To start off the new year, here is the first edition of the NBA power rankings, showcasing the eastern conference.
15. New Jersey Nets- They shouldnt be 3-30 with the amount of talent that have. If they can select John Wall in the draft, and get a few decent free agents, they could be contenders.
14. Washington Wizards- Two teammates pulling guns on each other in the locker room is disastrous. Without Arenas (assuming he is charged) this team will sink fast.
13. Indiana Pacers- They have some emerging talent, but not enough leadership. They are lacking a star player that would turn them into a contender.
12. Philadelphia 76ers- Loads of young talent in Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala, this team could easily turn their season. They made the playoffs last year and have no reason not to do the same this season.
11. Detroit Pistons- Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, and Rodney Stuckey. That is enough to carry this team into the playoffs. With the talent they have, 11-21 is a huge disappointment.
10. New York Knicks- This team has been clicking on all cylinders lately. With the return of high flyer Nate Robinson, this team could quickly reach .500 and be a threat for a playoff run late in the season.
9. Milwaukee Bucks- Rookie Brandon Jennings is leading this team. Look for them to cool down as the season wears on, and stay in the bottom half of the east.
8. Chicago Bulls- They currently hold the 7th seed in the east. The loss of Ben Gordon to the Pistons (Free Agency) is going to the hurt the team down the strech. A huge bright spot has been the emergence of Joakim Noah and the team will rely heavily on him throughout the rest of the season.
7. Charlotte Bobcats- Head Coach Larry Brown has shown the east that this team is a legitimate playoff contender…building off last years success, Brown has Charlotte believing that this their year.
6. Toronto Raptors- A force to be reckoned with, this team has a great frontcourt. They need help in the backcourt, but should make the playoffs as a mid seeded team.
5. Miami Heat- D-Wade and the resurrgence of Michael Beasley has helped this team to compete. They have still made no real improvements over last year, but with the addition of another playmaker on the offense end, this team could win the southeast division within a few years.
4. Orlando Magic- This team has made only minimal improvements since last years finals run, which isnt going to bid them well due to a much improved division.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Josh Smith is finally begining to play every night. This team is functioning as a unit and might be able to make it past the second round of the playoffs for the first time in many years.
2. Boston Celtics- Injuries are hurting an elite team. If they want to win a championship, they need everybody. The loss of Kevin Garnett with a knee injury is especially hurtful.
1. Clevland Caviliers- Lebron finally has a talented enough supporting cast to “help” get the team to win an NBA championship. It looks like it is going to be the Cavs year.
