This picture says it all. The New Jersey Nets have had no luck in a victory this season so far. The Nuggets took control about the third quarter and all was said. Carmelo Anthony scored 27 and had 6 rebounds in the 101 – 87 win over the Nets. The Nets are now 0-14 and are 3 losses shy of the record for most losses starting a season.

~Signing Off~
AGE

Sixers vs Wizards, 7:00 pm

Philly will improve to six wins tonight and hand Washinton their third straight loss.  Lou Williams has played well in his last two outings and will continue to do so tonight.  Andre Iguodala will also play a big role for the Sixers with his sixth twenty point game of the season.  Look for Antawn Jamison to rebound from a subpar performance on Saturday and play well.

Pacers vs Raptors, 7:00 pm

The Pacers will head back to Indiana with a victory over Chris Bosh’s Raptors.  Danny Granger will lead his team in a big way with a season-high point total.  Andrea Bargnani and Chris Bosh will drive the Toronto attack with strong scoring nights.

Lakers vs Knicks, 10:30 pm

Kobe Bryant’s Lakers will post their fourth straight win against an overmatched Knicks team.  Al Harrington and David Lee will do their best to keep the game competitive but will come up short despite nice games.  Bryant and Odom will both turn in solid performances for the streaking Lake Show.

Oher Winners: Jazz, Mavs, Nuggets

LEADERS

Scoring: Dirk Nowitzki, Danny Granger, Carmelo Anthony

Rebounds: David Lee, Chris Bosh

Assists: Devin Harris, Jason Kidd

Best Overall Performance: Danny Granger

The rankings are out again, and there is a new #1. Who is it? How far did the former #1 fall? When will New Jersey get it together? The rankings begin right now.

1. Orlando Magic (11-3) (previous ranking: 9) Five straight wins have vaulted the Magic to the best record in the NBA and the top spot in the rankings. Despite losing Jameer Nelson for four to six weeks, this team is still deep and they are really coming together.

2. Atlanta Hawks (11-3) (previous ranking: 2) If the Hawks had not of lost to New Orleans last night, the talk of them being #1 would be a no-brainer, but this team is still one of the tops in the East. They are really showing themselves as a contender. This is another team that is deep, and if they can stay healthy, they could go a long way in May.

3. Phoenix Suns (11-3) (previous ranking: 1) The Suns loss to the Hornets prevented them from holding the top spot for the week. With Orlando and Atlanta on fire as of late, they had to be bumped down two spots. Not many impressive wins for them to stay among the tops in the rankings

4. Los Angeles Lakers (10-3) (previous ranking: 4) The Lakers stay put after a 3-0 week, and it is good for them that Pau Gasol is back, he will be able to take the load off Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. The team is complete again, but Phoenix is still holding their ground against them for first in the Pacific Division.

5. Dallas Mavericks (10-3) (previous ranking: 5) The Mavericks may have beat the Lakers, and have won five straight, they were all hard fought victories. The Lakers right now look better than Dallas and with Gasol back from injury, they look more like a better team. If Dallas can beat the Lake Show for a second time with Gasol in lineup, it will be good enough to overtake them. Good 3-0 week for them.

6. Boston Celtics (10-4) (previous ranking: 3) The Magic and Mavericks rise has knocked Boston down a couple of spots. The C’s were a victim of Orlando’s win streak, which was their only loss of the week. Thank Kevin Garnett for avoiding an embarrassing loss to the Knicks at the Garden.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-4) (previous ranking: 5) The Cavs took a pounding from the Wizards this past Wednesday, but responded with wins over Indiana and Philadelphia. At least Shaq has been at home for the games he’s been injured from, and not just the Washington game. Those that know the backstory can have a good laugh.

8. Milwaukee Bucks (8-3) (previous ranking: 10) The Bucks could not beat the Mavericks, but they did take advantage of the weak part of their schedule, beating, New Jersey, Charlotte, and Memphis to cap a 3-1 week and stay tied for first with Clevleland in the Central Division.

9. Denver Nuggets (9-4) (previous ranking: 8] The Nuggets crush the Lakers at home 10 days ago, and in the next week, they lose to the Clippers at Staples Center. This team started out strong, but have been hot and cold since. They have to find a way to stay consistent.

10. Portland Trail Blazers (10-5) (previous ranking: 6) The Blazers went 4-0 last week, but only 2-2 this week. They lost to the Hawks, which wasn’t a surprise, but they also lost to Golden State. Just like the Nuggets, they have to find a way to stay consistent as well. They are good, but we forget that this team is young still.

11. Miami Heat (8-5) (previous ranking: 7) The Heat continue to free fall down the rankings. A huge loss at home to the Thunder, and another bad loss to the Raptors. Udonis Haslem did save the team’s free fall from being worse with a game-winning jumper to sink the New Orleans’ Hornets

12. Houston Rockets (8-6) (previous ranking: 12) The Rockets won the games they were supposed to win (Timberwolves and Kings), but loss the games that they were expected to lose (Suns and Hawks). The 2-2 week has them staying put at #12.

13. Utah Jazz (7-6) (previous ranking: 20) Playing the Cavaliers, and coming close to beating them has had a great effect on the Jazz. They have won three in a row since the Cavs loss, and have a long homestand ahead of them in which they have six straight at home (they started it by beating Detroit on Sat. night).

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (7-7) (previous ranking: 16) Another big win against a good team on the road as OKC beat the Heat on South Beach. That along with a win at Washington were good wins. Tough losses against Orlando and the Lakers result in a split week, but as with the Thunder’s season, those wins keep going a long way.

15. Chicago Bulls (6-6) (previous ranking: 14) A 1-2 week puts the Bulls at .500, They beat the surprising Kings, in which that was no surprise. They have loss to the Lakers and Nuggets in this West Coast road trip and then have two tough games in the Blazers and Jazz on the road. Some injuries have set them back, but this team should be better and are better than what their record shows.

16. San Antonio Spurs (5-6) (previous ranking: 17) The Spurs are still struggling to maintain the high expectations. They all haven’t been healthy together, as the Big Three of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili have been injured at various times of the year. Richard Jefferson has really been non-existent. It’s still early, but when will they finally start to peak?

17. Indiana Pacers (5-6) (previous ranking: 13) Three straight losses has the Pacers dropping four spots. A loss to the Cavaliers is one thing, but to lose to the Knicks and Bobcats is a MAJOR setback, especially blowing a huge lead to New York and losing the game.

18. Toronto Raptors (6-8) (previous ranking: 19) The only team to go 1-3 and move up, it must be because the teams below are doing awful, but the Raps did just run into teams that are better than them, losing two in the mountains (Denver & Utah) and Orlando, but an impressive win over the Heat was their saving grace this week.

19. Sacramento Kings (5-7) (previous ranking: 15) The Kings have lost three straight, against the teams they should really lose to (Chicago at home, Dallas and Houston on the road), but the schedule is encouraging for them to get back to .500 by Wednesday with games at Memphis and against the New York Knicks. Still playing hard and playing with fight, something that has not been seen in Sacto in a long time.

20. New Orleans Hornets (6-9) (previous ranking: 25) Had it not been for Udonis Haslem’s jumper to sink them at Miami, the Hornets could have risen further in the rankings. The team looked like it was in major trouble, but they had impressive wins over Phoenix and Atlanta. Maybe hope is not lost in the Big Easy.

21. Philadelphia 76ers (5-8) (previous ranking: 21) The Sixers escaped with victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in a game that they weren’t supposed to win, but they followed that up with a very bad loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and the fell to the Cavs on the road. This team is not that impressive, but luckily for them, a lot of teams are not that impressive either.

22. Los Angeles Clippers (5-9) (previous ranking: 22) The Clippers lost a couple of bad ones in New Orleans and in Memphis, but they did come on national television this past Friday and won a good game over the Denver Nuggets, so their ranking stays put for another week.

23. Detroit Pistons (5-9) (previous ranking: 18) During the five year anniversary of the “Malice at the Palace”, many bloggers and media people were so focused on how the Pacers have been rebuilding. Sure the Pistons have been in the playoffs consistently, but has anyone noticed that Indiana is ahead of Detroit right now. Five straight losses has the Pistons in the Central Division cellar, and John Kuester needs to know that Joe Dumars has very little patience.

24. Golden State Warriors (4-8) (previous ranking: 24) The Warriors winning percentage in 2009 before Stephen Jackson trade: .333. The winning percentage in 2009 after Stephen Jackson trade: .333. Not much of a difference since Jax’s departure, but it is good to see Stephen Curry get more playing time for the Warriors.

25. Charlotte Bobcats (4-9) (previous ranking: 23) The Bobcats winning percentage in 2009 before acquiring Stephen Jackson: .333. The winning percentage in 2009 after acquiring Stephen Jackson: .250. The one thing that is said though is that they have shown a lot more offense in the last few games, and they ended their seven game losing streak with a win over the Pacers Sunday night.

26. Memphis Grizzlies (4-9) (previous ranking: 27) The Grizz are 2-1 since Allen Iverson was officially released from the team. This team is playing with more confidence, and more loose since the departure of A.I., and by beating and staying with teams that are better than them, it can go a long way (just ask the Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder)

27. Washington Wizards (3-9) (previous ranking: 26) The Wizards have their Big Three healthy and together again, but they are still playing the same? What is with this team? It looked as if they turned a corner when they beat their rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have lost big to the Thunder and to the Spurs. This team is just hard to figure out. Is Gilbert Arenas on to what he says about this team and “hidden agendas”?

28. New York Knicks (3-10) (previous ranking: 28) The poor Knicks go 2-1 over the week, and can’t move up anywhere. Mike D’Antoni’s bunch could have moved up quite a bit if they could have beaten the Celtics last night, but a 1-7 record at MSG is not going to help matters in this team’s quest to improve.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-12) (previous ranking: 29) The Timberwolves have quietly lost 12 in a row, if it wasn’t for their only win against New Jersey, this team would be 0-13. The question is with them has to be: What does Ricky Rubio think of this? The worst thing about losing 12 in a row is that majority of these losses have been extremely bad.

30. New Jersey Nets (0-13) (previous ranking: 30) The only chance for the Nets to win was lost on Saturday at the hands of the New York Knicks. Lawrence Frank is still around has to be due to the fact that management knows that this team is ravaged with injuries. But at the same time though, there seems to be no wins in sight as they hit the West Coast for a road trip. How much longer will the rope hang for Frank?

#1 – Atlanta Hawks

The best team of the NBA so far. Josh Smith has been superb in the first 14 games. He has been the horse they have been riding. The Hawks had a weird loss to the Hornets Friday but that’s Ok on the road and on a second of back-to-backs.

#2 – Cleveland Cavaliers

Without Shaq, the team plays better. He just doesn’t fit there and with him out for a while now, they were able to give minutes to JJ Hickson who could be the solution for their problems, certainly not offensively but maybe defensively.

#3 – Phoenix Suns

The Suns remain red hot. 2^nd best record of the league so far, even with the loss to the Hornets on Thursday which shouldn’t be a shock because every time that the Suns are dominated on the boards, they lose, and it’s a lock just like that.

#4 – Los Angeles Lakers

Gasol is back and that means the Lakers should make their push to the league’s best record now. With the Spanish Center there, they are just so tough to beat, they are big and physical.

#5 – Orlando Magic

With Rashard Lewis back, they become a matchup nightmare again. The win against the Celtics highlighted that. Vince Carter is coming alive, against Boston he scored 26, turned the ball over a lot but took the game over in the end and that what you expect from your superstar and the reason why Orlando traded for him.

#6 – Denver Nuggets

Carmelo Anthony has been terrific so far and put himself in the MVP race however they are still not on the same level as last season. Their defense has been OK but when Billups doesn’t play well, all of a sudden nobody else but Carmelo produces.

#7 – Dallas Mavericks

Nowitzki has been carrying them because the bunch of injuries already started, Marion and Howard haven’t played together for a decent amount of time, and it’s not close to end.

#8 – Boston Celtics

On back-to-backs they look old. The loss against the Magic can be faced as a problem but when healthy, they are still the best team in the NBA. The question is: for how long will they remain healthy?

#9 – Milwaukee Bucks

The Jenningsmania is all over the NBA, even in this Power Rankings.

#10 – Portland Trail Blazers

Travis Outlaw is out with the same injury that held Webster for the entire season last year and that’s a hit on their second unit. The 3 men backcourt has survived so far but maybe is time to trade Miller.

#11 – Miami Heat

As Wade goes, they go which means that so far, they are a playoff team.

#12 – Houston Rockets

Even I’m convinced that this team needs somebody who can create his own shots on clutch moments. That guy is neither Ariza nor Brooks. Hopefully McGrady won’t screw the good vibe around the team.

#13 – Oklahoma City Thunder

When those four guys score, they are tough to hold. Lately even when they lose, they are on the game until the end. As the season progresses, they progress and the Western Conference should watch out.

#14 – Utah Jazz

With Williams back and Boozer stepping up, the Jazz won all three games this week including one against the Spurs which was their first in San Antonio in 20 games.

#15 – Toronto Raptors

They won 42% of their games. With all the money spent in this team and with playoff expectations around them, they have to perform better.

#16 – San Antonio Spurs

Ginobili and Parker out this week, injuries caught with them like expected. They always start slow, so no worry there.

#17 – Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose has struggled a lot and that’s a real problem. This is a team that has a lot of variations and formations but it’s only 8 deep.

#18 – Indiana Pacers

They are who we thought they were: a .500 team.

#19 – Detroit Pistons

With Hamilton and Prince out, they have been able to hang in there but the problems are the same, lack of size inside and no rebounders, and when they face decent competition, that’s a problem.

#20 – Sacramento Kings

They are 5-7. Can you believe that?! The Kings won 41.7% of their games and that’s crazy. Tyreke Evans and Omir Caspi have been big so far.

#21 – Los Angeles Clippers

Yes, they have been a disappointment but when Gordon and Griffin return, they should be better. The push to the playoffs is yet to come but Kaman has played the best basketball of his career and Baron Davis is finally finding himself on that offense. Their second unit is amazing.

#22 – New Orleans Hornets

Without Chris Paul and with the new coach, they played well this week. Rookies getting more playing time and when Stojakovic shows up to play, they are not that bad. It’s tough to see them over .500 though.

#23 – Philadelphia 76ers

They are the ones to open a playoff spot on the East. They face problems on offense and defense. With Brand there, they haven’t been as committed to Iguodala on offense which they should if they want to save the season.

#24 – Golden State Warriors

Jackson is gone and the Warriors got cap relief instead. They’ll play shorthanded for the rest of the season but Don Nelson likes it this way. Nelson who, by the way, is 23 wins away from his record which means he’s 23 wins away from retirement what could mean that next season, maybe the Warriors will be OK.

#25 – Charlotte Bobcats

Probably the dumbest team in the NBA. The franchise is for sale but yet they took on Jackson’s awful contract in a move that won’t make them better than those teams they are fighting.

#26 – Memphis Grizzlies

Iverson is now gone for good. It’s time for them to translate talent into wins.

#27 – Washington Wizards

They have been the most disappointing team so far.

#28 – New York Knicks

Apparently they refused going after Allen Iverson, which would at least entertain us, because of Eddie Curry and Toney Douglas. I have no words for that.

#29 – Minnesota Timberwolves

They miss Kevin Love but as expected they would be bad anyway.

#30 – New Jersey Nets

They have been banged up but nothing justifies that awful start. Douglas Roberts is back, so is Harris, which means the offense should be better but the 0-17 start looks real.

Check More At: MVN

Power Rankings III: http://basketballoutsider.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/power-rankings-iii/

Have you ever heard people say, ‘they brought their A game’? Or a coach will demand, ‘you need to bring your A game’? Better yet, someone in the losing locker-room explaining to a reporter, ‘we just didn’t bring our A game’.

To me, that’s all wrong.  You need to bring something stronger. Something much better. Something that gives you a better chance of winning.  How about your A+ game!

In big games, your A game will not cut it. In any game, your A game may help you stay close, but in order to win the big games, you need to bring your A+ game.

Every possession matters.  Every shot, every pass and every rebound…matters! Each time you step between the lines, play with energy, defend and take care of the ball.

Step up your game and bring your A+ game!

Observations:

I watched the Denver Nuggets go into LA to play the Clippers Friday night. Bad news for the Nuggets. LA decided to play.  Play hard that is.  Carmelo Anthony started off the game scoring 17 points helping Denver to a 12 point lead early.  He was scoring from all angles.  But Chris Kaman, by way of Central Michigan University took it upon himself to dominate the low post.

The Clippers bench also did a great job led by Sebastian Telfair who thought he was back in Coney Island pushing the ball in transition and dribbling like he was auditioning for the latest And 1 Mix Tour.  Rasul Butler chipped in with 27. Clipper came out on top 106-99.  Do you think Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy and Telfair sit down and talk Brooklyn Hoops? Dunleavy played at Nazareth High School, Telfair at Lincoln.  Would love to hear those two debate which is better, the CHSAA or PSAL?

“We have to somehow realize that we are everybody’s big game,” said Denver guard Chauncey Billups. “It’s not like a few years ago where you play the Clippers or somebody and it is just another game.”

That’s right CB, you guys are being hunted now!

Speaking of another ‘CB’, Charlie Bell of the Milwaukee Bucks (formerly of Flint Southwestern High School) has filled in for Michael Redd at the shooting guard position and has done a solid job. Last night he scored 19 points on 7-15 shooting including 5-11 from way downtown in leading the Bucks to a 103-98 win over Memphis. Milwaukee is now 8-3.

The New Jersey Nets are now 0-13 after losing to the Knicks on Saturday 98-91. Bring back Foots Walker, Mike Newlin and Mike Gminski!

Rasheed Wallace of the Boston Celtics is shooting 22 of 70 on the season from way downtown. Including 0-8 Friday night against the Orlando Magic.  What, him worry?

“I ain’t worried about it, honestly,’’ said Wallace, after he missed all eight 3-point attempts. “I probably rushed about two or three of them. Other than that, it’s good looks, they’re just not going for me. I’m not worried about my offense now. It’s still early in the season, I know I won’t be shooting like this for the duration of the season.

Για να ξεσκουριάσει το πληκτρολόγιο θα ξεκινήσουμε ένα παραδοσιακό post που από καιρό μας είχε προταθεί. Αφορά την προέλευση των ονομάτων των ομάδων του ΝΒΑ.

• Atlanta Hawks. Τα γεράκια της Ατλάντα δε πήραν το όνομα τους από το πτηνό όπως ίσως φαντάζεστε αλλά από τον Ινδιάνο αρχηγό Black Hawk ή όπως θα ήθελε να τον φωνάζετε Makataimeshekiakiak . Για αυτό και το πρώτο τους όνομα μέχρι το 1951 ήταν Black Hawks. Έτσι οι Αμερικάνοι, αφού έσφαξαν μερικές χιλιάδες ινδιάνους, χάρισαν  το όνομα του ενός σε ομάδα ΝΒΑ και εξιλεώθηκαν. Τα χρώματα της φανέλας προφανώς προέρχονται από το μαλλί του.

Ο πρώτος fan των Atlanta Hawks

• Denver Nuggets. Nuggets είναι οι βόλοι και στη περίπτωση της ομάδας αναφέρονται στην ανάπτυξη των μεταλλωρυχείων στις αρχές του 19ου αιώνα. Το πρώτο τους σήμα δείχνει έναν μεταλλωρύχο να ανακαλύπτει μία μπάλα μπάσκετ.

• Detroit Pistons. Ο πρώτος πρόεδρος της ομάδας ήταν ιδιοκτήτης εργοστασίου που έφτιαχνε πιστόνια. Το όνομα παρέμεινε κι όταν μετακόμισαν στο Detroit που είναι η πρωτεύουσα των αυτοκινητο-βιομηχανιών στην Αμερική.
• Indiana Pacers. Pace car είναι το safety car για όσους γνωρίζουν από Formula 1. Pacer επίσης είναι τα άλογα αγώνων που βαδίζουν έτσι. Κι επειδή δύο από τους βασικούς επενδυτές της ομάδας ήταν θαυμαστές τόσο των αλόγων όσο και του περίφημων αγώνων αυτοκινήτων Indianapolis 500, έγινε το βάπτισμα.
• Los Angeles Clippers. Επειδή το όνομα Losers δεν είναι εύηχο, ψηφίστηκε το Clippers που αναφέρεται στα  μεγάλα ιστιοφόρα που περνούσαν από το λιμάνι του San Diego (πριν πάει η ομάδα στο LA).
• Los Angeles Lakers. Η ομάδα ιδρύθηκε στη Minnesota, τη “γη των 1000 λιμνών”, και κακώς κράτησε το όνομα όταν μετακόμισε στο Los Angeles αφού λίμνες δεν υπάρχουν…
• New Jersey Nets. Το όνομα προέρχεται από τα διχτάκια (nets) και επιλέχθηκε το συγκεκριμένο για να κάνει ομοιοκαταληξία με τις άλλες ομάδες της (τότε) Νέας Υόρκης, Mets και Jets.
• New York Knickerbockers. Knickerbockers όπως είναι ολόκληρο το όνομα των Knicks, είναι ένα είδος κοντού παντελονιού (μέχρι το γόνατο περίπου), που φορούσαν οι Ολλανδοί μετανάστες στην Αμερική το 17ο αιώνα. Θα ήταν ενδιαφέρον να βλέπαμε τον Eddy Curry να τα φοράει.

• Utah Jazz. Οι Jazz ξεκίνησαν από τη Νέα Ορλεάνη, το μέρος που αναπτύχθηκε κη ατ’εξοχήν μαύρη μουσική Jazz . Πού να ήξεραν ότι κάποτε η ομάδα θα μεταφερόταν στη πιο λευκή και ρατσιστική πολιτείας της Αμερικής, τη Utah.
• Seattle SuperSonics. Το καιρό που μετακόμισαν στο Seattle, μία αμερικάνικη εταιρεία κατασκεύαζε ένα υπερηχητικό αεροσκάφος για να ανταγωνιστεί το concord. Το αεροπλάνο ποτέ δε φτιάχτηκε αλλά το όνομα έμεινε στην ιστορία.
• Boston Celtics. Η Ιρλανδική καταγωγή της περιοχής είναι αυτή που φυσικά έδωσε το όνομα στην ομάδα.
• Houston Rockets. Αποτέλεσμα ψηφοφορίας ήταν το όνομα Rockets και δε τους “χάλασε” καθόλου όταν μεταφέρθηκαν στο Houston όπου βασίζεται η NASA.
• Orlando Magic. Τα κυρίαρχα ονόματα στη ψηφοφορία ήταν Magic και Juice και ευτυχώς επικράτησε το 1ο.
• Washington Wizards. Για όσους το πρόλαβαν, το προηγούμενο όνομα της ομάδας ήταν Bullets και βγήκε γιατί η ομάδα κάποτε έκανε προπονήσεις  κοντά σε ένα εργοστάσιο που παρήγαγε σφαίρες για το 2ο παγκόσμιο πόλεμο. Μετά φυσικά άλλαξε σε Wizards λόγω της σχέσης των Bullets (=σφαίρες) με την εγκληματικότητα. Το Wizards δε ξέρουμε πως προήρθε, αλλά πιθανότατα ο πρόεδρος να ήταν θαυμαστής του Harry Potter.
• New Orleans Hornets. Το αρχικό όνομα για την τότε Charlotte ήταν Spirit αλλά οι οπαδοί ξεσηκώθηκαν και απαίτησαν διαγωνισμό. Έτσι ψηφίστηκε το Hornets (= σφήκες), διότι ένας Βρετανός Στρατηγός είχε δηλώσει στο πόλεμο ότι οι ντόπιοι πολεμούν σαν “φωλιά από σφήκες”.
• Miami Heat. Αυτό που αξίζει να ειπωθεί είναι ότι αν δεν κέρδιζε το όνομα Heat, οι Miami τώρα θα ονομάζονταν Flamingo

Τα περισσότερα, αν όχι όλα, από τα υπόλοιπα ονόματα, ψηφίστηκαν σε τοπικούς διαγωνισμούς. Αν κάποιος έχει περισσότερες πληροφορίες, ας μας τις πει!

credited to Nea_Liosia_7

If Allen Iverson is The Answer,  what’s the question?

Iverson is free again.  Rumor has it that the New York Knicks are interested.  As are the Orlando Magic.  Why?  Why would anyone pay this guy to be a part of their team?

Iverson was not the answer in Denver

   There was a time when Iverson and his antics would have been welcomed almost anywhere.  He is, after all a 10 time all-star. Rookie of the year in 1996-97.  NBA MVP in 2000-01.   Huge talent.  But with that talent has come, oh, lets say baggage.  He has had repeated run ins with coaches, officials and the league, numerous suspensions and fines.  Philadelphia, the team that drafted him, finally had enough of his act and traded him away in 2006, after a little over 10 seasons.

True to his nickname, Iverson was to have been ‘The Answer’ in Denver.  He was to join forces with Carmelo Anthony and push

Nor was he the answer in Detroit

the Nuggets over the top and deep into the playoffs.  But the experiment failed, and in the two playoff runs of which Iverson was a part,  the Nuggets failed to make it past the first round.  The combined record of those two series for the Nuggets was 1-8.  So early in the 2008-09 season, the Nuggets traded him to Detroit  For Chauncey Billups.  His stay in Denver lasted slightly over a season and a half.  Iverson was to be the missing piece in Detroit.  But while Billups was leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals, Iverson was going down in flames.  Iverson had some back issues, and finished the season having been shut down by the Pistons because of the injury.  It was mere coincidence that just two days before the Pistons placed him on IR he publicly stated that he would retire rather than be moved to a bench role.  The Iverson stint in Detroit lasted 54 games. 

At the beginning of this season, the 34-year-old Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.  Iverson proclaimed that “God chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career.”  apparently, God forgot to tell Iverson that he would be coming off the bench, and Iverson complained often and loudly that he was better and more deserving than that.  His stay in Memphis lasted 3 games.  That’s right, 3 games!  So here we are.  Memphis and Iverson have agreed to part ways.  Iverson cleared waivers and is now free to sign with any one who wants him.  The question is:  Why would any one want him?

After a 3 game stay in Memphis, perhaps now it is Iverson looking for the answer.

The Denver Nuggets  recorded another victory on Tuesday night as they handled the Toronto Raptors easily, 112-130.  This is the most points the team has scored so far this season.  This was a great way to bounce back from their victory last Friday night against the dreaded L.A. Lakers.  The Nuggets have been getting it done in the second half on defense, specifically the third quarter.   “They cranked it up with their defense in the second half and it made it a lot more difficult,” Toronto coach Jay Triano said.  Carmelo Anthony didn’t make it any easier for the Raptors as he went off with 32 points and sat out for most of the fourth quarter.  J.R. Smith showed he can still score ton of points of the bench by going 5 for 9 from the 3 point line and adding 29 points for the game in only 21 minutes of action.  The team has really come together as of late with the leadership of Chauncey Billups and explosiveness of Melo so far this year.  Melo has scored over 20 points in every game so far and is averaging just under 30 points per game.  The Nuggets head to L.A. to face the Clippers on friday night on ESPN.  Be sure to catch the game as im sure it will include some star studed action from our D-town Ballers.

Deron Williams is back tonight for Utah

A four-game west coast swing is rough enough in itself, and finishing it with a back-to-back against a pair of teams that won a combined 102 games last season just makes it all the more difficult. After having their legs fall off in the second half last night in Denver, the Raptors are in Utah tonight to face the Jazz before heading back to the ACC for some home cooking.

The Jazz enter at 4-6, though that has a little to do with early-season road dates in Denver, Boston and Cleveland thus far. They hung tough against the Cavs Saturday, falling 107-103 despite playing without point guard Deron Williams, who’s expected to be back in the lineup tonight after taking a two-game leave to deal with his sick daughter. Throw Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur into the mix and it may be a rough night for the Raptors, especially if last night’s second half is any indication as to what they have left in the tank. Oh well, coming out of this stretch 5-7 is a lot better than it could’ve been. It’ll get better come December, Raptors fans.

Jay Triano was able to rest his starters most of the fourth quarter in Denver, so hopefully that’ll help them grab a second wind tonight. Still no word on whether or not Hedo Turkoglu will suit up after sitting last night with a sore hip, but his fresh legs would come in handy if he’s good to go.

The Raptors and Jazz tip tonight at nine.

Coach Triano’s bizarre substitutions partly to blame for loss

It had the air of a preseason game by the start of the fourth quarter. Raptors head coach Jay Triano had 5 non starters on the court in an eight point deficit to the Denver Nuggets, losing 130 – 112 in an embarrassing display of poor defense and severe bench mismanagement.

Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and Nene Halario accumulated 67 of the Nuggets 130 points, completely dominating the Raptors starters at both ends of the floor. J.R Smith also had an impressive 29 points off the bench in just 21 minutes of playing time.

The loss was another defensive collapse by the Raptors who have now allowed 109 points per game, 2nd worst in the league. It also showed Triano’s potential weakness as a coach as key players like Rasho Nesterovich played just 8 minutes while Nugget big men were scoring easily in the paint. Demar Derozan had a good night on paper, but his 17 total points came when the score didn’t matter and Anthony schooled the rookie for most of the night. Anthony was suffering from a migraine headache and still managed to dominate Toronto at both ends.

“My legs could work,” Anthony said. “As long as I could run up and down that court, I was good. One of those Doug Moe games. It ended in the third quarter, though. In the first half, we were trying to outscore them. We was going bucket for bucket. We got together at halftime and told each other we didn’t want to play like that. In the third quarter, we played old Denver Nugget basketball, getting up and down the court in transition, playing defense . It was easy for us.”

The Nuggets also managed to cool down Bosh’s game, holding the Raptors forward to just 13 points. Bosh still managed to put up a double-double by grabbing 14 rebounds, his eighth of the season – but his inside game disappeared and Triano’s team settled for jumpers while allowing the Nuggets to score almost at will.

“They were physical on Chris Bosh, they were bumping him all night and he only got two free throws,” Triano said. Denver head coach George Karl had the same thought.

“Keeping Bosh under control was huge,” Karl said. “Maybe they went away from him some, but it seemed like he never got a personality.”

The Raptors are now 5 – 6 and play the Jazz in Utah tonight.

Rough night for our boys yesterday as we fell by 20 to the Denver Nuggets. We played well for nearly three quarters, but by the end nothing was left in the tank and our defense sagged.  As did our offense.  When your offense goes against a team like the Nuggets, that’s the end of the game.

The Zan for Three

George Karl is Brilliant.

When a team comes into Denver, the Nuggets have a clear advantage – they’re used to the altitude.  So what does Karl do? He plays his starters for the entire third quarter.  Naturally, Jay responds by keeping his starters in the game.  Our guys get tired and their guys do not.  That my friends, was the end of the game.

Chris Bosh

I’m going to harp on this for the rest of the season because it’s driving me nuts. When Chris Bosh decides to double team the ball at the top of the circle, the opposing team always gets an open shot. Why? He’s running through the motions. He doesn’t double aggressively on the ball (therefore the double is pointless) and the team has to rotate  to guard the player he’s supposed to be covering. One or two smart passes later and the opposing team has a wide open look. Watch for it.

Hoops Bar and Grill

I love you Hoops. I watch basketball games there often. But for the love of God, if you’re not going to play the Raptor game over the Leaf game don’t call yourself Hoops. It’s maddening.

Zan of the Night

JR Smith

He was a monster.  It was one of those nights.  Not necessarily our fault. He was hitting everything from everywhere.

Not Zan of the Night

JR Smith

Nice bow douchebag. Momma says, don’t let yourself get too high when you win or too low when you lose.  Honourable mention goes to Jarrett Jack who was once again the worst player on the court.

Carmelo was a killer tonight

Well, if nothing else, at least this one is done and over with. The Raptors went to Denver tonight and held tough for 24 minutes before what seemed like an inevitable second half collapse, eventually falling 130-112 to the Nuggets.

With Hedo Turkoglu resting with a hip injury, Toronto actually jumped to an 11-point lead late in the second quarter before watching it all fall apart. Carmelo Anthony made quick work of everything the Raps threw at him, finishing with the easiest 32 points you’ll ever see an NBA player score. Anthony was 12-of-15 from the field and 8-of-10 from the line before packing it in and watching his teammates put it to bed with a 33-23 fourth quarter. J.R. Smith also ran wild for Denver, scoring 29 points (on 11-of-17) in just 22 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets shot 61.5% as a team — the second time Toronto has allowed a team to connect at a clip of over 60% this season.

Chris Bosh had a season-low 13 points but grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds for the Raptors, who actually had a 48-33 edge on the boards, including 19-3 on the offensive end. DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with a career-high 17 in just 22 minutes, and Jose Calderon had 16 and seven assists. Marco Belinelli and Sonny Weems chipped in off the bench with 16 and 12, respectively.

It’s a shame this one was the first of a back-to-back, since it was as sure a loss as you’ll get going in. The Raptors, who looked gassed enough in the second half tonight, head to Utah to face the Jazz Wednesday before heading home for three, starting Friday against Miami.

#1 – Atlanta Hawks

#2 – Phoenix Suns

#3 – Denver Nuggets

#4 – Houston Rockets

#5 – Boston Celtics

#6 – Cleveland Cavaliers

#7 – Los Angeles Lakers

#8 – Portland Trail Blazers

#9 – Orlando Magic

#10 – Dallas Mavericks

#11 – Miami Heat

#12 – Milwaukee Bucks

#13 – Chicago Bulls

#14 – Oklahoma City Thunder

#15 – San Antonio Spurs

#16 – Toronto Raptors

#17 – Detroit Pistons

#18 – Utah Jazz

#19 – Indiana Pacers

#20 – Sacramento Kings

#21 – Philadelphia 76ers

#22 – Los Angeles Clippers

#23 – Charlotte Bobcats

#24 – Washington Wizards

#25 – Golden State Warriors

#26 – Memphis Grizzlies

#27 – New Orleans Hornets

#28 – New Jersey Nets

#29 – Minnesota Timberwolves

#30 – New York Knicks

Check More At: MVN

Power Rankings II: http://basketballoutsider.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/power-rankings-ii/

The three young guys look to lead the Blazers to a Championship.

Power Rankings  

1. Boston Celtics- They remain the top team in the league, because they continue to win by considerable margins. They have great depth and could make a championship run.

2. Orlando Magic- They have so much depth, it’s unreal. Rashard Lewis comes back this week and should make an immediate impact.

3. Portland Trailblazers- The Blazers have a lot of young talent and Miller is the final piece to the puzzle. He will lead this team to Championship contention.

4. Atlanta Hawks- I know some of you may think this a little high for the Hawks, but they have immense talent. Not to mention they have the best record in the Eastern Conference.

5. Los Angeles Lakers-  The Lakers have been winning, but by slim margins (Point Differential: 2.0). Once Pau Gasol returns from injury they should improve.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers- The Cavs are finally starting to click. Shaq will be a force inside all year long, because he draws fouls and gets opponents out of the game early.

7. Denver Nuggets-  This team continues to silently win. They stay away from the media, for the most part, and just win.

8. Dallas Mavericks- The Mavs are solid this year and the big surprise is they are winning with defense. This team is a top team in the West.

9. Miami Heat- Other than D-Wade this team doesn’t have tons of talent, but they support Wade nicely.

10. Phoenix Suns- This team has the best record in the league, but I’m still skeptical, because they allow 106 points per game. That is troublesome.  

11. San Antonio Spurs- They have been battling injuries to Duncan and Parker so it’s hard to tell how good this team really is. There bench has been performing decent in their absences.

12. Toronto Raptors-  This team gives teams trouble because of their big men’s ability to play away from the basket. Look for them to utilize this all season long.

13. Utah Jazz- Deron Williams is battling injuries again and they need him to be full strength in order to compete.

14. Chicago Bulls- The Bulls continue to play well. They aren’t doing great, but they are competing to win each game, night in and night out.

15. Milwaukee Bucks- This team is playing surprisingly well, despite the injury to Michael Redd. They have learned to play as a team and the rookie,Brandon Jennings, is leading the way.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder- Last year, this team had no defense. This year, they are winning games based purely on their defense. One of the best defensive teams in the league because of players like Durant, Green, and Westbrook have all picked up how to play defense together.

17. Houston Rockets- I don’t know how this team is winning games without their two best players, but they are, and I have to give them credit for that.

18. Detroit Pistons- It looks like their signings over the offseason have turned out well due to some injuries to the starters. Villanueva and Gordon are coming up big.

19. Washington Wizards- This team is a lot better than they are playing currently. They need to step up their game before they fall out of contention.

20. Indiana Pacers- This team is silently competing in the East. They have one of the best players in the game, Danny Granger, and yet they still don’t recieve media attention. Maybe that’s a good thing.

21. Philadelphia 76ers- Elton Brand needs to start living up to his contract and this team needs a player to lead them. They don’t have that right now and will continue to lose.

22. New Orleans Hornets- What a mess! Their coach, who by the way won COY in 2008, was fired. Chris Paul is injured and this team looks lazy out there on the court. They need a spark and soon before they end up moving the team out of New Orleans.

23. Los Angeles Clippers- Chris Kaman is the comeback player of the year, and now the question is how will Blake Griffin fit into the equation when he gets healthy. They need to get rid of Camby and watch this team roll.

24. Sacramento Kings- This team is doing surprisingly well and that’s without Kevin Martin. Their big men are playing like All-Stars. Jason Thompson is the surprise player of the year.

25. Golden State Warriors- Well they got rid of the bad seed, Jackson, but they didn’t get anything in return. Why let a talented player like him sell for nothing. They screwed up big time on this one.

26. Charlotte Bobcats- The Bobcats got a great deal by buying low on Jackson. He will improve their team 110 percent. That is, if they can keep him under control.

27. Memphis Grizzlies- I don’t understand how they aren’t winning more games. They have some of the most talented and athletically gifted players in the league, but still aren’t winning. Maybe a coaching change is under way?

28. New York Knicks- The Knicks are just awaiting the Lebron James era, but until then they need to find a way to not look so pathetic.

29. New Jersey Nets- This team still hasn’t won a game. Maybe Vince Carter was the heart and soul of the team. They need to find a way to win quickly or somebody is going on the chopping block.

30. Minnesota Timberwolves- This team just looks bad. They have no bench whatsoever, and they don’t have a whole lot of talented starters. This team is the worst team in the league. 

Predictions

Western Conference Finals: Trailblazers over Nuggets

 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics over Hawks

NBA Championship: Trailblazers over Celtics   

En un anterior post, hablamos de Kemp, pues aquí un partido entre los Nuggets y los Supersonics, donde está esa magnífica pareja Payton – Kemp.

Ver Vídeo

Fuente: Descargas de Basket

The Raps have their hands full tonight

Coming off a tight loss in Phoenix Sunday, the Raptors are in Denver tonight to face the Nuggets — never a fun task, but we might as well get this one over with. As always, a full preview over at Raptors Republic, featuring my NBA 2K10 game simulation.

Last year Toronto was pasted in Denver 132-93 in early December — Sam Mitchell’s last game as head coach. The Nuggets come into this one 7-3 and tied with Portland atop the Northwest Division, undefeated at home and coming off a 105-79 romp of the Lakers on Friday. They didn’t do much to upgrade in the summer, but last November’s addition of Chauncey Billups transformed them into a top-five team in the league, where I believe they still stand. A couple keys tonight will be to keep Billups in check and keep Carmelo Anthony completely going off — he’s currently tied for second in the league at 29.7 points per game. Denver also got a boost last week with the return of suspended guard J.R. Smith, who’s averaged 14.3 points in three games. Smith is talented but extremely shot-happy, and has proven capable of shooting the Nuggets out of games on off-nights. Let’s hope tonight is one of them.

Chris Bosh should be able to have his way in the paint with Kenyon Martin and Nene, though Birdman Andersen will bring some shot-blocking punch off the bench. I’m not sure what else Toronto can do to come out on top tonight other than to cross their fingers and hope for a miracle, though.

The Raptors and Nuggets get going at nine.

Watch Raptors vs Nuggets Live Online Full Free Stream – Highlights

Tonight, the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets will play for another exciting NBA regular season game. The Nuggets (7-3) might have lost three games on the road to the Hawks, Heat and Bucks, but in their last 105-79 win against the defending NBA champs the LA Lakers proved that the Nuggets are eying for gold this season. NBA leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points in LA, even with former defensive player of the year, Ron Artest is assigned to guard him.

For the Toronto Raptors (5-5), Chris Bosh is still playing one of his best career performances. But the Raptors hope that Hedo Turkoglu, the free agent they acquired last summer, will bring his offensive onslaught from the Magic, where he averaged 21 points per contest. The Raptors are a half-game behind the Chicago Bulls for the eight and last spot of the East.

Don’t forget to watch Toronto Raptors VS Denver Nuggets LIVE from Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Raptors vs Nuggets tips off at 9 PM ET. Watch Raptors VS Nuggets LIVE NBA game from ASE and TSN live full streaming.

Ty Lawson

Will Bynum

Double Pow!

How about some love for the greatest practice player of all-time? Joey Graham is actually now a member of the Nuggets, who the Raps face Tuesday night in Denver. He’s averaging just 3.7 points in seven games, but believe me, he runs Carmelo Anthony ragged every morning at shootaround.

For more Random Raptors Moments, check the archive here.

We can’t get enough Ty Lawson here at The Rafters. Poor seven-footer D.J. Mbenga of the L.A. Lakers got more than enough Ty Lawson on Friday night.

Unreal. What might be even better is how the dunk blew the roof off the Pepsi Center. Ty’s teammates love the kid, and the Denver Post published two articles over the weekend that include more of the praise the rookie has been garnering almost as fast as he can run from baseline to baseline. In one article, Ty’s all-star teammates share their shock and awe at his funknasty dunk:

Yet, all the Nuggets wanted to talk about afterward was rookie Ty Lawson’s first NBA dunk, when the 5-foot-11 guard skied past 7-footer D.J. Mbenga and 6-9 forward Josh Powell for the slam as he was hammered to the floor for a three-point play that had his teammates bolting from their seats and celebrating with the crowd as if they had won just the West.

“That was nasty,” Anthony said. “A 5-footer against two 7-footers.”

“That was incredible,” Billups said.

The other article, also by Arnie Stapleton, gushes with the excitement and satisfaction that the Nuggets have in regards to drafting Ty. His valuable experience in the up-and-down, high-scoring Carolina system is mentioned several times, with UNC alumnus Gerge Karl adding, “Well, when Roy Williams whispers to you that he’s the best point guard he’s ever coached—I mean, he’s had a few good point guards.”

Roy’s best? I believe it.

We had some pretty interesting shakeups in the rankings this week. We are truly beginning to see how interesting the season will be. The rankings will definitely fluctuate each week. one minute a team looks like they will tumble a lot, but then a team ahead suffers a bigger loss. Let’s just go to the rankings and see where each team lies.

1. Phoenix Suns (previous ranking: 1) (9-2)- The Suns may have lost to the Lakers, but despite all of that, they still have the best record in the NBA. There was no other team that could take the top spot, especially with the Lakers losing to the Rockets Sunday night, and the Suns thrilling win over Toronto earlier that day.

2. Atlanta Hawks (previous ranking: 5) (8-2)- They simply overmatched the Boston Celtics in the TD Garden, capping off a 3-0 week, and currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference. If you have to question this team still, why try? They are deep in every position, and if they can keep their intensity up, they may be more of a problem than most think.

3. Boston Celtics (previous ranking: 2) (8-3)- It’s one thing to lose the the Hawks, but to the Pacers? The C’s need to maintain their focus and not take all these games for granted. Teams like the Pacers are gunning for them and upset-minded each week. They are lucky enough to still be at 3 after the Pacers’ loss

4. Los Angeles Lakers (previous ranking: 3) (7-3)- So Reggie Miller, how’s that 20-1 prediction going for you? Right. Anyway, the Lakers have received great play from Andrew Bynum, as he has played at the caliber of an All-Star starter, but it’s apparent that this team really needs Pau Gasol.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (previous ranking: 11) (7-3)- The Cavs have won four straight and seven of eight since starting the season 0-2. They have really found their stride as of late with the victories. The only thing about it though: everyone else in the Central Division is in a good stride as well.

6. Portland Trail Blazers (previous ranking: 12) (8-3) The Blazers faced some of the lower echelon teams in the league this week, making it an easy 4-0 one for them. They get a big test starting Monday night in Atlanta. Maybe they can move up further facing one of the Association’s better teams.

7. Miami Heat (previous ranking: 4) (7-2) Hard to make the Heat fall even three spots, but with Portland’s 4-0 week and a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was only right to drop the Heat three spots. Dwyane Wade had a great week, posterizing Anderson Varaejo, and hitting the game-winning three pointer against the Miami Heat.

8. Denver Nuggets (previous ranking: 6) (7-3) The Nuggets didn’t have a bad week, heck, they blew out the Lakers at home, but they were just a victim of Cleveland and Portland rising in the rankings. They did lose to the Bucks, but the Bucks are rising as well.

9. Orlando Magic (previous ranking: 7) (7-3) The Magic handled business like they were supposed to, beating Charlotte and New Jersey, just like Denver, they were victims of two rising teams in the Cavaliers and Trail Blazers. Their only loss this week came to: Cleveland.

10 (tie). Milwaukee Bucks (previous ranking: 13) (5-2) Why aren’t the Bucks higher than the Nuggets? Although this team is good, and really good, led by Brandon Jennings, lets see if this team can get a significant road win or beat a top-10 team. They are playing the team they are tied with in the rankings, the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

10 (tie). Dallas Mavericks (previous ranking: 9) (7-3) The Mavericks lost to the Spurs, but bounced back with wins over Minnesota and Detroit, which are winnable games anyway. They are tied with Milwaukee due to the Bucks’ winning streak. Hard to put them out the top 10, and not put Milwaukee in the top 10. They are in Milwaukee tonight.

12. Houston Rockets (previous ranking: (6-4) Disappointing losses to Dallas and Sacramento contributed to this downfall, but they Rockets’ saving grace was a 101-91 win over the Lakers. Thank Aaron Brooks and his explosive second half for saving the Rockets to a huge drop.

13. Indiana Pacers (previous ranking: 23) (4-3) Four straight wins… the first three weren’t all impressive, but beating the Boston Celtics at home is a huge deal. This team is really coming together and it looks like Tyler Hansbrough is looking pretty good, averaging 10.3 PPG in just 14.7 MPG.

14. Chicago Bulls (previous ranking: 10) (5-4) Crushing loss at home against Denver and a loss to Toronto contributed to the drop from the Top 10. They need to get it back together, especially going on their west coast road trip starting with the upstart Sacramento Kings.

15. Sacramento Kings (previous ranking: 20) (5-4) It’s been over three years since the Kings even had a winning record, but after four straight wins and five of their last six, this is a team that is really buying into Paul Westphal’s system, and the play of Tyreke Evans is amazing. If they can keep this up when Kevin Martin returns, the Kings just might be a problem in the West.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (previous ranking: 14) (5-5) The Thunder split four games this week, including two with the Clippers, but the most impressive win this week had to be a ROAD win at San Antonio. The Thunder. Big wins at the elite teams can go a long way.

17. San Antonio Spurs (previous ranking: 18) (4-4) They lost to the Thunder at home, but at least this team has Tim Duncan and Tony Parker back. It’s just a matter of time before we see the Spurs back at the top of the list again. The season is still early.

18. Detroit Pistons (previous ranking: 19) (5-5) The Pistons are still a tough team to figure out, but at least you can say that they are winning the games they are supposed to (Charlotte, and Washington before losing to Dallas)

19. Toronto Raptors (previous ranking: 16) (5-5) Still waiting for this team to explode, but now is it really time to question if Jay Triano is the right head coach for this team. They have a big time player in Hedo Turkoglu, a top pick in Andrea Bargnani, and of course, Chris Bosh. Too much talent on this team to be mediocre.

20. Utah Jazz (previous ranking: 22) (4-6) The Jazz still have a way to go to be among the top of the Association, but they did have two wins on the road at New York and Philadelphia, but two losses at Boston and at Cleveland helps them move up, just not much.

21. Philadelphia 76ers (previous ranking: 17) (4-6) Just like last week, this team went 1-2, with the only win going against the winless Nets. It’s going to be even tougher with Mareese Speights being out six to eight weeks due to a knee injury. Where is Elton Brand in all of this? He needs to step up, immediately

22. Los Angeles Clippers (previous ranking: 22) (4-7) The Clippers went 1-3 this week, with the only win coming against Oklahoma City. The Clippers got a huge break from a major drop since the rest of the Association is just plain bad. Even though it is Oklahoma City, this can be the start of something. After all, it just takes one win to get things going.

23. Charlotte Bobcats (previous ranking: 15) The talks of the ‘Cats having an offense dissipated quickly with three lackluster performances in all three games this week. They did get a scorer today in Stephen Jackson from Golden State, along with Acie Law. They had to sacrifice giving up Raja Bell, but the Bobcats need scoring. Desperately.

24. Golden State Warriors (previous ranking: 26) (3-6) The Warriors finally got rid of Stephen Jackson. Maybe this can be the start of something new. The move was made early, so maybe the Warriors can put a reset button on the season. They do need Andris Biedrins to heal so he can be a factor in the post. Don Nelson’s job is safe so it’s time for this team to right the ship, they have a good defender acquired in Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic should be a good three point specialist.

25. New Orleans Hornets (previous ranking: 24) (3-8) If the rest of the NBA was not atrocious, the Hornets would definitely be lower than what they are. Bad move in firing Byron Scott, and now without Chris Paul for three to four weeks. Long season ahead in NOLA. And why bring Tim Floyd back after being dissatisfied with him after one season in any capacity.

26. Washington Wizards (previous ranking: 25) (2-7) Not a good start for the Wizards, mainly b/c the injury bug is back in the District. The question for this team has to be: When is Antawn Jamison coming back to the lineup. The Wizards need ALL three of their players healthy apparently for this team to have any kind of relevance. Still early enough for them to turn it around.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (previous ranking: 28) (2-8) The Grizz got their second win of the season, and are 2-4 without Allen Iverson in the line up. Iverson will be 0-4 in his career in a Grizzlies uniform since he ended up leaving the team and being released today. It’s a shame since he was on the verge of starting. Sucks for Memphis fans and for Michael Heisley who needed a box office attraction. Iverson has plenty of days left in his career, just don’t see it in the NBA anymore.

28. New York Knicks (previous ranking: 29) (1-9) How bad are the Knicks? Apparently so bad that they can LOSE six straight and move UP a spot. Looking at them on SportsCenter really makes you wonder if LeBron would REALLY want to associate himself with a bad franchise like this team. Only time will tell in that regard.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (previous ranking: 27) (1-10) The Timberwolves have lost 10 straight games, matching the team that they beat on opening night, the New Jersey Nets. In fairness to Minnesota, they don’t have all of their weapons, with Kevin Love out, and Al Jefferson not fully 100 percent. This team will go up a little bit once they come back.

30. New Jersey Nets (previous ranking: 30) (0-10) So no change at the top, and no change at the bottom. Even if the Nets win, they need more wins than Minnesota to get out of this cellar. Like Minnesota, New Jersey doesn’t have everyone on the floor due to injury. Lawrence Frank luckily was not the first coaching casualty, but his leash is VERY short at this point.

Well that’s this week’s edition of the NBA rankings, check back next Monday for next week’s edition.

the kid can play

1. Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets keep winning, in the West. Carmelo looks like he’s playing with more determination than ever, second in the league in scoring, the team is winning on the road, and J.R. Smith has had a hot return off of his seven game suspension, possibly due to his desire to be called by his real first name: Earl. The Nuggets’ ascent is surely helped by the Lakers’ current slump, but for now the Nuggets are enjoying their time as the Western Conference’s best team.

2. Atlanta Hawks: The Ivy Leaguer is a prophet, the Hawks have raced to an early 8-2 record. They have beaten both the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic, does a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers earn them a spot in the Eastern Conference elite?

3. Phoenix Suns: The Suns sit at the three position this week. With a very respectable record of 9-2, with losses coming to the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers (last year’s NBA Finals) both played on the second game of back-to-back series, the Suns still impress the Champ.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers: My power rankings are all about who is playing best at the moment. Since their ugly 0-2 start, the Cavaliers have become a different team. Successful games against the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic on the road as well as a win over the Utah Jazz with Golden State coming into the Quicken Loans Arena bode further success for the Cavs. Not to mention the development of JJ Hickson, who scored 20 points in his third consecutive start.

5. Los Angeles Lakers: Good teams have problems, Pau Gasol’s injury being a 7 foot problem for the Lakers. Luckily, Andrew Bynum looks to be a All Star this season and is picking up some of the slack. But talk of a Kobe Bryant groin injury hurts what I think is the best team in the league.

6. Boston Celtics: No major injuries: check. No players awaiting return from suspension: check. Just some bad basketball for the Celtics, who gave up 113 points in an embarrassing loss to the Indiana Pacers. Like their rivals in LA, the Celtics are in a slump.

7. Dallas Mavericks: Last week I talked about the return of Josh Howard, this week I talk about the departure of Josh Howard. The Mavericks’ swingman is out indefinitely while the team failed to close out against the short-handed San Antonio Spurs.

8. Orlando Magic: OK, Rashard Lewis is coming back, Vince Carter is recovering from injury. Now lets play some defense and we will see if that translates into wins for “the deepest team in the league.”

9. Milwaukee Bucks: yes, the Bucks are a hot team right now, Brandon Jennings says “you’re welcome” to all six Bucks fans out there.

10. Miami Heat: couldn’t handle LeBron James and the Cavs at home and barely beat the winless Nets? Whatever it takes I suppose.

Missing from Last Week

Portland Trailblazers: Blazers fans can thank Brandon Jennings and Dwyane Wade’s last second heroics for their ommission from the list this week. However, the Blazers turned in four consecutive wins on the road, and continue to impress.

Verlierer
New Orleans Hornets
Erst wird Headcoach Byron Scott gefeuert – ist der Coach of the Year Award verflucht – sehr zum Unmut von CP3, dann verletzt sich eben jener auch noch und fällt 2 Wochen aus. Als wenn die Hornets nicht schon schlecht genug waren (3-8). Neuer Coach ist GM Jeff Bower und sein “ghost assistant” ist Tim Floyd, welcher schon einmal erfolgreich unerfoglreich mit den Chicago Bulls war! Und jetzt überlegt das Management das “Okafor-Experiment” zu beenden und die Saison richtig zu “tanken”.

Memphis Grizzlies
Erst bekommt Rudy Gay als Franchise Player keine Vertragsverlängerung. Nach 7 Spielen stellt sich heraus das Hasheem “the-Beat” gar nicht so gut ist, um schon an Nummer 2 gedraftet zu werden und dann bricht ihm auch noch sein eigener Mitspieler den Kiefer. Aber Zach Randolph war ja noch nie ein Teamspieler. Dazu das Drama mit Iverson und seiner entschudligten Abwesenheit. Und nun verpflichtet man den besten Spieler auf den Markt, Jamal Tinsley um “Erfahrung” ins Team zu bringen. Wo führt das alles hin? Iverson endgültig weg? Conley zu schlecht? Das Image zu gut? Memphis (2-8) bleibt unten aber weiterhin interessant.

New Jersey Nets
Das einzige Team ohne Sieg bislang. Devin Harris verletzt. CDR mit Schweinegrippe diagnostiziert. Knappe Niederlagen gegen Boston, Philly (2x), Miami und Sota. Das einzig gute daran – es kann nur besser werden.

Golden State Warriors
Ebenso wie bei den Grizzlies läuft hier Reality TV par excellance. Monta vs. Steph. Jax vs. ALLE. Nelson vs. ALLE. Nelson vs. Monta. Achja, Basketball spielen die Warriors auch, obwohl man eher von one-on-five sprechen könnte. Coach Nelson macht einfach was er will, zB. den Break-out-Kandiadat Randolph nicht spielen zu lassen, oder Top-Rookie Steph Curry vom Starter zum Benchwarmer zu degradieren. Aber er will einfach nicht gehen.

Gewinner:

Milwaukee Bucks

2 Worte. Brandon Jennigs. 55 Punkte. 29 im dritten Viertel. Und das alles nach einem – jedenfalls statistisch gesehehen – enttäuschenden Jahr in Italien, was ihn bis an Position 10 des Drafts hat rutschen lassen. Nun ist er Kandidat für den ROY. Jennigs hat den staubigen Bucks Leben einghaucht und nebenbei seine Kritiker verstummen lassen (“his jumpshot has been inconsistent“). Aber die wirklichen Leute vom Fach haben das Potenzial schon früh erkannt. Plötzlich sieht die Zukunft wieder rosig aus in Milwaukee.

Michael Jordan
Nach dem Verständnis von LeBron sollte die Nummer 23 ab kommender Saison nicht mehr von aktiven Spielern getragen werden dürfen. Natürlich aus <a href=”“>reinem Respekt vor dem GOAT. Die Mischung unter den “betroffenen” Spielern ist gemischt, wobei der Großteil eher dazu neigt, Lebrons Petition zu folgen. Im Baseball und Eishockey sind die Nummern 42 respektive 99 “gesperrt”. Auch Phil Jackson sieht diesen Zug als Interessante Geste um die Leistungen Jordans bzgl. der Liga zu würdigen. Aber nicht nur er sieht dabei die Gefahr, andere Größen des Sports zu “dissen”.

Denver Nuggets
Carmelo in MVP Form und mit neuem Spielverständnis. Ty Lawson in ROY Form und mit anständig Hoops. JR Smith als Instant Offense von der Bank. Die Lakers mit 26 aus der Halle geschossen und nur 23 Punkte in Halbzeit 2 zugelassen. Spielen die jetzt etwa auch noch Defense?
Die Nuggets haben eine erste Duftmarke gesetzt und wollen mehr. Sie haben an den Finals geschnuppert und wollen dieses Jahr dorthin. Der wahre Katalysator scheint meiner Meinung nach Mr. Big Shot zu sein, der den ganzen wilden Haufen zusammenhält. Sie kommen so weit, wie er sie leiten kann.

Joakim Noah
Rache ist süß, oder in diesem Fall wohl eher hot. Dieser Autor hatte wenig Liebe für Noahs Spiel und fragte “You must be Joakim?” am Tag nach der Draft.
Joakim Noah, der am College wohl zweitmeistgehaßte Spieler nach JJ Reddick, hatte auch in der NBA einen schweren Start. Mittlerweile führt er die NBA bei den Rebounds pro Spiel an und ist defintiv kein Bust, sondern der Starting Center der Chicago Bulls. Trotzdem wird er es scheinbar mit seiner offenen, energetischen Art schwer haben auch in Zukunft zum Favourite der Fans zu werden, was man auch leicht in der anschließenden Kolummne des Autors heraushören kann.
Paul Pierce wird jedenfalls nicht so schnell zum Fan werden.

Ty Lawson misst lediglich 180cm und gehört damit zu den kleinsten Spielern der NBA. Das hinderte ihn allerdings nicht daran einen Dunk der Kategorie „Oh-no-he-didn’t“ auszupacken. D.J. Mbenga ist wirklich nicht zu beneiden.