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And you believe that ?
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/arti...be-vs-lebron-0
Of course, things change. They can change pretty quickly. When last season tipped off, and right on through Christmas, an NBA Finals featuring the Celtics and Lakers seemed inevitable. Then, after Kevin Garnett was injured, and right on through the first two rounds of the playoffs, we were all set for Kobe-LeBron, Cleveland-L.A. But, um, the Magic -- the Eastern Conference champion Magic -- had something to say about that.
"We knew coming in that we weren't supposed to be the ones here," said Magic guard Rafer Alston. "Everybody expected Cleveland. Everyone wanted Cleveland. But that's what you get when you start expecting things before they happen."
There's a certain folly, then, in putting together a power poll for next season at this point, considering just how much can change as we head into the draft and free agency. But as things stand, at least, here's what we figure we can expect.
1. L.A. Lakers. Even if they don't keep both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, they have a terrific front line and are likely to have Phil Jackson back. Oh, and they have Kobe Bryant.
2. Cleveland. This should be a no-holds-barred offseason designed to ensure a trip to The Finals -- and designed to keep LeBron James in place.
3. Portland. The Blazers' ascension has been steady. Coming off a 54-win season and a taste of the playoffs, they're ready for the next step.
4. Orlando. The Magic are out to prove this year's Finals excursion was no fluke. Keeping Hedo Turkoglu is Job 1.
5. Boston. Age is catching up with the Celtics' Big Three. They need to transition Rajon Rondo into the leading man, but that is a delicate process.
6. Houston. The season-ending injury to Tracy McGrady showed for once and for all that the Rockets need to be Yao Ming's team.
7. Denver. The arrival of Chauncey Billups was a breakthrough. But is there much room for improvement, or have we seen their best?
8. Dallas. There's a lot of shifting parts and a diminishing talent level, but Dirk Nowitzki is still plenty good -- and Mark Cuban has a large checkbook.
9. Washington. New coach Flip Saunders should restore order and cover their defensive weak spots. If Gilbert Arenas stays healthy, they'll be back in the realm of 50-plus wins.
10. New Orleans. The Hornets' elite status depends on Tyson Chandler's ankle and Peja Stojakovic's back. Otherwise, it's all on Chris Paul's shoulders.
11. San Antonio. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are getting long in the tooth, and will require better supporting players.
12. Chicago. The Bulls were one of the East's best teams after the trading deadline, and with John Salmons back and Luol Deng rehabbed, that should continue.
13. Phoenix. It might feel like last season was a miserable waste. But the Suns still won 46 games.
14. Atlanta. Made the big leap from 37 wins to 47 wins. Maintaining that level, though, is as difficult as making that leap.
15. Miami. The Heat will take another crack at things with the Dwyane Wade-Jermaine O'Neal pairing.
16. Toronto. Assuming the Raptors keep Chris Bosh, next year figures to be a turnaround season.
17. Oklahoma City. The Thunder made big strides late in the season, and with a high draft pick and free-agent money, more strides could be ahead.
18. Utah. Free agency figures to tough on the Jazz, who struggled to close out the year and could not win on the road.
19. Philadelphia. Eddie Jordan has a talented bunch on his hands, but the problem of getting Elton Brand to mesh still looms.
20. Detroit. Perhaps after free agency the Pistons' outlook will improve. But as things stand, the roster needs work.
21. L.A. Clippers. Maybe Baron Davis and Mike Dunleavy have made nice. Maybe Blake Griffin will be a star from the get-go. Maybe Zach Randolph will wake up. That's a lot of maybes, though.
22. Charlotte. Progress has been steady, but they're still another trade away from being a playoff team.
23. Milwaukee. This is a hard-working, scrappy team, but salary restraints could keep it from making progress.
24. Indiana. The Pacers are trying to fit Jim O'Brien's approach, but they don't seem to be getting anywhere.
25. Golden State. The front office situation isn't as dicey as some would have us believe. But the Warriors need a bounce-back year to get fans on board.
26. New Jersey. The Nets still seem to be deciding on a direction, and Lawrence Frank could wind up paying the price.
27. New York. Keep your eyes on the prize, Knicks fans: 2010.
28. Minnesota. Trade rumors around Al Jefferson have come and gone -- he's still the franchise cornerstone.
29. Memphis. The Grizzlies played much better under Lionel Hollins but still are establishing their iden y.
30. Sacramento. The rebuilding continues. Again.
And you believe that ?
spurs are #11...
not bad
Wizards #9
Durant >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Oden
That is one of the worst power rankings I've ever seen.
Someone is REALLY reaching...lol
Blazers #3
Wizards #9
Grizz #29
No kidding.Wizards #9
Blazers #3???? Just like they were destined to meet the Lakers in the second round right???
What does number 3 get you?
A parade if you're Portland.
A parade if you're Portland.
I better power rankings.
bwahahahaaha portland lolA parade if you're Portland.
maybe they can add another perimeter jump shooter or soft big man in this draft
What a crock!!! If I owned a bird that would make a good piece of crap to lay down in the birdcage. In the first place it is too damn soon to pick next season's positions. Lots of teams will be making various changes. And in the second place there should not be an Eastern Conference team in the Top 7 or 8. The East showed the world how damn weak they are.
why would you post these
you believe they are number one
The next step for the Blazers is getting out of the first round.
Spurfan getting butthurt over this because the Spurs aren't in the top 10 is pretty funny.
The only person that mentioned the Spurs said the ranking was not bad ya in re .
lol Tlong is a glutton for punishment.
Spurs tradition: Fly under the radar
Seriously, no Parker mention along with the big three seems dumb and the Spurs really need their role players to step up to win.
how can someone do a power rankings list before the draft, free agents, trades, etc.
I'll agree with you on this ^. To not mention Tony along with Manu and Tim is selective-selection (if that makes sense). The core is still there for S.A. A core that won a LOB 2 years ago. Stupid list. Really it is.
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