A LayupDrill.com Exclusive
As the NBA season resumes today, there seems to be more questions than answers for separating the contenders from the pretenders. LayupDrill.com has updated our first power rankings of the second half of the season, breaking down the pretenders from the contenders heading into the stretch run.
The Pretenders
16. Phoenix Suns
The city of Phoenix has been the center of the NBA over the past few weeks, for both good and bad reasons. With the NBA All-Star weekend being hosted there, the eyes and ears of a basketball nation were on the Suns franchise, and the disarray around it.
With Terry Porter dismissed after a 28-23 start into his first season, Alvin Gentry is now faced with the daunting task of turning around an underachieving older team and getting them into the playoffs. Gentry’s preference of the run-and-gun offense appeases Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, but can Phoenix outscore the rest of the West? Only time will tell.
15. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons, like the Suns, have underachieved and are still trying to fit Allen Iverson into their way of doing things. Entering the second half of the season three games over .500 is good enough for being in the middle of the pack in the East, yet optimism reigns in the Motor City.
With Orlando losing Jameer Nelson for what will probably be the rest of the year, the Pistons and Heat both have their eyes on climbing to the three seed and having home court advantage in the first round. Based on their veteran leadership, you would think they will be able to attain that.
14. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers, who have had to deal with injuries to key players throughout the season, enter the second half with renewed confidence that they can not only make the playoffs, but make some noise as well.
With Elton Brand going down for the rest of the year, the Sixers have enough time to adjust to life without him. Andre Miller, who is a free agent at season's end, has plenty of motivation to get this bunch into the playoffs, whether he re-signs with Philly or not.
The Hornets, who made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season, have also dealt with injuries as well as a reality check this year.
Hornets head coach Byron Scott did a masterful job last season getting the most of his talent, and many thought with the arrival of former Celtics swingman James Posey, the Hornets would take the next step to being a serious title contender. Unfortunately for them, things have not worked that way.
Things should get better for New Orleans though, with Chris Paul at the reigns you can never be counted out.
12. Miami Heat
The Heat surprised many with their play thus far this season, and the addition of Jermaine O’ Neal confirmed their commitment to winning right now. Heat management are trying to assure Dwayne Wade that they not only want him to stay in Miami for the long haul, but are willing to put pieces around him that will make Miami a title contender for years to come.
With the continued growth of Michael Beasley as well as rookie Mario Chalmers, expect Miami to challenge Orlando for the ranking of best team in the state of Florida this year.
11. Houston Rockets
The Rockets big three have not been able to gel on the floor for sustained periods of time throughout the season, and while they have stayed in the middle of the pack out West, the title hopes seem somewhat far-fetched to date.
With Tracy McGrady’s health in question (again), the emergence of Von Wafer, as well as the ability for Rafer Alston to pick up the scoring punch will be key for Houston’s success.
The Hawks got out the gates this season on fire, and slowly cooled off leading into the All-Star break. While Atlanta has improved on last season, they hope they can get out of the first round this postseason, and with the current makeup of the team as assembled, that is not a guarantee.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki is putting together another banner year, and Dallas is right in the middle of things in the West playoff hunt.
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