Backdoor Cut: NBA Power Rankings

Time to unleash my latest NBA Power Rankings

Music to listen to: They’ll No Longer Suffer From Thirst by Maserati

1- San Antonio Spurs: For a squad that’s 35-6, the Spurs are receiving less attention than you would expect for a squad that’s on pace for 70 wins. Part of it has to be the lesser role that one of the top-ten players ever in basketball, Tim Duncan, is playing for the squad. Part of it has to do with the low-profile nature of the franchise overall, just the way they like it. I think the largest issue is the belief that the Spurs have been fortunate on the health front, particularly with the first-half team MVP Manu Ginobili, and that they can’t keep this pace up for an entire season. However, San Antonio is setting itself up for a possible top-seed in the playoffs.

2- Boston Celtics: Despite having Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo missing time this season for stretches of time, the Celtics are still in position to be a top seed in the East for the playoffs. Credit has to go to Paul Pierce for carrying the offensive side of the team and the continued commitment to defense because no matter who is on the court, Boston always gives maximum effort on that side of the court.

3- Miami Heat: While some will make a case for LeBron James being the MVP of the league so far this season (or at least in the top-five), the Heat aren’t going to win an NBA title without Dwayne Wade. We saw a vintage Wade performance in the Heat’s loss to Chicago last Saturday when he was able to control the ball and not defer to James who was out with an injury.

4- Los Angeles Lakers: I worry about how much Kobe Bryant can hold up for the entire season. He’s the most important player on the team but Bryant has to be willing to Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom contribute more on the offensive end. The Lakers are currently 31-12, which is a nice record but it may be prudent for Los Angeles to take a loss or two to save Bryant’s legs for the postseason.

5- Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose is my MVP for the league so far this season for a variety of reasons. He has led Bulls to a 28-13 record despite the other best players on the team, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, missing many games at points this season. Rose has improved his defense, become a solid three-point shooter and is the best point guard driving to the basket we’ve seen in years.

6- Orlando Magic: After watching the Magic fall short to Boston on Monday, it seems like Orlando still doesn’t have enough to get past the Celtics when the postseason comes. What Orlando also has to figure out is the crunch time lineup, especially with the guards.

7- Oklahoma City Thunder: For all of the griping among analysts about the lack of defense from the Thunder in comparison to last year, OKC has four more wins at this point this year than last. Furthermore, with the emergence of Russell Westbrook, the Thunder are playing at a faster pace than last year, therefore giving up more points in the process.

8- Atlanta Hawks: When Joe Johnson has been your third-best player on the team this year yet makes all of that money, this past offseason signing makes less and less sense. However, that shouldn’t dismiss the development of Al Horford, who despite playing out of position at center the majority of games, is a double-digit rebounded and could be a 20-point scorer if he was given the ball more.

9- Utah Jazz: Deron Williams may not be my MVP so far this season, but he still has the title of the best point guard in the NBA because his offensive skills and ability to incorporate a new set of players into the Jazz such as the addition of Al Jefferson while having the Jazz third in the West is commendable.

10- New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul may have read my thoughts on the Jazz above and have the right to send me an angry letter.

11- Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki may have unintentionally made his MVP case when Dallas went from the top team in the NBA to going 2-6 in the eight games he missed due to injury. What’s going to hurt the Mavs more is the loss of Caron Butler for the season due to an injured knee.

12- New York Knicks: Even as a Knicks fan, I was skeptical of Amar’e Stoudemire coming to New York. I knew that he would produce good statistics, he played in Mike D’Antoni’s system before and scored well. However, his leadership, embracing of being in New York, surprising decent defense, shot blocking and rebounding has been a surprise.

13- Denver Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony just needs to make a decision, get traded and move on.

14- Portland Trailblazers: With the deserved coverage of the injury issues of Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge needs to be acknowledged for having an All-Star caliber season while averaging the second-most minutes per game in the NBA and having to become the primary offensive option for an over .500 team in the West.

15- Los Angeles Clippers: So much has been said about Blake Griffin and deservedly so, but how are the Clippers ten games below .500 with that talented roster? The good news is that the Clippers are actually an exciting team to follow, something that hasn’t been said since…ever? Furthermore, if the Clippers play their cards right, mainly finding a young point guard to replace Baron Davis next season, there isn’t a reason they can’t be a top-ten NBA team for years to come.

16- Memphis Grizzlies: Do you realize that Zach Randolph is averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds in January?

17- Phoenix Suns: When can I start printing my Free Steve Nash t-shirts?

18- Houston Rockets: Arguably the top landing spot for Carmelo Anthony if all teams were eligible for his services.

19- Golden State Warriors: Would love to see Monta Ellis make the All-Star game but it can’t happen.

20- Philadelphia 76ers: I wasn’t a fan of Jrue Holliday when he first came into the league but he has emerged as a good starting point guard in the NBA this season and the Sixers have needed it because between Elton Brand’s lesser production, Andre Iguodala’s injuries and Evan Turner’s lack of contributions, its been needed.

21- Indiana Pacers: So much for me calling Roy Hibbert the second-best center in the East…

22- Detroit Pistons: The season has been a disaster but the first step in moving on would be to find a new home for Rip Hamilton.

23- Charlotte Bobcats: Respect for the Bobcats for looking like a competent franchise since the release of Larry Brown and the promotion of Paul Silas to head coach.

24- Milwaukee Bucks: Its been a long year for the Bucks with injuries but Milwaukee has to hope that Andrew Bogut can find his health and help the push to make the playoffs.

25- Toronto Raptors: I need to see more from you Andrea Bargnani.

26- Washington Wizards: Still haven’t won a road game this season…

27- Minnesota Timberwolves: While it may not be time to print my Free Kevin Love t-shirts, I’ve at least started to think about the designs.

28- Sacramento Kings: I’m still sticking with my thought that DeMarcus Cousins would be the best rookie to emerge from this draft in five years.

29- New Jersey Nets: The Carmelo Anthony trade can’t happen fast enough.

30: Cleveland Cavs: I see no hope for this franchise in years to come. When you’re making the best case for LeBron James being MVP this year by your inept play, that’s not good.

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?