NBA Power Rankings

Thus far, the NBA’s two traditional powers continue to comprise the league’s elite. Here are this week’s Power Rankings:

1. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Newfound commitment to defense has been the real key to this year’s improvement. Gasol-Bynum-Radmanovic frontline working offensively with Radmanovic spacing the floor. Second unit thriving with Odom and improving youngsters Farmar and Ariza. Luke Walton is right where he belongs – out of the rotation.


2. BOSTON CELTICS

Champs miss Posey’s lift off the bench, but big 3 haven’t missed a beat from last year.


3. UTAH JAZZ

Jazz undefeated without Deron Williams. AK-47 embracing sixth man role off the bench and making big contribution.


4. HOUSTON ROCKETS

Tough loss in thriller to Portland. Nevertheless, Artest experiment working lovely so far. Young guys Brooks and Landry providing reliable help off the bench. As always, question will be health of Yao and McGrady.


5. DETROIT PISTONS

Despite loss in first game with AI, deal makes Pistons more dangerous team offensively.


6. ATLANTA HAWKS

Competitive playoff series with Celtics has this team believing in itself. Ranking is a little high, but hard to argue with a 4-0 start.


7. NEW ORLEANS

Posey already making major contribution off the bench.


8. PHOENIX

Stoudemire off to monster start. Lopez looks like solid draft pick. Porter conscientious of old guys’ minutes, not overextending Shaq, Nash, and Co.


9. CLEVELAND

Newcomer Mo Williams putting up decent numbers. Mike Brown’s defense-first approach keeps them in ballgames. Oh yeah, that Lebron guy aint too shabby.


10. ORLANDO

Pietrus not the solution at 2, but at least an upgrade from last year.


11. PORTLAND

Tough early schedule, and no Greg Oden, but Roy’s clutch shooting helped them pull off a good home win against Houston. Fernandez has been great off bench.


12. TORONTO

O’Neal’s numbers don’t justify salary, but at least he’s healthy and seems to have good chemistry with Bosh.


13. DALLAS

Window to win title is closing fast. Josh Howard off to so-so start.


14. DENVER

Chauncey Billups gives team true point guard and better D. But, he’s not enough to get them past the first round, and his salary prevents Denver from getting future help.


15. MIAMI

D-Wade is officially back. Beasley already producing dividends offensively. Chalmers a pleasant rookie surprise.


16. CHICAGO

Rookie Rose has become The Franchise in just 6 games. Question to USA Basketball: Why again was Hinrich given a spot on our 2006 National Team?


17. MILWAUKEE

Richard Jefferson leads group with minimal talent. Second-rounder Luc Richard Mbah a Moute a pleasant surprise.


18. NEW YORK

Jacking up a lot of 3-pointers and it has led to 3-2 start. Nate Robinson and Zach Randolph putting up good numbers.


19. NEW JERSEY

Josh Boone continues his development inside. Rooks Lopez, Douglas-Roberts, and Anderson are all getting PT.


20. MEMPHIS

Young, but promising. Rudy Gay has become the crunch time go-to-guy. Rooks Gasol, Arthur, and Mayo have produced. Now waiting on either Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, or Javaris Crittenton to emerge at point guard.


21. PHILADELPHIA

Overpaid for complementary, second option-types in Igoudala and Brand. Still, the talent is good enough to nab a playoff spot. Young is playing well at 3.


22. SACRAMENTO

Hello lottery. Salmons, Miller, Martin, and Udrih not enough to get in playoffs. Youngsters Hawes and Jason Thompson earning rotation minutes.


23. INDIANA

Danny Granger developing into a very good player. Future of Granger, T.J. Ford, and big man Roy Hibbert could be interesting.


24. SAN ANTONIO

No Manu and no Tony Parker spells trouble. Little help for Duncan, other than Mason. Rest of roster is either ancient (Bruce Bowen/Michael Finley) or has limited talent.


25. CHARLOTTE

GM Michael Jordan’s first competent decision in years was hiring Larry Brown. Brown showing a lot of trust in rookie D.J. Augustin, who rewarded his coach with clutch 3-pointer against Hornets.


26. GOLDEN STATE

Not much firepower with Monta Ellis out. Biedrins quietly having an excellent season.


27. MINNESOTA

The Good: Mike Miller, and bruising big men Al Jefferson and Kevin Love.
The Bad: A wildly inconsistent guard corps.


28. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Winless, but played tough schedule. There is some talent with Baron Davis, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, and center Kaman, but not enough to make the playoffs.


29. WASHINGTON

No Agent Zero and still winless. Nick Young having much better second year.


30. SEATTLE/OKLAHOMA

Too young, too little talent. Westbrook looks like a promising sidekick for Kevin Durant.

By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com