With the season more than half over and several teams gearing up for a playoff run I will provide my thoughts on the NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings.
15. Washingtion Wizards- This team has stuggled mightly this season. With a season ending injury to Brendan Haywood before the season even started, and the long absence of Gilbert Arenas the numbers havent been there for the Wizards. The one bring spot will be a high pick in the 2009 Draft.
14. Indiana Pacers- I know the numbers show that they are better than teams like Charlotte and Toronto but this team doesnt really have a superstar to build around. Dont get me wrong, they have some good talent like SF Danny Granger. Other than Granger who do they have?
13. Charlotte Bobcats- With a veteran head coach in Larry Brown, and a young core of talent led by Raja Bell and Raymond Felton this team should be better. Having Boris Diaw and Raja Bell for a full season next year will help, but this year just isnt the Bobcats year.
12. Toronto Raptors- With the early season firing of Sam Mitchell, the team hasnt produced. They have a strong core of talent centered around Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon. With the recent trade for Shawn Marion the team should improve. I look for MUCH improvement next year.
11. New York Knicks- This team has a great coach but they need help in the draft. Every year they make bad picks. Several more tough years are coming for the Knicks.
10. Chicago Bulls- They are just simply another team that cannot produce like they should be. Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Derrick Rose should be carrying the team, and they should be much more consistant then the are.
9. New Jersey Nets- Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Yi Jianlian, and rookie Brook Lopez- what more can i say? They should be in the playoffs with a lineup like that!
8. Milwaukee Bucks- Suprisingly this team has remained in the thick of the playoff race for quite some time with Michael Redd due to a season ending injury. I look for them to drop out soon though.
7. Philadelphia 76ers- This team doesnt have a superstar other than Andre Iguodala, but one is enough for Phili as they are in the playoff race. If they continue playing the way they have look for them to be a threat in the playoffs.
6. Miami Heat- This team is currently the 5th seed in the playoffs. Drafting Michael Beasley has helped to take pressure off of D Wade. This team is young with some very talented players. If they continue to gel they will go far into the playoffs.
5. Atlanta Hawks- Early injuries to both Al Horford and Josh Smith hurt the team but they have come togeter as of late playing well with superstar Joe Johnson carrying them. Last year they took Boston to seven games in the first round. This year Atlanta has a huge chance to past the first round!
4. Detroit Pistons- The addition of Allen Iverson has helped the backcourt. Rodney Stuckey is a young emerging superstar. With those two carrying the team, I dont expect the team to slow down at all.
3. Orlando Magic- The season ending injury to Jameer Nelson will hurt the backcourt but anytime a team has Dwight “Superman” Howard on their team they are a contender.
2. Boston Celtics- KG, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and Ray Allen. Those four superstars should carry the C’s deep into the playoffs.
1. Clevland Cavaliers- Lebron James is clearly the leader of this team but Mo Williams has helped to take some pressure off of him. If Lebron’s supporting cast produces we migh see the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals match-up (Cavs vs. Celtics) in the finals!
