The NBA season is almost upon us here is my opening night power rankings.
- 1. Los Angeles Lakers- The defending champs added Ron Artest to go along with Kobe, Lamar, Pau, and Fisher. I’m a believer that this will work. Other teams are talented but I think that Ron is less of a question mark than other teams and their injury concerns.
- 2. Cleveland Cavaliers- Lebron and the Cavs added Shaq to the roster. We shall see how well it works out.
- 3. Orlando Magic- The Eastern Conference champs. Maybe the third best team in the East but I will put them here for now.
- 4. Boston Celtics- Another year of aging for this team. But they are stacked now that they have Rasheed Wallace and a healthy KG. I think they are the team to beat in the East if they can keep everyone on the court. Keep them here for the moment, but they play Cleveland in the opener so movement could come soon.
- 5. San Antonio Spurs- With Richard Jefferson now on the team they can potentially challenge the Lakers out west. Assuming Duncan and Manu play at the end of the year.
- 6. Portland Trailblazers- They bring in Andre Miller but he will probably play behind Steve Blake. They just need to prove themselves come playoff time.
- 7. Denver Nuggets- Carmelo and Billups will have them around again but I don’t think they will have the same success.
- 8. Dallas Mavericks- Added Shawn Marion to go along with Dirk and Kidd. The window for this team has passed they aren’t a real title contender.
- 9. Atlanta Hawks- 4th best in the East. Get used to it.
- 10. Phoenix Suns- Run and Gun is back for good. Playoffs are probable and should be fun to watch again.
- 11. New Orleans Hornets- CP3 still doesn’t have much help they are a good team but the best point guard in the league needs more for them to contend.
- 12. Washington Wizards- Jamison is gone until December. What is this about injuries on the Wizards? Has this happened before?
- 13. Utah Jazz- A playoff team and nothing more.
- 14. Chicago Bulls- Gordon’s gone but this team still has some pieces to compete.
- 15. Philadelphia 76ers- If Elton Brand can get back on track watch out.
- 16. Miami Heat- Wade can’t do everything someone needs to step up and help.
- 17. Toronto Raptors- Added Turkoglu to go with Bosh and Bargnani.
- 18. Los Angeles Clippers- Yes, the Clippers. Blake Griffin and company have the talent let’s see if they maximize it.
- 19. Detroit Pistons- The old Pistons are gone but the playoffs are possible.
- 20. Oklahoma City Thunder- Kevin Durant is a machine. Add Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, James Harden and you’ve got an exciting future. Not quite ready to take the next step but they will surprise some people.
- 21. Golden State Warriors- If they can solve the problems with Stephen Jackson this team can compete for a spot in the playoffs.
- 22. Charlotte Bobcats- Raja Bell is now out possibly for the season. They play good D but where are the points going to come from?
- 23. Houston Rockets- Could very well be worse than this spot without Yao or T-Mac.
- 24. Indiana Pacers- Nothing special here. A long shot for the playoffs, but it could happen.
- 25. New York Knicks- David Lee is a bright spot, I can say that.
- 26. New Jersey Nets- Devin Harris is good so is Courtney Lee there just aren’t enough pieces to bring it together.
- 27. Memphis Grizzles- Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph? This should be fun. I do like Mayo and Thabeet.
- 28. Minnesota Timberwolves- After drafting 3 point guards this is what they put together?
- 29. Milwaukee Bucks- Redd and Bogut are healthy as of now but the cupboard is barren after the salary dump ownership performed on this team.
- 30. Sacramento Kings- Tyreke Evans is a nice draft pick and Kevin Martin is a scorer but this team doesn’t have much else.
