lets all hope Big Scal and the Celts can make a return to glory
1. LA Lakers- As much as it pains me they are one of the deepest and most talented teams and if they remain healthy will be there at the very end.
2. Atlanta Hawks- Hot Lanta indeed they are coming out of the gate on fire with two wins against Portland and a win at Boston.
3. Orlando Magic-Despite Dwight not playing all that great and Rashard Lewis being supspened to start the yr they still have one of the best records in the league.
4. Boston Celtics- A lot of changes and question marks coming into the season still look poised for a good run and as long as they continue to play tough defense will be a force come playoff time.
5. Phoenix Suns- Im not sure if they will last all yr but right now they are a top team.
6. Portland Trail Blazers- Their depth is being put to the test with injuries to Batum and Troutlaw, but they are getting help from Oden finally and as Andre Miller continues to become comfortable with his teammates they will remain a contender.
7. Denver Nuggets- Explosive offensively without question.....if Melo continues at his MVP level will push for the Western Crown.
8. Dallas Mavericks- I would have put them higher, I think they are very talented and if Josh Howard can return to his high level at all this season they can contend for the second best team in the West along with Portland and Denver, but that loss to Golden State with only 6 players was just plain terrible.
9. Cleveland Cavs- Lebron enough said.....ps the Shaq move has and will make them worse threw out the season.
10. San Antonio Spurs- Record is not that great but they have a ton of new faces and injuries have been a huge problem I look for them to round into form shortly after all star break.
11. OKC Thunder- I really like ok ok I LOVE their roster Russell Westbrooke, Kevin Durant, and James Harden might be my 3 favorite young players after Rajon Rondo.
12. Miami Heat- I dont like their roster at all beyond D Wade but they are gettin the job done.
13. Utah Jazz- I have to believe that Deron Williams, AK 47, Boozer, Okur, Milsap, Ronnie Brewer, and the rest of their solid role players is enough to compete night in and night out.
14. Milwaukie Bucks- As much as a suprise as their record is it cannnot be ignored. And Brandon Jennings is playin like an all star.
15. Houston Rockets- Gotta love the effort that this depleted roster is putting out every night.
16. Chicago Bulls- Injuries have played a small part in their slow start, as has the inconsistent play by Derrick Rose....I look for them to turn things around and be the 4th or 5th seed in the East.
17. Toronto Raptors- Why is it that Jose Colderon, Chris Bosh, and Hedu cant at least be .500 this far into the season.
18. New Orleans-I dont like them to make the playoffs but I do like how they have at least managed to battle every night.
19. Philadelphia Sixers- One of my biggest disapointments I like their young talent with Louis Williams, Iggy, and Thaddeus Young, but after awhile that promise becomes a bust if it doesnt translate.
20. Sacremento Kings- Young and inexperienced but damn they are playing tough and Tyerek Evans might be Brandon Jennings only competition for rookie of the year.
21. Indiana Pacers- I like Rush, Granger, and Hibbert but the rest of the roster is either slow or injury prone and in the case of Murphy and Dunleavy BOTH.
22. Detriot Pistons- Alot of injuries thus far but still in the mix so if they get healthy and can all fit together they might become a sacrificial lamb for a team come playoff time.
23. Golden State- Same as Philly a lot of young talent maybe even younger so I gotta give them a little break especially with all of their injuries.
24. LA Clippers- Loaded!!! I just dont get out they cant win more games.....the loss of Blake Griffin hurts clearly but Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, and the rest of the roster should be enough to win more then 5 of 14 despite Eric Gordon and Blake being out.
25. Charlotte Bobcats- I really like the Stephen Jackson move but it doens't make up for the Tyson Chandler move over the summer I think they are destain to be stuck as a below average team for a long time.
26. Memphis Grizzlies- Great move getting rid of Iverson.....let this young talented group grow and hopefully threw all the trials and losses they will grow together.
27. Washington Wizards- I didnt buy all the hype coming into the season and with inuries allready to Butler, Jamison and Miller I dont see this team making the playoffs.....Gilbert is just not the answer I think they should give Nick Young and Foye more minutes.
These next three teams are just terrible....
28. New York Knicks- Why in gods name they even thought about bring in AI I have no idea they already sell out every game so thats no arguement I guess they just like being a joke.
29. Minnesota- Johnny Flynn has proven to be a good draft but they could have used one of their other first round picks to actually get a player that could help this yr or next even......Kevin Love coming back will help but not enough.
30. New Jersey-Injuries aside....not winning a game is just plain unacceptable.
Pre/Early Season Awards:
MVP-Lebron James- Guy is unstoppable that is all I need to say but Melo and Kobe will give him a run for his money.
In the Running-Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash
Rookie of the Year- Brandon Jennings-Going into the season I would have said Blake Griffin but his injury and Jennings amazing play has made this almost a one man race already.
In the Running-Tyreke Evans, Johnny Flynn
Defensive MVP-Josh Smith- His rebounding is up, his on ball defense is improved and he is blocking even more shots then ever.
In the Running- Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett
6th Man-Jason Terry- I hate to put him in the mix because he plays more minutes then the guy who starts above him but he is playing at very high level.
In the Running- Manu Ginobli (if he can come back healthy), Jamal Crawford
Most Improved-Aaron Brooks- It really started last yr in the playoffs but he is playing extremely well on a team that is a early season suprise.
In the Running-Roy Hibbert, Greg Oden
My Pick for Biggest Suprise- Im not gonna brag on and say that I would have picked Washington to struggle, so I'll make pick for the future and say that once Blake Griffin comes back that the Clippers will fight for and ultimately make the playoffs.
In the Running-Melo wins the MVP, Cleveland gets bounced in the 1st Round
