It's official: we have an NBA Middle Class that's getting larger on both the top and the bottom. Championship contenders are struggling and formerly-mediocre teams are thriving. If you're big on parity, you absolutely love this development.
I'm personally not big on parity - if I was, I'd like football more than I do. Still, it's mighty nice to know there are several teams out there that are somewhere between good and super elite. It makes the next few weeks very, very interesting. Which teams try to make a big move to jump to super elite status? Which teams decide the path to super elite status is to stand pat and not ruin their chemistry? Which teams give up the fight to be super-elite altogether? Combine this with the current economic climate and the 2010 free agent sweepstakes, and we're probably heading towards one of the most interesting trade deadlines ever. There could be tons of player movement, or there could be none, but there will be a ton of trade talk. That's for sure. Hell, we've already seen some.
I'm excited. Be excited too. The NBA is going to be very interesting over the next month. I promise.
(To see last week's rankings, click here. We'll use the same categories to separate the teams into tiers).
STILL IN THEIR OWN CATEGORY
30. New Jersey Nets: 3-37 overall, 0-3 last week
SBN Blog: Nets Daily
Last week: 30
The whole "path to 9-73" I've professed in previous power rankings was admittedly kind of a joke. I didn't actually expect the Nets to get there. But as the Nets continue to lose -- 16-point losses at home to Indiana are pretty pathetic -- there's actually kind of a chance. At least enough of a chance for the New York Times' Howard Beck to go to Fred Carter, the leading scorer on the 1972-73 76ers, to get a quote about how much he'd hate to see the Nets break that record.
But since Nets fans are tired of all the negativity, allow me to point them toward yet another article about Yi Jianlian's emergence. The Nets, where small rays of hope happen.
DREGS OF THE LEAGUE
29. Minnesota Timberwolves: 9-33 overall, 1-2 last week
SBN Blog: Canis Hoopus
Last week: 29.
You have to hand it to Minnesota for at least being entertaining while they stink. To prove this, let me throw this stat out there for you. The top five teams in pace, i.e. most number of possessions per game? Phoenix, Golden State, Indiana, Minnesota and Denver. One of these teams is anchored by the slow-footed Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, so obviously they're totally fit to run. Nice team-building strategy, guys!
(I can't go any further without making reference to one of the games of the week, the Houston-Minnesota double-overtime tilt last Wednesday in which this happened. If only Corey Brewer could shoot 15-footers as well as he shot 50-footers).
28. Philadelphia 76ers: 13-27 overall, 1-2 last week.
SBN Blog: Liberty Ballers
Last week: 26.
I'm only ranking them this low because they lost what SB Nation's Liberty Ballers dubbed "The Battle Of Who Could Care Less" against the Timberwolves. If you're looking for a team that's going to sell, sell, sell at the trade deadline, you best look in this direction. They're underachieving as much as the Wizards and are losing way more money as an organization. Just you watch.
27. Golden State Warriors: 12-27 overall, 1-2 last week
SBN Blog: Golden State of Mind
Last week: 27.
Remember last week when we posted this link from NBA D-League blog Ridiculous Upside that argued that a team of D-League players could beat at least two NBA teams? Well, the Warriors played three D-League players -- Anthony Tolliver, Cartier Martin and Chris Hunter -- and blew out the Bulls by 17 points. Maybe there's actually something to Ridiculous Upside's claims.
MEDIOCRE CLUBS
26. Indiana Pacers: 14-26 overall, 2-1 last week
SBN Blog: Indy Cornrows
Last week: 26.
How do you not move up after a 2-1 week? Well, one of those wins was against the Nets, which doesn't count. In addition, the two teams that are tied with the Pacers in the standings (Detroit, Washington) also had decent weeks. Still, you have to give Indiana some credit for their amazing 24-point comeback against the reeling Suns last Wednesday.
This isn't the first time recently that these two teams played a thriller. Anyone remember this game last year?
You want to know why I love the NBA? Because some teams randomly always play in thrillers when they play each other. Indiana-Phoenix is one of those random matchups that always produces good games.
25. Washington Wizards: 14-26 overall, 2-2 last week.
SBN Blog: Bullets Forever
Last week: 24
They sort of resemble an NBA team now, which is nice even though their two wins were against Sacramento and a massively depleted Portland club. Of course, this is going to convince people that it was all Gilbert Arenas' fault, and this line from Flip Saunders ("We've been more coachable" recently) will just fuel those voices. So when the Wizards stand pat at the trade deadline when they're 15 games under .500 and blatantly need to blow it up, you shouldn't be surprised.
24. Detroit Pistons: 14-26 overall, 3-1 last week
SBN Blog: Detroit Bad Boys.
Last week: 28.
After losing 13 in a row, Detroit won three straight this week over Washington, New Orleans and the Knicks. In a related story, several key players (this week, it was Tayshaun Prince and Ben Gordon) sat out. Once again, the Pistons played better when they weren't at full strength. This is what happens when you extend Rip Hamilton, don't trade Prince and still go out and use your precious cap space on Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. The lesson, of course, is, don't use your cap space just because you can. Don't be surprised to see several teams sign nobody in the 2010 sweepstakes because of Detroit's issues.
23. Sacramento Kings: 15-25 overall, 0-4 last week
SBN Blog: Sactown Royalty
Last week: 21.
Kevin Martin returns, and the Kings promptly lose three straight to the 76ers, Wizards and Bobcats. Yuck. Kevin Martin is also shooting under 40 percent since his return. Double yuck. Kevin Martin's return has also in part threatened the goodwill of the team. Already, Omri Casspi has gotten into an argument with Paul Westphal over playing time. Triple yuck.
So is it safe to say Martin and Tyreke Evans can't play well together? I'm with Tom Ziller - can't we just wait and see a little longer? The Kings weren't supposed to be a playoff team anyway, and in part rode a home-heavy schedule to relative success without Martin. Is it fair to scapegoat Martin for every problem the team has? I say no. Evans and Martin can, in theory, work. Martin's a great shooter, Evans is a great playmaker. It makes sense. Obviously, that chemistry will take time to develop, because Martin hasn't played with anyone close to as good as Evans in two years (possibly ever). Sacramento has time. Let them use it before rushing to judge.
(This public service announcement was brought to you by the Kevin Martin fan club, of which I'm the vice president, with Ziller as the president. And now, some Speedracer highlights).
22. Milwaukee Bucks: 16-23 overall, 1-3 this week
SBN Blog: Brew Hoop
Last week: 20
A part of me wants to stick a fork in the plucky, overachieving Bucks after their 1-5 West Coast road trip, with the only win coming against the Warriors. But then, a part of me says they just had a tough West Coast swing and they'll be back once they get more home games.
It would help if Milwaukee drew more fouls. As a FanPost on SB Nation's Brew Hoop points out, Milwaukee has lost the free-throw battle (i.e. attempted less free throws than their opponent) a whopping 84.2% of the time this season, a mark that's second-worst of all time. Second worst of all time. There, I just said it again for added effect. It's a literary technique.
21. New York Knicks: 17-24 overall, 2-2 last week
SBN Blog: Posting and Toasting
Last week: 23.
Well on their way to 33 wins and a late-lottery selection, which would be terrible normally, but is actually good since the Knicks don't have their first-round pick because they traded it to the Jazz. Imagine the outcry that happens if the Knicks somehow win the lottery, only to give Utah their lottery pick. Talk about poetic justice.
Speaking of the lottery, Jordan Hill, the Knicks' most recent lottery pick, might actually get more of a look going forward. That's good news, I guess. I mean, they could have drafted Brandon Jennings, who scored 55 points in a game earlier this year, but LA LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU JORDAN HILL IS AWESOME LA LA LA!
20. Chicago Bulls: 18-21 overall, 2-1 last week
SBN Blog: Blog A Bull
Last week: 22.
Just when you think the Bulls have turned the corner, they go out and lose to the Golden State D-Leaguers by 17 points on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Remember when they beat the Celtics by 13 in Boston? Yeah, me neither. Funny how a terrible loss has a way of totally eliminating the good feeling of a big win.
The good news? Derrick Rose finally hit a game-winning shot. Somewhere, Vinny Del Negro is saying, "See, Derrick, this is what happens when you ATTACK. DERRICK, ATTACK!"
19. Los Angeles Clippers: 18-22 overall, 1-4 last week
SBN Blog: Clips Nation.
Last week: 15.
What a sad, sad week for the Clippers. First, a broken water pipe causes a 30-minute delay and enables a crazy Grizzlies comeback win on Tuesday. Then, they learn that Blake Griffin is out for the season with the same knee injury that was supposed to allow him to come back in six weeks back in October. Finally, they play the Lakers when the Lakers smell blood and lose by a hundred gazillion points. It's seriously cruel. Just when the Clippers get something going, it all gets taken away from them brutally. I give a ton of credit to Clippers fans for not getting fatalistic in the face of all of this. Lord knows I would.
(By the way, I'd call the Clippers cursed, but they're owned by Donald Sterling, so maybe all of this is deserved in a sick, sad way).
18. New Orleans Hornets: 21-19 overall, 2-2 last week.
SBN Blog: At the Hive
Last week: 14.
Remember when we talked last week about how the Hornets weren't actually good despite a six-game winning streak? I stand by my opinion this week, especially after the Hornets lost on the road to Detroit. Good teams don't lose to Detroit on the road, not at this stage of the season. Sorry.
17. Toronto Raptors: 21-20, 2-2 last week.
SBN Blog: Raptors HQ
Last week: 18.
The Sunday curse bites again! In case you haven't read previous editions of the Power Rankings, the Raptors play a disproportionate number of home games at 1 p.m. on Sundays, which is the worst time for an NBA team to play a basketball game. They're all probably hung over from a long week and aren't used to playing early-afternoon games in other cities. It's a major unfair advantage for the Raptors, and I'm convinced they get wins they normally wouldn't get otherwise.
This Sunday, the Raptors played a 1 p.m. game against Dallas and blew them out 110-88. They've now beaten Houston, San Antonio and Dallas in Sunday matinees. If those games happened any other time, they'd probably lose. It's an outrage, I tell you!
16. Miami Heat: 20-19 overall, 1-3 last week.
SBN Blog: Peninsula is Mightier
Last week: 16.
How about the week that was for Dwyane Wade? Thirty-five points on 15 shots against Golden State, followed by 37 and 8 in a win at Houston, never an easy team to play. Then, Wade dropped only 24 on 21 shots in a loss to Oklahoma City. Mighty impressive, no? I'm happy to see this because I've been waiting for the 2008/09 version of Wade to show up. I'm talking about the electrifying, sensational Wade, not just the run-of-the-mill superstar Wade. Here's hoping we see more of the former going forward, because that's the only way this team, which features a buyout guy as its starting point guard and a guy who got traded three times this offseason as its starting small forward, is going anywhere.
SUCCESSFUL, NOT QUITE CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER
15. Charlotte Bobcats: 20-19 overall, 4-0 last week
SBN Blog: Rufus on Fire
Last week: 19.
We've officially found January's darling, and it's ... the Charlotte Bobcats? Can't say I saw this one coming. I've been the one trying to start a "Bobcats' 35-win train" meme, but in light of what happened this week, maybe I need to revise that. Yes, the Bobcats have had a relatively soft, home-friendly schedule recently, but they also beat the Spurs and obliterated the Suns on Saturday night, in the second game of a back-to-back no less. I don't know if I've seen a greater blowout all season. That was how thoroughly Charlotte dominated.
How are they doing it? It's several things. One is that Larry Brown has realized the importance of running off missed shots. Raymond Felton, who has greatly improved this year, is pushing the ball back at teams when they miss and creating easy buckets for others in transition. That's key because Charlotte doesn't have the ability to consistently beat you in the half court. Once they get in the half court, they run most of their offense through Stephen Jackson, who has actually adapted well to his point-forward role. We always knew he had it in him, but now that he's out of Golden State, he's actually shooting judiciously. Throw in a rebound year for Nazr Mohammad and the discovery of a bunch of unknown guys (Stephen Graham, Derrick Brown) and you have yourselves a playoff team.
Oh, and I almost forgot about Gerald Wallace. Did you know Wallace is still averaging 11.3 rebounds per game? Did you know he plays almost 42 minutes a game and never slows down? Hopefully you do now. It's only fitting for the Eastern Conference coaches to name him an all-star, because without him, Charlotte is nothing. He's already in the dunk contest, now put him in the all-star game too. VOTE GERALD!
14. Phoenix Suns: 24-18 overall, 0-4 last week
SBN Blog: Bright Side of the Sun.
Last week: 9.
This might be a premature. Okay, it's DEFINITELY a bit premature, but whatever. Still, when you go 0-4 like the Suns did last week, it's worth doing.
The Suns are sailing away,
On a crash course to the lotter-eee,
'Cause Nash has got to be free,
Free to throw Seven Seconds Or Less into the deep blue sea,
On board, Gentry's the captain, so climb aboard,
We'll search for our sold draft picks on every shore,
And Amare will try, Oh Lord he'll try, to carry on
Kerr looks to the sea,
Reflections in the Shaq trade that sparked bad memories,
Few happy, most sad,
He thinks of his playing days and the dreams he had,
D'Antoni lived happily forever, so the story goes,
But somehow he'll miss out on the pot of gold
But they'll all try the best that they can to caaaaaaarrrrrrrrry on
(Okay, I'll stop. Sorry, Suns fans).
13. Houston Rockets: 23-18 overall, 2-2 last week
SBN Blog: The Dream Shake
Last week: 10
I'm sensing some signs of slippage from our darlings here. The Rockets did go 2-2, true, but two of those wins were against bad teams (Minnesota, Milwaukee) at home, one in double triple-overtime and one by three points when Brandon Jennings Luke Ridnour missed a game-tying three. The normally mistake-free Rockets are suffering from major defensive breakdowns (such as this one) and they can't score consistently enough to make up for it.
It makes you wonder how eager they're going to be to make a big move at the trade deadline. Without Yao Ming, we kind of all acknowledged this would be a throwaway year for the Rockets, but now that they can smell the postseason, will they still take on long-term salary for next year? Remember, they could have a real contender next year when Yao gets back. Do they want to risk adding another piece to that team, or do they want to keep the same group together? Lots of key guys (Carl Landry, Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes) are potential free agents. It's an interesting dilemma, that's for sure.
On the bright side, Luis Scola officially has his own song, which is awesome and hilarious. S-C-O-L-A Scoooollllaaaaa!
12. Memphis Grizzlies: 22-18 overall, 4-0 last week.
SBN Blog: Straight Outta Vancouver
Last week: 17
I'll go out on a limb and say the Memphis Grizzlies are why I love the NBA. Why? Just when you think you have this league figured out, something funny happens that jerks your worldview and makes you reconsider everything. Sometimes, a team you figure is going to be ridiculously dysfunctional turns into one of the most cohesive teams in the league. That's what's happened to Memphis and the national audience that tuned into yesterday's Suns-Grizzlies game on TNT finally understands that.
Are they a playoff team? That's tough, because there are so many great teams in the West. But maybe, just maybe, Chris Wallace deserves that contract extension he got. Maybe.
11. Utah Jazz: 23-18 overall, 2-1 last week
SBN Blog: SLC Dunk
Last week: 13.
SUNDIATA GAINES! That is all.
I hate to agree with Reggie Miller, but I will anyway. SIGN THIS GUY FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. HE HAS PROVEN HIS WORTH. I yell to emphasize the truth.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder: 23-18 overall, 2-2 last week.
SBN Blog: Welcome To Loud City
Last week: 12.
I don't know what is more impressive: the Thunder going into Atlanta and basically going wire-to-wire for the win, or Jeff Green doing this to Josh Smith.
I'll go with the latter. I mean, he did it at the end of the game. It sealed a win. How much better can you get than that?
9. Portland Traiblazers: 25-17 overall, 2-1 last week
SBN Blog: Blazers Edge
Last week: 11.
On the shelf at this moment: Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, Nicholas Batum, Travis Outlaw, Joel Przybila. In other words, of the Blazers' top eight players from last season, only three are healthy. And yet, Portland is 25-17 after a 2-1 week that included a win over the Magic. Bow down to the Trail Blazers for their resiliency. It's something to behold.
8. San Antonio Spurs: 25-15 overall, 3-2 last week
SBN Blog: Pounding the Rock.
Last week: 7.
We're still not at the Rodeo Trip yet, so we're allowed to just shrug at road losses to Memphis and Charlotte. It's coming, though. Gutcheck time is coming.
Until then, let's appreciate DeJuan Blair. Via Kevin Arnovitz of ClipperBlog and True Hoop, we see how he's been able to dominate without touching the ball. But clearly, every team who passed on him in the draft had a legitimate reason.
7. Orlando Magic: 26-14 overall, 1-2 last week
SBN Blog: Orlando Pinstriped Post.
Last week: 6.
Orlando is now 3-7 in January. They played better against the Lakers last night in defeat, but .... 3-7. Three wins, seven losses, for what we all thought was a championship contender. We also have a new candidate for scapegoat, and it's ... Rashard Lewis, if these numbers run by SB Nation's Orlando Pinstriped Post are to be believed. To review, we've run through Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis. Is Dwight Howard next?
6. Dallas Mavericks: 27-14 overall, 2-2 last week.
SBN Blog: Mavs Moneyball
Last week: 5.
Just moving along at a semi-elite pace, doing just enough to convince you they're elite (see last night's second-half annihilation of the Celtics) and just enough to convince you they're not (losing at Toronto by 22). Ho hum. Wake me up when they make a big trade.
5. Atlanta Hawks: 24-13 overall, 3-1 last week.
SBN Blog: Peachtree Hoops.
Last week: 4.
There's been a lot of underground buzz about Atlanta being this year's surprise contender. Our own Andrew Sharp compared them to the Magic last season. Ignoring the obvious stylistic differences between the two teams, there might be something to this. Both teams matched up extremely well with one contender (Orlando with Cleveland, Atlanta with Boston) and pretty poorly with the others. Both teams could slip into the Finals if they get good fortune, like Orlando getting to play nemesis Boston without Kevin Garnett. For Atlanta, they have to hope they get Boston in Round 2 instead of Orlando.
The thing is, though, is this: Atlanta's got their own issues. They're 5-4 this month, which isn't bad, but isn't as good as last month. They still refrain from running offense at the end of games, choosing instead to give the ball to Joe Johnson or Jamal Crawford and clear out. Sometimes it works, like the end of the Phoenix game.
Sometimes, it doesn't, like against the Thunder. Regardless, it'd be nice if there was more diversity at the end of the game.
Where am I going with this? Atlanta is talented, but flawed, which I guess makes them like last year's Magic team after all. Circular logic for the win!
4. Boston Celtics: 27-11 overall, 1-1 last week.
SBN Blog: Celtics Blog.
Last week: 2
This is one of those "for this week only" rankings. Assuming Kevin Garnett gets back fine (always dangerous), Boston will rise. But let's review their week for a second.
Not so impressive, is it? The saddest part about the Dallas loss is how difficult it was for Boston to generate offense, any offense. Kevin Garnett's strength is defense, so how much will his return help? A little, sure, but enough? Something tells me this might be a lingering problem going forward. I'm not writing them off, mind you, but I am expressing more concern than before.
3. Denver Nuggets: 26-14 overall, 2-0 last week
SBN Blog: Denver Stiffs.
Last week: 8.
Yeah, I know, too high. But what did we say about the Nuggets back when they were hurt? Wait until they get healthy, and they become dangerous. Well, they're healthy, and they're dangerous. Just ask the Magic, who got blown out in a wave of Nuggets fast breaks earlier in the week. We figured the Nuggets would self-destruct a bit this year because that's the George Karl way, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe it's because Carmelo Anthony is so good that he won't let it happen. Regardless, if I'm a Western Conference power, I want nothing to do with these guys in the playoffs.
CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
2. Los Angeles Lakers: 32-9 overall, 3-1 last week
SBN Blog: Silver Screen and Roll
Last week: 3
The ship's officially been righted. Three very impressive wins this week for the Lakers -- at Dallas, the Clippers at home by 40 and the Magic when they were playing inspired ball. It helps that everyone's healthy finally, though surely that's not the only thing that's helping. Umm ... home games? I dunno. Maybe that earlier stretch was just your run-of-the-mill bumps in the road during a long season. I know that's not much analysis, but what can I do?
In other news, the underground "Let Shannon Dunk" movement worked, as Shannon Brown was named to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest. I'd argue that this was classic Laker bias, but at least Brown has some skills.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: 31-11 overall, 1-1 last week
SBN Blog: Fear the Sword
Last week: 1
The Cavs keep on keeping on. Not much to say here. So let me just say this.
LeBron James, screw you. You promised us that you were going to compete in the 2010 Slam Dunk Contest. You promised us on national television at last year's Slam Dunk Contest. In other words, you upstaged the current dunk contest to promise us something about next year.
Then, you chickened out and decided not to do it after all. I may not like you as a person, but I would have thoroughly enjoyed you in the dunk contest. You would have been awesome. It's the perfect competition for you, because everyone loves you, you love getting people excited and you're a fabulous dunker. It would have been the perfect stage for you. And you still backed out. Why do you need to string us all along like that? If you aren't going to do it, don't say you will. If you are going to do it, well do it then! Don't waffle like this.
I guess I'll just have to stage a pretend dunk contest between LeBron, Josh Smith, Dwight Howard and Nate Robinson on NBA 2K10 later tonight. Thanks, jerk.
47 comments
47
Comments
rankings are way off
these power rankings are officially stupid and media slanted along with ESPN’s rankings. they are a complete and utter joke. has nothing to do with basketball, 100% to do with advertising.
The Lakers are #1, they are the champs with the best record in the NBA. How are they not #1. Pau is back and they are playing great basketball. Do you watch basketball, or just look for endorsements and advertisements? This is an embarrassment to the game.
The Cavs keep on keeping on, oh really? 4-3 in their last 7 games, granted so are the Lakers, but the Lakers have a better record, they have 2 less losses.
Now lets look at some of the stats the media ignores because they know nothing about basketball.
In their last 6 games, Cavs opponents have played with 17 key players. That’s right. 17 key players. Was:No Gilbert Arenas, no Mike Miller. Den:No Carmelo Anthony, no Ty Lawson. Por:No Greg Oden, no Travis Outlaw, no Rudy Fernandez, no Nicolas Batum, no Joel Pryzbilla. GSW:no Kelenna Azibuke, no Raja Bell, no Anthony Randolph, no Ronny Turaif after the 1st. Utah:no Andrei Kirilenko after the 2nd, no Deron Williams after the 4th. LAC:No Blake Griffin, no Chris Kaman. That right there is ridiculous.
Compare that to the Celtics, who in thier last 12 games have played opponents who have missed a total of 3 key players. Tor:no Jose Calderon, GSW:no Raja Bell, no Kelenna Azibuke.
12 games for the Celtics w/ their opponents having 3 key players out.
6 games for the Cavs w/ their opponents having 17 key players out.
Also, Garnett missed 9 of those games, and Rasheed 3 of those games.
Do you pay attention to those stats, or just watch commercials and listen to Stuart Scott?
Wait there are more stats.
Number of wins the Cavs have by 18 or more points:2
Number of games the Cavs have held their opponent to under 82 points:1
Number of games the Cavs have scored over 110 points:4
Those stats right there tell the real story. The #1 team in the league has 2 wins by 18 or more points after 42 games, and they are supposed to be #1? Are you kidding me.
The fact is the Lakers are #1 right now, Boston is #2 when Garnett gets back, and the Nuggets Cavs Magic Hawks Mavs Spurs are all fairly even and in the mix.
The fact that the Cavs have now been #1 for 4 weeks straight on these rankings and ESPN rankings is 100% slanted media favoritism and has no basis whatsoever in basketball.
by basketblll on Jan 19, 2010 4:00 PM EST reply actions
SBNation has made it!
we’re a slanted media corporation now!
(basketbllllllll, please write a letter to the proprietor of this dreck so I get a raise.)
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 19, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
4 weeks in a row now
I would say that is slanted media coverage.
There are 8 Top Teams in the NBA.
The Big Boys:Lakers & Celtics 32 titles between them, the last 2 NBA titles, the 2 best franchises ever with great records and getting healthier.
Then the next 6 which includes:Nuggets, Cavs, Hawks, Magic, Mavs, Spurs. They are all very good teams and there has been nothing to say that any one team is head and shoulders above the other 5, only 3 games in the loss column separate 5 of the teams.
Yet we are supposed to believe and read this nonsense that the Cavs are clearly #1 over everybody else. Its like all these teams battle each other, have some ups, have some downs, and even though these 8 teams are very good and very close in the standings, it is such an automatic with these media liars that the Cavs are always #1. It is like the Cavs are automatically #1, until somebody proves otherwise. Now how exactly is that. When have they ever been the #1 team in the NBA? I can’t name one instance in the past 60 years where that has happened.
It manipulates our youth and our readers, and puts lies and made up fairy tales over reality and the truth. And it isn’t fair or accurate for the other 7 teams which are very good and great basketball teams. And yes it would be great for some people for the Cavs to win the title, well guess what, the Nuggets, Magic, Hawks, & Mavs don’t have a title either. So be fair and accurate with everyone, don’t show favoritism and media slants towards one team, while ignoring the positive aspects and productions from other teams in very similiar positions.
by basketblll on Jan 19, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
You crack me up man
I’ve told you this before, I’m a Wizards fan. I freakin hate the Cavs. If I’m ranking them number one, it’s certainly not out of a personal bias.
I could be wrong, but I’m not biased like that.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Jan 19, 2010 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
In God’s name why?!?
I think most would agree the most hate inspiring team far and away is Boston…
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 19, 2010 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
don't think so
Boston inspires no hating, just idiots who don’t understand what all the great Celtics athletes have put up with over the years.
People don’t like the Cavs because people in power pull strings for them. And nobody is pulling strings for the Mavs, Nets, Grizzlies, Hornets, Nuggets,Magic, Thunder, etc. all teams without titles.
Sure we want teams who don’t have titles to win one.
You don’t favor one over the other that’s the point.
You want to favor every team who never won a title over the Celtics and Lakers, by all means do that if you want to.
Favoring the Cavs, over the Nuggets, Magic , Mavs, Hawks etc.. Sorry that is just wrong. That is the defenition of manipulative journalism.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
I respect the great Celtics athletes of old…but Garnett and Pierce…c’mon…a little more poor sportsmanship, mugging for the camera (and that’s saying something when a fan of a team with Lebron is making fun of you about that), and some more ‘’f*ck you’ monkey face’ while injured plz….AND (lol) NOW you have guaranSHEED! Really and truly ’America’s Team.’ Whatever shall we do?111l33t
.I have no problem with the Lakers, btw…since you brought it up.
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 20, 2010 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
no clue
what you are talking about.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:59 AM EST up reply actions
That’s the most idiotic thing I have ever heard around these parts…let me quote you so you realize your FAIL…
Done.
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 20, 2010 4:54 AM EST up reply actions
string pulled
11/13/09 After LeBron makes a statement telling other players what to do and not wear #23, Bill Russell’s original #6 is deemed wearable, as Bill Russell’s original draftee the Atlanta Hawks beat the Celtics 97-86 after a stretch of 5:38 all in the 4th Qtr where the Celtics got whistled for 10 consecutive foul calls in a row. The first time it has ever happened in NBA history. Here it is in the box score 09:17 Wallace Foul : Offensive (4 PF) 08:34 Perkins Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
08:09 Garnett Foul : Personal (1 PF) 07:42 Perkins Technical
07:23 Rondo Foul : Personal (3 PF) 06:42 Daniels Foul : Personal (3 PF) 06:08 Pierce Foul : Defense 3 Second 05:56 Allen Foul : Shooting (3 PF) 04:44 Garnett Foul : Personal (2 PF) 03:38 Wallace Foul : Shooting (5 PF) .
12/18/09:The Bucks get cheated for the 2nd consecutive game as they get 4 seconds taken off of their game clock illegaly in Cleveland as the Cavs win 85-82. Bucks coach Scott Skiles was fuming on the sidelines pleading the refs to put the 4 seconds back on the clock, the refs ignored him. Here it is in the box score:Ilyasova Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Delfino (5 AST) 01:53 They ran 4 illegal seconds after the Illyasova shot, under 2 minutes the clock should have stopped.
12/18/09:Earlier that night, 76ers beat the Celtics 98-97. Rasheed Wallace is given 2 techs and ejected in the 3rd. Then with 29 seconds left the Celtics grab the rebound up 1 and an apparent win, only to get a bogus foul call on Perkins on the rebound. Here it is in the box score:00:29.4 Perkins Foul : Loose Ball (5 PF)
12/23/09:Cavs beat the Kings 117-104 in OT in a game where in the 3rd Qtr the Cavs passed the ball from out of bounds and bounced the ball out of bounds off the court and were credited with 2 points. Here it is in the box score:Varejao Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: West (4 AST) 00:00.0
12/25/09:Lakers lose to the Cavs 102-87 as fans litter the court with foam fingers. 4 Technicals are called on the Lakers and Odom is ejected. After the ejection with fans still fuming LeBron barrells over Kobe on a good defensive play by Kobe, Kobe is called for the personal and another tech given to Kobe. Here it is in the box score:03:45 Bryant Foul : Personal (3 PF) 03:45 Bryant Technical
12/28/09:Warriors beat Celtics 103-99 as Perkins is hit with a key tech in the 4th for doing absolutely nothing. Here it is in the box score:Perkins Technical 06:13
12/29/09:Cavs beat Hawks 95-84 as a key 4th Qtr clear path foul is called on Josh Smith on a horrible call in which after the Cavs made the three FT they had more points after 4 minutes in the 4th then both teams combined. Mike Woodson is fuming on the sidelines and given a T. Here it is in the box score:07:55 Smith Foul : Clear Path (4 PF)
12/30/09:Hawks lose again to the Cavs 106-101 as the Hawks get 10 seconds taken off of the shot clock in Cleveland with under 2 minutes left. Mike Woodson is fuming over on the sidelines as the refs ignore him yet again. Players feel something is wrong after the game. Mike Woodson protests the game the next day. Here it is in the box score:Horford Rebound (Off:0 Def:6) 01:54 Smith Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:James (2 ST) 01:41
1/06/10:The Wizards are left in disarray when Gilbert Arenas suddenly and surprisingly is suspended finally after 13 days of being known to have guns in the locker room and laugh and not take the issue seriously. The Cavs, and only the Cavs, reap the benefit of the reward as Delonte West, who after being diagnosed with bi-polar and caught with 3 guns after cutting off an officer in September is deemed "fit" to play in the NBA and scores 14 points on 5-7 shooting with the Cavs winning 121-98 against a disorientated and shocked Wizards team.
1/11/10:The Cavs defeat the Warriors 117-114 as Monta Ellis grabs the rebound with 5 seconds left down 3 and calls a timeout. However the timeout is not granted as Warriors coach Don Nelson makes a strange and rather odd reaction to the play by telling Monta to take it up the court, after he already wasted a second to call timeout. Earlier in the 4th LeBron gets away with a clear cut travel as video proof shows him taking 3 steps in the lane after he picked up his dribble, with the left foot in the blue paint, right foot in yellow paint, left foot in yellow paint. Warrior bloggers on their own blog claim LeBron went up off his right foot(Whoever that was, just in case you didn’t know, you can make an "L" with your left hand to mean loser, that is how you know your left from right)Here it is in the box score:James Running Jump Shot: Made (37 PTS) 00:36.7
1/11/10:Earier that evening of course Celtics coach Doc Rivers is fuming after a phony flagrant is called on Glen Davis as Marvin Williams is fouled on a normal foul call with no injury and no scuffle or altercation and nothing up in the air. Rivers goes bananas gets 2 T’s, gets ejected and Celtics assistant coach Armond Hill gets a T and is ejected, the Hawks win 102-96 by scoring 4 points without the ball even being dribbled as Ray Allen later said. Here it is in the box score:Crawford Free Throw Technical (1 PTS) 06:16
Crawford Free Throw Technical (2 PTS) 06:16
06:16 Hill Technical Crawford Free Throw Technical (3 PTS) 06:16
Williams Free Throw Flagrant 2 of 2 (14 PTS)
1/20/09:It happened again people. With just 37 seconds left and the Celtics down 88-84 against the Pistons, Ray Allen plays great defense on Rip Hamilton. Ray knocks the ball loose, the official grants the Pistons a timeout WHILE the ball is bouncing on the floor. Hamilton then dives to save the ball, and gets the ball after the official called a timeout for him. Hamilton was out of bounds and only had 2 seconds left on the 8 second clock. If Hamilton had really called a timeout, why was he diving after the ball? Here is the play in the box score:00:37.4 Team Timeout : Short
00:37.4 Team Timeout : Regular
by basketblll on Jan 21, 2010 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
all facts
every single play in the box score, listed above, were all bs questionable calls that all went the Cavs way to getting a higher playoff seed, and against the Celtics.
every single call. every play is listed above and can be found in any game box score.
by basketblll on Jan 21, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Plus…you have a Ginger, who actually defeats sideshow Varajao in the pantheon of bad hair…lol….unbelievably.
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 20, 2010 1:54 AM EST up reply actions
yeah ok
its great on mars.
isn’t it?
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 2:01 AM EST up reply actions
…as long as Mars is the planet in which the Cavs send the Celtics to ignominious defeat. Then yes…it’s f*cking fantastic on Mars…
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 20, 2010 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
sorry pal
only the refs can do that for you.
by basketblll on Jan 21, 2010 2:27 AM EST up reply actions
Oh yeah…the nba ref ‘conspiracy.’ lol.
"I don’t dance too much." --Mike Holmgren
by johnnyphoenix on Jan 21, 2010 4:00 AM EST up reply actions
The Cavs crushed their dreams 3 years in a row.
Now they’re no longer contenders yet the Cavs keep on truckin’.
by WaveOcean on Jan 20, 2010 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
who's dreams?
The Wizards? they have dreams? When were they ever contenders?
Crushing Dreams?
I think Gilbert did that all by himself, with a little Crittendon sprinkled in for some flavor.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:52 AM EST up reply actions
do not agree
Its not personal bias, and not only that I don’t believe a word you post.
What it is, is your decision to follow other media leads and make no effort to make choices on your own.
You just simply watch TV, and read other media outlets, and then report what they state.
You don’t have any say in the matter, you simply reiterate the same slants and favoritism that other journalists and writers do.
If you want a certain team to win, so be it. Just do it on their site, with their fans and make it about that team. Don’t group 30 teams together and pick the same team as #1 for four weeks, with the stats listed above, and then state that you don’t have a personal bias. Of course you do, because the stats don’t show a clear #1 for a full month.
1 team has the best record in the NBA, so they aren’t #1, is that what you are saying? Why because the team they lost to is supposed to be #1? Now wait a second, that team, which you say is #1, just lost to another great team without their best player, so how come that other team isn’t #1? Or what about the other team that already won on the teams home floor that you claim is #1. What is the difference? the records between the Top 8 teams are very similiar.
So having the best record doesn’t make you number 1. Apparently beating a team on their home floor doesn’t either, and apparently beating a team without your best player doesn’t either. So what exactly is the criteria?
You really don’t see favoritism there, is that what you are telling me?
by basketblll on Jan 19, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
It is possible to disagree without saying we're biased
Clearly you disagree. That’s fine, that’s kind of the point of these things.
But seriously, let me spell this out for you one more time.
I. Am. A. Wizards. Fan. I write a Wizards blog for SB Nation. You’ve visited there before, so you know this. I. Freakin. Hate. The. Cavs. Why? Because. I. Am. A. Wizards. Fan.
Comprende?
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Jan 19, 2010 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
then prove it
Then prove you hate the Cavs. You have them #1 for 4 weeks in a row. I can understand a week here or a week there. We have 8 Top teams in the league right now only 3 games separate all of them. The stats don’t back it up, so what exactly is your reasoning?
You keep saying you hate the Cavs, but you’re not giving any reason as to why you put them #1, 4 weeks in a row. The stats don’t back it up.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
after 43 games
Number of wins the Cavs have by 18 or more points:2
Number of games the Cavs have held their opponent to under 82 points:1
Number of games the Cavs have scored over 110 points:4
Those are the real stats. #1 teams in the league don’t have stats like that. Any way you look at, any way you want, #1 teams don’t have stats like that. Not 4 weeks in a row they don’t.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
# of road games
Cavs have the best record in the East, playing more road games than anyone – by far. The Lakers? 15 roadies? The Cavs went 7-3 on their two West Coast trips, beating the Suns, Lakers, Blazers, et al.
The rankings mean little now, other than conversation, and I can strongly affirm that Prada is a Cavs-Hater, but the fact is the Celts have lost three straight home games and the Lakers have been less than impressive.
They’ll get their chance, starting Thursday night in Cleveland.
FTS
FearTheSword
SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers Blogger
Follow FTS on Facebook!
Follow FTS on Twitter!
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jan 20, 2010 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
Hey now, let's not throw around the H word please
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Jan 20, 2010 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
no
some stats are more important than others.
If your not winning big, shutting down teams, or scoring big you’re not #1. Capice?
I’m not interested in any of the SOS, Efficiency stats, played the east, games played, other lesser important stats, road/home games, west coast trips you talk about.
The rankings do mean more than conversation because it is the media who manipulates our young people.
Get their chance? Get what chance? The Lakers are already the champs, they are the ones who decides who gets the chances.
You want less than impressive? If Shaq averages 9.6 PPG the rest of the season the Cavs will go into the playoffs with 2 guys in double digits in PPG. And that is by far the least impressive stat anyone can imagine. That’s no #1, I can tell you that.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:01 AM EST up reply actions
AH HA HA HA HA
My goodness basketblll, could you possibly be this insecure? Do you have that much of a personal stake in SBNation that you have to take it upon yourself to decry anyone who displays a list based on nonpartisan data? It’s not up to Mike Prada. He just reports.
by WaveOcean on Jan 20, 2010 1:45 AM EST up reply actions
HA HA HA
It is up to Mike Prada. He made up the list!!
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:50 AM EST up reply actions
hmm
“Alex, I’ll take ‘Colon Use Fail’ for 400, please.”
The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Jan 19, 2010 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
Ahem....
Cleveland 102, Lakers 87
That’s how they’re #1.
Now throw your little foam fingers on the floor and pout some more.
The Buckeye Battle Cry
SB Nation's official Ohio State blog
by Jeff at the BBC on Jan 19, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
Ahem.....
Boston 95, Cavs 89
Nuggets 99 Cavs 97 without Melo or Ty.
The Spurs haven’t even played the Cavs.
Now tell me your criteria for #1?
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:07 AM EST up reply actions
Drop this argument. You will lose it.
@Denver 105, Lakers 79
@San Antonio 105, Lakers 85
The Celtics haven’t even played the Lakers.
by WaveOcean on Jan 20, 2010 1:32 AM EST up reply actions
lose what?
So what does that mean? That the Celtics are #1?
You are only ahead of a team in the power rankings if you have a better record AND have won the head to head games.
That doesn’t put the Cavs ahead of the Lakers.
It doesn’t put the Cavs ahead of the Celtics.
and if I can’t show you that, then Garnett will.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:37 AM EST up reply actions
Rockets Bucks
Actually, Jennings missed the game-winning 3 at the end of regulation. Ridnour missed the game-tying 3 from the corner at the end of OT. Get your Bucks in a row please.
by Davidlu on Jan 19, 2010 8:26 PM EST reply actions
Fixed, thanks for the correction
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Jan 19, 2010 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
Utah 11???
They are sometimes good but sometimes bad, not really sure of what to make of them.
Mountain West Connection
by Jeremy Mauss on Jan 19, 2010 9:15 PM EST reply actions
Low-level Western Conference playoff team
Right now, they’re the seventh-ranked West team on here. They’ll probably move somewhere between 10th and 15th on this list in any given week.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Jan 19, 2010 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
i agree with everything except 1 and 2.
LA is #1 and CLE is #2. i think the raptors could have moved up a spot or two. other than charlotte, toronto is on a rampage right now. bargnani and bosh put that team at sub-elite status.
Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young
by Rockets 4 Life on Jan 19, 2010 11:12 PM EST reply actions
warriors made history
this is a totally random warriors fact, but we made history the other night against the bucks. we started with 8, morrow got hurt, and biedrins and hunter fouled out. with only five on the floor, steph curry fouled out. Because of Rule 3 (Section 1A), he managed to foul out AND play all 48 minutes of the game. That’s history right there.
Stephen Curry for Rookie of the Year.
http://www.hoops.com.au/forum/22104-nba-rule-no-3-28section-1a29/
by soljabunny on Jan 19, 2010 11:23 PM EST reply actions
Yeah I'll show you a #1
In the history of the world there have been millions billions and billions of years, with millions billions and billions of people.
Throughout all those years and all those people, the number of times and the number of people that have eliminated Kevin Garnett in a Celtics uniform is……………………………0
Now lets see Kobe or LeBron hit 17 of 18 shots.
Get ready the Boss is coming back, and he’ll decide who gets their chances and who is #1.
Its called Garnett.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:20 AM EST reply actions
Sorry dude
Not everything about Garnett is so reliably dominant anymore, not when he gets injured twice in two seasons.
by WaveOcean on Jan 20, 2010 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
ok pal
132-36. Garnett plays, everybody else who isn’t on Garnett’s team loses, its that simple.
by basketblll on Jan 20, 2010 1:46 AM EST up reply actions
The Atlanta Hawks
Who are they really? I think the top 5 ranking is appropriate at this time. You know the Hawks are good but lately I’ve been getting the feeling that they are holding back and not giving it their all. We’re not seeing the same type of play from the start of the season. But I gotta give it to them they’re staying right up there within in striking distance of the top three in the east. Top five out of thirty at this point of the season that pretty darn good.
by DPhenomenal1 on Jan 20, 2010 2:01 PM EST reply actions
Lakers score only 89...Again
I think the Cavs are the legitimate #1 team now, for whatever that is worth.
FTS
FearTheSword
SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers Blogger
Follow FTS on Facebook!
Follow FTS on Twitter!
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jan 22, 2010 6:19 AM EST reply actions
Make that 87...
Sorry…too early in the morning.
FTS
FearTheSword
SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers Blogger
Follow FTS on Facebook!
Follow FTS on Twitter!
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jan 22, 2010 6:20 AM EST up reply actions
exactly pal
too early in the season. #1 team nothin
by DasEfx on Jan 22, 2010 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
#1 team nothin
I can tell you what rapping “bashin the brains of these h—-” is=worthless.
by DasEfx on Jan 22, 2010 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
Garnett
I take the cake, that’s what’s at stake.
Hey LeLoser learn how to rap.
by DasEfx on Jan 22, 2010 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed