Almost 2010, amazing - I know it's a clichéd, but where does time go? Obviously, this is the last Power Ranking for 2009...
1. LA Lakers (same) - I really battled on this. Really. But in the end, I gave the number one slot to the Lakers based on who they've lost to vs the same for Boston. Only a tiny, tiny margin... I guess it's kind of a home-court advantage for LA.
They're in a mini-slump... and still winning. And Kobe's been phenomenal. Man's shown up to work every day.
2. Boston Celtics (same) - Boston have been pretty impressive, until the back-to-back losses against teams I expected them to crush. #1 was theirs - even after losing to LAC... until Golden State.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (up 1) - Cleveland are starting to play as expected, but I still think they're a notch below LA and Boston, despite the win in LA. They're still a piece away - lots of options will open up as teams try to clear space for the great firesale of '10.
4. Orlando Magic (up 1) - The Magic have been pretty impressive, especially given that Nelson's been polishing pine for a large part of December. As he gets his legs under him, Orlando are going to get tougher. And who'd have thought that JJ Reddick would turn into a basketballer? I didn't see THAT coming...
5. Dallas Mavericks (up 2) - Impressive. Quiely shaping up as the team most likely to challenge LA. But the headband? Sorry Dirk, I'm not feeling it... you've lost me there.
6. Atlanta Hawks (up 3) - Atlanta by the stats are one of the top teams in the NBA. Follow the numbers - like Hollinger - and you'll note that they're right up near the very top of the tree. Until they play another top team and they're found out.
7. Denver Nuggets (down 6) - Ouch.
8. Phoenix Suns (down 2) - The Suns have had a bad December, despite beating LA. They've lost nearly twice as many games as they've won (9 losses).
9. San Antonio (up 1) - I said it at the start of the season. The main issues this team will face this season are health/age. Right thus far.
10. Houston Rockets (up 1) - Houston continue to amaze. And if they can turn Tracy McGrady's bloated contract into a bit more scoring, then they could be a very real threat in the West. They have to be wary of their chemistry tho' - it's running VERY well at the moment.
11. Miami Heat (down 3) - Some good wins through December, some poor losses too tho'. Still don't believe... and unless that roster changes, Wade'll bail.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (same) - Awful luck, this once promising franchise is turning into a M.A.S.H. re-run.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (up 1) - THUNDER-STRUCK! I really, really like this team - the only thing holding them back is youth, and that fades.
14. Utah Jazz (down 1) - The Jazz. Pretty much doing what the Jazz always seem to do of late. Stare up in wonder at those above them and ask "Well... how did we get here?"...
15. Memphis Grizzlies (up 8) - Very well performed team with all the right ingredients. In time, this'll be an envied roster. Dare I say it, Marc Gasol's a better fit for the Grizz than brother Pau.
16. Toronto Raptors (up 2) - I've surprised myself by having them this high, but of late, they've looked pretty good. Still think it's Bosh's farewell tour.
17. Sacramento Kings (same) - Lead by RoY-leading Tyreke Evans, they've finally been able to ditch that "Queens" label given oh-so-long-ago by Shaq.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (down 3) - Things aren't running so well of late, but even so: yet another team with a good, young core.
19. Charlotte Bobcats (same) - Really find themselves at this point through virtue of no-one else stepping up and taking it from them.
20. New Orleans Hornets (same) - 'Tis amazing. 'Tis. Even tho' West's starting to fire, and Paul's doing what he always does, this team has really, really fallen from grace.
21. LA Clippers (same) - There's never been any question that this roster is actually pretty good. The Curse? Well... that's another story entirely.
22. New York Knicks (up 6) - Actually starting to look like a basketball team. Now, if they can just shake off the remnants of Isiah.
23. Chicago Bulls (down 7) - Falling, falling, falling. It's just a matter of 'when' for Vinnie now... not 'if'.
24. Detroit Pistons (down 1) - This is a team that's aging badly. There's youth, but Detroit seem uncertain what to do with the likes of Stuckey, Bynum and Gordon.
25. Philadelphia 76ers (up 1) - This is a franchise with too many questions, and hasn't got The Answers. Even with AI.
26. Indiana Pacers (up 1) - It's funny. At times this team can look half decent. At other times, they look... well... like what we've come to expect from Indiana. If Reggie was dead, he'd be turning in his grave.
27. Washington Wizards (down 5) - When you look at this roster, there's nothing wrong with it other than discord, division, an ego-tripping leader, and players who don't really want to be there.
...
...
...
Ok, scratch the "nothing wrong" bit.
28. Golden State Warriors (down 2) - Nellie, just quit. You're KILLING this franchise.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (up 1) - Any other year, this team'd be stone cold last.
30. New Jersey Nets (same) - ...
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The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 