NBA Power Rankings

NBA POWER RANKINGS

First power rankings of the season, based off of last year's accomplishments, off-season movement, and pre-season play.

1. Boston Celtics: The Defending Champs stay there until they screw up bad enough to lose it.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: The return of Andrew Bynum will make the Lake-Show even tougher.
3. Houston Rockets: Adding Ron Artest... either going to be amazing or terrible. Lets see how he gets along with Houston fans and T-Mac. Over-under; people Artest will punch this year- 3.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul will challenge for league MVP again. He and Chandler have amazing chemistry.
5. Detroit Pistons: Window of opportunity closing fast for this veteran team. Stucky seems to be the only flash they have coming in after the geriatrics leave. Still not sold on Maxiell.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron is eyeing real estate elsewhere if the Cavs cant win. NOW.
7. Utah Jazz: Big hole at 2-guard prevents this team from moving forward.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Trio of Duncan, Ginobli and Parker still scary good, but aging as well.
9. Orlando Magic: Much deeper than last year, More playmakers added. Great cast in Mickey's backyard.
10. Phoenix Suns: May be last hurrah for Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal.
11. Dallas Mavericks: Can Rick Carlisle put this team over the top?
12. Toronto Raptors: Perhaps best frontcourt in East with (healthy) Jermaine O'Neal and Chris Bosh.
13. Philadelphia 76ers: Signing of Elton Brand makes them much better.
14. Portland Trailblazers: Should round out West playoffs with (healthy) Greg Oden, and a young, tough team.
15. Washington Wizards: Agent Zero and Antawn Jamison should have jumped ship. They'll pay for staying, but they'll GET paid for staying as well. it's all about the Benjamins, baby.
16. Indiana Pacers: Rebuilding for the Pacers, they could sneak into the playoffs with solid performances.
17. Atlanta Hawks: They linger, but should be better for as young as they are.
18. Denver Nuggets: Can the Nuggets score 130 a game again this year and still lose?
19. Golden State Warriors: Losing Baron Davis was a big blow.
20. Los Angeles Clippers: Losing Elton Brand was a bigger blow.
21. Chicago Bulls: I have no clue what they're doing in Chicago. It must be nice to just not really care. Get rid of Gordon.
22. Miami Heat: Wade couldn't do it without Shaq, but he has Beasley and Marion now.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love will be a draft bust as soon as everyone sees the wuss he is, and Ol' Al will be fending for himself again.
24. Sacramento Kings: They will be scary in two or three years. They're going nowhere this year.
25. Charlotte Bobcats: Lots of cap space screams LeBron bid in 2010 - go go gadget Michael Jordan!
26. New Jersey Nets: Trading Jefferson? Ouch. I want to say Yi is overrated, but he isn't. Just isn't that good yet...
27. Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Redd and R. Jeff are scoring machines. A little more help makes these guys real good.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: They may look nice, and have a new home, but life is going to be tough for Durant and crew.
29. Memphis Grizzlies: These guys are going to get laughed at in the West.
30. New York Knicks: How about a season without one of the following: Sexual harassment charges, locker room drama, and 50 plus losses.