NBA Playoff Power Rankings

I was gonna do a final power rankings heading into the final week of the season, last week. However, I didn't really feel like writing about all the teams that were no longer compelling and decided to hold off and rank the playoff teams. Obviously, this isn't just ranking them by seed or that would be exceedingly boring. Here's how I think the teams stack up based on their play headed into the most exciting stretch of the season. Let's start with the Eastern Conference.

EAST

#1 Chicago Bulls -

To put another team here would be kind of silly. Since Thanksgiving this has been the best team in the NBA at 54-15. They're also the hottest team in the league at 9-1 over their last 10, including an utter dismantling of a beat up Boston squad. Derrick Rose is essentially the unquestioned MVP among the media types, and has certainly been displaying some dazzling play.
Chicago ranks first in the NBA in defensive efficiency - which may surprise some who view them as a great offensive team. However, Coach Thibs has brought his signature defense to Chicago and they do a terrific job locking down teams and creating off of turnovers - much like the Celtics did under his tutelage. They are also the top offensive rebounding club in the East, which could be huge in tight, physical games as the playoffs wear on.
That defensive mindset they've adopted should help them in the playoffs, although this group of Bulls, with Boozer in the mix, doesn't have any playoff experience on their side. Nonetheless, their body of work has to make them the favorites to come out of the East.

Bulls win if... Rose continues his MVP play and they continue to create extra possessions with offensive boards.

Bulls lose if... Rose goes cold or gets too keen on scoring the ball and forgets to distribute.


#2 Boston Celtics -

Yes. I know they're bumbling their way into the playoffs. But take a second to think back to how they played last year heading into the playoffs. Hard to believe, but it was actually worse. They were getting stomped by bad teams, and still made an epic run to the finals only to lose in 7 games to the Lakers. Fool me once, shame on you. I was all over the C's last season saying that they didn't have a chance. Fool me twice shame on me. I'm not betting against this team of vets - although I'm also not counting on Shaqachusetts to give us anything more than a few decent games. Paul Pierce demonstrated in the most recent game at Madison Square Garden that he has as much want-to as anyone in the league. And he can still get it going when the bright lights are on.
I think resting the guys and settling for #3 was the best move possible. They get a reeling Knicks team in round 1, got some rest and most importantly got some time to practice hard heading into the playoffs. I know the haters will say they don't have Perk, but the defensive numbers have been better since the trade. The offense has been the problem. I'm not scared of Joel Anthony or Rony Turiaf. The Perk hole shouldn't be noticed until they face the Bulls if that happens. Rondo can not have bad games in the playoffs if this team is going to win. Their run will depend on his play and if Paul is able to find that big game mojo.

Celtics win if...Big 3 stay healthy, Shaq plays solid minutes and Rondo distributes.

Celtics lose if...Rondo plays poorly, any injury to a key player or new guys can't find a way to gel with the vets.


#3 Miami Heat -

Combining offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency, this is the best team in the NBA. They average 109.3 points per 100 possessions (3rd in NBA) and give up a stout 100.7 (5th). They are the only team in the top 5 in both categories. That combination is going to make this team a very tough out - despite what any haters might have to say. They are also 2nd in the NBA in true shooting percentage.
So what could possibly hold this team back? Well, for starters they have never been through the playoffs together. This will be the Heatles first real test under pressure. If Lebron reverts to his early season ways and defers too often to his teammates they may be in trouble. They are at their best when he is attacking. At 8-2 in their last 10 they've been at their best often of late.
However, teams like Boston, Orlando and Chicago can still give them fits if they can get plenty of low-post scoring.
The other problem could be free throws. Miami ranks 6th among East playoff teams in FT % and is the only East playoff team other than Milwaukee and Orlando to give up more Free Throw Attempts than they take. We all know about Lebron's FT struggles. Under the pressure of the big moment, that could be compounded.

Heat win if... Wade and James play aggressive and Bosh knocks down some shots.

Heat lose if... James and Wade can't find a balance in play-off atmosphere, or Bosh folds under pressure and physical play.


#4 Orlando Magic -

To be honest, I really think there is a big drop-off in the East after the top 3 teams. If one of the other 5 teams makes an appearance in the EC Finals I will be pretty shocked. From the beginning of the year, many media members have been hyping this team as a finals threat. I recall Barkley saying on TNT that Orlando was assuredly going to the Finals, and basically wrote everyone else off. Funny how no one brings that up now. I'm sorry, I'm just not buying this team anymore. I will buy on Dwight Howard all day every day but this isn't really a big man's league. You need one or two good ones to win, but a great one on his own can't get the job done.
Orlando is far too reliant on the 3-pointer, but not nearly good enough at shooting it. They're 9th in the league in true shooting, though they are far too streaky and every good defensive team will let Dwight have his and close out on the perimeter players.

Magic win if... Nelson, Redick and co. knock down 3's with consistency.

Magic lose if... Howard is the focal point of their offense.


#5 New York Knicks

I'm not really buying this team as much as I just can't stand the rest of the teams that rank below them in the East. If 1-3 has a drop-off it might be even more severe from the 4 spot to the 5-8 teams. The Knicks play no defense. That isn't something that you can just start doing in big moments. I love how this team made one good defensive stand all season against Miami and everyone wanted to talk about how they could play defense if they wanted to. In the words of Chad Ochocinco - "Child, please." If we haven't learned by now that a D'Antoni team isn't going to play defense then we really need to pull our heads out of our asses.
That being said, his teams in Phoenix made regular deep runs in the West by merely outscoring weaker opponents. The problem here is the Celtics are not a weaker opponent in the first round. Amare and Melo is a nice 1-2 on paper, and they can certainly light it up on the big stage in MSG. However, I haven't seen them put together a stretch where both are playing at an elite level the way Lebron and DWade can. Two forwards just doesn't really do it for me. They need a basketball team. The D'Antoni system thrives on motion and ball movement. Problem is Amare and Melo (especially) are both ball stoppers.

Knicks win if... Melo and Stat both go crazy and have a huge series, and they get a boost from MSG playoff atmosphere.

Knicks lose if... Melo becomes a volume shooter.

#6 Atlanta Hawks

We've been watching this core unit of Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Al Horford for a few years. Looks like a great team, right? Problem is they haven't been able to get over that hump of making the playoffs and turning it into a deep run. A few years ago they took the Celtics to 7 games and everyone thought they might finally emerge. 3 years later we're still waiting for the same thing.
I just can't buy this team as a contender anymore.
Zaza Pachulia should serve as a nice breakfast for Dwight Howard as he eats him up in the paint in round one.
The Hawks are 28th in the league in rebounding and 22nd in the league in rebounding differential. That does not bode well for their playoff hopes. On top of that they are 15th in defensive efficiency and give up more points per 100 possessions than they score. Indiana is the only other playoff team to do that.

Hawks win if... Josh Smith averages close to a triple-double and Joe Johnson plays like the go-to scorer that he is paid to be.

Hawks lose if... They don't find a way to keep opponents off the glass.


#7 Philadelphia 76ers

This is a feisty team that Coach Collins has playing hard every night. Andre Igoudala is their Mr. Everything, and he's going to have to be healthy and productive in order for them to have any kind of shot in round one. Some have compared him to Scottie Pippen for the way he contributes in multiple categories. The numbers might look nice, but he's not on Scottie's planet. Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams provide a nice 1-2 punch from the PG spot which could be their best bet in attacking Miami, since Bibby can't guard anyone.
Philly likes to play uptempo and they'll need to create turnovers that produce points if they're going to win. Among East playoff teams they were 3rd in steals differential, so they have that going for them.

Sixers win if... Igoudala plays like a superstar and the Sixers are able to score in transition.

Sixers lose if... Pace of play slows down.


#8 Indiana Pacers

Why is this team in the playoffs? I wish the NBA took the top 16 teams. That would be a little more exciting. Nonetheless, this Pacers squad does have a little star power in Danny Granger who is probably the best player known by the fewest amount of people. Josh McRoberts is playing better than probably anyone expected and Roy Hibbert has found his groove a bit this season.
However, this team has no shot of advancing past round one, and in fact I would say that they have very little shot at winning a game.
This is a very middle of the road team, and not a lot worth tuning in for except to see Danny Granger - though he'll likely be the focus of the opponents defense so who knows how much he'll really do.

Pacers win if... Derrick Rose gets hurt in game 1 and can't return.

Pacers lose if... Let's be honest, this is most likely.

NBA POWER RANKINGS

We're about to start the home-stretch in what I think has been one of the great NBA seasons in recent memory. Many fans and haters alike have been critical of the recent trend of players grouping together to form "super-teams" and creating a monopoly among the NBA elite franchises. I contend that, A the league is in great shape - many ways thanks to this very trend, and B that the league seems a bit top-heavy not because of players moving to Miami or New York but because teams that have been in that 2nd tier for quite a while have taken major steps backward this season. Phoenix, Atlanta, Portland, Utah and New Orleans all seem to be regressing into that lower tier of playoff contenders when they've all (maybe with the exception of New Orleans) been among the elite teams in the league in recent years.

Players going to major markets is good for the league. Is it good for those cities like Denver and Cleveland that are small markets and left with scraps? Obviously, not but the league as a whole is more popular than ever and as they say, a rising tide raises all ships. San Antonio built a dynasty through the draft, and should serve as a model for all small teams. True, they cashed in on luck with Tim Duncan, but they also had the wherewithal to get the right parts around him so he wouldn't bolt to greener pastures. Oklahoma City looks like they may be ready to start a similar run with Durant. Bad news for Cleveland, Denver, etc. is that the next couple drafts don't look very deep. Perhaps Austin Rivers might change that though. On that note...let's get into the rankings.


#1 SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We'll just chalk up their disaster over the weekend against LA as an aberration. They still have a win percentage over 80 with an NBA low 12 losses, and are 7-3 in their last 10. Do I really believe they can take LA in a 7 game series if we get to that point and both teams are healthy? I'm still undecided on that. The improved play of Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair make me want to say yes. Just not sure if this regular season surge will prove worth it in the end, if this aging team looks fatigued and beat-up in the playoffs.

#2 LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Riding a 7 game win streak this is the Lakers squad most have envisioned all season long. Sprinkle in just the right amount of ribbing from the Zen master and the Lake show look ready to make that late-season surge we've all been expecting. As with all the contenders, health will be key and they may want to be careful they don't blow their load too fast.

#3 CHICAGO BULLS

As hot a team as there is in the league right now. However, they were lucky to beat Miami, lost to Atlanta and beat a very over-hyped Magic squad. Derrick Rose is MVP in my opinion, having played much of the season without Noah and Boozer together and leading this team to where they are puts him over the edge. I'm still surprised they didn't try to improve on their role players at the deadline though. Bogans sucks and Korver isn't any better. Chicago is scary, for sure, but I still believe Boston can beat them 4 times over 7 games because of their depth. P.S. Thibodeau should be coach of the year.

#4 BOSTON CELTICS

Injuries and a major trade haven't been able to keep this squad down. Pierce, Allen and Garnett look like they're on a new mission now that Perk is gone to prove that this is still a championship squad. I love what Krstic brings on offense, and obviously Green will be the X factor. Perhaps more than any other squad this team needs health in a bad way. If the C's can just make it to the playoffs, I think they could go on another run similar to last season - MIA, ORL and ATL don't make me nervous as a C's fan in any way. Chicago will be a great series, and I hope we get to go through them to number 18.

#5 DALLAS MAVERICKS

Part of me still can't believe this team is this good. I figured when Butler went down for the year they were toast. It looks like Chandler will be out for a brief spell, which may hurt but this team is among the best in the West and if I'm LA or San Antonio I sure don't want to see them in the playoffs.

#6 MIAMI HEAT

I realize after the week they just had that some might see this as a bit high. But I still think this team is pretty talented. Can they win it all? Not even close, but can they win a playoff series or two? Absolutely. They do have the 3rd highest win total in the East. As for the Bosh haters, and I'm one myself, I think it might be time to think that we've all just been putting lipstick on a pig expecting him to suddenly be this low-post banger. He's actually a nice fit for Miami...they just can't expect him to suddenly be Bill Russell. Hell, he's not even Bill Cartwright. He is however a PF that can stretch the floor. I'm glad that Perkins went to OKC and not Miami, because I think that could have been their secret ingredient. (That and getting rid of that loser, Lebron.)

#7 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

James Harden has really started to emerge since the Jeff Green trade, and it is time for the former #3 overall pick to put up or shut up. He looks like he may just be the 3rd wheel they needed to make their tricycle go. Hard to evaluate when their newest acquisition is still out with an injury. But I like this team's makeup.

#8 ORLANDO MAGIC

Says a lot about league depth that this might be a top 10 NBA squad. If they're not killing it from 3 they have no chance. Partly why I assume Danny made the Perk trade. Let Dwight get his and close out on the three point shooters. That being said, Dwight has been a beast and is carrying the load. I have a feeling another early playoff exit might spell doom for SVG as head coach, and possibly Dwight's time in Orlando. (BOSTON! BOSTON! BOSTON!)

#9 DENVER NUGGETS

For all the broo haha about Melo leaving town, Denver has played pretty well since. I like Dano Gallinari quite a bit and think he'll end up with a nice career in Denver. Ray Felton is a more than serviceable guard and I think Denver made out about as well as possible, considering they couldn't take the New Jersey package because Melo wouldn't sign. That being said they're nothing more than a first round playoff exit, probably for the next few years. Poor George Karl.

#10 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

This team is my dark horse to move up the ranks a bit. I love the deadline deal to acquire Gerald Wallace from Charlotte. (Can we get rid of them already?) That's right...they got Gerald Wallace. Didn't make many headlines in the shadow of Melo, but that was just what they needed. 7-3 in their last 10 and looking to keep it rolling.


#11 ATLANTA HAWKS

Kirk Heinrich actually looks like an improvement over Mike Bibby, which is nice for Atlant because that team was going nowhere fast. However, they're still going nowhere fast because they just can't do it against the better teams. Johnson's contract will be one of the worst in recent memory and it won't be his fault. He's playing well...just not that kinda money well.

#12 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Chris Paul suffered a scary injury last night, colliding his head into Ramon Sessions' shoulder and being taken off the court on a stretcher with a neck brace. If that doesn't spell bad news for the team that is owned by the league, maybe the fact that they're under .500 on the road and 4-6 in their last 10 does.

#13 NEW YORK KNICKS

Man, everyone is slobbing all over the Knicks knob since they got Melo. I'll admit they're far more interesting but I refuse to admit they're better...this year. And it is yet to be proven if they'll be better any time soon. New CBA will probably lower cap, putting them in a tough spot if they think they're going to get CP3 or Deron Williams. That being said though, they've got two of the league's top 10 talents and that is always dangerous. Depite their troubles with Cleveland lately, they should be able to eat up wins against the lesser teams.

#14 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Zebo! Zach Randolph continues his silent assault on opposing power forwards as no one is watching. Three wins over Dallas (only team in the league) makes believers out of the most cynical Memphis fans. Do they have fans? P.S. One of the best NBA League Pass teams to watch, especially against a good team. Zebo is fun and Rudy Gay, once healthy is a stud.

#15 PHOENIX SUNS

Does anyone else remember when this team was an annual threat for 60 wins and made the Western Conference finals twice, had a loaded roster and two of the best players in the league? Wait. That was last year? Wow. Long way from there, eh Steve? Robert Sarver should be sued by the residents of Phoenix for fraud. Suns were 1 defensive rebound from making the finals last year and he got cheap and screwed Nash and the fans out of one more shot. I hope his nightmares are a continuing replay of Amare monster dunks in a Knicks uni.

#16 HOUSTON ROCKETS

I've said it all season, but Kevin Martin is a scoring machine. Another great League Pass team to check out. This team is getting better at the right time. Don't count them out of the playoff hunt, even after moving Aaron Brooks to Phoenix.

#17 UTAH JAZZ

Moving in the opposite direction of the Houston Rockets. Since moving Williams this team is fading fast. I don't understand how, if rumors are true, upper management allowed Williams to run its legendary head coach out of town and then moves him about a week later. If you're choosing Williams over Sloan why not resign him?

#18 PHILADELPHIA 76ers

If Thibs isn't coach of the year, Doug Williams might be. This team is coming on strong in the East. Well, as strong as a young team with no shot can come on. Iguodala is finally playing with the promise that he showed a couple years ago - triple double type numbers on a nightly basis. In fact, he is one of 4 players in the league to have 3 or more triple doubles this season. They'll go as far as he can lead them.

#19 INDIANA PACERS

Whatever. Currently 8th in the east. That should be a 1st round sweep for whoever the number 1 seed ends up being. Even if its Miami!

#20 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Probably burned all their playoff chances with a mediocre stretch over a lengthy home stand. This team is just clinging on to the top 20 because the bottom of the league is so bad and this squad has some talent. Not convinced that Ellis and Curry are a great fit. They should probably move Ellis for some low post players or a better SG with a bigger body. Both play the 1/2 but both are severely undersized. Can't guard a lamp post.

If your team is in the rest of the league, well, I feel sorry. They suck. And I don't want to waste my time or your time writing about them. I hope they have multiple years of high draft picks...because as we've seen, that's now their best shot at landing top tier talent. Good luck!

Boom. Outta here.

NBA POWER RANKINGS

Since it is Friday and we've all got things to do this wknd, and DP has nasty things to eat I will try to keep this brief. Again, sorry for the inconsistency in getting these done. There is a baby coming soon to the Jesus household and it is a loony bin around here. That's neither here nor there. So, here we go.

#1 BOSTON CELTICS - I know, I know...all we do around here is slob the Celtic knob, but you know what? They are fucking legit. People like to write it off, but Doc is right when he says his starting 5 has never lost a playoff series. They murdered LA in that fourth quarter and possibly led to some knee-jerk reactions in LaLa land. Let's just hope Memphis doesn't bend over for them again and give them O.J. Mayo or Zach Randolph for some practice jerseys.

#2 SAN ANTONIO SPURS - As much as I hate on Duncan's all-star nod, I must give them credit. They are killing the league so far this season. As Marc Stein points out, every team who has won 40 games that fast went on to win the title. This season will come down to who is healthy at the end. Mark my words.

#3 MIAMI HEAT - I originally had Chicago here, and they're deserving, but I like the way the Heatles (so lame) are playing lately. When Lebron plays the leading role this team is just about unstoppable. They play great D. I think we overrated Mike Miller's impact on this team though. This team won't win a championship this year, but right now they're top 3.

#4 CHICAGO BULLS - Ever since Boston and Orlando left them in the dust in early December the Bulls are 27-6. Derrick Rose is the best all-around PG in the East. (But I'm still taking Rondo if I'm building a team) They have yet to play any lengthy stretch with a healthy squad. Noah is expected back after all-star break. Look out.

#5 NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - After a hot start followed by a let down stretch, New Orleans is back playing terrific basketball. They play very well at home...20-5. Okafor is out for at least a week, and that will hurt as he's played very well. Good news for playoff hopes - NO plays good teams very well. Having already beaten Boston, San Antonio and Miami this season.

#6 DALLAS MAVERICKS - Had Lakers here until Boston loss and subsequent LA local sports talk meltdown. Dallas continues to play great, winning their last 6, despite missing Caron Butler. Marion has filled in well and Tyson Chandler is giving them great play. Another aging team that needs to be healthy come playoff time.

#7 LOS ANGELES LAKERS - For all that is falling apart and all the rumors milling around in Hollywood, the Lakers still have 34 wins. (Tied for 4th most in league) Maybe trading Bynum while he still has good value isn't a bad idea. I still like this team come playoff time, though I hope that Ron Artest finds his old crazy ways and implodes this team like a suicide bomber.

#8 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - This team is really hitting its stride and Kevin Durant is playing at a very high caliber. It is clearly his team again, which is good for OKC. Westbrook is great, but he is clearly a very good number 2 who can play like a number 1 option on a handful of nights. I like Durant's attitude, which is to not let anyone push him around - least of all "fake-tough" Chris Bosh.

#9 ATLANTA HAWKS - I don't like having this team this high, but they do have 31 wins, 6-4 in their last 10. Interestingly enough, everyone likes to talk about Orlando but this team is tied for division lead at 7-2. (MIA) Joe Johnson continues to be a very good player, but I'm afraid that huge contract will be a detriment to this team taking the next step.

#10 ORLANDO MAGIC - Everyone from Charles Barkley to the NBA goons at ESPN is all over this team, especially since their trades that brought in Hedo and Arenas. No one on this team plays D aside from Howard, and he can only do so much. As Kanye likes to say, "too many Urkels on your team, that's why your wins-low." Except, they have 31 wins as well. 10-9 against the West...they'd be middle to bottom of the playoff picture out there.

#11 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - The improvement of Aldridge has helped greatly to carry this team while Roy is out. Much like, Johnson, the Roy contract is a head-scratcher especially given his suspect knees. I expect Portland to be there when the post-season starts, but they'll be an early exit. P.S. Anyone seen Patty Mills? Dude looks like a midget out there.

#12 DENVER NUGGETS - If you would have told me in November that 'Melo would ask for a trade, it would be very public and Denver wouldn't be able to move him for anythign sufficient I would have guessed that they'd have close to a losing record. Quite the opposite. At 29-20 Denver is sitting pretty in the West and 'Melo is ballin' outta control with at least 5 30 point games in January. It will be very interesting to see what happens in the next couple weeks.

#13 MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Yea. I'm surprised too. They're 24-24. I liked this team as a possible 8 seed headed into the year, and they're in the hunt. They started slow, but have come on lately. Winners of 4 in a row and a great home record, don't be surprised to see them in playoff contention in April. P.S. Zach Randolph also a borderline All-star snub.

#14 PHOENIX SUNS - The Polish Hammer has arrived, and the Suns are looking much better since Gortat and his big nose have picked up more minutes. He's proven much more effective than Robin Lopez despite getting less minutes. Vince Carter, like Grant Hill before him has looked more spry since arriving in the desert. I'm not sure but I think I even saw him get an assist the other night.

#15 UTAH JAZZ - This team is among my biggest disappointments of 2011. I thought they'd be much better this season with Al Jefferson, but it looks like the same ol' Jazz. Pretty good, not great, not a threat to win a title. They are struggling mightily right now, 2-8 in their last 10. It appears that Jefferson and Millsap don't play too well together. Time to label Jefferson as a career loser? Getting close.

#16 NEW YORK KNICKS - Don't look now, Knicks fans, but Philly and Charlotte are nipping at your heels. The Knicks have been struggling to find W's lately and some of that frustration boiled over the other night when Shawne Williams and Marvin Williams had a little go of it near the end of the Knicks loss. Gallinari is my captain of the sneaky-athletic-don't-blink-or-I-will-dunk-on-you team. Good basketball at the garden is good for the NBA though. So I'm pulling for them to stay relevant.

#17 HOUSTON ROCKETS - If you want to see the art of getting to the line at its finest then you need to see Kevin Martin in action. He's leading the league in attempts and has perfected the ability to draw a foul. Louis Scola continues to be one of the more underrated players in the league. His slippery Argentinian low-post game has kept Houston in the hunt for that 8th spot. Picture a 6'10'' Manu Ginobili with post moves.

#18 LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - Blake Griffin. Blake Griffin. Blake Griffin. This guy's nickname should be Dr. Frankenstein because he woke up the fat corpse of Baron Davis with his energetic play. He is a walking highlight reel and I can't wait for the dunk contest. Should be VC good. Also, the Clippers have won 12 of 16. Yes...the Clippers.

#19 CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - Ever since ol' grumpy Larry Brown left town and Paul Silas took over this team has been playing uptempo and winning more ball games. DJ Augustin has been playing great PG and seems to be thriving in the faster game pace.

#20 PHILADELPHIA 76ers - This team is like the Browns or the Lions of the NFL. They play very hard on a nightly basis, but can't seem to pull out wins. They have the league's worst record in games decided by three points or less. Evan Turner not looking like a top 3 pick thus far.

#21 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Not much to say here. Ellis lost the uphill battle of getting to the All-Star game on a pretty bad team. That being said, they're still fun to watch. Just don't root for them...you'll be let down most nights.

#22 INDIANA PACERS - This is the start of the really bad teams. New coach...not enough of a sample yet to really evaluate. But, hey...they beat Cleveland!

#23 DETROIT PISTONS - As reported on here last week, lots of rumors surrounding Rip Hamilton and even some about Tayshaun Prince. The fact that Ben Wallace plays a lot of minutes for this team and on many nights doesn't score a basket speaks volumes. Time to let Greg Monroe and Austin Daye start eating into those minutes. Also TMac is now PG eligible in my league! WTF?!

#24 MILWAUKEE BUCKS - Jennings is back which is good news. Bad news...they're not much better. Delfino is also back, so they still have time. I'm telling you Scott Skiles needs to go. He's run his course. I do like the ESPN commercial with their mascot though. Good stuff.

#25 NEW JERSEY NETS - Russian Mark Cuban is finding out what it feels like to be a loser. He couldn't land Melo in part because his front office couldn't keep a lid on it. Ultimately, I don't think that was a great move for them unless they could guarantee a long-term deal. I think Avery Johnson has crushed whatever was left of Derrick Favors' self-esteem. Perhaps it is time to give him some minutes and let him feel good about himself heading into next season. This team has a long way to go before they start delivering on all those Russian promises.

#26 SACRAMENTO KINGS - Last week they beat the Lakers and the Hornets, and Cousins has been looking very good of late, though I still contend he is too fat and never really runs the floor hard and only looks interested on one end of the floor. Another disappointing team this year, as I think they have more talent than this record reflects. Another good lottery pick might do this team a world of good.

#27 WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Most telling highlight of the season - McGee chasing ball headed out of bounds that was clearly going to be Wizard's ball with no opposing players in sight...throws it off of Hinrich's leg and results in a turnover. This team needs some more bricks in the Wall. Yet to win a road game this season. Incredible.

#28 MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Kevin Love needs to be an All-Star. But you're tired of hearing that. Bad news...this team sucks. Worse news...Ricky Rubio has been stinking up the joint in Euro basketball.

#29 TORONTO RAPTORS - Bryan Colangelo entered Toronto with much fanfare. Since...not much. This team is headed nowhere.

#30 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - What is with this team? Lebron waxed 'em on their home floor and they packed it in. They started off the season ok. I mean they were never gonna be good, but I didn't expect this. Yet to win 10 games, losers of 22 in a row, I doubt they'll see 15 wins by seasons end. They need about 4 or 5 straight years of high lottery picks, because as far as I know there isn't another Lebron James on the horizon any time soon.

That's all folks. Thanks for reading. God bless the NBA!!!

Boston Atop NBA Power Rankings

Sorry, I have been M.I.A. for a bit with these power rankings. I've been busy getting ready for the celebration of my birth and all.
Anyway, let's just jump right in, because we've all got a lot of things to do this time of year.

#1) BOSTON CELTICS - No debating here. They're on a great run - winners of 13 in a row - and beating some quality opponents. Even with Rondo out, and all the bigs battling injuries, this team continues to roll. I also like that they seem to have a little chip on their shoulder this season. The Celtics are also hitting a pretty easy stretch with only Orlando, New Orleans and San Antonio looming with winning records in their next 10.


#2) SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Much like Boston, this aging squad of stars is also rolling along pretty well, winning their last 9 games. At 24-3 they have the most wins in the league. Also like Boston, this team has assembled some great depth and infused some young talent to go with their veteran leaders. There really are quite a few similarities between the two teams. It is a LONG NBA season, but right now the Spurs look prepared to make a run at the West.


#3) DALLAS MAVERICKS - If someone would have told me back in October that this would be the top 3 in my power poll at the end of December, I would have told them they were drunk. San Antonio and Dallas in the top 3? No LA? No Miami? What? But here we are. Tyson Chandler has given Dallas that interior presence they've lacked on the defensive end. Dirk is playing great as usual, Kidd can still distribute, even if other aspects of his game have deteriorated. One could even make a strong case for them to be ahead of San Antonio. (Home loss to MIL keeps them at #3) The Mavs recently swept their way through Florida, beating Miami and Orlando, and look to continue the winning ways next week against OKC and San Antonio.


#4) MIAMI HEAT - Finally! Miami cracks the top 5! This is what we've all been waiting for. In hindsight, the problems they had to start the season could probably have been predicted as they try to feel things out in South Beach. But I was a little surprised it took almost two full months to do so. 9-1 in their last 10 with the only loss coming to Dallas. LeBron and company seemed to have been woken up starting with that game at Cleveland and then the game at Madison Square Garden. LeBron seems to be enjoying the villain cap.


#5) CHICAGO BULLS - Ever since their loss to Boston earlier this month the Bulls have gone on a nice little run. Many of their wins have been against inferior teams, though they have sprinkled in a few quality Ws, beating the Lakers and Thunder on their home floor. They've also taken the hit of losing Noah for a couple months in stride, and haven't really missed a beat. Taj Gibson continues to give them solid efforts and Boozer is healthy again, so they haven't missed too much. If they continue to pound lesser foes and steal some key wins here and there, they'll be in great shape.


#6) LOS ANGELES LAKERS - I was surprised to see LA was 8-2 in their last 10, because it seems like every time I turn around they are losing to a weak-ass team. I suppose when it happens once or twice it seems like it is all the time because it is such a surprise. They began December by losing to Houston. They have also lost to Chicago on the road, and last night against Milwaukee and Earl Boykins! The rest of the month has been filled with wins against some of the league's worst teams. They still count the same in the win column, but I think most would agree this team has hit a rough stretch in the last 6 weeks, especially compared to the way they came out of the gates. This team might be better served to take the 2009-10 Celtics approach to the regular season and just make sure they show up in June. Gasol is playing a ton of minutes and Kobe doesn't have the energy he had the first few weeks.


#7) OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - After a bit of a rough start to the year that saw Russell Westbrook emerge as a star in the league that coincided with Durant struggling to find his spot for the first time with a teammate that might rival him for team stud, the Thunder are rolling in Oklahoma City. (That is probably the longest sentence in the history of Dueling Couches) 7-3 in their last 10, I'm continually puzzled at why this team hasn't made a run at a good big man. They have arguably two top 15 players in the league (maybe better) and should be a title contender. But I don't see them that way, because they lack any interior strength on both ends.


#8) UTAH JAZZ - Every time we're ready to crown someone else the top PG in the league, Deron Williams drops a 25-15-8 line on us. This guy is unreal, and has been carrying this team so far this season. He really has the whole package at PG, and for my money he is tops in the league. That being said, I'm not sure he can maintain the load like this over the course of a season. That is a lot to ask of a PG - to be a Rondo-like distributor, yet score like Rose. Some nights you just can't do both. For now, though the Jazz are living large and look like a top 5 squad in the West.


#9) DENVER NUGGETS - Hot on the trail of the Jazz are the Denver Nuggets, despite being marred in trade rumors involving their start player, Carmelo Anthony. Melo continues to hold the best hand in this deal, but to his credit seems to be playing hard and certainly playing well while we all await the inevitable. Still though, I don't think anyone is taking this team that seriously, as we don't expect the roster to look the same after the trade deadline. Kind-of a lame duck NBA squad.


#10) ORLANDO MAGIC - Almost forgot about this team. Maybe that's part of their Magic act, but this is not the script they wrote for this season. Howard continues to be a beast, and they've brought back Hedo to resurrect that great season he had a few years ago, as well as adding J-Rich. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Van Gundy is definitely on the hot-seat.

For the sake of brevity, I'll just list the rest. You can yell at me in the comments.

#11) Houston Rockets - I know. I know. WTF?! Balling of late, and the other candidates for this spot are not that enticing.

#12) New Orleans Hornets - Sinking ship. Need to turn things around in a hurry.

#13) New York Knicks - Everyone got too excited to finally see some good basketball at the Garden again. Truth probably somewhere between the 13-2 run and the 3 game skid.

#14) Atlanta Hawks - If I'm a Hawks fan I want to puke in my cereal this morning. Was Josh Smith actually in uniform against Boston?

#15) Phoenix Suns - Bizarre trade. What is the direction? Nash keeps them relevant, but for how long?

#16) Portland Trail Blazers - New nickname, via the Portland paper - Frail Blazers.

#17) Indiana Pacers - Nothing against the Pacers, but they are who we thought they were.

#18) Memphis Grizzlies - Free Rudy Gay!

#19) Golden State Warriors - Losing Lee hurt. Losing Curry hurts more. Still fun though.

#20) Milwaukee Bucks - Huge win against the Lakers, but Jennings out with foot injury spells doom.

#21) Philadelphia 76ers - Not trading Iguodala looks regrettable.

#22) Toronto Raptors - Can you say overachievers? I'm shocked they have 10 wins with that roster.

#23) Detroit Pistons - Whatever happened to Deeeeetroit Pistons basketball? Looking like they'll be lost in the shuffle of bad-mediocre teams for a while.

#24) Los Angeles Clippers - Even the owner is heckling them now. Blake Griffin is the real deal though. Could end up with all of the year's top 10 dunks.

#25) Charlotte Bobcats - Most exciting thing about this team? No...I'm asking.

#26) New Jersey Nets - Hey, they've won two in a row. Streaking! Can they pull off the Melo deal?

#27) Minnesota Timberwolves - Free Kevin Love! Beasley still looks like a steal, though we're all waiting for the relapse.

#28) Washington Wizards - Got rid of gun totin' Gil. Things are looking up!

#29) Cleveland Cavaliers - Dan Gilbert's promise of a title before Lebron seems futile.

#30) Sacramento Kings - Who would have figured? Samuel Dalembert is not the answer.

NBA Power Rankings

This is the second installment of my NBA Power Rankings. We've gotten through just about 3 weeks of great NBA action and I continue to be thoroughly impressed by two things. 1) The unbelievable influx of young talent in this league and 2) The Boston Celtics. (Obviously, much documented on this site, so I won't spend any more time on them.) It's the weekend soon, so let's just get right into it.

1) LOS ANGELES LAKERS -
They have lost twice so far, to Denver and Phoenix. Both are formidable Western Conference foes and Phoenix had a ridiculous shooting night, so I won't hold too much against them. The scary thing is that Bynum hasn't even played yet, which begs the question, do they even need him? Probably not a bad guy to have around in case Poopface goes down.


2) BOSTON CELTICS -
I think they've played better basketball than anyone in the league so far. Only concern is the amount of minutes the Big 3 is playing early on this season. Maybe their approach will be to get off to a really big lead in the East and then coast until playoff time. Not sure, but this team is deep and everyone is contributing. West's return is only going to make the 2nd unit more dangerous.


3) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS -
New Orleans continues their great start. They lost this week on the road against Dallas after leading the whole game (that sounds familiar), but then avenged that loss with a home win two days later. CP3 is balling and they're getting a lot out of surprising places - like Emeka Okafor's 12 points and 9 boards a game.


4) SAN ANTONIO SPURS -
Despite off-court troubles for Tony Parker this team is off to a surprisingly great start. They've done a nice job of infusing the veteran core with young talent like DeJuan Blair and James Anderson, and Manu is having a terrific season averaging over 20 points a game and nailing almost 3 three pointers per contest.


5) UTAH JAZZ -
This has been the most resilient team so far this season, with multiple wins after trailing by double digits. All their losses are against good teams, but the bad news is they're also against Western Conference opponents. One key to their nice start has been the play of Andre Kirilenko who should be in consideration for comeback player of the year if he keeps it up.


6) ORLANDO MAGIC - +6
Right now, this is the 2nd best team in the conference, a slight tick above Chicago - at least until Boozer returns healthy. I saw a scary thing last night on ESPN...Dwight Howard knocking down a 12-15 foot jumper off the glass with the confidence of Tim Duncan. If he can make that a legitimate part of his arsenal this team just got a lot better. The jury's still out on that, though.


7) DALLAS MAVERICKS - +7
They're a bit banged up with Caron Butler dealing with some back issues, as they ease him back into the lineup. Dirk, JET, and Kidd carried this team to a nice win to snap New Orleans' unbeaten streak, and all 3 have been playing well this season. They seem to have a sense of urgency this year which is a good thing for them as the window is closing in a hurry.


8) CHICAGO BULLS -
A steady recipe of Derrick Rose, Derrick Rose, Derrick Rose and a little Loul Deng has this team off to a nice start without their top-flight FA signing Carlos Boozer. Noah is a rebounding machine and a defensive force. This team needs to improve their road record, as they're 1-3 away from home.


9) MIAMI HEAT - -3
This team won twice and dropped in my rankings. That can happen when your two wins are against Toronto and a Steve Nash-less Phoenix Suns team. Everyone wants to talk about Bosh's big game against Phoenix and how they've figured it out now. Not so fast. Phoenix was running Turkoglu and Channing Frye at him and was giving him open J's all night which plays right into his game. Then he dropped this quote after the game. “[Heat coach Erik Spoelstra] knows he has to meet us halfway. He wants to work, we wanna chill, but we’re going to have to work to get everything down, to get our timing down, and to get our chemistry down.” Huh? He's gonna be begging for Spoelstra's practice when Riley comes down from the suite to coach the team.


10) ATLANTA HAWKS - -1
I will give the edge to ATL over Golden State for this week, though I think I like Golden State better over the long run. I really think Atlanta should try to make a run at Steve Nash. Joe Johnson played great with him in Phoenix and can you imagine Josh Smith finishing the break with Nash? Wow. All of ATL's losses are against likely playoff teams, so again, they are who we thought they were.

Once again, I'll just list the next 20 with a very brief comment on each team.

11) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - -1
They should be getting David Lee back from his nasty elbow infection which was caused when a piece of Wilson Chandler's tooth was lodged in his flesh. Steph Curry and Monta Ellis continue to put up shots like there is an 8 second shot clock, and yet drain buckets like they're on fire in NBA JAM. Love watching this team!

12) OKLAHOMA CITY - +2
Still don't think this team has hit their stride, though they may be starting to. KD35 needs to make some better shot selection. James Harden looks like a huge whiff as the #3 overall pick.

13) PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - -6
You're telling me Greg Oden wasn't already out for the season? Huh. Brandon Roy's knee should have a running ticker health update on the bottom of ESPN, as POR playoff hopes rest solely on his bum leg.

14) PHOENIX SUNS - +2
Nash day-today with a groin injury. We see what happens when he doesn't play. Not. Good.

15) DENVER NUGGETS - -4
Last of the good West teams right now, but still better than the bottom of the East's decent teams. New George Karl < Old George Karl. Seems much less fiery, which I guess is understandable. Have we begun the 'Melo watch?

16) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - +3
It seems weird to be typing that name this high up post-LBJ, but this team is .500 right now with a couple good scrappy wins under their belt. I think the could finish around .500 and make playoffs. Mo Williams yet to play healthy.

17) MILWAUKEE BUCKS - -2
Another fun team to watch. Need to get Delfino healthy. He's a poor man's Ginobili.

18) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - -1
Took a hit this week. 3-7 last 10 games. Guess they are who we thought they were. Rudy Gay is still awesome though.

19) INDIANA PACERS - +4
Brandon Rush returns. Will probably make playoffs which makes me want to vomit.

20) NEW JERSEY NETS - +6
Kris Humphries, everyone!

21) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - -1
Irrelevant. Augustin playing pretty well.

22) NEW YORK KNICKS - -4
What a mess. They compete most nights, but you have no faith coming down the stretch. D'Antoni starting to feel some heat locally.

23) SACRAMENTO KINGS - -1
West gives them the edge over their Eastern conference counterparts. Young nucleus still very much developing.

24) DETROIT PISTONS - +5
What happened to this squad? Lots of bad moves, compounded by more bad moves. At least Gordon looks a bit better this year. Austin Daye might also have some potential as a Tayshaun Prince replacement.

25) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - +3
B-Easy and Kevin Love have folks up in the great north dreaming of Ricky Rubio. Did GM Kahn really make the steal of the season in acquiring Beasely???

26) WASHINGTON WIZARDS - -2
Without John Wall this team resembles a D-league roster with the exception of maybe Heinrich and Arenas if you haven't watched basketball in a couple years.

27) PHILADELPHIA 76ers - -6
This team's two best players play the same position right now. Lou Williams and Jrue Holliday are both good score-first PG's but this team doesn't have much else, and really misses Dalembert's shot-blocking.

28) HOUSTON ROCKETS - -2
They should probably sign Hakeem. He looked good in that video with Dwight Howard. Scola is nice, but not as a primary scorer.

29) TORONTO RAPTORS - +1
Only moved up because LAC has been so bad. Some inspired play by Sonny Weems and Andrea Bargnani has this team on the up-and-up. Nah. Not really.

30) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - -3
Eek. This is getting ugly. Is Baron Davis tradeable? He lacks motivation as much as just about anyone. I doubt there are any teams banging down the door to get him. Though, if he could find some old form a package of Kaman/Davis would intrigue a lot of teams.

NBA Power Rankings

Moving on from all things Philadelphia related, I'm pleased to bring you Dueling Couches' latest NBA power rankings. These rankings reflect how the teams stack up through Thursday night's action as we head into the weekend.
Let's jump right into it.

1) LOS ANGELES LAKERS -
As much as it pains me to say it, they are the defending champions, and for all the attention that was given The 2 1/2 Men in Miami this summer, it is the Lakers who look primed for a regular season to remember. They boast the league's best record at a 8-1, suffering their first loss last night at the hands of Carmelo and company in Denver. Unlike previous seasons, I actually like the off-season moves that LA made. Steve Blake is a solid perimeter shooter and Matt Barnes is Ron Artest-lite with better FG% and a jack-of-all trades type player. Kobe, despite off-season knee surgery is looking spry and that spells bad news for the rest of the West.


2) BOSTON CELTICS -
Only an injured Kendrick Perkins and a crappy loss at Cleveland plus a frustrating performance against Dallas kept me from putting them in the top slot. The Big 3 (the real Big 3) are looking as good as they ever have since 2007, the year they won the title. KG is finally healthy and playing with a spring in his step that we didn't see at all last season. Ray Allen is playing excellent ball and not merely settling for the 3, but instead opening it up more with some mid-range game. Paul Pierce is doing his thing, hitting big buckets when the team needs them, and then of course there's Rajon Rondo. I don't think that a player who averages 10 points a game will ever get serious MVP consideration, but he should. He makes the whole thing go. I submit last evening's massacre in Miami (that game wasn't as close as it finished) as evidence for the C's #2 ranking.


3) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS -
Welcome back, Chris Paul. Superstardom has missed you. After what many deemed a down year in 2009 for CP3, he is back trying to rip the best PG in the NBA title away from Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose. He's playing at an elite level and New Orleans is all the better for it at 7-0 and atop the Southwest division. They are also 1st in the league in points allowed at just 90.1 points per game. That kind of staunch D lands them in the top tier of NBA squads at the moment.


4) SAN ANTONIO SPURS -
There is a reSPURgence going on in San Antonio and the Spurs look ready to challenge for a top 2 or 3 spot in the West. Last season looked in many ways like it would mark the beginning of an end of a great era in San Antonio. This season, however, they look fresh. Richard Jefferson has found his old form which evaded him much of last season. Tony Parker is running a great, efficient offense which is 2nd in the league in assists per game. Manu is up to his usual craftiness and annoyingness. Greg Popovich doesn't look very healthy (he is so shabby), but so far so good for the Spurs.


5) UTAH JAZZ -
Top 10 in the league in scoring, and 3rd in the league in assists per game, Utah finds themselves off to a nice start in the West. Deron Williams continues to give people reason to believe he may just be the best PG in the league. He can do it all, shoot from the outside, penetrate, dish and he even plays some D. As long as he is at the helm, Utah will be a team to reckon with. They have to be really thrilled with the emergence of Paul Millsap at forward, and Al Jefferson put on a nice display against Dwight Howard on national TV the other night. All of this, without the injured Mehmet Okur who will help them stretch the floor when he returns.


6) MIAMI HEAT
There are a lot of questions to be answered down in South Beach, but one thing is clear. When they're not playing top-flight teams this squad is going to dominate. Their 4 losses are by way of Boston (2X), Utah and New Orleans, and they have wins against NJ (2X), Minnesota, Orlando and Philly. So by way of the fact that I think their volume of wins will be high and their collection of talent (at least their top guys) is pretty good I have to throw them in here. I also think that Mike Miller will help a lot of their problems against better teams once he is healthy. Relying on Eddie House, Carlos Arroyo and James Jones to knock down 3's is not a recipe for success. They need to fix some things, and soon or this is as high as they'll get on this list.


7) PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Portland comes into this season as an intriguing team, and one that some folks think can make a big jump this year, as their young nucleus develops. Indeed LaMarcus Aldridge continues to get better and Brandon Roy is putting up his usual numbers. The addition of Wesley Matthews has played out well so far as he adds some grittiness to the perimeter. Andre Miller is getting up there in age, as is Marcus Camby, but for now both are producing. Oft-injured and oft-naked Greg Oden is still out with another injury. Reports out of Portland are that if he said "I'm ready to go" they'd let him play, but they are waiting for him to be confident with his health. A shot-blocking tandem of Camby and Oden will surely keep opposing players out of the paint.


8) CHICAGO BULLS -
Their record might not reflect it, but I think this is a very good team. They have one OT loss in a great game against Boston, coupled by some forgettable efforts against the Knicks and the Thunder. I like that this team is getting better, because I think they offer a nice rivalry for Boston. (Clearly, they match up better than Miami) Derrick Rose continues his ascent into superstar status with his highlight reel plays, and Joakim Noah - the ugliest man in the NBA - has developed into a nice post player and a rebounding machine. Taj Gibson has filled in admirably for Carlos Boozer (and my fantasy team) and should continue to see some solid role minutes even when Boozer returns. A go to scorer to compliment Rose would really put this team on the next level, and we continue to hear rumors about 'Melo. Deng has put up good numbers, but I don't think he's that knock-down shooter they need.


9) ATLANTA HAWKS -
This team continues to frustrate for their inability to take that leap into the next level of great NBA teams. They've had this collection of nice players for a few years now, and it just hasn't happened yet, which has led to rumors about them possibly moving Josh Smith. There isn't really a whole lot to say about this team, as they're basically "who we thought they were". Good. Not great. They continue to get beat-up by their big brother in the Southeast, Orlando and Dwight Howard. They should still win plenty of games in the East and compete for a top-4 seed, but they don't really scare anyone and their 5-0 start was a facade.


10) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS -
If you haven't watched this team play yet this year, you are really missing out. They can light it up in a hurry and Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry make some of the most electric plays in the league while everyone on the east coast is asleep. Lucky for me, I'm a night owl and watch them regularly on my league pass. Don't be shocked to see this team in the playoffs and to see Monta Ellis atop the league in scoring. Miami cast-off Dorrell Wright has been playing great and contributing across the board. (He'd look a lot better than James Jones down there) Their best move though, was bringing in Captain Hustle - David Lee from New York. Lee is all grit and toughness. He eats up bigger players with his energy and overpowers smaller guys, creating some mismatches for opposing D's. This Big 3 (seriously we need some new nicknames) of Ellis, Curry and Lee (sounds like a law firm) are making some noise out west.

From here on out I will just list the teams in order along with some short comments. I don't really want to write a paragraph about New Jersey or Minnesota.


11) DENVER NUGGETS -
First win over LAL this season. As long as they have 'Melo, they're a good team in the West.

12) ORLANDO MAGIC -
Everyone keeps drinking the kool-aid, but the truth is, Howard is no Hakeem. Need more options offensively.

13) OKLAHOMA CITY -
Identity problem? Westbrook has emerged so well at times it's not clear who's team it is. Still intriguing.

14) DALLAS MAVERICKS -
Dirk...'nuff said. Window is closing.

15) MILWAUKEE BUCKS -
Emerging team. Question is, once they realize they're good, can Skiles keep control. History shows he can't.

16) PHOENIX SUNS -
Still have the ol' Nash rambler. And Grant Hill looks young again. J-Rich might be too one-dimensional. Some of the Jared Dudley luster has worn off. Needs to stay a role player.

17) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES -
Mike Conley seems to be figuring it out. Gay is scoring at an elite clip. Could be a factor in the 2nd tier of the West.

18) NEW YORK KNICKS -
Amar'e = not the answer. D'Antoni playing a lot of guys trying to figure out his core rotations. So far, not so good. Gallinari not shooting like he was last year. Wilson Chandler needs more looks. Felton might be trade bait once the deadline passes to trade free-agents.

19) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -
J.J. Hickson starting to show why Cleveland didn't want him in the Amar'e deal. LeBron who? Yea right. Cleveland will never let it go.

20) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS-
Haha. I actually typed out Charlotte Hornets. True story. Don't count them out yet. Got off to bad start last year, and Brown led them back to playoffs. Much like Skiles, Brown historically wears out his welcome. Could be coming soon.

21) PHILADELPHIA 76ers -
Looked great the other night with Igoudala on bench. Might be time to cut ties with him. Lou Williams is putting up silly numbers considering the minutes he's getting. Probably not a player in the East. Brand contract looks really bad, though he's playing better this year.

22) SACRAMENTO KINGS -
ROY, Evans looks good again this year. Development of Cousins will determine the near-future of this franchise and possibly their future in Sacramento.

23) INDIANA PACERS -
Collison needs to play like he did when filling in for CP3 last season. So far, not so much though last couple have been better. Roy Hibbert (DP's father) needs to continue getting better.

24) WASHINGTON WIZARDS -
John Wall fever is hitting in D.C. Putting up some great numbers across the board. If they're lucky, Arenas will play well for about a month and maybe they can move him. If they're unlucky he doesn't and they have to wait him out all year. John Wall needs some teammates.

26) NEW JERSEY NETS -
Not as bad as last year with new coach Avery Johnson, but still pretty bad. Derrick Favors has not yet figured out the big boy game. He will though. Brook Lopez continues his dominance against lesser centers and being dominated by better ones.

26) HOUSTON ROCKETS -
Off to a horrific start, and lost their top playmaker in Aaron Brooks for a few weeks. The Ming dynasty might be over, and this team should probably start planning as a franchise that doesn't have Yao for 50 games a year, which has become standard.

27) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -
This team really sucks, and Vinny Del Negro is pretty clueless. Fat Baron Davis < Eric Bledsoe at this point. Blake Griffin takes a lot of bad shots, and seems to be slightly depressed with his situation. Bill Simmons' claims he's "got the Clipper stink on him." Not good.

28) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES -
Kevin Love is a man. Michael Beasley may have found a situation he can thrive in. That's about all that can be said. Waiting on Ricky Rubio is probably not the answer.

29) DETROIT PISTONS -
Need to get back to Motown gritty style they embodied a few years ago when they had their run. Rodney Stuckey is the lone bright spot on this squad. Richard Hamilton, and probably Tayshaun Prince should be dealt for some young talent/picks come February.

30) TORONTO RAPTORS -
This team is bad. I don't know what to say. I say move 'em to Seattle. They deserve a team. Stern stole the Sonics.