NBA Power Rankings

Kyle Stefan
Sports Editor

1. San Antonio Spurs (3) Strong play from the prohibitive Western favorites.

2. L.A. Clippers (8) Donald Sterling is done being cheap. The Lions assume the title of the worst franchise in professional sports.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7) LeBron on the brink of starting best ever debate.
4. Utah Jazz (24) Surprising, to say the least. Boozer and Williams taking advantage of defenses sagging on Kirilenko.

5. Houston Rockets (18) It’s the long-awaited emergence of Yao.
6. Miami Heat (6) They still own the Nets, and they are still playing uninspired.
7. Atlanta Hawks (7) Hawks will never stay here but will enjoy the franchise’s best start in years.

8. Detroit Pistons (1) Unexpected slow start while working four newcomers into the rotation; a few games too soon for any real panic.
9. New Jersey Nets (14) Still giving teams fits, will lead the Atlantic in the end.
10. LA Lakers (10) Young, energetic Lakers are fun to watch; Andrew Bynum developing into a star and Lamar Odom is playing aggressive ball
11. NO/OK Hornets (10) Vastly improved Hornets enjoyed league-best start.
12. Chicago Bulls (6) Kirk Hinrich enjoying resurgent third-season.
13. Indiana Pacers (15) Rick Carlisle leads resurging group.
14. Orlando Magic (12) No. 14 is possibly a bit underrated for this powerful Magic squad.
15. Phoenix Suns (5) Obviously can’t place these guys out of the playoffs, however disappointing the start.

16. Dallas Mavericks (2) See above.
17. Washington Wizards (9) Wait until the Hawks level off and the Wizards return to above -.500 status.
18. Sacramento Kings (17) Solid start, will it last?
19. Golden State Warriors(19) Finally on the cusp; monumental win over the Pistons last weekend.
20. Denver Nuggets (13) A touch disappointing out of the gate.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (20) Better than expected.
22. Seattle Supersonics (27) Four wins in eight games. Don’t write off the Sonics just yet.
23. Portland Trail Blazers (25) Impressive returns out of the gate.
24. Minnesota T’wolves (21) Big Ticket doesn’t have the surrounding pieces to make a run.
25. Milwaukee Bucks (25) Fell off after season-opening upset.
26. Toronto Raptors (22) Might be more building to do than expected.
27. Charlotte Bobcats (26) Still building …
28. Memphis Grizzlies (11) Slightly disappointing start; apparently awaiting Pau Gasol’s return.
29. Boston Celtics (23) Poor chemistry, poor results.
30. New York Knicks (30) Where else would this dysfunctional franchise rank?

The Spurs should drop down 10 spots after losing to the kittens at home.

How you guys lost that game I'll never know. but its great seeing the Jazz getting respect. :D