In-Depth Preseason Power Rankings

With the preseason close upon us, it's only appropriate for any NBA blogger to have their preseason power rankings ready at hand. I am no exception, and these rankings come with much enthusiasm as I am very excited about this coming season, even with all the controversy regarding referees and such. Of course, my Rockets amazing off-season might have something to do with it, however more importantly the NBA has had one of its deepest drafts in history to ride upon. Unfortunatly, all this excitement is halted by Greg Oden's recent injury, something I've found very devastating in fact. Regardless, here's where I see the teams as of now.

1. San Antonio Spurs

How could I put them anywhere else? They are the most dominate team, and the reigning champs. Although age is a concern, Duncan is as good as ever, Parker is surging, and Manu is still Manu. They are the Patriots of the league. Enough said.

Projected Record: 59-22

2. Phoenix Suns

One little (as well as controversial) suspension. That's all it took to derail the Suns' finals hopes. In my opinion, the result could've been much different if Stoudamire didn't get suspended. There's no doubting the fire of the likes of Nash, Marion, and Stoudamire. Stoudamire in particular is said to be very excited about the coming season, and aspires to be "Most Improved Player". This is on the heels of a very serious microfracture surgery, of which Amare has valiantly bounced back from, to a degree. The addition of Grant Hill doesn't hurt, either ;). His depth would be very welcomed if a certain Marion for AK-47 trade goes through. And let's not forget the 6th man of the year, Leandro Barbosa. He could see more big minutes due to Nash's age.

Projected Record: 61-21

(note: while I see them winning more games during the regular season, I still believe SAS to be a stronger team.)

3. Dallas Mavericks

Ahh, the Mavs. After their embarrassing first round loss to the Golden State Warriors, many Dallas fans have been left scratching their collective heads. Rest assured Mavs fans, it WAS a fluke. Things just came together at the right time for the Warriors, and they just seem to have the Mavericks number. Expect the Mavericks to maybe cool off a bit, but still be top 3 in the league.

Projected Record: 57-25

4. Boston Celtics

The talk of the town! After two blockbuster trades landed them two superstars in the form of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics now have 3 wildly motivated superstars in their respective primes. With subsequent additions such as Eddie House, James Posey, and Scott Pollard, the next three years in Beantown will be joyous. I expect them to take the Eastern conference by storm.

Projected Record: 57-25

5. Houston Rockets

Here's a team that is very tricky for me to analyze, as I have an obvious bias. John Hollinger regarded the Rockets as having the best off-season, even above the Celtics. Through a series of very impressive moves due to their new GM Daryl Morey, the Rockets have added Rick Adelmen (who comes with Bonzi Wells, consequently), Mike James, Steve Francis, Aaron Brooks, and perhaps most importantly, Luis Scola. While the many new additions bring just as many question marks, these additions come on the heels of a relatively impressive season where their best player missed 6 weeks due to injury. The playoffs were disappointing for them, however they fell to a very strong Jazz team that deserved the win. The main concern for this coming season is health, and if this team does stay healthy, they are as strong as almost any team.

Projected Record: 53-29

6. Chicago Bulls

The "Baby Bulls" of yesteryear are no more. They have grown up, as they showed by sweeping the reigning champion Heat in the first round in the playoffs. Adding Joakim Noah and Joe Smith beefs up what might be the strongest frontcourt in the NBA. Hinrich and Gordon make up a very strong backcourt, rounded out by Deng at the 3 spot with 6th man candidate Nocioni, with Tyrus Thomas having a year to improve with the sky being his limit. They will be a handful this year.

Projected Record: 53-29

7. Detroit Pistons

While the Pistons haven't made much noise this off-season, the development of young players, a very solid draft, and their already stellar starting lineup will definitely keep the Pistons in the running to come out of the Eastern Conference. However, it's obvious that they've missed Ben Wallace, and in a stronger Eastern Conference, they'll have to settle with 3rd in my rankings. Still, I feel they lost to the Cavs only due to LeBron James going absolutely crazy. So 3rd isn't that bad.

Projected Record: 52-30

8. Denver Nuggets

The AI/Melo experiment continues. While they were manhandled by the Spurs in the playoffs, I feel they underperformed and they will benefit tremendously from Kenyon Martin this coming season. The loss of Blake hurts, but I feel AI is definitely capable of playing point with an underrated J.R. Smith at the 2. Camby, Nene, and Martin make a very solid frontcourt as well.

Projected Record: 48-34

9. Utah Jazz

Deron Williams is primed to have an incredible season. Him and Carlos Boozer could prove to be one of the strongest duo's in the league. I'm a big fan of Paul Milsap and Ronnie Brewer, both of which could improve significantly. However, I feel the falling out of star forward Andrei Kirilenko will REALLY hurt them, unless a trade for a significant piece such as Marion happens.

Projected Record: 47-35

10. Cleveland Cavaliers

The reigning Eastern Conference champs will enter the coming season with largely the same roster, and hopefully this will be good enough for them to make a return trip to the finals. One young player to look out for this year is Shannon Brown, as he has shown great promise in the summer leagues. There are a lot of question marks in my mind regard many of their positions, such as the durability of Big Z, the consistency of Drew Gooden, the legitimacy of Daniel Gibson, and of course, Larry Hughes. Still, they have this one player, LeBron James or something, that could be the real deal ;).

Projected Record: 51-31

11. New Jersey Nets

A personal favorite of mine; the Nets have strengthened their thin frontcourt with the addition of Jamaal Magloire and Sean Williams, both very solid players in my opinion. The return of Nenad Kritic and the continuing improvement of Marcus Williams, Antoine Wright, and Josh Boone round out their role players, with all of this in addition to their version of a "Big 3", in a Jason Kidd that shined on Team USA, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson.

Projected Record: 46-36

12. Orlando Magic

Otis "Moneybags" Smith bagged this off-season's biggest fish in Rashard Lewis. While Lewis is an incredibly talented player, I hardly think he's worth over $21 Million a year. Regardless, he more than fills the void that Grant Hill left. The addition of Adonale Foyle doesn't hurt at all. Dwight Howard will only improve, and hopefully JJ Redick can implement himself as a major role player. Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkaglu, Tony Battie, and Keyon Dooling will have to step up significantly in order for the magic to succeed in the playoffs, however.

Projected Record 44-38

13. Toronto Raptors

After an impressive regular season last season, the Raptors underperformed in the playoffs, falling to the Nets in the first round. Jason Kopono should help this year, but I don't feel they've really improved while much of the Eastern Conference has bulked up. Still, they could make some noise this year with Bosh solidifying himself as one of the top perimeter big men in the league.

Projected Record: 43-39

14. Miami Heat

After a very disappointing first round, the Miami Heat look to re-establish themselves as a contender in the East. Unfortunately, having missed out on many key free agents such as Michael Pietrus and Charlie Bell, their age should show this year with an injured Wade and a MUCH older Shaq leading the pack. Losing Posey doesn't help, and I don't think the addition of Parker will help much either. However, Wade has proven to be a true leader, and hopefully he can bounce back and lead the Heat to another successful season.

Projected Record: 43-39

15. New Orleans Hornets

On the heels of a very solid draft, the now healthy Hornets should find themselves back in the Western Conference playoff picture. Chris Paul continues to improve, while Peja should play a bigger part in this years team. Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons are both very solid, and should contribute as well. They still have studs such as David West, Tyson Chandler, and Bobby Jackson, all of which should be enough to compete in the very stacked West. Julian Wright should prove to be one of the best rookies as well.

Projected Record 42-40

16. Los Angeles Lakers

The drama continues. With the only significant additions being Derrick Fisher and Javaris Crittington, while both solid, isn't enough to put this team over the top. Both Bryant and Jackson have verbally made their disapproval known, and unfortunately that will hit the chemistry pretty hard. Still, Bryant and Jackson are the best this league has, and that's enough for something. And they won't miss Parker.

Projected Record: 41-41

17. Golden State Warriors

The "Golden Child" of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. After derailing the regular season champion Dallas Mavericks, things should look pretty good for the Warriors. They don't. Having lost Richardson and the unfortunate drama with Nelly, there could be some players upset. Barnes and Pietrus have already tried to leave, albeit unsuccessfully. I do like Belinelli, however I just don't see them repeating what they did last year again.

Projected Record: 38-44

18. Charlotte Bobcats

One of the best young teams in the league should show a good amount of improvement this year, with the addition of Jason Richardson from Golden State. This alongside the addition of Jared Dudley and the improvement of their young player will have this team on their way to being a force in the east. Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, and Raymond Felton are all very solid players in their respective positions, however Walter Hermann should be the real surprise this year. After ending the season on a sensational note, he should establish himself as the starting power forward with Okafor beside him. Michael Jordan might have a winner in the future.

Projected Record: 40-42

19. Washington Wizards

Gilbert Arenas has had a very interesting off-season, as seen in his Nba.com blog. The Wizards are a solid team, however I just don't see them really standing out. Nick Young should be a good player for them, but even with Jamison and Butler, I just don't see it. Hopefully Gilbert will prove me wrong, as he's one of my favorite players.

Projected Record: 38-44

20. Sacramento Kings

New coach, new season. In my opinion, the Kings will have a year to adjust before really showing their potential. Kevin Martin is still a great player and will continue to improve, with Spencer Hawes fitting right in with Brad Miller. Mikki Moore should find some good minutes, however I still don't see them making the playoffs this year.

Projected Record: 35-47

21. Philidelphia 76'ers

After the Iverson trade last year, many expected them to drop off as one of the leagues worst teams. Andre Iguodala had something else in mind. Him and Andre Miller led the 76'ers to a very respectable post-iverson record at the end of last season, and Philidelphia remains of the brighter futures in the east. Thaddeus Young and Rodney Carney should make a great tandem someday, but until then, it'll be more lottery for the Sixers.

Projected Record: 35-47

22. Atlanta Hawks

It seems like the Hawks have sucked forever. Hopefully, based on this last draft, that trend is soon to end. Their aquisitions of Al Horford and Acie Law IV are both incredible additions to an already young and talented Hawks roster. Al Horford is my dark horse for Rookie of the year, depending on the kind of year Durant has. I'm also looking forward to seeing how Josh Smith progresses, as I think he's headed in the right direction in regards to his game. They also have 2 progressing bigs in Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams, and Joe Johnson is one of the best that no one pays attention to. They finally have a point guard to get all these athletes the ball, Acie Law IV, and he's a proven floor leader. The future is bright.

Projected Record: 34-48

23. Memphis Grizzlies

After an injury laden 2006-2007 campaign, the Grizzlies had locked up the leagues worst record, in anticipation of a very deep draft. Unfortunately, as the lucky Grizzlies would have it, they only ended up with the 4th pick, Luckily, Mike Conley Jr. was not a bad choice. Rudy Gay should have a pretty big year as his role becomes more prominate, and Gasol has been very successful in his international play. Still, I don't see how all the pieces are going to fit together and I don't see them being a very serious contender for the playoffs.

Projected Record: 34-48

24. Indiana Pacers

It's been a pretty sad series of years for the Pacers, hasn't it? They go from a 60 win playoff giant to a litteral lottery lock. I love Jermaine O'Neal. I would've also loved to see O'Neal go to the Lakers. At least then he'd have a shot at some playoff sucess, because right now, I just don't see it.

Projected Record: 31-51

25. Los Angeles Clippers

The curse of the Clippers is alive and well. Brand is out for the season, and their lack of a competent and healthy point guard hurt them a great deal last year. Brevin Knight helps, and the rest of the supporting class is formidable, but the absence of their superstar ultimately lands them back in the lottery.

Projected Record: 30-52

26. Seattle Supersonics

DUR-ANT! DUR-ANT! These are the chants that will echo across Seattle (or wherever they end up), and for good reason. Durant has the potential to be the most complete offensive threat the NBA has ever seen. I was a big fan of his at Texas, and I really believe he'll live up to the hype. People need to remember that he JUST turned 19. I like Jeff Green beside him too; it's weird that someone can be labeled as the "perfect wingman", but if anyone fits the bill, it's Green. Wally won't help their record too much however, with their 2 stars now gone. It's still a must watch team this year.

Projected Record: 30-52

27. Milwuake Bucks

I'll be watching the bucks closely this year, as Yi Jianlian might be the most intriguing prospect of the draft. Though I find it weird for a player like Yi to end up on the yuh-huck bucks, I still think he should do well. The addition of Desmond Mason is nice, and Charlie V is a very impressive young big, however the the fact that both Yi and Bell had issues with the organization makes me doubt how good they will actually be this year. I think they can be good, but aren't there yet.

Projected Record: 28-54

28. Portland Trailblazers

You've got to be hurting right now if you're a Blazer fan; it's been a roller coaster of an offseason. Having traded away their 20/10 player in Randolph, there will be a huge void in the frontcourt. Frye helps fill that, but no one is expecting him to produce at that level. The Blazers have 3 players I ABSOLUTELY love in Brandon Roy, Sergio Rodriguez, and (surprise!) Josh McRoberts. The loss of Oden gives McRoberts the chance to shine like I KNOW he can. Still, this won't translate to wins, and Blazer fans should be very excited at this same time next year due to the fact that they'll probably have one of Michael Beasley, Eric Gordon, OJ Mayo, or Derrick Rose, all of which will be SCARY next to Oden. These are the faces of the NBA's future.

Projected Record: 24-58

29. Minnisota Timberwolves

Like Blazer fans, it must suck to be a T-wolves fan right now. But, like the Blazers, they have a lot to look forward to. Gerald Green is a young favorite of mine, Al Jefferson is a beast, and they still have... Ricky Davis? But seriously, players like Randy Foye, Rashad Mcants, Ryan Gomes, and Corey Brewer should make this squad something to contend with come say.. 2011?

Projected Record: 18-64

30. New York Knicks

The laughingstock of the NBA. It's sad that this city of avid fans has to endure such a terrible team. Randolph and Curry are too similar, Marbury is just a shade of "Starbury", Frye was their best prospect, Isiah Thomas is crazy, and Jefferies always being injured all add up to a disaster season. However, if they get a top pick in next years draft, a player like OJ Mayo could really turn this franchise around.

Projected Record: 19-63