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This Weeks Exclusive Power Rankings are in. Take a look.

1. Detroit Pistons – The Detroit Pistons are kicking butt and taking names. Scary that this offense was likely here the whole time. Guess sometimes it doesn’t pay to play, “the right way.”

2. San Antonio – Last week I said Duncan had lost a step from previous years. I stand corrected. Team is rolling and newly acquired Michael Finley hasn’t even been the factor you know he can be.

3. LA Clippers – So far the shocker of the year. Sam Cassell has brought a sense of confidence to the perennially lowly Clipps. If this can be maintained remains to be seen.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Lebron finally has some help in the mistake by the lake. Barring injury, the Cavs should challenge for the fourth seed in the playoffs.

5. Milwaukee Bucks – The comeback from TJ Ford had been great, but Mo Williams play has been under the radar so far. The Bucks often feature a 3 guard attack that can score in bunches. The front court is legit as well with 4 solid big men clogging the paint.

6. Indiana Pacers – The two losses so far have basically been a result of this team’s greatest weakness, weak mental play. The little things always seem to cost the Pacers when the game is on the line.

7. Dallas Mavericks – Winning record on the road and unbeaten at home so far. This Mavs team is one of the deepest teams in NBA history. Their bench features 4 or 5 players that would start on most other teams.

8. Washington Wizards – Gilbert Arenas is the spark plug in this scoring machine. If the Wizards can keep scoring like this playoffs are a given.

9. Golden State Warriors – While Dunleavy has been a real disappointment so far, the rest of the Warriors have stepped up a notch. Baron Davis appears to be healthy and motivated. As long as injury history, which has never been kind to the Warriors, doesn’t repeat itself, GS should make a May run.

10. Philadelphia 76ers – After a horrible start Philly is showing some real fortitude. And this without starting center Samuel Dalembert. The real story behind Philly is C-Webb and AI coexisting. You get the sense that for the first time since the 2001 finals run, AI trusts his teammates.

11. Memphis Grizzlies – Pau Gasol is showing he really is a top 5 power forward. The Grizzlies are getting it done as usual, a lot of team work and sharing the ball. Eddie Jones has integrated well and looks like the player he was a few years ago.

12. Miami Heat – Are showing that Shaq isn’t required for this to be a winning team, however he is required for them to be a great team. Mourning is doing a nice job in his absence, but he doesn’t alter the game like Shaq does.

13. Chicago Bulls – Everywhere you look on this team you see good players, but no great ones…...yet. The Bulls are in the toughest division in the NBA and will have to really fight to stay in the race.


14. New Jersey Nets – Carter, Kidd and Jefferson are all having a good year but this team still lacks depth. If two of the stars are having off nights at the same time they will have a hard time winning.

15. Phoenix Suns – Nash and company have lost some real heartbreakers. Games they would not have lost with a healthy Amare. Suns just need to keep the ship afloat until he returns. Players like Jones, Barbosa and Diaw have made strides in their personal development as players this year. It can only help for the Suns to have some depth.


16. Utah Jazz – AK’s injury doesn’t bode well for the Jazz. Okur needs to be more consistent in AK and Boozer’s absences. He has followed high powered games with some very lackluster performances.


17. Boston Celtics – Sophomores and rookies are playing well. Paul Pierce, is well, Paul Pierce. The real surprise thus far has been Ricky Davis. Is this really the same guy that missed a shot on purpose to get a triple double? So far his unselfish and smart play has really helped take some of the load off Pierce.


18. Orlando Magic – The Magic get the nod here because of the way they’ve turned around their season and won on the road. After a horrendous opening, they’ve managed to somewhat right the ship. Dwight Howard needs to be the number one offensive option with Francis penetrating and dishing. Grant Hill can’t get back soon enough for this offensively starved team.


19. Houston Rockets – Yao is 7’6” tall. How on earth can he have games with less than 5 rebounds? Until he shows some aggression on the glass, the Rockets will struggle.

20. LA Lakers – Note to Kobe, the next time Andre Iguodola guards you, pass the ball instead of jacking up bad shots all night. Kobe’s biggest weakness is his stubborn refusal to share the ball when he feels personally challenged by a team. Kobe can score, board and dish, but until he trusts his team to do their jobs, Phil can kiss any title hopes goodbye.


21. Minnesota Timberwolves - The Wolves biggest problem is that KG can’t play all 48 minutes for 82 games. There are only role players on this team after KG goes to the bench. A trade for some offense would be a good start.


22. Denver Nuggets – Nene’s absence and Martin’s knee indicates that this team will get ripped apart by some of the front court heavy teams. Miller, Anthony and Camby all need to have stellar years for the Nuggs to make the playoffs. George Karl is a coach that gets the best out of players, if anyone can take this injury ridden team to the playoffs, it’s him.


23. Charlotte Bobcats – This is probably too high for them, but gritty play and depth has made the Bobcats one of the better bottom dwellers, if such a contradiction exists. Sean May is starting to show why he was drafted when the Cats already had a power forward in Okafor. May isn’t a better player than Okafor, but he is the second best big man on the team.


24. Sacramento Kings – The Kings are finally starting to gel, recent additions Wells and Reef have done well so far. The Kings may need a new offensive system though. Brad Miller is a good passing big man, but he is not Vlade or C-Webb when it comes to dishing the ball. Almost every trip down the floor, Miller stops at the top of the key and gets the ball from Bibby. Too predictable.


25. Seattle Sonics – New laid back style has not been kind to the Sonics. The front court is a mess with too many chefs in the kitchen with none of them serving gourmet. The rotation may need to be shortened to allow some players a chance to find a groove.

26. Portland Trailblazers – This team is young, inexperienced and lacks shooters. Randolph and Miles will need to be patient if they want to see some positive signs by the end of the season.

27. New Orleans – Young, young and young. This team has some talent, but when PJ Brown is your most consistent threat, you’re in trouble.


28. New York Knicks – Larry finally has some wins. The question still remains as to whether or not Marbury can thrive under LB. Knicks fans can comfort themselves in the fact that they’re still in first place…..as far as payroll is concerned.

29. Atlanta Hawks - So close so many times. It’s a sign of a young team when they can’t close out games. On a side note, someone wake up Josh Childress and tell him the season has started.


30. Toronto Raptors – My Charlie Villanueva comment was apparently off the mark. He has had great games in the last week and along with Bosh and Graham show the youth movement has some potential down the road in Toronto.

posted by Jonathon Combs @ 6:39 PM