Power Rankings: Week 17

Whoa, that trade deadline was exhilarating and befuddling. A lot of teams got a makeover, and of course, some are good looking, others… not so much. I am excited to see how the season will finish for the teams that didn’t make a move that should of. I am still wondering why Golden State said no to OJ Mayo for Monta Ellis. Hello, Stephen Curry is a better team player than Monta and OJ Mayo is still getting better. I am telling you, OJ Mayo isn’t even close to his peak. I can’t wait. Also, Boston decided to get Nate Robinson instead of ridding themselves of Ray Allen, which I was personally shocked and disappointed in. A lot of possibilities, but that’s all it will remain to be.

Other teams that need to be talked about because they are playing so well: Thunder, Jazz, and I am shocked about this one: Phoenix. I have been saying that they will not make the playoffs, but they are proving me wrong. Steve Nash is literally turning back to the clock. Seriously, does he not realize he is 36 and playing at an MVP level. He is unbelievable.

Well, like every week, I am rambling… Let’s get to the Power Rankings through the Ref’s eyes:

Biggest Gain Chicago: (+5)
Biggest Loss: San Antonio (-3)

1.Cleveland (43-14) I know they lost three in a row, but they are still 13-3 in their last 16, and have the beat the Lakers twice. Also, they have a healthy Mo Williams back with newcomer Antawn Jamison joining the club.
2.LA Lakers (42-14) 4-1 without Kobe shows us all how valuable Pau Gasol is to this team. He commands the ball when needed and understand his role when his teammates need him. To be honest, you can argue that Gasol is the MVP of the team. Kind of makes you rethink the MVP race altogether.
3.Utah (36-19) 17-2 in their last 19. Everyone is healthy and the difference is AK-47. When he is disrupting defenses and becoming an outlet for Deron Williams, the Jazz are tough to beat. Side Note: Carlos Boozer may get criticized for his allegations with wanting out, but you can’t take away that as long as he is with the Jazz, he is going to play his heart out. Exhibit A: 23 points and 22 rebounds in a thrilling comeback at Portland.
4.Denver (37-19) Honestly, the Nuggets should be the favorite to win the finals. They have now beaten Orlando, Boston, Lakers (twice), and Cleveland (twice), but brain farts like the loss to Washington stops them from getting to the top. Side Note: Thoughts and prayers go out to George Karl.
5.Orlando (38-19) Isn’t it ironic? Ever since Vince Carter met up with Lawrence Frank, the Magic are 7-3 and Vince Carter is looking like he did when he first got to New Jersey. Hmmm…
6.Oklahoma City (33-21) Here is an impressive record about the streaking Thunder that you may not know. Oklahoma City is 23-2 when they score 100 points or more.
7.Dallas (35-21) The Mavs need Caron Butler to start playing well now. They are a .500 team in their last 10, and need someone to take charge. Dirk Nowitzki cannot do this by himself.
8.Phoenix (34-23) I can’t believe how well the Suns are playing. I thought they were done, no chance - a team entering the black hole, but Steve Nash refuses to let this team go quietly in the night. Nash recorded 17 assists last night against Sacramento. That’s the 12th time this season he recorded 16+ assists. With the rest of the NBA combined, the total only gets to 11. Simply stunning.
9.Boston (35-19) Ray Allen is playing terrific and when he plays well, the Celtics win. It always revolves around him. That’s why they lost to the Magic last year in the playoffs, and if he doesn’t show up this postseason, the C’s are going to be golfing early again.
10.Toronto (31-24) Jose Calderon getting injured is the biggest blessing in disguise for this team. Ever since he got hurt, Jarrett Jack emerged and took Calderon’s job. They now have two solid point guards who can supply the ball to Chris Bosh, Andrea Barganni, and Hedo Turkuglo.
11.Atlanta (34-20) The Hawks have to start winning on the road. They cannot compete with Boston, Orlando, and Cleveland if they can’t win on the road – in a playoff series of course.
12.Chicago (29-26) With the addition of Flip Murray to the squad, the Bulls have a solid scorer coming of the bench. He can bring up the ball and play along side of Kirk Hinrich. The Bulls are ready for a run. The Running of the Bulls starts early this year.
13.Portland (32-26) They are finally getting healthy with Brandon Roy coming back, but ouch, 0-2 in his return including a second half meltdown to the Jazz, who struggle to win away from Energy Solutions Arena.
14.New Orleans (30-26) Darren Collison is so impressive. He actually would be in the Rookie of the Year talk if he didn’t play behind Chris Paul. He has a triple-double this year, and I predict another one before Paul returns.
15.San Antonio (31-23) Well, the Spurs lost to the Pistons. It’s official, the Spurs are out of title contention and the dynasty they once had is weltering away.
16.Houston (28-27) Kevin Martin will help in time. Be patient everybody.
17.Miami (29-28) The Heat couldn’t support Dwyane Wade again in all of this trade heat. How much more can he take. It really makes you wonder if he is going to stay after this season, no matter how much he loves the city.
18.Charlotte (27-27) The Bobcats are 1-2 since the Tyrus Thomas trade. But it’s not his fault. Stephen Jackson has not played well, and Gerald Wallace does not seem himself since the All-Star Break. No worry though, they’re in the East.
19.Milwaukee (26-28) The Bucks are 7-3 in their last 10 and look like the team that rushed out of the gate in the beginning of the season. Let’s see what happens this time around though. John Salmons is a great pick up. He will really fit well in Scott Skiles system.
20.Memphis (28-27) If it wasn’t for the comeback win against the Nets, the Grizzlies would be reeling. Now, they are on a two-game win streak and could possibly wake this team out of it’s recent hibernation.
21.Philadelphia (21-34) Great trade Philly. That made a lot of sense. I get it though. You love yourself no matter how bad you are. It’s cute.
22.LA Clippers (22-33) The Clippers lose Al Thornton and Marcus Camby but get Travis Outlaw in return. I feel bad for Mr. Outlaw, he WAS good.
23.Sacramento (18-38) The Kings do it again. They get rid of their best scorer and receive nothing in return. Well done, you have 4 crap contracts and no future. No offense to Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi, but the team has no future.
24.Detroit (20-35) The Pistons looked good beating San Antonio in overtime last night. Let’s see if they can salvage a few wins to prove to their fans they have something to look forward to next year.
25.New York (19-35) Well, Tracy McGrady and Eddie House looked good in their debut, but did that loss to Thunder exemplify how terrible of a team they are. They should have won by double digits.
26.Golden State (16-39) I never would have thought Stephen Curry would be this good…ever. He is averaging 24 points and 8 assists a game in his last seven. Impressive. Watch out Mr. Evans, a Rookie of the Year is up for grabs now.
27.Washington (19-34) I honestly like this new team. They are young and clueless. It’s like the Lost Boys. Andray Blatche is going to develop into a nice player and now it is his show.
28.Minnesota (13-44) I thought this team would go on a roll. I guess I was wrong, and I do apologize, because I was way off.
29.Indiana (19-36) Couldn’t get rid of Troy Murphy and now Danny Granger still has no support. TJ Ford doesn’t cut it.
30.New Jersey (5-51) Had a chance for a two win week, but no, that was too much for them. We have to start small with a team this terrible.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.