This has been a busy NBA season so far. We’ve seen new unions and epic break-ups. We’ve seen brawls and epic falls and most of all we’ve seen solid competition throughout the league. Below you will see the NBA Power Rankings. I took stats, health, chemistry, and experience all into consideration.
1. Boston Celtics (38-13): Hands down the best team in the NBA. Last season we saw them come close to winning another NBA Championship while Pierce, Allen, and Garnett struggled from the field. This season is the complete opposite with Paul Pierce netting 19 points per game, Allen with 17.5 PPG, and KG scoring 14.9 PPG. PF/C Glen “Big Baby” Davis is also averaging 11.8 PPG and Rondo is running the offense, similar to the way Aaron Rodgers runs the Packers’ offense. The current Celtics lineup also have a bench that can run off most NBA teams with players including Shaquille O’Neal, Nate Robinson, and Jermaine O’Neal. Their ability to be successful at swapping responsibilities is what makes them most dangerous. In their game against the Miami Heat, Pierce focuses on the defensive task of stopping LeBron James, while Ray Allen and company compensate with more scoring. When Allen and Pierce are cold, Rondo can step it up with 20 PPG while keeping the rest of the team involved. The squad certainly doesn’t lack in size with KG, Shaq, Jermaine O’Neal, Big Baby, and Perkins. If Paul Pierce and Ray Allen stay healthy, there is a great chance the Celtics will be in the NBA Finals again this season.
2. San Antonio Spurs (42-8): The big knock on the Spurs was never their ability. It was more of an issue with getting rest. For international stars, such as Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, rest is an issue. This past year neither player had to participate in the FIBA World basketball championships, giving them the rest necessary to really compete this year. A direct consequence would be the stunning 42-8 start to a very competitive NBA season. Tim Duncan’s numbers are down to 13.5 PPG, but Ginobili is leading the team in scoring with 18.5 PPG and Parker isn’t far behind him with 17.5 PPG. Solid contributor Richard Jefferson also brings in 12.5 PPG. Given how well matched the teams are in the Western Conference, San Antonio’s 42-8 record can’t be taken lightly. The Spur’s key to success is simple: stay healthy!
3. Miami Heat (37-14): Despite injury issues, the new “evil empire” gets better and better with every game. Chris Bosh isn’t the same Chris Bosh that he was with the Raptors, but somebody has to take a backseat to Wade and King James. When the Heat’s offseason acquisitions were made, we all knew they would flourish. The key was developing a solid team chemistry. Right now, LeBron leads the team in scoring with 26.1 PPG and Dwayne Wade is second with 25.4 PPG. Bosh still remains impressive with 18.2 PPG. The key for the “Miami 3” is health. If they all can stay injury-free into the playoffs they will definitely be in the Eastern Conference Finals. Again, the question is this: will they stay healthy?
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-17): Most likely the dark horse for the NBA Championship, the OKC Thunder deserve respect. Last season we saw them nearly eliminate the Champions, Los Angeles Lakers, with a team comprised of the NBA’s top young talent. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were sensational and it didn’t stop at the playoffs. Durant and Westbrook lead team USA to a FIBA World Basketball Championship this summer. Durant leads the Thunder with 29.0 PPG and Westbrook is second with 22.5 PPG. Jeff Green is also contributing 15.5 PPG. The NBA’s youngest team has the momentum and talent to steal the title this year. Only time will tell if the league will truly feel the thunder.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (36-16): The defending champions have the games best player, the best coach, and a wealth of experience. We all know what they are capable of because we’ve watched them dominate year-in and year-out. The NBA championship runs through Los Angeles and anybody interested in winning will have to take it from them. Kobe is averaging 25.4 PPG followed by Gasol with 18.7 PPG, and Odom with 15.3 PPG. Kobe is currently trying to get Gasol to take more shots, which can prove to be deadly. Seasoned veteran point guard, Derek Fisher, is running the triangle offense. The Lakers are the real deal and they know they are. If Kobe’s broken finger ever heals, we will be sure to see his average jump from 25 to 30 PPG.
6. Dallas Mavericks (36-15): Tyson Chandler has been the key to the Mavs’ defensive improvement, but he has also picked up his offensive production. He has averaged 18.3 points on 22/33 shooting and 29/31 from the line as Dallas has won four straight. J.J. Barea is also scoring major points. As always, the Mavs are in the fight for a title in the Wild West. The question remains, if their ammunition will carry them to the big showdown?
7. New Orleans Hornets (32-21): David West leads the Hornets with 18.8 PPG and CP3 is scoring 16.7 PPG. The Hornets are having a great year but aren’t a championship caliber team yet. Two more draft picks and they will be on their way to a conference championship.
8. Utah Jazz (31-22): Deron Williams, crushing teams with his shooting and passing, is growing into an excellent leader for the Utah Jazz. He is averaging 21.8 PPG. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson aren’t far behind with 17.1 PPG. It’s not the Malone/Stockton era anymore, but there is still cause for optimism in Salt Lake City.
9. Chicago Bulls (34-16): Derek Rose and Carlos Boozer are performing just as the city of Chicago wanted them to. Rose is averaging 24.6 PPG and Boozer is netting 19.7 PPG. The possibilities for this Bulls team are vast and with the right match-ups and the right point production, they could be a dark horse to make the Eastern Conference Finals.
10. Orlando Magic (32-20): The Magic look solid as usual with Dwight Howard scoring 22.4 PPG and Jason Richardson scoring 14.2 PPG. Jameer Nelson is also adding 12.4 PPG, but is combustible and explosive enough to put up 25 points in a game. In the East, they will definitely make the playoffs but a championship berth hinges on Howard’s foul shooting consistency. Teams are exploiting his poor foul shooting with “Hack-A-Shaq” like tactics that have proven to be spoilers for the Magic.
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