NBA POWER RANKINGS

1 (6) Heat (52-30) Obviously, the defending champion Miami Heat are on top
of the hoops world for now. Gary and Shaq are getting older, but their young rookies (Simien and Wright) and the further improvement of Dwayne Wade will make up the difference.
2 (3) Mavericks (60-22) Now the Mavs in addition to a sour taste in their mouth, have an even deeper bench than they did last year, watch out for them especially at the begining of the season look for a very good start from this team.
3 (2) Spurs (63-19) Another team with a very sour taste after their early playoff exit in the hand of the Mavs. Expect Tony Parker to have an MVP candidate season and some of their young rookies to improve and bring some punch of their bench.
4 (12) Bulls 41-41 Critics may think this team still lacks playoffs experience, but after giving Miami a run for their money last time, and adding Ben Wallace and PJ Brown this team is now a legit threat to win it all once again.
5 Suns 54-28 If Amare is healthy, then the Suns are my pick to win the West. But with that type of surgery he had believe me that might be a big if. However, count on Nash and Marion to make a better Championship push regardless.

6(1) Pistons 64-18 This team has shown in the past that they grow in adversity, but the lost of Ben Wallace(Team Image) might be too big of a blow.
Their image as a defensive first team will be no more.
7 (23) Rockets 34-48 Mcgrady's back problems is still the main issue here, but Yao's great season , plus the addition of Bonzi has Rockets fan with a fresh wind of hope, expect a great season and a good championship push if Tmac healthy.
8 (8) Cavaliers 50-32 Lebron will be great, even better than last season but the X factor on this team will be Larry Hughes, can he bounce back?
9 (5) Nets 49-33 The Nets are just a center away from being with the elite in the east, will they get this center before the playoffs? If not, expect another early exit from the playoffs.
10 (13) Clippers 47-35 Clippers improved greatly last year, the only problem is that "Sam I am" is not getting any younger, and they havent added any talent to complement him and Elton Brand.

11 (18) Pacers 41-41 Expect the Pacers to be the biggest "sleeper" team.
The addittion of Al Harrington will once again bring them to the elite of the east under Coach Carselie.
12 (10) Lakers 45-37 Why would I think the Lakers will be in the playoffs this year? Kobe keeps improving and they have finally added some good shooters around him.. only if Kwame started living to just half of his potential...
13 (19) Hornets 38-44 Expect impressive ex-rookie Chris Paul and Peja to lead this team into the playoffs, as simple as that.
14 (14) Nuggets 44-38 The roster looks improved and so does Anthony, but the problems are still there in that the Nuggets need shooters and need the coach George and K-Mart to co-exist somehow.
15 (22) Warriors 38-44 Will the Warriors end their playoff dessert and find the oasis...? It all depends on Baron Davis.

16 (9) Magic 36-46 Talk about sleepers.. this team will impress alot of people this year, they have very good young talent. Expect great things from Darko, Howard and Arroyo.
17 (16) Jazz 41-41 Andrei is the most underrated player in the league, but the only hope for the Jazz is that Carlos Boozer finally gives them a good season..
18 (29) Knicks 23-59 Everybody expects the knicks to do even worse without Coach Brown, but you will be surprised that they will actually be there at the end of the playoff race due to better team chemistry developed, they do have the stars, the potential....its the chemistry that has always been a bust. Only if Starbury for once became a team player.
19 (17) Bucks 40-42 The addition of Charlie Villanueva should improve their backcourt, but they still have too many holes in their defense.
20 (15) Wizards 42-40 Arenas sounds like a big name, but its just a single player.. and even though he is a star, he cant do everything. Expect a poor season here.

21 (25) Timberwolves 33-49 They should trade KG, I really feel sorry for him but again same here, one person doesnt make a team.
22 (7) Grizzlies 49-33 This team was decent last year, but the trading of Jones and the injuries they already have will make them miss the playoffs.
23 (11) Kings 44-38 Expect the Kings to play like Queens without Bonzi, how come they didnt make any other trades? Artest will be Arfailedthetest!
24 (24) Celtics 33-49 GM Danny Ainge is time that you actually make good moves and bring this team talent, this team has none. Bird will not come flying back.
25 (26) Raptors 27-55 Too many rookies here, even though Bosh seems very promising... how long will Sam get to coach them?

26 (21) SuperSonics 35-47 Expect another good lottery pick next season.
27 (27) Bobcats 26-56 MJ as Part owner doesnt help since he cant play anymore, Emeka is good but again its only one player..
28 (28) Hawks 26-56 They are still bad but watch out for the on-the-rise lefty (Josh) and Joe.
29 (20) 76ers 38-44 Expect this team to trade AI and diminish into nothingness...is time to start over again..
30 (30) Trail Blazers 21-61 This team has no chance whatsoever, they will not be blazing any trails this season!