NBA Hit List power ranking, 11.9
Dirk Nowitzki
From worst to first, ranking the NBA through the first couple of weeks…
30. New Jersey Nets (0-7) — They’re dropping like panties at R.Kelly’s house in Jersey, with starters Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, CDR and Yi Jianlian all missing games with injury and/or illness.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-6) — The only bright spot of this past week was Jonny Flynn outplaying Brandon Jennings head-to-head. And the Wolves still lost that game.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (1-6) — All the drama surrounding Allen Iverson has drawn attention away from the fact that Hasheem Thabeet (6 mpg) looks like the biggest bust since Glitter.
27. New York Knicks (1-6) — Actually, let’s call that a two-man bust race between Thabeet and Jordan Hill. Four DNP-CD’s, he’s only seeing six minutes in the games he has played in, and he’s only hitting 41% of his shots when he is on the court.
26. Indiana Pacers (2-3) — Was Danny Granger watching film of Antoine Walker over the summer? Fifty-one of his 93 field-goal attempts have been three-pointers, or 54% of his shots. And he’s only hitting 29% of those so far.
25. Golden State Warriors (1-4) — Still waiting for that Anthony Randolph breakout …
24. Charlotte Bobcats (3-3) — We’re about three weeks away from a disturbing magazine feature about how much Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler miss each other.
23. Sacramento Kings (3-4) — In K-Mart’s absence, Tyreke Evans has looked a lot better at two-guard than he was at point guard. That should’ve been expected; ‘Reke is a natural scorer who is still learning how to play the point.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (3-2) — Don’t let the record fool you; they’ve had probably the easiest schedule in the League so far.
21. L.A Clippers (3-4) — Remember that Western Conference All-Star spot left vacant by Yao and Shaq that everyone wanted to hand to Andrew Bynum? Right now it’s looking like a lock for Chris Kaman (23 ppg, 9.9 rpg).
20. Washington Wizards (2-5) — During Washington’s loss to Phoenix on Sunday, one of the Suns announcers said Gilbert Arenas looked “disinterested” on the court. During this current four-game losing streak, that’s actually been pretty accurate.
19. Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) — While a lot of people predicted disaster, Lou Williams at starting PG has quietly been putting up solid numbers (15.3 ppg, 5.2 apg). Now if he can put together a string of two straight good games, he’ll be on his way.
18. Utah Jazz (2-4) — The last three losses have been bad: Booed by the home crowd in a blowout against the Rockets, eviscerated in the fourth quarter by Dirk while blowing a 15-point lead, and making the Martin-less Kings look like the Webber/Divac Kings at home.
17. New Orleans Hornets (2-5) — Whether Byron Scott is really on the hot seat or not, how many out-of-work coaches do you think are preparing their interview answers to the question of how they’d utilize Chris Paul in their system?
16. Detroit Pistons (3-4) — Tayshaun Prince is missing games now? What’s next, Tila Tequila getting a real job?
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-3) — Imagine when Kevin Durant finds his stroke. He’s averaging 24 points a night but is only hitting 19% of his threes.
14. Toronto Raptors (3-3) — It’s not like Hedo Turkoglu has been bad, but at the money he’s being paid, do you think Raptors fans expected more than 14 points and 3.5 dimes?
13. San Antonio Spurs (2-3) — Tony Parker is expected to miss about a week with an ankle injury.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) — The new lineup of Andre Miller and Steve Blake starting in the backcourt has produced two straight wins, and Jerryd Bayless is even getting some PT. But is sticking Brandon Roy at small forward something you want to do long-term?
11. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-3) — The Knicks brought LeBron’s favorite rapper and his favorite baseball team to MSG for their recruiting pitch. After road games this week in Orlando and Miami, the Cavs should do something special this Saturday when LBJ returns home to face the Jazz.
10. Chicago Bulls (4-2) — Tyrus Thomas’ broken arm definitely hurts the team, but they’re deep enough in the frontcourt to withstand it.
Trevor Ariza
9. Houston Rockets (4-2) — Their first loss was on the road in Portland on opening night, understandable because they’re getting used to the new lineup. Their other loss was by one point in overtime against the Lakers.
8. Denver Nuggets (5-2) — Now that J.R. Smith is off suspension, the offense becomes instantly more explosive, and the team’s tattoo count doubles.
7. Atlanta Hawks (5-2) — In an interview with NBA TV the other night, Josh Smith said he’s not taking as many outside jumpers because he realized he’s much better “around the inner part of the basket.” Exactly.
6. Miami Heat (5-1) — And to think, D-Wade (28 ppg, 4.8 apg) hasn’t even really gotten rolling yet.
5. Phoenix Suns (6-1) — With Jason Richardson bouncing back from an awful game in Orlando and Leandro Barbosa back from his wrist injury, the offense is clicking on all cylinders.
4. Orlando Magic (5-2) — After withstanding Rashard Lewis’ suspension and Vince’s ankle injury, apparently the loss of Ryan Anderson was the straw that broke Gortat’s back.
3. L.A. Lakers (6-1) — In two starts, DJ Mbenga has collected eight blocks and pulled down 25 boards. Meanwhile, Kobe (33 ppg) is as unstoppable as ever.
2. Dallas Mavericks (5-2) — Josh Howard is back, and doesn’t look rusty at all. He put up 16 points in just 24 minutes against the Raptors.
1. Boston Celtics (7-1) — Rajon Rondo is leading the NBA in steals (3.1 spg) and is fourth in assists (9.0 apg). He can get to the rim on almost anybody and is deadly in transition, but the jumper is still broken. He gets that down, and he’ll be near impossible to stop.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Shakers says:
Can’t wait to see Control’s Rondo hating now.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
SadDimeIsDead says:
The suns are 6 and 1 and they beat Boston they should be number one. Your order is biased and makes no sense.
As for Granger will the Walker bashing ever stop? He hasn’t been shooting the 3’s crazy like since 2003. 5 YEARS AGO. You are either a bad writer and to stupid to do any research to find a new player to bash or you are brain dead to not GRASP the concept that Danny Granger and Antoine had the SAME coach when they were throwing the 3’s too much.
Dime magazine has gone down and writers like this guy are the reason why
November 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
IG says:
mcgrady returning on the 18th!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
SWAT says:
need advice and i dnt see a new fantasy doc article…should i move lebron…yes or no…i hv 2 trades rt now…d-will and bosh for bron…or cp3 and amare for him…bron was my 1st pick so im not sure. yall’s thoughts?
November 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Rizwan says:
How are you gonna have the Suns at 5 and have Dallas at 2?
November 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Cavs and Spurs are falling faster and farther than expected.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Kevin says:
@SadDimeIsDead — So you forgot that the Suns got 20-pieced by Orlando? Yeah they beat Boston, but you can’t really say they’re the best team in the League right now.
As for Toine Walker, he hasn’t been throwing crazy threes since 2003 because his game went into the toilet in 2004. Comparing him to Granger is an insult to Granger, if anything.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Diggity Dave says:
The Heat are for real!
November 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Man cant wait to get Gasol back..
Celtics aint looked too impressive TO ME and Cleveland is purely a highlight team.. Orlando still the team to beat in the East..
Cant wait for them to bomb Boston out of the ECF..
November 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
LakeShow84 says:
And who was supposed to challenge us in the West??
BWAHAHAHAHAHA i had to look closer to find them in the MIDDLE OF THE PACK..
Sorry Spurs fans.. there always next- oh shit..
November 9th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
control says:
Is it just me or does that picture of Ariza make him look like a pedo about to be loosed in a Toys R Us?
Shakers
Am I that predictable? I was actually about to blast on Rondo, but now I kinda have to hold back thanks to you…He really isn’t that good though.
The Suns are ranked kinda low on this list, they’ve been TEARING it up, and they have a REAL point guard leading the way…
November 9th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Thewy01 says:
I’m a bucks fan, I dont understand how you can say they had the easiest schedule, when they were supposed to be the “worst team” in the league.
November 9th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
jdizzle says:
No Trevor Ariza looks like Derwin Davis!
November 9th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Mayan Mike says:
The way I see it the Celtics have lost 1 to one of the top 10 teams mentioned here and won against 1. The Lakers have lost to a top 10 power as well but have beaten 2 of the top 10 powers. Bias anyone?
November 9th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Lawschool Douchebag says:
@ SadDimeIsDead:
I wish I had a virtual violin to play while reading your sob story. Why the fuck are you so sensitive about Antoine Walker?
November 9th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Mayan Mike
Nah DIME just hates on the Lakers.. funny how we look good without our FULL roster.. just wait until we healthy DIME.. u wont have a choice!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!
Like i said.. for all their firepower and hoopla the Celtics dont impress me.. still getting away with their bullshit (no call on KG fouling Brewer, YEAH) and acting like they hard @ the same time..
Only way we lose this years O’Brien trophy is to the refs.. much like Game2 of the 07-08 Finals..
November 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I know DIME is just itching to put Cleveland back into the top 5..
Bet if Cleveland wins their next 4 against the TWolves, Grizzlies, Pacers and Knicks DIME would throw them into the top 5 with some bullshit like “the king is holding court”..
WACK..
November 9th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Mr. TKO says:
@jdizzle
That boy don’t look nothin like Ding-Dong. I know you’re probably suffering from (the Game) withdrawals but come on man…..
I don’t especially mind the Lakers being at number 3, but how Did Dallas beat them there, yea they beat L.A. but they also lost to CP3 whom La just beat plus Dallas lost to the wizards on their home court.
If LA isn’t gonna be #2 this week, I would expect to see The suns holding that spot down until the Lakers take them out this week. I shouldn’t see Dallas there.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Ian says:
lakeshow kinda the same way u won it back in 02 cuz of the refs?
dime spurs should be 30
November 9th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
SWAT says:
@LAKE SHOW did htown almost run yall boys out the gym a couple of days ago?
November 9th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
jeremy says:
well if chandler and paul love each other so much the bobcats might trade felton, mohammad, and vlad for chris paul
November 9th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
wifey says:
- The cavs have beaten the timberwolves, bobcats, wizards and the knicks. They should be last based on how the DIME writers were praising them all throughout summer.
- The Hornets should be wayyy back also, outside Paul and West the teams sucks ass
- The Lakers should be first cuz Mbenga is somehow pulling down 11 a game playing alongside Kobe.
Jazz FTW!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Peter says:
“Big” game tonight to determine the worst in the West as the T-Wolves visit Oracle and the free-falling Warriors. While Dime Mag’s team power rankings may change every week the distinction of the league’s worst owner belong’s this week, and every week, to Chris Cohan. No doubt his marketing staff has the injury excuses queued up but does any fan in his/her right mind think that Brandon Wright would keep this train wreck on the tracks? Sell, Cohan, sell now, PLEASE!
November 9th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
QQ says:
Hmmm… Suns seems kinda low in the list, seeing that they were THE team that beat the ‘Not Going to Lose Anytime Soon’ Celtics.
IMO:
1. Celts
2. Lakers
3. Suns
November 9th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
heartbreaker85 says:
it’s simple.
we all know that the suns WILL WIN GAMES and score 100, but WILL NOT GET ANYWHERE NEAR THE FINALS.
the difference between the lakers and celtics 6-1 records? LA’s winning with their O while the Cs have been locking people up (just not against the suns).
and yes, the Mavs should be ranked higher than the suns, because they can actually D up from time to time.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:04 am
egypt says:
@#1….. rondo has no jumper…. how can u even be considered an elite basketball player if u have no jumper whatsoever?? I mean… he isn’t a center…. in the playoffs if you’re being guarded about a mile away until ure in the paint and you’re a guard then u are not a basketball player…
November 10th, 2009 at 12:08 am
jnuh says:
How the fuck can you be on the same team as Ray Allen for 3 years and still not know how to shoot a fucking jump shot?
November 10th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Bird33 says:
@Lakeshow84
See you in June when we beat you in 6.
November 10th, 2009 at 12:55 am
orson says:
Why is the lakers not number 1? No Pau Gason, no Andrew Bynum but still on top of the standings. This list SUCKS!!! S-U-C-K-S
November 10th, 2009 at 1:42 am
spurs.fan says:
Spurs are gonna be playing a bunch of home games, have gotten a bit more used to each other (team chemistry with 7 new players on the team takes some time), and Pop has a better idea of what his players can do. Ya’all gonna see the Spurs move up the hit list a.bunch by next week.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:51 am
QQ says:
@ 25: It’s the hitlist. It’s about who’s playing the best right NOW. NOW. Let’s worry about the Suns not doing shit in the playoffs in March and April. But now that they’re winning these meaningless games and having fun, let’s give them the credit.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Mikey B says:
If Raptor fans expected more from Hedo they were horribly mistaken.
Please trade Hedo for SJax and save the team from another first round exit/ lottery pick.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Celt4life says:
Can we all agree that any team can beat any other team on any given night? With that said yes certain apponents are expected to lose but you still count the win. I agree with jnuh one of the best shooters in the game and you worked out with M Price all summer. But even with that he still can kill you what does that say about his talent!
Sorry Dime i usually try to find logic in eveything you guys do but suns should be 3 after Celts & (Hugh!) Lakers