The First NBA Power Rankings of the 2008-2009 Season

As an avid NBA fan, I am anxious to get the new season started. In August, almost nothing happens in the NBA. The draft and analysis are long over. All of the important free-agents have been picked up. Even the summer league is over. To make the wait seem a bit shorter, I have created my first power rankings of all 30 NBA teams.

Top Tier (Championship is in sight.)

1. Boston Celtics

You have to start the power rankings with the defending champions. I don’t see this team being nearly as dominant as they were last year because of their age. All the members of the “Big 3” are well over 30 and who knows what a long 82-game season can do to them? There is also the factor of determination. This team united last year to bring their veterans one ring before they retired. Now that that’s done, they may not be as enthusiastic to go the entire distance. Also, the loss of James Posey was a major blow to their bench. Posey was a clutch three-point shooter who has been on two of the last three championship teams. Now in New Orleans, Boston looks to move on without him. It’s just a matter of time before this team just becomes too old to compete. Furthermore, no team has repeated as NBA Champion since the Lakers did from 2000-02 (thanks in part to Tim Donaghy). Still, they are the clear favorites coming into this season.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angles is in this position because they are the defending champions of the better of the two conferences. Clearly, the Lakers midseason acquisition of Gasol was a steal. However, I believe that when you talk about “soft players”, Pau is as “soft” as they come. He just does not have that winning mentality and determination that you see from other 7-footers such as Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. Like the Celtics, LAL took a big blow to their bench depth with the loss of Ronny Turiaf. Fans still believe that they can cope with their loss because Andrew Bynum is coming back from injury. Talking about an overrated player on an overrated team, Bynum has been nothing special in L.A. One columnist wrote that Bynum is a top 5 center in the NBA. I’m not sure if that’s a bigger blow to the rest of the centers around the league or to our basketball IQ. Still, leave it to the city home of American bands and Hollywood starlets to have a basketball team with over half of their players with European origins. However, I still can’t completely and fairly judge a team without taking into account that they have the best player in the world. That helps.

3. Houston Rockets

I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t include my favorite team in the top three after they made the biggest buzz of the summer by acquiring Ron “Bill” Artest. The offseason acquisition of Artest could put this team over the top. It could also send a crippled franchise heading towards the ping-pong balls for the next decade. Artest has been known for resting on scorer’s tables while fights ensue in front of him. He is also known for running into stands to punch the wrong fan, neglect his starving dog, and cause domestic disturbances. However, Artest is also known for being one of the best two-way players in the league, matching his offensive prowess with his tenacious defense. The factor that set this deal through is Artest’s love for Rick Adelman. In Adelman’s last year with his former team, Sacramento Kings, Ron Artest was willing to take a pay cut so that they could keep Adelman there. Artest brings flexibility to the team. Now Adelman can play his roster big (McGrady, Battier, Artest, Scola, Yao) and small (Alston, McGrady, Battier, Artest, Scola) and anywhere in between. Flexibility is what kept the Dallas Mavericks from exiting the first round two years ago despite having a 13-loss season. They could not match up to the quick and agile offense of Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, and the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets will not have that problem. Houston’s two stars, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, have been injured season after season which has resulted in many first round exits. With Artest around, not all the offensive pressure needs to go towards those two as Artest is a proven scorer. Teams will not get away with double teaming Yao and Tracy. Artest’s efforts will give them rest and thus, they will be less prone to injury. Also, pairing two of the league’s best defenders (Battier, Artest) together can be deadly as both can defend several positions. Artest volatile personality is a potential problem but could also encourage the rest of the team to try harder. As for the bench, with Boston and Los Angeles’ losses and Houston’s flexibility, they should have the best bench if they can resign finger wag (Dikembe Mutombo) and the future Amare Stoudemire, Carl Landry, who have both expressed desire to return to the team. (23 game winning streak a possibility?) Still, could this team win it all with their roster in July? No. Now they have high potential to cross over the proverbial hump that has sent McGrady and Yao back home to long off-seasons year after year. One love.

4. New Orleans Hornets

They lost Jannero Pargo to Russia but they got a great player with finals experience in James Posey. Posey was a great bench player for the Miami Heat three years ago and the Boston Celtics last year. He was so good that Boston fans believed it to be the “Big 4” rather than the “Big 3” because of how valuable he is off the bench. Peja Stojakovic had a bad season last season and for the Hornets to be successful this season, Stojakovic needs to be a reliable sharpshooter. At the end of it, the Hornets improved over the summer. Their high-flying corps of Tyson Chandler and David West should be lead by the one of the top three point guards in the league, Chris Paul. Sporting new uniforms, this team felt unproven last year and wants to come back strong. As long as they are consistent, the Hornets should have a deep playoff run.

Second Tier (Great chance to go far into the playoffs.)

5. San Antonio Spurs

Every offseason the same question comes up. Is this team too old to win another championship? This might be the last year that the Spurs are contenders and with Ginobili injured, this team will find it hard to compete with the fast pace of the rest of the Western Conference.

6. Utah Jazz

Is this team for real or are they just a product of the Salt Lake fans? At home last year the Jazz lost just 5 games. On the road, they won barely over half of their games. This team will rely on Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer again this year but they have had recent playoff success to work off of.

7. Orlando Magic

The Magic signed Rashard Lewis to a large contract last summer but Lewis did not live up to it. If Lewis can be more productive, the Magic can be dangerous in the Eastern Conference with a solid point guard in Jameer Nelson and one of the best centers in the league. Dwight Howard is both an inside offensive presence and a ferocious rebounder.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland enthusiasts talk a lot about Mo Williams possibly making a difference in Cleveland. Clearly, fans are desperate for any change that could possibly help LeBron James. If you think Mo Williams can catapult this team to contention, you clearly haven’t been watching Bucks basketball because Williams has done little to none to help Michael Redd in Milwaukee. After all, when was the last time the Bucks made the playoffs? Cleveland tried last season to be contenders with a blockbuster trade to obtain Joe Smith and Ben Wallace which has clearly not worked out. Obviously, this team will once again rely on James to do everything short of becoming the new general manager.

9. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors made a draft day trade that sent point guard T.J. Ford to Indianapolis for oft-injured yet talented Jermaine O’Neal. Toronto comes out stronger because they already have a point guard in Anthony Parker. This team can be dangerous in the weak Eastern Conference if O’Neal can stay healthy to help Chris Bosh in a potentially strong frontcourt. Another question is if Andrea Bargnani can live up to his #1 overall pick hype. If all falls into place, this team should be able to challenge the Boston Celtics.

Third Tier (Still another piece missing from contention.)

10. Detroit Pistons

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Detroit has been to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Yet they have only one championship to show for it. Detroit showed their desperation by trying to trade for Tracy McGrady in the offseason. Leave it to a team with recent playoff success to try to pick up a player that has never made it out of the first round and expect him to take a team to the NBA Finals. Trade talks died with Houston’s pickup of Ron Artest and the Pistons are still looking for a blockbuster trade for a superstar that can bring them back to supremacy.

11. Phoenix Suns

Speaking of the mighty falling, the Suns were once the most feared team in the league with their high powered offense and quick tempo. They soon learned that to win in the playoffs, they would need to play defense which is why the Spurs have sent them home early the last two seasons. The Shaquille O’Neal trade was sheer desperation to keep up with the rest of the big trades around the Western Conference including the Pau Gasol and Jason Kidd trades. Don’t be surprised if the Suns make another large trade at the trade deadline this season that may send Amare Stoudemire elsewhere. With his expiring contract, Stoudemire is spectacular offensively but his defense is lackluster. Expect this to be the last season the Suns are relevant if there are no significant trades that take place. Steve Nash can only play for so much longer and he desperately needs a championship ring to go along with those two MVP trophies.

12. Dallas Mavericks

The third tier has a common theme of the mighty falling because the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago held the best record in the league, just to lose in the first round of the playoffs to the Golden State Warriors. Merely four regular season wins away from owning the best record ever, the Mavericks had redemption on their mind from the NBA Finals loss the year before. Last season the Mavs gave up their future (Devin Harris) for the present (Jason Kidd) and are still nowhere near championship contention. After another playoff loss to the New Orleans Hornets, heads are bursting. Owner Mark Cuban loves Dirk Nowitzki but expect Dirk to be playing somewhere else come the trade deadline this season. Cuban expects to win when he pours so much money onto a basketball team and Dirk hasn’t won the ultimate prize yet. Last year, Coach Avery Johnson was fired. This year, expect new coach Rick Carlisle to be on the hot seat.

13. Portland Trail Blazers

Last year, despite losing their number one overall draft pick before the season began, the Blazers still shocked the NBA by going on an early 13 game winning streak. However, this team would die down with the injuries to Brandon Roy among others. Although their highlight streak early in the year would be later overshadowed by Houston’s 22 game winning streak, this team was overall successful in having the 10^th best record in the western conference. Now with their number one pick, Greg Oden, back, this team could make a serious run to the playoffs.

14. Washington Wizards

Gilbert Arenas just signed a lucrative multiyear deal with the Wizards of about $125 million. Although they have had little success in the playoffs, losing to King James and the Cavaliers for the last three years, this team is just one or two big trades away from being in contention. Until then, the team will continue to revolve around Agent Zero and Antawn Jamison.

15. Denver Nuggets

Ah, the Nuggets. This team has been and will be spectacular offensively this season. Only problem is that defense is part of the game and Anthony and Iverson have not looked interested in that part. Clearly the worst defensive team last season, they did little to help their cause this offseason by trading away their only good defensive player in Marcus Camby. This will be a long season for Nuggets fans. Only way out is, sadly, to trade Carmelo Anthony. Allen Iverson has little value at his age and Melo is an overrated superstar. Keeping Anthony might get Denver into the playoffs but they won’t get deep. If the right value is offered, the Nuggets should not be hesitant while his value is high.

Fourth Tier (Solid chance to make playoffs but no championship in sight.)

16. Los Angeles Clippers

This team could have been ultra-scary if Corey Maggette and Elton Brand resigned with the team this offseason. Now, the Clippers will rely on Baron Davis, Marcus Camby, and Chris Kaman to possibly make some noise. Nevertheless, the city of Los Angeles still belongs to the Lakers.

17. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are a fast but small team. With Baron Davis gone via free agency, Monta Ellis will be expected to carry this team. The addition of Corey Maggette will help but Golden State should not be contenders and will have to fight their way to the playoffs. Update: With Ellis out for the early part of the season, expect this team to look out of the playoff race early. Ellis’s return may be too late.

18. Philadelphia 76ers

First they signed Andre Iguodola to a large deal. Then they picked up Elton Brand. Along with a solid point guard in Andre Miller, the 76ers have a strong chance to make the playoffs in the eastern conference.

19. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks took a big hit when Josh Childress left to Europe. The team felt confident in their future after taking the champion Celtics to a seven game series in the playoffs. After the worst offseason in the league (Josh Smith is unhappy), the city of Atlanta is in trouble in every sport.

20. Miami Heat

How will the new trio in Vice City look? It really just depends on how healthy the three are. The team does look solid with young Dwayne Wade and Michael Beasley and the high trade value of Shawn Marion. However, the Miami Heat are still a long way from their 2006 form.

Fifth Tier (Where are the ping pong balls?)

21. Sacramento Kings

The Kings made the Ron Artest trade to build for the future. They obtained the highly praised rookie, Donte Greene, whom they have been seeking since the draft. Along with veteran Bobby Jackson, next year’s possibly late first round pick, as well as a million bucks, this team is on the move to make some noise by around 2015.

22. Oklahoma City

With three top 5 picks in the last two drafts, OKC should be a solid project for the future. The combination of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook should be sturdy in a few years. Obviously, Oklahoma City is not a playoff contender this year in the west.

23. Chicago Bulls

This team was decimated by injuries last season and there is no reason to think why they should be anything spectacular this year. There have been rumors of a possible Ben Gordon trade and expect him to be traded by the trade deadline this season.

24. Minnesota Timberwolves

The team went south when Kevin Garnett moved east en route to a championship. The only recognizable returning face on the team is Al Jefferson. Kevin Love should be interesting to watch because of his upper body strength. Nevertheless, this team will undoubtedly be one of the bottom five teams in the west once again.

25. Indiana Pacers

This franchise went down at the Brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills four years ago. The defending Eastern Conference champions were contenders until Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson paralyzed the franchise for the rest of this decade and well into the next. Mike Dunleavy and newly acquired T.J. Ford should lead this team to no more than 35 wins this season.

Sixth Tier (Bring in the scrubs.)

26. New Jersey Nets

What used to be a feared trio in the league has all but disappeared. Jason Kidd is in Dallas. Richard Jefferson is in Milwaukee. What does Vince Carter have left? Yi Jianlian? Clearly 2010 can’t come soon enough because the Nets have cleared salary space for the strong free agency class that year. Just hope the Jay-Z and LeBron James can get along well until then.

27. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats signed Emeka Okafor to a long extension but other than that, had a quiet summer. Give the Bobcats props for being the Boston Celtics toughest competition last year. They were one of the few teams that managed a double-digit win over the champions last year. Still, the Bobcats might be better if their owner plays for them instead of these no talent college grads.

28. Memphis Grizzlies

This team lost it all with the Pau Gasol trade. Now Rudy Gay will be expected to lead this woeful team to perhaps another 20 win season in the tougher conference in the toughest division. Still, all is not lost in Tennessee. Memphis has high hopes for Marc Gasol (Pau’s younger brother who you may have seen in the Olympics), Mike Conley, and most importantly former Trojan O.J. Mayo.

29. New York Knicks

This just in: the Knicks stink. Sadly, their best player, Stephon “Starbury” Marbury wants to play in Milan. There is no love in the Big Apple for their first round pick Danilo Gallinary. If the Yankees did this bad for so many years, wars would have started.

30. Milwaukee Bucks

This team is in trouble. Number one overall pick Andrew Bogut has not yet impressed. Yi Jianlian was unimpressive last season so they traded him for Richard Jefferson. This team is going absolutely nowhere. Michael Redd has been patient but everyone’s goal is to win a championship and Redd will not do that in Milwaukee. Expect a trade demand.