NBA Hit List, 11.13.07
Good enough for #1? (Photo. Gary Land)A couple of weeks into the season, we’re past the point where one win or loss will impact a team’s power ranking too much. So remember that if you see a certain team ranked ahead of a team it may have already lost to.
30. Minnesota Timberwolves (0-5) — It’s OK, Wolves fans; keep reminding yourself the winning isn’t what’s important right now. And judging by all the empty seats in the arena, making money will apparently have to take a backseat as well.
29. Seattle Supersonics (0-7) — As the close losses to Utah and Detroit showed, the Sonics are making progress. We’ll see if Durant and Co. can keep it up as this week has them on their first significant road trip: Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Memphis.
28. Golden State Warriors (0-5) — Defense and rebounding. The Warriors aren’t getting any, and as a result they’re not getting any wins. GS is giving up 119 points per game and getting out-rebounded by an average margin of 12 a night.
27. Sacramento Kings (2-5) — We said it was crazy when one of Sacramento’s announcers put Kevin Martin in the class of guys who could lead the League in scoring. Turns out the guy wasn’t too far off at all: K-Mart II is dropping 28 points a night, good for second in the League.
26. Memphis Grizzlies (1-4) — The run-and-gun will be tested with T-Mac, Mike Redd, Chris Paul and Dirk on the slate this week.
25. Chicago Bulls (1-5) — No definable go-to guy. Deng can be hot one game, Gordon can be hot, Hinrich can be hot; even Tyrus and Nocioni have their nights. But someone needs to step up and be The Man. Chicago’s in a weird spot because their highest-paid player is maybe their worst offensive player.
24. Miami Heat (1-5) — It took Phoenix to drag Miami past 100 points. In every other game, the Heat hadn’t even cracked 90. D-Wade can’t come back soon enough.
23. Washington Wizards (1-5) — They finally got Win #1. With Indiana, Minnesota and Portland coming up this week, maybe they can make that a trend. Win or lose, we like Antawn Jamison (11.2 rpg) and Brendan Haywood (10.2) hitting the boards. Especially with Gilbert throwing up so many bricks right now (13% from three).
22. Milwaukee Bucks (2-4) — Yi’s about what we expected: good on offense, bad on defense. He can hit threes, so we’re not sure why he doesn’t take more.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (2-4) — They’re definitely flawed, but actually not as bad as everyone predicted. Andre Iguodala (20 ppg, 6 rpg, 50% FGs) has all the elements in place for a big year: He’s in his first full season as The Man and he’s in a contract year.
20. New York Knicks (2-3) — Some Knicks fans around the Dime headquarters feel David Lee and Renaldo Balkman should be getting more tick. They’ll probably get their wish as NY embarks on a five-game stretch of Western Conference opponents (including Phoenix, Denver and Golden State) this week. Curry and Randolph can’t run with those squads.
19. Indiana Pacers (3-3) — Headed in the wrong direction with three losses in a row going into a week that sees them up against Boston, Washington, Toronto and Utah.
18. Charlotte Bobcats (3-3) — Jason Richardson’s last four games have been a nightmare: 15-for-57 from the field (26 percent) and just 9 points per.
17. Atlanta Hawks (2-4) — We just can’t get a read on this team. They looked like a playoff team in beating Dallas and Phoenix, but those are their only two wins. They got hammered by Boston (then again, who hasn’t?) and lost to a desperate Washington squad.
16. New Jersey Nets (4-3) — Even before the ankle injury Vince was struggling, shooting less than 40 percent from the field (16 percent from three) and averaging 17 points a night. Meanwhile, Richard Jefferson is on fire; he’s becoming a lock for 25-plus a night.
15. Portland Trail Blazers (3-3) — After a rough (and expected) start, they’ve won three straight going into tonight’s game against Detroit. During that streak, Steve Blake has handed out 8.6 assists per game.
14. Toronto Raptors (4-3) — Another group that’s hard to read. One thing anyone can figure out is Toronto needs to tighten up the D and hit the boards harder. Chris Bosh has played better in his last few games, though, and he’s knocking down 92 percent of his free throws.
13. Los Angeles Clippers (4-2) — Sam Cassell scored 7 one game, 35 the next, 4 the next, and 28 the next night. Such inconsistency can be maddening, but the dude’s knocking on 40 years old. You can’t expect him to get busy every night.
12. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-4) — The numbers are what we’re used to from LeBron; about 26 points, 7 dimes and 7 boards. While he’s hitting at a better rate beyond the arc, the free throws still need work.
11. Orlando Magic (5-2) — Their only losses have been to the Suns and Pistons. Then again, who have they beaten? Milwaukee, Washington, Minnesota, Toronto and New York. Not exactly a playoff lineup.
10. Denver Nuggets (5-3) — If J.R. Smith keeps his ‘tude in check and at least have a cordial working relationship with George Karl, he can give them a lot; just like he did against Cleveland last night.
9. Phoenix Suns (5-2) — They’ve shown before they can win without Amare, so his knee issues shouldn’t throw them off too much. Have you noticed that Steve Nash is looking for his shot more? His 22.9 points per at in the League’s Top 10, and the 8.9 assist per game aren’t up to his recent standards.
8. Utah Jazz (6-2) — Sounds about right for them. They lost to Houston and the Lakers, then barely beat the very flawed Cavs and Sonics. With Ronnie Brewer (15 ppg, 3 spg) playing so well, there’s been no room for Morris Almond to get any time.
7. Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) — Kobe’s leading the League in scoring (30.4 ppg); nothing new there. But Andrew Bynum’s been a pleasant surprise, pulling down 9.8 boards per game and leading the team in rebounds in four of L.A.’s five games.
6. New Orleans Hornets (6-2) — Peja’s 36-point, 10-trey explosion against the Lakers has been more exception than rule. In the three games since, he shot 7-for-31 from the field (22 percent), and even in the game prior to L.A., Peja was 1-for-10.
5. Houston Rockets (6-1) — So much was made about the glut of point guards, but it’s been a simple two-man rotation between Skip and Mike James. No burn so far for Aaron Brooks (no surprise) and Steve Francis (big surprise).
4. Dallas Mavericks (4-2) — The road win over Golden State was huge for them psychologically in terms of helping them get over last year, especially for Dirk. However, the Mavs followed that one up with an uninspired-looking letdown loss to Portland.
3. Detroit Pistons (5-1) — Three guys have notched 30-point games already. Tayshaun gave Miami 34, Rasheed dropped 36 on Chicago, and Rip hit for 32 against the Sonics. That’s balance.
2. Boston Celtics (5-0) — Seeing as they’re destroying the comp, it was really hard not to put the C’s in the top spot. Nothing against them, it’s just San Antonio hasn’t done enough to lose it yet. If you didn’t already know, Kevin Garnett is your early MVP front-runner; he’s leading Boston in rebounds, assists and steals (on pace for career-highs in each category), not to mention blocks, and is also up there for Defensive Player of the Year.
1. San Antonio Spurs (6-1) — Business as usual: Duncan cruises along, letting Tony (19.1 ppg, 5.6 apg) and Manu (19.9 ppg, 2.4 spg) do the heavy lifting until he goes to his dark place come springtime.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Captain America says:
Celtics haven’t had to compete with competitive teams other than Raptors. Wait until after they get the Spurs, Pistons, Jazz, Rockets, and Suns on their schedule (starting mid-December) before any coronation.
Nets are not in top form with Kidd leading the team in rebounds.
If I was in the futures investment racket, I’d be betting forward on Blazers and Twolves and shorting Celtics, who are over the salary cap and relying on the ankles and knees of three seasoned vets. If the C’s don’t win it all this or next year, flush.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Kobeef says:
Can we officially note that the Sonics and Wolves are in the lead for the Michael Beasley sweepstakes?
Imagine the Sonics with both Durant and Beasley…nasty.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Captain America says:
Lee and Balkman are the heart and soul of the Knicks, they deserve more ticks. Even I would watch these two.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Captain America says:
Wolves have Jefferson, no need for Beasley at PF.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Amar says:
jazz barely beat the cavs (YOUR rank 12), while the hornets barely beat the nets (YOUR rank 16) . . . but hornets don’t get knocked for that. how is it that the lakers have only played 5 games so far this season? pretty small sample size to be so high up, methinks . . .
November 13th, 2007 at 9:11 am
smity says:
I’ve gotten over the excitement of seeing Boston’s three play on the court with each other in games that count. Now i’m ready to see them play teams that are for real…
I wonder if nash is trying to sell his dangerousness as a scoring threat to other teams early on in the season so that he will be able to have them concentrate more on him while he suddenly starts dishing out more to his teamates-or has grant hill had any affect on his numbers?.
I’d really like to see ATL in that 8th playoff spot this year.
new orleans, utah and houston’s starts this season-pleasantly surprising.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Prof. TX says:
Houston behind Detroit? I don’t get it. The Rockets have a better record and have had a much harder schedule; having most of their games against teams in your top ten.
November 13th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Amar says:
what’s surprising about utah’s start? last season at this juncture they were 6-1, this season they are 6-2? (they would go on to a 12-1 opening run)
November 13th, 2007 at 10:14 am
smity says:
whats surprising is that they are showing consistency (something that is difficult to do for a relatively young team)
November 13th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Celts Fan says:
I don’t understand how the ONLY undefeated team in the NBA isn’t #1. I know the hardest team they’ve played is NJ or Denver, but you can only beat who they put in front of you, and Boston’s the only team that’s done that so far…
Captain America, Big Al can play the 5 too, and he will if they get Beasley, who they need a hell of a lot more than OJ Mayo or Derrick Rose.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Celts Fan says:
By the way Captain America, you’re an idiot because the Celtics have also played the Nets (on the 2nd night of a back to back) and the Nuggets, in addition to the Raptors, making that 3 playoff teams from last year in 5 games. Great call on them not playing anyone good. You also may be right about the C’s cap being screwed, but basketball has a soft cap and mid-level exceptions, so they’re fine. Learn what you’re talking about man, cuz that’s 0 for 3 today…
November 13th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Austin Burton says:
Beasley can also play SF, so you can keep Jefferson at PF.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:48 am
chrisGO says:
“Chicago’s in a weird spot because their highest-paid player is maybe their worst offensive player.”
Maybe?!? ….he IS. He’s the worst offensive player in the whole damn league. With all of Paxson’s help during the Bulls’ first 3-peat, I still cant forgive the guy for trading away Chandler for the piece of !@#$ that is Ben Wallace.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Celts Fan says:
and his extra $5M per year. Hey, at least they got the value out of the Elton Brand trade they were looking for and didn’t trade it when it was finally starting to pay off to get a 6′9” center that’s old and relies a lot on athleticism to make up for only being 6′9″ for $15M a year (that’s too much for anyone who’s that one dimensional, no matter how good they are at that one dimension, even if they’re in their prime.) I didn’t get the move when it happened even before Tyson took the next step. Now it looks like the worst move Skiles has ever made…
November 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Captain America says:
Jefferson is not going to be a permanent 5. He is great off the block. Beasley ain’t showing anything at the NBA level and you’re suggesting Jefferson move for him. Jefferson is a top 5 “NBA” player right now at 22 years of age.
What hallucinogenics?
Celtics played the Nets, where Kidd is top rebounder. Nenad Krstic is still rehabbing his knee (he’s at about 75%) and way off his numbers. Enough about VC’s ankle.
In the East, your mother’s sewing club could be a playoff team.
Nuggets are not a top caliber team, no defense, therefore inconsistency. It’s got to be driving Karl crazy.
As for C’s salary cap. They are now paying the luxury tax. Eventually, KG, Allen, and Pierce are going to want extensions, particularly if they are marginally successful. Plus, the C’s have given away a few first round draft choices to get where they are. Ring in next two years or bust.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Captain America says:
Should read…Jefferson is a top 5 PF right now at 22 years of age.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:26 am
Duke says:
The nuggets would be a top caliber team in the east.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Celts Fan says:
Jefferson’s great numbers for us last year were primarily at the 5. Pierce already has an extension (signed within the last 2 years), KG just signed one since he got traded, and Ray’s will be cheaper than what he’s making now. Last I checked, Camby was Defensive POY last year, AI and JR Smith are good defenders, and Bobby Jones off the bench is a nice defender. Again, check your facts Captain. You’re now 0 for 6. Maybe you should find a field hockey site or something, cuz it’s obviously basketball isn’t your thing…
November 13th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Celts Fan says:
*also Yuka Diawara is a good defender on the Nuggets too…
November 13th, 2007 at 11:56 am
smity says:
hold off on that “JR is a good defender” statement Celts Fan…i’m just chiming in before captain america tries to use that for his own purposes…
November 13th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
skurv says:
there is no such thing as hallucinogenics. the proper term would be hallucinogens (man i love college) lakers play @ sa town tonight and being a spurs fan in LA is hilarious. the only thing local sportscasters are talking about is the fact that its fischer’s first time playing in san antonio, with the lakers, since he hit the shot with .4 left to win it in ‘04 i think it was. i guess that was the last positive thing to happen to the lakers. how sad. they should just bring rick fox back already.
November 13th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Captain America says:
Once again, Jefferson will not be a perm 5. If I were a C’s fan, I’d pretend I forgot about the C’s last year. Besides erasing history, Ray asking for less money is just a foolish concept. Next you’ll pitch KG and Pierce asking for deposits. Perhaps not this year or next, but look for salary extension requests by the “over 30 big 3″. As mileage increases dollars will continue to go up.
The Celtics remain luxury tax payers for the foreseeable future. Any of the “also rans” that stick will not be doing it for charity. Meantime, what’s the draft choices available the next few years? Oh, not much ay.
Celtic fan, please, you’re insulting my intelligence with such comments. JR Smith has good defensive skills? Camby has been a standout defender because he is the only one with his finger in the dike.
You better grab a ring now or next year (highly unlikely), cause the future for the C’s is now. And, like yourself, the expectations by C fans is incredibly hyped. It doesn’t take a neurosurgeon to figure it out, but you may want to visit one anyway.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Gee says:
This is waaaayyy better than their last one! Kudos!
November 13th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Celts Fan says:
Captain, you’re still an idiot. Like I said, Pierce and KG ALREADY SIGNED EXTENSIONS (didn’t think I’d have to say it again, but when you’re dealing w/ people like you, sometimes you have to slow down and speak in small words.) Ray Allen won’t ask for less retard, but he will get less when he resigns (we’re not talking renegotiating here genius) because he’s not a max money guy at 34 when his deal runs out, so yes, he will make less than now. And in case you’ve missed it, these guys are playing well together and are finally on a team where they can contend, so it wouldn’t shock me to see any of those guys leave some $$$ on the table when it’s time to re-up (which again, won’t be for a while for Pierce or KG - great guess on that too. Very well researched.) Also, the “also-rans that stick” won’t be doing it for charity, you’re right. They’ll either be re-signed under the “Bird Rule” or signed with one of the exceptions.
I would like to forget about last year, but seeing as that isn’t possible, I stand by the comment that Al can play the 5. If you can get Beasley and put him at 4, you absolutely slide Big Al over and it will work. Big Al was abusing 5s last year. Maybe you only watch good teams, which may explain your complete lack of real in-depth knowledge of all the teams, but if that’s the case, go away, you’re overmatched here. Big Al can play the 5 and actually had his breakout year at the 5 last year…
JR Smith is a solid defender. I’m not saying lock-down, but he’s not terrible either.
You’re insulting your own intelligence by saying Camby was only a good defender because he’s the only one there that plays D. That’s just retarded and so are you. All of your points are either terrible or just plain wrong (other than the Cs needing to win now, but the window’s more like 3-5 years, not just 2.)
November 13th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
djKianoosh says:
AI is an underrated defender, but he is considered the best at disrupting the passing lanes, so that’s big. Camby is a DPOY, no question he’s a top tier shot blocker. but JR Smith? no, i’m sorry, he wants to be disruptive in the passing lanes, and he uses his long arms ‘pretty well’ on D, but he’s not what I’d call a solid defender. he’s just inconsistent there as he is all around. but he’s got a good final chance in denver this year before they start thinking about going in another direction with him. he has the tools, but can you depend on him when you need him, like the Spurs depend on their role players and they come through…
November 13th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Celts Fan says:
No one’s debating anything about JR other than his defensive ability. That kid’s an idiot and will end up like Eddie Griffin or Pacman Jones if he doesn’t get his head on straight. I’m pulling for the kid, but things aren’t looking good…
November 13th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Jay says:
Lakers ahead of the Jazz and Mavs ahead of the Rockets? Come on be real.
November 13th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Myrie in NY says:
To Celts Fan & Captain America–
This is great. There is little eye candy in my office today, so your back-n-forth is very entertaining. Keep it up!!
November 13th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
girllybballluver says:
I have to admit Balkman and Lee are actually making the Knicks fun to watch (sorta kinda).
And anyone else noticing Melo’s racking up on rebounds?Wade had his year, so did Bron…It’s Melo’s turn.
November 13th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
robbie says:
rockets at #5 is a joke. toughest schedule in the league and still 6-1. it gets worse over the next 5 too.
memphis sucks, but you got a back to back with the lakers on wednesday. then at SA friday with phx saturday. then they get a couple days off to play dallas. maybe if we win all 5 of those games then the idiot writer will move the rockets up to #4.
remember this is the same guy who had the 1-2 hawks ranked #8 after the first week. lol
November 13th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Captain America says:
Celtics fan, ask anyone with a brain larger than an acorn. They will tell you I’m right on all counts.
November 14th, 2007 at 1:21 am
nick says:
jr is ok on defense but he more often then not leaves his man and gets lost. but he seems to be improving or at least trying. but by no means is he a solid defender.