NBA Power Rankings Week 1

Written by Mike Perry on November, 13th 2007 | 2 Comments

1. Boston Celtics (5-0)

In a matter of two trades, the Celtics go from being one of the worst teams in the league, to one of the best. They still haven't lost against the spread (5-0). Just think they were 50/1 to win the East before they got Kevin Garnett & Ray Allen.

2. San Antonio Spurs (6-1)

Their has been no drop-off for the champs, who seem to be once again be the team to beat in the west. Scary thing for opponents when they see that Tim Duncan is 3rd on his team in scoring.

3. Phoenix Suns (5-2)

If you are a Suns fan, you can't be that encouraged about how Amare Stoudemire has played so far, but remember that five of the Suns first seven games have been on the road.

4. Detroit Pistons (5-1)

Have to love the makeup of this team. They have three starters (Billups, Hamilton, Prince) who average at least three assists per game. It's that type of unselfishness that will give the Pistons a great chance to return to the NBA Finals.

5. Houston Rockets (6-1)

One reason that I don't have the Rockets higher, is that they seem to disappoint far too often recently when the playoffs roll around. Tracy McGrady is still looking for his first playoff series victory, can this be the year he finally does it?

6. Utah Jazz (6-2)

After seeing the Jazz dispose of the Rockets last year, you have to be impressed with the play of guard Deron Williams. He is a top notch talent, and that coupled with Carlos Boozer and Jerry Sloan, the Jazz could be playing some sweet music this year.

7. Denver Nuggets (5-3)

This team will be an exciting team to watch all season long. But will they ever play consistent team defense? If Carmelo and Allen Iverson, do what teammate Marcus Camby does, and play more D, then the Nuggets can be a surprise in the West.

8. Orlando Magic (5-2)

This may be an indication of how much better the West is than the East. I really don't like this Magic team, because they don't have enough big men to help Dwight Howard. When Hedo Turkoglu is your 2nd best rebounder, that's not a good thing .

9. New Orleans (6-2)

How did the Hawks pass up on Chris Paul, for Marvin Williams? Well Paul is pretty much averaging 20 pts/10 assists every night, and has his team is playing great at the moment. Can the Hornets BEE a serious playoff contender this year?

10. Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

Just like this Rockets, this is another awesome team in November/December, but come playoff time, they seem to tank it. Tough to not pick this team as a Top 10 squad, but what did they do in the offseason to help themselves?

11. Toronto Raptors (4-3)

I really like this team, because they have so many different players who can beat you. The lackluster play of Chris Bosh has me a little concerned though. If he breaks out of his early slump, then the Raps can make some noise in the East.

12. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-4)

Charles Barkley says this team, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, won't even make the playoffs. Hey Chuck, you have to remember, this is the East we are talking about. Heck the Knicks have a chance to make the playoffs in the East.

13. New Jersey Nets (4-3)

When you have three players the likes of Vince Carter, Jason Kidd & Richard Jefferson, you have a fighter's chance. Problem is that Carter is currently shelved with an ankle injury.

14. L.A. Clippers (4-2)

Here is something I'm pretty sure I have never said before: The Clippers, this past season, had one of the better drafts. Grabbing Florida States Al Thornton was a great move. One also has to be impressed with the team-orientated stats of their starters (No one averages more than 20 pts/gm and no one averages less than 14 pts/gm.

15. L.A. Lakers (3-2)

Will the Lakers deal Kobe? If I were Phil Jackson I would beg owner Jerry Buss to forget about it. Just from a marketing perspective, you won't get fair trade value for the guy, just like what happened with Vince Carter when Toronto dealt him. He is the best player in the game, just let him be in L.A. if you are wise Mr. Buss.

16. Indiana Pacers (3-3)

Now as we are getting to the bottom half of the league, there are only a team or two remaining that I think has a chance to surprise. The Pacers are not one of them. They have yet to cover at home this season (0-3) and I don't like teams that can't take of business at home.

17. Charlotte Bobcats (3-3)

By no means are the Bobcats a flashy team, but they are a team. Raymond Felton appears to be the real-deal at point, as he also leads the team in scoring. You have to be impressed with Emeka Okafors 13 rebs/gm to go with this 13 pts/gm. Charlotte is thinking playoffs and I think they sneak in.

18. NY Knicks (2-3)

This may be the highest the Knicks will be. I really don't like how this organization has been run since Isiah Thomas has been in the mix. I realize they actually have some talent on this team, but they have only played one road game, and are still below .500.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (2-4)

The Bucks got some great help in this past year's draft getting China's Yi Jianlian. Now they just need to realize that you need to play a little defense to be successful in the NBA.

20. Chicago Bulls (1-5)

Clearly, the most disappointing team so far. Will they turn it around. Yes, they have too many good players, not to be a threat in the East. Maybe the Kobe trade talks were affecting their performance. Look for a winning streak to come out of the Windy City very soon.

21. Atlanta Hawks (2-4)

Until this team gets a decent point guard, they will cease to be a legitimate playoff contender. As a result, expect the same 3,000-4,000 people at their games. What a sad state of affairs in the ATL.

22. Portland Trailblazers (3-3)

They might as well tank it this year, and hope they get lucky in the draft lottery again. Brandon Roy & LeMarcus Aldridge are nice players, but that's all the Blazers have to offer until Greg Oden returns next season.

23. Philadelphia Sixers (2-4)

A bunch of overachievers here. Not much talent on this team, but they have a couple of well-rounded Andre's (Iguodala & Miller) to help run the show. Problem is this show will not be picked up for the playoffs.

24. Sacramento Kings (2-5)

Will be interesting to see how this team responds now that Ron Artest's suspension is now up. But this team is banged up, as Mike Bibby is out for 2-3 months, and Brad Miller is nursing a sore quad.

25. Miami Heat (1-5)

When Ricky Davis is your leading scorer, a couple words come to mind: Ugh & Ish. Good news though Heat fans, Dwyane Wade is due back from his knee injury this week.

26. Memphis Grizzlies (1-4)

This team starts three white guys, do I need to continue?

27. Washington Wizards (1-5)

Quite possibly the most overrated team going. A bunch of George Costanza chuckers here. How was Gilbert Arenas a serious MVP contender last year, because he made some baskets at the end of a game, after missing 25 shots in the process?

28. Golden St. Warriors (0-5)

The western conference version of the Wizards. Team's can't rely on the 3 ball game-in-game out. Oh yeah, you also have to play some defense to win games.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-5)

If the Celtics win the NBA this year, they should send Wolves GM a ring in the mail. How do you Trade Kevin Garnett for a group of has beens. Well Al Jefferson is a nice player, but that's all the Twolves have now. Greg Buckner is their third leading scorer. Yikes!

30. Seattle Sonics (0-7)

Welcome to the NBA, Kevin Durant, & welcome to Oklahoma City next season.

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