Teams to Beat
1. Miami Heat
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Chicago Bulls
Any of these 3 teams can win the NBA title right now and not shock anyone. I'm sure you will get plenty of argument about what order these 3 belong in, but I find it hard to believe that anyone would believe any of the teams below belong above any 1 of these teams.
Right There
4. Portland Trailblazers
5. Los Angeles Lakers
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Atlanta Hawks
These teams are all a move away from being legit title contenders. If you were to tell me that 1 of these teams would get to the NBA finals, I would (obviously, given the rankings) take Portland. They are a physically tough, deep team. Wallace and Aldridge may be the best forward tandem in the NBA right now and with Raymond Felton running the floor, they are dangerous on the break. Side note: Denver may have the best home-court advantage in basketball right now. They will run opponents out of Denver and leave them gasping for breath.
A Year Away
8. Philadelphia 76ers
9. Indiana Pacers
I love these 2 teams. They are both young, talented, deep teams that are a superstar away from being a title contender. Even without them, though, these 2 teams will make a run at gaining the 4 spot in the east. Given the fact that the 76ers are number 1 in BOTH offensive and defensive efficiency, they get the nod over the Pacers, however, they have been playing nearly flawless basketball (lead league in only 14 turnovers per game) and are getting a all-star effort out of perennial NON-allstar Spencer Hawes, I'm not sure that continues. These 2 teams will be interesting to keep an eye on going forward.
Living Off Their Name
10. Boston Celtics
11. Orlando Magic
12. Dallas Mavericks
13. San Antonio Spurs
It's hard to think that these 4 teams won't be guaranteed a first round home-court advantage in the playoffs, but all are currently facing that possibility. Of the 4, I think Dallas has the best chance at doing that given their division, but it's definitely a realistic possibility all 4 will be on the road in round 1.
Fun To Watch; Not There Yet
14. Los Angeles Clippers
15. New York Knicks
16. Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA League Pass was made for these teams. The T-Wolves may have a budding "best PG-PF" combo with Rubio and Love. The Clippers, affectionately referenced as "lob-city" have CP3 throwing up the rock to DeAndre and Blake who are throwing it down (with style). The Knicks with Melo and Amare are as entertaining an offensive team to watch on any given night. All 3 teams, however, have fatal flaws that will keep them from being elite. The Knicks cannot play defense, the Clippers struggle at some fundamental aspects of basketball, and the T-Wolves are too young and inexperienced.
Tough Break
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Losing Zach Randolph hurts. This team was primed and ready to make a real run at being an elite team. They still will pose problems for plenty of western conference squads, but with Zach out till early March, they will struggle to win the division / end as a top 4 team in the west.
Not Buying It
18. Utah Jazz
19. Phoenix Suns
Both teams have been more successful (neither are below .500) than what pre-season expectations were, but I'm not buying either. Utah is young and rebuilding and that's going to shine through soon. Phoenix looks like they have a steal with Markeif Morris, but the depth isn't there for this to continue. Phoenix has a chance to finish around with around 33 wins (.500), but neither are a threat to go to the second season.
Confusing To Watch
20. Houston Rockets
21. Cleveland Cavaliers
22. Toronto Raptors
23. Sacramento Kings
There's nights I watch these teams and think "Wow! They could be the 'How'd they get to the playoffs' team" and other nights where I think "Oh. No they couldn't". Sacramento could be in store for a big dip down into the "Not Good" squads given their coaching situation and Cousins' situation. The Rockets need to get a big man, but Kyle Lowry continues to be the best player nobody talks about. Meanwhile, he may not be LeBron, but Kyrie Irving is going to be good. Like, Deron Williams good. He is special. As for Toronto, I bet teams are kicking themselves for not hiring Dwane Casey.
Not Good
24. Golden State Warriors
25. Detroit Pistons
26. Charlotte Bobcats
27. Milwaukee Bucks
Hard to think any of these teams are going to be anything but a lottery team. Some bright spots here and there, but all around, just not good teams.
It's Not Their Fault; They Have No One
28. New Orleans Hornets
29. New Jersey Nets
David Stern did his best, but the Hornets (despite that 2-0 start) are just terrible and have not won a game since. Eric Gordon is a solid young player, but he's not a number 1 on a championship team by any means. The Nets are just a mess. No Brook Lopez, no Dwight Howard trade (despite insanely rampant rumors) leaving Deron Williams to do it all. There are some decent young pieces in NJ, but that team needs a massive makeover.
Fire Your Coach.. Like Now
30. Washington Wizards
Haven't won a game yet, been blowout a ton (currently the worst point differential in the NBA), and it looks like Flip Saunders will be gone. Surprised given the fact that this team has some players on it. They shouldn't be winless, but they are not good. at all. not even a little.
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