Power Rankings : Week One
This is the first week for rankings; therefore, there will not be whose has dropped from the week before, and what teams are on the rise. However, I will be comparing these rankings to my predictions in the beginning of the season to see how good of an ‘angle’ I have on the NBA.
1. Boston (4-0) By far the best team one week in, with statement victories over New Orleans, Chicago, and at Cleveland.
2. Denver (3-0) Can anybody stop Carmelo Anthony-37.7 pts., 7.0 rebs., while shooting 54% from the floor? Scary. Oh and his efficiency is +37. Frightening numbers.
3. Orlando (3-0) They don’t even have Rashard Lewis back, and if they shoot the three like they did on Sunday against Toronto, nobody will stop them.
4. LA Lakers (2-1) Consistency with intensity will be the point of emphasis from the Zen master, especially until Pau Gasol gets back.
5. Miami (3-0) Jermaine O’Neal is becoming an excellent fit with Dwyane Wade. O’Neal is averaging 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds a game while shooting 64% from the field.
6. San Antonio (2-1) Need to get in better shape, they looked sluggish and uninspired against the Bulls on the latter part of their back-to-back.
7. Phoenix (3-0) Three easy teams, three easy wins. Good way to build confidence in the beginning of the season. Channing Frye may win the most improved player award if he can sustain his shooting effort for the rest of the season.
8. Dallas (2-1) Shawn Marion looks revitalized with his new team, and their win in LA was more than impressive, it was shocking.
9. Atlanta (2-1) They have so many ways to beat you, it’s scary. If they can just bring it together from day-to-day, they’ll be a serious contender in the East.
10. Houston (2-1) This team just knows how to win. I can’t explain it any other way. They just find more and more ways to win without an a go-to scorer. Amazing team to watch, especially the way Aaron Brooks attacks the lane.
11. Oklahoma City (2-1) This young core illustrated what they can do on the road and at home: Impressive victory at the Palace compared to a miserable offensive performance against the Trailblazers.
12. Philadelphia (2-1) Losing Andre Miller is no problem for the Sixers while Lou Williams is playing like this: 20-5-5 while shooting an unheard of 64% from the floor… for a point guard!
13. Portland (2-2) Should be 3-1 but couldn’t convert on free throws when it mattered most. However, is there a ceiling for Brandon Roy’s game?
14. Utah (2-2) With Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer back and healthy, this team is tough to contend with especially with they way they play team defense.
15. Washington (2-1) Agent Zero is illustrating his worth to the city of Washington, but now both Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are out with injuries. Are we ever going to see the big three play together again?
16. Cleveland (2-2) They have no offensive rhythm with Shaq clogging up the lane; the team cannot rely on Lebron to do everything.
17. Chicago (1-2) Who would of thought that out of their first three games, they would have only beaten the Spurs? I didn’t.
18. New Orleans (1-2) Chris Paul and David West need a consistent third man to anchoring the scoring. Peja Stojakovic is not cutting it anymore even though he dropped 26 points on Sunday night against the Celtics.
19. Toronto (1-2) I love Chris Bosh, his 35-16 effort against Orlando was amazing, but he needs help from his backcourt, ehem, ehem, Jose Calderon, wake up!
20. Milwaukee (1-1) Surprisingly, the Bucks beat Detroit by 11 with Michael Redd only scoring 9 points. I am still scratching my head on that one.
21. Minnesota (1-2) Al Jefferson’s impact on and off the floor is incredible. Ludicrous Speed when he is on the bench, and a car going in reverse when he’s on the floor.
22. Memphis (1-2) This team may not be able to play defense, but they are exhilarating to watch on offense; so much potential. They’ll shock some elite teams.
23. Detroit (1-2) Ben Gordon is already proving he is not a good fit on the roster. They’re a different squad when he is on the floor.
24. Charlotte (1-2) Only win is a fortunate double overtime victory against the Knicks when leading by 15 going into the fourth quarter. Ouch.
25. Golden State (0-2) This team may not be very good, but watching Monta Ellis play is an absolute treat.
26. LA Clippers (0-4) Despite their record, they played well against top rank opponents. The countdown continues for Blake Griffin’s return.
27. New Jersey (0-3) Brook Lopez illustrated his best (27-15-5 against Minnesota) and worst (11-5-3 against Orlando) potential this week. If he becomes consistently good, New Jersey can make a run at the playoffs. However, Devin Harris’s health is now becoming a concern.
28. Indiana (0-2) I don’t know how many times I am going to say this, but Danny Granger cannot do this by himself. Troy Murphy, step up, please.
29. Sacramento (0-3) Kevin Martin is worth watching, but when he is on the bench, the team is embarrassing to witness.
30. New York (0-3) Well, the Katrina Rebuilding Process saw an increase in production with the amount of bricks the Knicks laid during the week. This is the only positive outlook I can give this team.

-The Ref