe plays his game well,but you need to be a team player he's just getting there, Lebron is in a different lane then Kobe, Lebron is a team player make the guys around him better he see the big picture,check the game board and for Artest,he needs a mine check Lebron is a better player,