Chris Paul (Photo. Jonathan Mannion)After Week 1 of the new season, things are already getting crazy. Five of the League’s playoff teams from last year are in the bottom half of this week’s Hit List, including one supposed-to-be Eastern Conference contender which can’t drop much farther. Meanwhile, two of the League’s worst squads from a year ago have cracked the Top 10. Onto the power rankings…
30. Sacramento Kings (0-3) — Their solution to the point guard problem? Signing Beno Udrih. Kevin Martin will have to put up copious buckets for this team to even have a chance.
29. Chicago Bulls (0-3) — Where in the world is Ben Wallace? He’s doing Uwe Blab numbers out there (4.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg). And it’s not foul trouble, either. Big Ben has been out there on the floor, but he’s just there, not impacting the game on either end.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-2) — If they’re supposed to be committed to building for the future, why has Gerald Green played a total of 45 seconds all season?
27. Washington Wizards (0-3) — If Gilbert Arenas hadn’t hit that buzzer-beater against the Pacers, everyone would be talking about how awful he’s been. Gil is turning the ball over 5 times per game and has shot 1-for-17 beyond the arc. He’s like Damon Jones with a green light.
26. Miami Heat (0-3) — Three losses, three leading scorers: Ricky Buckets, Daequan Cook and Udonis Haslem. They need D-Wade back ASAP. It doesn’t get any easier with San Antonio and Phoenix coming up this week.
25. Golden State Warriors (0-3) — Kelenna Azubuike (20.3 ppg) has been great filling in for Stephen Jackson, but Matt Barnes is playing like a journeyman again, shooting 27 percent from the floor. It’s looking more and more like last year was something from the lightning-in-a-bottle pages.
24. Memphis Grizzlies (0-2) — Rudy Gay is good, but he’s still learning. In the San Antonio loss, he took a half court shot that could have sent it to OT when he had a good two seconds to step in and get something better. The next game he picked up five fouls in just 19 minutes.
23. Seattle Supersonics (0-3) — They’re playing well for about 35-40 minutes every night, then falling apart for one reason (defense) or another (turnovers) when it matters most. If this were college that’d be more acceptable, but we’re dealing with 48-minute games here, guys.
22. Portland Trail Blazers (0-3) — They could have folded after getting down early against San Antonio and Houston on the road, but Portland showed a lot of resiliency to make both games competitive. LaMarcus Aldridge (18.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg) has a tough week ahead, though, with Pau Gasol, David West and Dirk on the docket.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) — This week’s schedule has Philly playing against Charlotte (Ray Felton), Toronto (T.J. Ford) and New Orleans (Chris Paul). Here’s hoping Andre Miller is eating his Wheaties.
20. Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) — After signing a fat contract over the summer, Mo Williams was on the bench when it mattered against Chicago, and his trigger-happiness against Charlotte cost Milwaukee a chance to win. They’re not paying him what they’re paying him for 12 points and 3 assists a night.
19. New York Knicks (1-1) — The much-maligned interior D hasn’t been so bad: Z-Bo is working the glass, and neither Zydrunas Ilgauskas or Al Jefferson killed New York in the post. We’ll see if that holds up with Camby, Dwight and Shaq on the way this week.
18. Charlotte Bobcats (2-0) — Definitely the least-imposing undefeated team so far. The ‘Cats eked out a win against the Bucks despite doing everything they could to give the game away, and barely beat a Wade-less Miami team that was playing Chris Quinn in crunch time. We’ll be shocked if they survive Phoenix, Philly, Indiana and Houston upcoming.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) — The front office won’t do anything, but at least the players are trying to help LeBron with what they have. Big Z has been active (15.7 ppg, 14.3 rpg), Daniel Gibson is still hot from last year’s playoffs (58 percent beyond the arc) and Sasha Pavlovic just made his way back into uniform.
16. Los Angeles Clippers (2-0) — Tim Thomas is certainly no Elton Brand down low, but he gives L.A. an outside shooting element they usually don’t get out of their front court.
15. New Jersey Nets (2-1) — Richard Jefferson is getting buckets (26 ppg), but with Atlanta, Washington and Boston on the schedule this week, he and the rest of the Nets need to tighten up a defense that’s already given up 100-plus to Chicago and Toronto.
14. Indiana Pacers (3-0) — What did we say last week? “Unless Granger and someone from the law firm of Murphy, Tinsely & Dunleavy has a monster season, J.O. will be sulking (and probably injured) by Christmas.” Granger (22.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and Dunleavy (22.3 ppg, 9 rpg) each had a monster opening week, and Tinsley is handing out more than 8 assists per night. Jermaine is happy.
13. Toronto Raptors (2-1) — They’ve shown they can be good even with Chris Bosh (16.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg) playing below his standards. The consistency hasn’t been there, though.
12. Orlando Magic (2-1) — After a rocky preseason, Rashard Lewis (21.7 ppg) is showing why he was so sought-after as a free agent. Hedo Turkoglu (22 ppg) continues to stir the drink on O, while Dwight (13.3 rpg, 3.7 bpg) sets the tone on the other end.
11. Utah Jazz (2-2) — Just in case you thought Deron Williams’ ‘06-07 breakout was a fluke, he’s even better this year. If only Utah could play the Warriors 82 times.
10. Denver Nuggets (2-1) — Two straight 21-rebound outings from Marcus Camby. With Eddy Curry up next on the schedule, MC could join the Dub Club again, but after that he’s got a battle with KG looming.
9. Phoenix Suns (2-1) — They didn’t look like themselves for most of the Sonics game and all of the Lakers game. The only constant has been Shawn Marion, putting up his customary 17 points and 11 boards per and playing hellafied D.
8. Atlanta Hawks (1-1) Losing by one point on the road to Detroit on a questionable foul call is nothing to be ashamed of, and the Opening Night win over Dallas was also impressive. Was it just the uniforms holding them down before? Or could it be Joe Johnson (25.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg) and Al Horford (10.5 rpg) playing like grown-ass men?
7. New Orleans Hornets (3-0) — Remember, they began last season on a roll until everyone started getting hurt. We’ll find out if these Hornets are for real after they see the Lakers and Spurs this week. In the meantime, Chris Paul is playing like an MVP: 18.7 points, 9.7 dimes, 6.3 boards and 3 steals per game.
6. Houston Rockets (3-1) — If there’s anyone out there who still thinks Yao is the most important player on this team, obviously you haven’t watched any of Houston’s games. This is 100 percent T-Mac’s show.
5. Dallas Mavericks (3-1) — Yes, we know the Hawks beat the Mavs, but Dallas looked borderline unstoppable in two of their wins last week, and knocked off a very good Houston team without Devin Harris in the lineup yesterday. Jason Terry is the early favorite for Sixth Man of the Year, and Josh Howard is showing exactly why some people think he’s just as valuable to the Mavs as Dirk.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (2-1) — It ain’t just Kobe; everyone is contributing. This looks like a team with legit depth and talent, one that Kobe might want to stick with. Most likely not, though.
3. Detroit Pistons (3-0) — They beat Miami and Orlando easily without Rip Hamilton, then got 21 points from Rip on his first night back to beat Atlanta. With Chicago, the Clippers and Seattle up next, they could be 6-0 by the time you read this column a week from now.
2. Boston Celtics (2-0) — So far the Big Three has lived up to the hype: KG, Pierce and Ray are all averaging better than 20 points per, Ray is automatic with the open looks he’s getting beyond the arc, and KG is owning the glass while scoring seemingly whenever he wants.
1. San Antonio Spurs (3-0) — Blazers-Grizzlies-Kings was a nice little victory lap for the defending champs, light work for this group. Now it’s about to get tougher with T-Mac, Yao, Shaq, Chris Paul and Mike Redd coming up this week.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:13 am
The Jed says:
That’s a little ridiculous putting the Bulls at 29. This is an 82 game season. Have some perspective. They’ve played 3 games. The Mavericks started 0-4 last season. Did you really think they were one of the worst few teams in the NBA?
November 6th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Yeah, but Jed…isn’t this whole thing BASED on the first week of the season? How can dude rank the Bulls based on an 82 game season ALREADY? I thought the article was basically saying that this far into the season, Bulls suck at #29.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Austin Burton says:
Exactly. And when the Mavs started 0-4 last year, they were ranked low on the Hit List too.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Kobeef says:
Weird stuff happening so far in the season
1. Mo Williams is a 2 guard in a 1 guard’s body. I really think Milwaukee made a mistake hiring him as their starting point guard. He does’t look to pass much which is criminal when Michael Redd is an option and even your bigs can shoot (Charlie V and Yi).
2. Jason Richardson and Ray Felton are playing really well together. Okafor is also looking like he is back. I think MJ might have made some good moves in his role so far with Charlotte.
3. T-mac and Lebron (not Kobe) are the most bummed out superstars of the week. Who saw that coming? NOBODY on Houston is helping McGrady which is sad to watch..again. Lebron has to see the writing on the wall..his team just won’t cut it this year in the stronger East. Kobe? His team is playing like they are trying to convince him to stay - even Bynum! Who knew?!
November 6th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Celine Dion says:
But what about the Raptors?!?! They should be up at 7 in front of the Hawks!! We hung with the Celtics down to the wire and proved that we have one of the top three PG’s in the League with T.J.!!
November 6th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Captain America says:
Celtics should enjoy the early success but won’t last long in the playoffs, I’m afraid. The Raptors gave them all they could handle. Even with KG, Ray and Paul firing on all cylinders they had to win on a last minute OT shot.
As for the T’wolves, Gerald Green has an injured foot. He’ll need to earn his minutes. The preseason was not Gerald’s friend.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:03 am
jo says:
Jed is stupid. And yes, so far Bulls are suck.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:03 am
jo says:
Jed is stupid. And yes, so far Bulls are suck.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Dime Magazine for Idiots says:
The Magic, The Nuggets, The Hawks w/n good company of the Raptors & Jazz.. you guys are on crack…
How do you rank the Boston Celtics at 2 and than have the Raptors at 13th… even when they took the Celts (the perennial favourites in the East according to you guys!) to OT and w/n an earshot of 2 OT… in one of their worst games.
You talk about consistency for the Raptors, the Hawks haven’t proved jack!
AND HOW IS HOUSTON BELOW THE LAKERS WHEN THEY BEAT THEM IN GAME ONE!
Dime Magazine … good job - I think you should relocate the person that does the rankings for this…
And in true dime fashion, I’m out (of date) like your magazine… idiots.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Damon says:
ok, ford had a good game and is a good point, but top 3?
btw, kg, ray and paul firing on all cylinders? double p had an awful game and with the celtics going over kg late in the game, they would have won easier.
and its early in the season, celtics are new team, raptors had some minor changes. ANd, one game doesn’t make a season.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:13 am
flyp says:
A 37-point romp of Jersey gets the Raps 2 spots ahead of them? A couple of spots higher would have been more appreciated.
@Celine
I love TJ and all, but top 3? Maybe top 5 or top 10. Kidd/Nash/CP/Deron have the top 4 spots locked up.
P.S. Stop singing.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:19 am
T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P. says:
The Hawks beat Dallas and lost by one on a bad call ON THE ROAD against Detroit! They’re playing well. You’re letting history sway your opinion too much.
The Lakers came back against the Rockets in a game that should have been over, and since then kicked the Suns and Jazz’ asses.
And it’s just one week in! Chill the F out.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Bust Jlaze says:
Yo this dude said “Jed is stupid”, and then proceeded to say “the Bulls are suck” in the same sentence…wow.
But yo, the past 2 or 3 years have been the same for the Lakers…they start out on FIRE (remember last year when Kobe sat out the first few games and they STILL were killin’ em?), but then by the end of the season they had all these injuries and what-not. But even if they stay healthy this year, there’s not much they can do in the playoffs against these powerhouse teams. So the point dude made about them playing as if they’re trying to convince Kobe to stay was a good one, but I just don’t see why they don’t just put their energies into getting a serious player to play with him. Do what the Celtics did…put everything you have into getting a championship NOW, and THEN try rebuilding…you can’t do both at the same time!
November 6th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Dime Magazine for Idiots says:
so T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P. you’re saying the HAWKS are better than the Suns, Jazz, Raptors & Nets
Last time I checked almost doesn’t constitute as being better.. saying that the Lakers ALMOST beat the Rockets means that they’re better… well well well…
I guess if the SUNS almost beat the Spurs last year than that means that the SUNS are the champions.
ALMOST DOESN’T COUNT T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P.
get your facts straight
if everything was based on almost T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P. that would mean your post would be relevant and i’d almost consider you a guy.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:51 am
K.i.n.G. says:
how are the lakers ahead of both dallas and houston???? i dont care how well kobe’s supporting cast is playing, houston and dallas are winning more and are the better teams IN THE FIRST WEEK TOO IF U WANNA BRING THAT ARGUMENT UP, period
November 6th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
alex says:
the Lakers are ahead of Dallas and Houston because they are playing well above their potential. The Bulls are at 29 because they simply suck right now and they’re supposed to be good.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Dime Magazine for Idiots says:
alex fcuks his dog
November 6th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
T.M.P.B.W.O.T.P. says:
I was just about to waste more time arguing with you until that last post. Now get off your Sidekick and pay attention in class, son.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
Dime Magazine for Idiots says:
No problem bitch.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Gee says:
Man no way the Lakers are above Houston, Dallas and N.O.
Get off Kobe’s scrotum! Ain’t no mutaf.. Wait……
Okaaayyyy ya got me!
LOL
That is hilarious. A really good joke. I ain’t even gone take that serious.
November fools! Ok ya got me!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Gee says:
You guys might like NBA.com and SI.com’s rankings a little better. I don’t think they are as up-to-date as DIME’s but I know I thought they were way better than this foolishness they got on here.
The Lakers #4….WOOOOOOOOOOOoooOoOOoOoo good one!
November 6th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Austin Burton says:
The Lakers handled the Jazz and the Suns (by 30!). That doesn’t count for anything?
November 6th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Gee says:
Not for a 4 spot homey. I ain’t saying that is not good. I am just saying that it doesn’t put them up way up their. Fool’s gold. I am saying you can’t have them, even record wise, above a team that is “undefeated” (come on now) and them two other teams that have 3-1 records (and one of them beat the Lakers). Then the one team that beat the Lakers got beat by Dallas. Totem pole wise they are not 4. Sure put them ahead of the Jazz and the Suns but they are 7 at best!
November 6th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
JCrom says:
You Raptors fans kill me. And these rankings are based on how the teams are playing so far. They aren’t really past season history based. Its more here and now. So yes the Lakers get the four spot.
November 7th, 2007 at 5:04 am
sans says:
Canadiens have flopping heads.
November 7th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Gee says:
LOL Boom! Blown up in ya face! Now your number 4 Lakers lost to a team you had them ahead of and the Rockets won also who were behind the Lakers in your poll. So there is your here and now. 7 at best and probably not even that now!
November 7th, 2007 at 9:52 am
DOC says:
the sixers almost beat the bum ass raptors and bosh nickname should be babies ass because thats what hes soft as