NBA Power Rankings for the Week: Atlanta Hawks on Top
1. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have gotten off to a quick 8-2 start this season and look better than ever thus far. With a young and promising front-court this team could be for real this season.
2. Phoenix Suns
The Suns currently have the most wins in the league with a record of 9-2. It will only be a matter of time before they begin to crumble...
3. Boston Celtics
A healthy Celtics roster is a scary team indeed. If their core can remain on the court throughout the entire season, there is no doubt that they will rank as either the one or two seed in the East.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have kicked off the season with a 7-3 record and have done so Pau-less. Bryant is already in MVP form, and once Gasol returns to the lineup, the Lakers will rightfully take the one spot in the West.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
If Greg Oden can continue producing, there is no reason that the Blazers should fall anywhere under the three seed in the West. With B-Roy running the show, this Portland team is in for their best season since who knows when.
6. Miami Heat
The Heat are scorching hot right now, especially after a Wade buzzer-beater against the New Jersey Nets. Miami will take a dip in their overall performance once Jermaine O'Neal's production begins to drop.
7. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are definitely one of the most exciting teams to watch in basketball right now. Melo is playing at his peak, and rookie Ty Lawson is turning heads every which-way with his impressive statistics.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and the Cavaliers hold a 7-3 record on the season. It will only be a matter of time before Shaq Daddy falls to an injury and L.J. is once again put into a situation to carry his entire team all the way into the postseason.
9. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have always had a roster filled with stars and potential, and this season is no different. Nowitzki and his squad will continue to out-battle their opponents for a shot at anywhere from the three-to-five seed.
10. Orlando Magic
With Lewis returning to the lineup, Orlando is undoubtedly the deepest and strongest team in the league. It will only be a matter of time before the Magic take complete control in the East.
11. Houston Rockets
Surprise, surprise. The Rockets have began the season with a 6-4 record without Yao and T-Mac. How much longer will the above .500 record last? Not long to be quite honest.
12. Milwaukee Bucks
Two words: Brandon Jennings. 55 points!?! Are you kidding me, the next Allen Iverson in the making.
13. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls haven't gotten off to the start that many anticipated. Rose will have to step up his game if Chicago wants any chance at another playoff appearance.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder
With a team consisting of Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant, it will only be a matter of time before they turn into the new "Big Three."
15. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are currently seventh in the East, and that credit could be given to forward Danny Granger and center Roy Hibbert. These two are the faces of the Pacers future.
16. Sacramento Kings
With shooting-guard Kevin Martin down for a couple of months, the Kings will return to their normal losing ways within the next week or so.
17. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs tend to begin their seasons on slow notes. No need to worry as they will be back up at the two seed in no time.
18. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have a serious front-court composed of Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani. Once this team's chemistry begins to click they will have a playoff spot with their name on it.
19. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are currently without their two vets in Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Once they return to the lineup Detroit will have a nice shot at the seventh or eighth seed.
20. Utah Jazz
Utah needs to trade Carlos Boozer so that Paul Millsap can become the next best thing. Until then Jerry Sloan will never win a ring.
21. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are a complete mess and will need some serious coaching to turn their season around.
22. Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon are the only two impressive players on the Clippers roster thus far this season. Hopefully once Blake Griffin returns they will have a chance to compete in the West.
23. Golden State Warriors
Captain Jack is officially gone! Trade for Anthony Randolph in all fantasy leagues as he will emerge as the Most Improved Player this season.
24. Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats obtain Stephen Jackson! Regardless, they still have no shot of getting anywhere.
25. New Orleans Hornets
With Chris Paul out of the lineup and a fired Byron Scott, this Hornets team is destined to plummet.
26. Washington Wizards
Agent Zero is back, but the team still cannot win a game for their life! By mid-season the Wizards should be back near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
27. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies decided to sign Jamaal Tinsley even though they already have Allen Iverson on their roster. Hmmm, I wonder who's going to get traded next.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
What else can you say about this team: They suck.
29. New York Knicks
It is pretty transparent from their record that the Knicks are banking on next season to obtain a primetime player or two. But even then, will they make the playoffs?
30. New Jersey Nets
New Jersey has yet to win a game this season. To make the situation worse their star point-guard is still injured.
The Bleacher Report NBA Power Rankings are done by averaging individual feature columnist's tallies. Weekly contributors are: Denton Ramsey (Houston Rockets), Keith Schlosser (NY Knicks), Curtis Finchum (Oklahoma City), Brandon Ribak (Orlando Magic), Hotnuke (Miami Heat), Bryan Toporek (Philadelphia 76ers), Andrew Ungvari (LA Lakers), Shaun Ahmad (Washington Wizards) and DeMarco Williams (NBA Lead).
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