So here we are. People want to know the best and worst teams and I'm cheating by letting the season live a little before I do my synopsis.
But who cares? You're not mad. You're not mad, right? Either way, I think I've gleaned just enough information to give you a good ranking. Not you the reader, but the NBA teams...
Moving on, let me say that this is probably the most competitive season of the NBA that we have seen in awhile. Which is a BLAST to watch. Every team has their own strengths that surprise, and excluding a very few amount of teams, anyone can beat anyone. That being said...
Let's do this:
1.
No, world, they're not as good. They don't have Harden anymore. They'll be a 4 seed at best.
Alex Trebec: That is incorrect.
Now I'm not getting apart of the hype that is an eleven game win streak, but there was never a thought in my mind that Kevin Martin was going to be a sub-par outlet to the Thunder. His offensive explosion that is combined with that of Westbrook and Durant, is going to be crucial in the ever growing defense prowess that teams are gaining in the league.
It might not be a perfect season by the end of the year, but I predict this team to finally get a hold of how they handle each other and be a championship contender.
2.
Now the only reason I don't have this team below the team you'll see next is because of this: Star Power.
I don't mean that the talent isn't necessarily equal; but the way Chris Paul and Blake Griffin play, get in your head. It's the hidden gem of game play that a lot of people forget to mention in sports: the psychology of it. Especially true in the NBA as each player can instantly change a game. Having Chris Paul in front of you on every defensive effort is something that might side track you from the overall game plan.
I'm not saying that Chris Paul is the best player in the league. It's just that on top of the fact that they are a GREAT team, you have a ball handling wizard in C3P0.
3. 
There are two "oh how fun"s about this:
First: Oh how fun, you finally get to see the team I prequeled on the last spot.
Second: Oh how fun, the 3 top teams all currently have no championships.
The Grizzlies, however, are not just a fun team to think of fondly. They are scary. Right now, they have the best play-maker and low-man combo in the league. And they have 2 low-man threats. How do you stop a Gasol-Randolph post? You'd think just as much as you would the Gasol-Howard combo, but that doesn't seem to be working in LA.
They are also playing in the toughest division in the league right now, being the Southwest. So they might not finish with the best record, just because of fatigue, but they definitely are a legit championship "predictee".
4. 
They're good. Watching Lebron play is like a terrestrial feeling now. He has some decent co-workers too, but that's beside the point. Well technically, for power rankings, that should be the point precisely. But where I'm getting at is this: why aren't they the best? 
Too good? Nah, they won it last year.
Weak-minded? Nah. (I just wanted to say "nah" again)
It's basically just the background players. If you can get to a point where you just focus on the stars only, as a defensive team, then you're going to be in good shape. On top of that, every team that plays them has this vendetta feeling of explosion when they play them. It's like the opposing team is supposed to lose, so they have that much more adrenaline. Again, it's all psychological.
5. 
"Look out world, I'm the king of New York." that's what Christian Bale said in the "Newsies." and it is what Carmelo is probably mumbling to himself before every home game. Kind of wish someone would catch that on video. Nonetheless, I think the Knickerbockers finally have something to be royal about. What they'll be like when Stoudemire returns isn't a new question. But if they can keep banking on Anthony as much as they have successfully, then we got ourselves a threat.
6. 
For the way they're playing, you're probably thinking this is too low. But the problem that most people are aware of is the fact that they are easily fatigued. Come playoff time nowadays we see how different of a team they are once the latter games start commencing. 
Granted they were a high flying team that barely lost to the Heat without their seasoned starters. Which is why they ranked this high. But you can't bank on back-ups to save the team. Sounds harsh, I know, but that's life. <---- Frank Sinatra.
7. 
"Look out world, I'm the King of New York." thats' what Christian Bale said in the "Newsies" and is what no one is saying on the Nets team, currently. 
They don't need that though. And their record isn't showing the thrust that I think this team actually has. All the tools are there to be something that can compete with the best. They just haven't gotten there yet. I don't think it's as complicated as getting the Heat or Lakers combo finally working, however.
So I look to see this team making a run, and doing something in the playoffs. Because, hey, you never know. Especially with the overall ability of every team in NBA.
8. 
The Teaguemeister. I'm trying to get this going. Not sure it's actually going to spread. It's more of a nickname an uncle would give you than an actual trend. But I'm just looking to give this team some inclusion. They really are going to be a threat to most teams just because of good teamwork. They remind me of the Pacers of last year, except a little more well-rounded. I thought the Pacers would get that roundness this year, but we'll get to that later. 
I think the ability to have Josh Smith working without Joe Johnson is something that is more beneficial than people might of thought. It will be fun, once it gets later in the year and people aren't really worried about them in the schedule, but they start messing up standings. Hawk fans should be excited.
9. 
Ironically, this team thrashed the team that I have right above them in the ranking. It's just a matter of capability and potential. 
That's not to take anything away from the Warriors of the Golden State. They have a major upgrade in teamwork this year. And I just think Stephen Curry is the most fun player to watch. Relay that with David Lee who is playing like one of the best players in the league right now, and you have a surprise top ten team. The second best improved team as of now, and the best improved without a major player upgrade.
10. 
Oh how fun, you get to see the team I prequeled again. This time it's in the state of Wisconsin, being the Milwaukee male deers. 
I say that they are the most improved team because, they are better than last year, more than any other team.
A more detailed reason is because they are finding each others "hot spots". A team is at it's best whenever it knows who to give it to in certain situations. And I don't just mean: give it to the best player in the clutch. I mean, based off the scenario they know who would be best fit to handle it. Be it Ellis, Jennings, Ilyasova or Dalembert; they seem to be working well. I hope it continues throughout the season.
11. 
It's unfortunate that this team didn't end up as the second best team in the east, as people predicted. Not because I'm partial, but because it might be showing the way age is dettering them. 
I think it's finally getting to the point where Pierce and Garnett move on. That was a REALLY bold statement, I know. And Paul Pierce will most likely retire with his team; but I'm just saying if that was a possibility then go for it. I could see Garnett making a good fit with the lower teams in the west, but we'll see.
Now, this probably seems like a weird description for a team that is ranked 11th in the league, as if I'm giving an armageddon speech for the Celtics. It boils down to this: Rondo is the adrenaline of this team. I truly think he is kind of taking control of this team, (as much as he might not be taking control of his emotions ) and making his older mates a little better. Because if you give the talent of Pierce and Garnett enough staying power, then they can compete.
12. 
As I said before: without Granger, Indiana are a bit unhinged. What made the Pacers such a delight to watch last year was that they were a team and a team only. Sure if you had to have a go to guy, it would be Granger, but they were so well coached and geared that they had every aspect going. Granger is a part of that though, and is what makes them a 12 ranked team instead of 3rd, as I had them at the end of last years regular season. If Hibbert can keep throwing triple doubles then they should be good shape. Once Granger is in full throttle, I'll say they'll be a high seed in the playoffs.
13. 
My initial statement about Harden on the Thunder's description may have seemed harsh, but it was more a compliment towards Kevin Martin. That being said, it's been interesting to watch as Harden and Lin get acclimated to the Houston way, and I think they will start to slowly but surely rise up the rankings as the season progresses. I just see Lin as a leader that will start to take charge later in the year. Which is well deserved for him. I'm sure you guys have seen my appreciation for him for the NBA: How Jeremily Lin Changed the NBA
Not only that, but I think Patterson can really make an impact if he can start to image himself as a star of this team, which I believe he is.
14.
Besides the Grizzlies, the Utah Jazz have the best frontcourt in the NBA.
Favors, Jefferson, Millsap? Holy Crackoo.
I don't think that they are taking over it as much as they could, however. Despite the lack of great centers in this league, the down-low game is one of huge importance in a successful team.
I think we saw this with the Mavericks of 2011. Obviously, Nowitzki had one of the best postseasons of all time, but that addition of Tyson Chandler is what made them championship caliber compared to the Erick Dampier years.
So the Jazz need to find a way to specifically use their frontcourt to it's capability. That could include even giving it to the them until it's absolutely not necessary. Then slide it Hayward, and let him do his thing.
15. 
Without Rubio, and they're making this big a punch? Are you kidding me? 
Despite AK47 being one of the best nicknames of all time, I think Kirilenko is a bigger asset than they might realize. They probably do though. What do I know of their realizations.
They're a team that could desperately use Ricky Rubio. And I'm saying that about a team that's above .500. So that makes this team something you'll need to keep up with and watch for power rankings in the future.
Could they be top 5? We shall see.
16. 
This might be the first time in history that the Timberwolves were ranked higher than the Lakers. Even in the Garnett days... Lakers were even better.
But it has come to this. And as anyone with a right mind would say, it's not because of pure talent. It's the thing I've said and I'll say again.
>>>>Psychology<<<<
It's just not clicking yet. They don't know what do, and worse they have people criticizing, waiting for the moment that they will click. Lots of pressure. They need to see Nash take the lead in terms of control and Kobe in scoring then have the others to do their thing. But it hasn't happened yet. Bummer for them.
17. 
It helps that they are in the weakest division in the league right now. But the Bulls aren't doing so bad, Rose-less. Getting these guys acclimated to being Rose-less though, is actually something to worry about. 
Deng and the gang, (could we at least get that phrase going?) are still a team that you assume is going to win in most the games that they enter. There is good scheme coming from Robinson and the backcourt that is good to get rolling before "the return."
For me Rose and Paul are in a mutual agreement for best PG. It's hard for me to make a clear distinction, so I won't. But if Rose can be back to his 2011 self, then this team will be a firefight.
18. 
The Nug Nug's are not the clear cut team we saw a year ago. If they can get that back together then they will be a root-able team on my end. Nothing get's me going like a well organized team that doesn't showcase a lone star. Last year was awesome to watch. They just knew who to give it to. Everyone was doing what they were supposed to do, while still being exciting, *cough* Spurs *cough* and had the best offense in the league. 
Though the team-ship is what makes them fun and successful, I do need to iterate that Iguodala is the star. So if they can take advantage of that when needed then they could easily be a unique championship caliber team. Yep, I just said that.
19. 
Damian Lillard. I haven't seen such an exciting rookie since Mr. Rose himself. The key word isn't necessarily exciting, though he definitely is that; but he's not "just" exciting. He really does know how to get rid of the ball well. Pair that with one of the best power forwards in the league in Aldridge, then we have ourselves a quality team.
The main hitch for them is their bench. Players are complaining about it's cushioness and back support. As well the non-starters are really holding Portland back a bit. And I don't think it's because of talent necessarily. Coach Stotts and company could really eye in on getting them to full potential and see great results.
20. 
If the 76er's could get with program in the backcourt, in terms of using the talent they have; then we could see something beautiful once Bynum returns. Assuming Bynum will be at the place he should be with the team. If he plays like usual then he would be the 3rd best center in the league behind Marc Gasol and Dwight. 2nd best if Dwight doesn't get back to order. 
I'm looking to see this team make the playoffs, probably around a 6 seed just because of schedule and lack of Bynum. But if they get to where they could be, then they could easily beat the 3 seed and be competitive in the East.
21. 
Peaking just out of the top 20 is a team that, yes, I am partial to. I'm biased and making a sports blog? Who do I think I am? 
Keep in mind though, that I will do everything in my power to keep things objective.
That said, I think the Mavs are going to be something better than 21, once they get Nowitzki back, obviously. But it could be pretty good if Kaman can be at his best, because as I said before, they were champions when they just had a good center. That could be Kaman.
That's all I'll say for now, as to not scare off anyone with bias-phobia.
22. 
I really like the way Gortat is playing. Delving that with Dragic, is something that could bloom into something in the future. They just don't have a dominant feel to them. I mean even with Scola and Beasley, and all the other talent, I never feel as if they are going to win a game. If they add to their bench and really start getting momentum, then they have the capability to be a much much much much better team.
Yes, the four "much's" was needed. I have a "much" system.
23.
Poor use of capability is one of the most depressing things in the world. Cousins, Evans, and Brooks are so good together it makes me want to poop my pants. But NOTHING is happening. It seems more like they are playing just to add to stats each game. Which I know is a blunt statement and could be taken offensively if read by one of them, but it just seems to be the play style. If they could get one somewhat tenured guy in there to get them going, like a Derrick Fisher, then I think they could do something.
They aren't even "Kings" of purple in this league.
24. 
For the Raptors, once Calderon and Bargnani get back in full swing, then they could be better. 
They are in the top 3 teams that desperately need a good center.
If they had any kind of force coming from the post then that would make Bargnani's abilities shine as bright as the sun. But as of now, they are just going to have to grow Jonas Valančiūnas, which by the way is a route of receiving that strong force. He has the potential.
25.
Alright, you got one of the best players in the league back!!! 
Now get back to stride and take advantage of it.
That's all that's needed to be said.
26. 
I really think Stuckey and Monroe could be stars for this Pistons team. 
They're just not doing it. It's not really a "poor use of capability" in this situation. They're just not finishing.
You still got Tayshaun Prince from the glory days, use that tenure to lock some things down and complete these games, so you can quickly grow into something powerful next year.
27. 
The Magic surprised us with a fun start and are still going forth with it as of now, they just don't have the star power that they need.
Glen Davis is awesome. Not a star.
Turkoglu is very much underrated! Not a star.
They're aware that this isn't the year. But taking what they are doing right this year and pair that with a future star, be it from the draft or otherwise, then they can actually have some magic after all.
If they can do it quickly, then it'd really be a strike to Howard.
28. 
It's funny how a team could have a rookie as good as Davis and still be atrocious to watch. I mean, Davis is right behind Lillard for that Rookie of the Year race, and it's no fluke. To mend with that: Vasquez and Gordon could probably be used a little better. More pick and roll action for Austin Rivers.
Coach Williams has a mess to deal with in New Orleans, but if he can clean it up, and get one more addition to add, player wise, then they should be interesting to watch.
By the way, I'm one of the few who loves the new Pelicans change. Name makes sense and it has a unique ring to it.
29. 
Yeah! You're not last! Boo, you've still lost 11 straight and are back the usual mess that you were. 
There really is something in this team. Something that we saw in the beginning of the season that got us out of our chairs. But whatever it was, didn't seem to last.
I say "whatever it was," because I'm not sure what that early streak was, or what that "something" is. Kemba Walker is a great player, but not elite enough yet. If Kidd-Gilchrist could keep doing what he did in Kentucky, then the young combo could grow to something bigger. Keywords: "could," grow," and "young". Non-keywords : "to," "something," and "the."
30. 
So that brings us to the inevitable.
Here was the joke I was going to write: (The economy isn't the only thing that's disastrous in Washington, right now)
But that would of been harsh, and really doesn't make any sense, because D.C isn't all the economy.
Nonetheless, they got a lot to work on. Nene just isn't a star center and that seems to be their only go-to, outside of John Wall.
I honestly have no idea what their future is, but hopefully it will be bright. Maybe some potential will bloom.
After all, they did beat Miami, right? Maybe they'll be the best team next year.
This is the league where amazing happens.
