Rox over Wolves -- and Spurs? Let's enjoy this list while we can: The power rankings as of Nov. 4: POWER RANKINGS Current Team Previous 1 Los Angeles Lakers 2 With Gary Payton running the show, they have an energy level they haven't had before and that's scary for everybody else. 2 Sacramento Kings 3 The Kings are still winning, but until Chris Webber gets back sometime next month, we won't know exactly where they are. 3 Dallas Mavericks 4 Four games into it and the Mavs already have had five double-doubles from four different players. They may get the first seed with this offense. 4 New Jersey Nets 6 Alonzo Mourning is playing well and Jason Kidd is playing at the highest level possible. Will they walk to the East title? 5 Detroit Pistons 7 They aren't playing great yet, but their two wins are on the road, which speaks volumes about how tough they are. 6 New Orleans Hornets 8 They don't and won't have Jamal Mashburn (knee surgery) for quite some time, but Baron Davis is playing extraordinarily well. 7 Houston Rockets 10 They aren't in sync yet and this is too high, but they're going to get better quickly as Jeff Van Gundy's coaching sinks in. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves 5 They are struggling to find rhythm with four new starters, so hang with them until further notice. 9 San Antonio Spurs 1 Without Tony Parker, they're not a particularly exceptional team and if Tim Duncan is out, they're in big trouble. 10 Boston Celtics 14 If Vin Baker's return to effectiveness is permanent, they'll be a serious contender in the East. 11 Indiana Pacers 13 They aren't quite there yet -- like so many other groups -- but they are playing hard and improving daily. 12 Memphis Grizzlies 18 This is high for them, but they are real and will improve as the season progresses -- showing flashes of special play already. 13 Philadelphia 76ers 12 They just got Glenn Robinson after a three-game suspension, so it will take time for them to hit their stride. 14 Phoenix Suns 11 They have great young talent, but over the long haul will regret giving away Bo Outlaw and Jake Tsakalidis to cut costs. 15 Portland Trail Blazers 9 Something is missing here -- and it might just be the lost leadership of Scottie Pippen and Arvydas Sabonis. 16 Denver Nuggets 24 No, this isn't a typo. Not only do Carmelo Anthony and Andre Miller make them better, but if Marcus Camby is healthy, watch out. 17 Golden State Warriors 19 They need Nick Van Exel, Troy Murphy and Jason Richardson to return, but if others hold the fort, they'll be tough. 18 Seattle SuperSonics 17 Rashard Lewis is on the brink of becoming a star, and even without Ray Allen (ankle), they can score a lot of points. 19 Toronto Raptors 16 As long as Vince Carter is healthy, they're dangerous. But he is in serious need of help for consistent scoring. 20 New York Knicks 21 The Knicks haven't looked good, but Keith Van Horn is scoring, Allan Houston is getting healthy and they will get Antonio McDyess soon. 21 Utah Jazz 27 Jerry Sloan has convinced these guys that if they play great defense and go harder than the other guys they can win. And they are. 22 Orlando Magic 15 It has been stunning how badly the Magic have played so far, and confusing. Imagine how coach Doc Rivers feels. 23 Milwaukee Bucks 26 It doesn't matter that Terry Porter is a rookie coach. As long as the players believe and respond, they'll improve. 24 Washington Wizards 29 They are so young, but the talent is there and they will get better -- upsetting good teams along the way on occasion. 25 Atlanta Hawks 28 The Hawks have been better, just unable to pull out games late. Two overtime losses hurt confidence, particularly early in the season. 26 Cleveland Cavaliers 25 The dust has cleared from the LeBron James hype coming off an 0-3 road trip. Now we'll see if they can actually win games. 27 Chicago Bulls 20 The Bulls have been positively horrid so far, despite the youthful enthusiasm. Could be a roster shakeup coming soon. 28 Miami Heat 22 Pat Riley resigns as coach, Lamar Odom sprains an ankle two minutes later, and ... look out below. 29 Los Angeles Clippers 23 Wasn't it just 12 months ago the Clippers were being mentioned as a potential 50-win playoff team? Yeah, right.
Boy, you know I am enjoying this. There is room for more movement when you consider last night's game and where the Nets are ranked. The comment on the rocks is very appropriate. It is very early but it is looking real sweet.
So Hornets without Mashburn are better than us because the Baron is playing well??? These guys are so full of $h!t.
wow to me that seems too high. and thats even before the win against New Jersey. and why would you state that a teams ranking is too high, and not just put them a little lower.
We were one ten minute stretch of cold shooting away from the big L, which happened lots last year. Too early to judge.
Should Dallas be #3? I am asking that even before Nash went down with a bad shoulder. Wizards are killing them softly, right now. No defense.
I like the Rankings, but you all know the Wolves will go up. And the Mavs will have some sort of trouble.
