NBA Power Rankings: Early Season Surprises That Will Make Deep Playoff Runs
I've always said that the only first impression I worry about making is a last one. The same holds true for sports.
Unless you bury yourself a hole you can't escape, how you start a season isn't nearly as important as how you finish. That said, I've identified a few surprise teams who've been red-hot to start the season, and who I think are primed to sustain that success straight through to the playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers
I'm willing to risk being accused of homerism here. The Sixers have two things going for them in the lockout-shortened season: depth and familiarity.
With the grind that is this particular NBA season, the Sixers are uniquely built to withstand any injuries. Plus, it doesn't hurt that no one player is the unquestioned key to success—the Sixers have pretty solid balance in Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner and Lou Williams.
And the core of the team has been together for a few years now. While other teams with new personnel have struggled early, the Sixers have hit the court running.
I expect they'll be a team to contend with in the top-heavy East this season.
Denver Nuggets
How exactly are the Denver Nuggets 12-5 thus far?
Well, when Danilo Gallinari outplays Carmelo Anthony like he did on Saturday (37 points and 11 boards) that certainly helps. Ty Lawson has been good for 16 points and 6.7 assists per game, and the Nuggets—much like the Sixers—they have solid depth when they are healthy.
Besides, after the Thunder and maybe the Clippers in the West, who really frightens you? The Nuggets have the chance to surprise some people this year.
Indiana Pacers
David West and Roy Hibbert make them tough down low, Danny Granger's got game and the Pacers have been finding ways to win, ugly as those wins sometimes are.
The Celtics and Knicks have been disappointing, the Hawks and Magic are inconsistent and the Sixers can't be considered elite just yet.
After the Bulls and Heat, the East is wide open. If the Pacers keep finding ways to win, they'll be a tough out in the playoffs.
Here are the rest of my power rankings:
1. Chicago Bulls 16-3
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 14-3
3. Miami Heat 11-5
4. Denver Nuggets 12-5
5. Philadelphia 76ers 12-5
6. Atlanta Hawks 13-5
7. Los Angeles Clippers 9-5
8. Orlando Magic 11-5
9. Indiana Pacers 11-4
10. Utah Jazz 10-5
11. Memphis Grizzlies 10-6
12. Houston Rockets 10-7
13. San Antonio Spurs 11-7
14. Dallas Mavericks 11-7
15. Los Angeles Lakers 10-8
16. Portland Trail Blazers 10-7
17. Minnesota Timberwolves 7-10
18. Boston Celtics 7-9
19. New York Knicks 6-10
20. Golden State Warriors 5-11
21. Milwaukee Bucks 6-10
22. Phoenix Suns 6-10
23. Cleveland Cavaliers 6-9
24. Sacramento Kings 6-12
25. Toronto Raptors 4-13
26. Detroit Pistons 4-14
27. New Jersey Nets 5-13
28. Charlotte Bobcats 3-14
29. Washington Wizards 2-15
30. New Orleans Hornets 3-14
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