NBA Weekly Top 10, Vol. 1
Welcome to the first ever WUOG radio NBA weekly top 10. Just for the record, unlike my other "weekly" posts, I do quite intend to keep up with this, if only to see how long I can go before I either A) forget b)pretend I forgot or C) just plain get bored of trying to figure out anything about how the Least-ern conference matches up against the West.
So without any further ado...On to the Rankings
1. Dallas Mavericks (44-9):
The Mavericks are hands down the best team in the NBA right now. I would even go as far as saying that I'll pencil them in for the NBA championship. This team can play both defense and offense, and Dirk Nowitzki has really elevated his game in the last two seasons.
2. Phoenix Suns (39-13):
Before their streak was ended, I would've ranked them at the top, but losing their last 3 games and 5 of their last 10 dropped them a spot. Also, keep in mind that while the Suns are one of the top 3 best offenses in the league, their defense ranks among the last, so you have to question how ready they'll be when the playoffs roll around. Lastly, keep in mind that Nash is still out with a shoulder injury.
3. Utah Jazz (35-17):
Without Carlos Boozer, The Jazz managed to beat the Spurs, Suns, and Bulls--all serious contenders for the Championship--behind the superb play of Mehmet Okur. Look for things to get better with the return of Boozer, and for the jazz to keep their winning streak going at least to double digit wins.
4. Houston Rockets (33-19):
Tracy McGrady is back to superstar form, And Dikembe Mutombo is looking like he did a couple of seasons ago. However, Mutombo can't keep this up for long on his weak knees. The Rockets should get an even bigger boost from the return of Yao Ming. Look for the rockets to pick up strong after the All-Star break.
5. San Antonio Spurs (35-18):
Going 4-4 on an eastern road trip isn't very impressive when you're the spurs. But the spurs always do this to us at some point in the season. They'll start struggling a little, leading us to believe that they're not as good as they were last season, and then they'll turn it on close to the playoffs just in time to make a deep run. It feels good to have the best Forward in the league, doesn't it?
6. Detroit Pistons (32-19):
They've been playing more consistent ball lately, dominating the East (22-10). Chris Webber has seemingly been rejuvenated by returning home to Detroit, and the Pistons guards are deep and very consistent. their bench has been very deep all season long. However, they've only been 10-9 against the west, which shouldn't pose too much of a problem until they have to play the west in the finals, should they get there.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (31-22):
The Lebrons have a strong cast to surround their superstar, With Hughes playing quality ball and playing an excellent wingman to James' superstar. The cavs have an alright rotation, but not a great one. James' play as of late has been slowed down--almost as though he's been on cruise control up until the Lakers game last week.
8. Chicago Bulls (29-25):
I'm really excited about this team. After struggling early in the season and playing a little bit hampered, Ben Wallace has returned to Detroit levels of playing, and the young players of the team have developed a great chemistry. Be wary of a Pau Gasol trade, i haven't been completely convinced that this is the best solution to the bulls inside absence of presence.
9. L.A. Lakers (30-24):
After years of hating the lakers, I'm finally starting to like this team. After Shaq, they had a couple of rough seasons, but Kobe Bryant has elevated his game to the next level and is really proving to be the best player in the league. A young, athletic team with great upside and tremendous potential.
10. Washington Wizards (29-21)
With "Agent 0" at the helm, the wizards are playing solid basketball. Very inconsistent at times, but still a good team. Caron Butler is a great player. Look for the Wizards to take one of the top seeds in the Least....errr....east.
