http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/10/15/nba_rankings/ 1 L.A. Lakers Now that Shaq’s toes are fixed, their quest for a four-peat looks to be on solid footing. 2 Sacramento Kings They came within a whisker of dethroning L.A. last year, and added another quality big man in free agent Keon Clark. 3 Dallas Mavericks The NBA’s most potent offensive team returns all its key players, but they’ve got to start playing some defense. 4 San Antonio Spurs Reigning MVP Tim Duncan gets one more shot alongside David Robinson before the Admiral hangs it up for good. 5 New Jersey Nets Dikembe Mutombo should make the defending East champs better, but developing chemistry could take time. 6 New Orleans Hornets Fans in the Big Easy should have plenty to cheer about, provided Jamal Mashburn returns to All-Star form. 7 Portland Trail Blazers Once again, the talent is there for a title run. Unfortunately, so are the big egos that always seem to wreck their season. 8 Philadelphia 76ers Keith Van Horn and Todd MacCulloch should thrive alongside Allen Iverson. But their team defense still looks slow. 9 Boston Celtics If Vin Baker is rejuvenated by his return to New England roots, they could be a force again in the East. 10 Washington Wizards Michael Jordan is back, and this time he has more help in Jerry Stackhouse, Bryon Russell and Larry Hughes. 11 Minnesota Timberwolves Kevin Garnett will keep them competitive, but another first-round playoff exit looks inevitable. 12 Milwaukee Bucks They're highly motivated after last year’s embarrassment, but Tim Thomas must prove worthy of a starting role. 13 Indiana Pacers Head coach Isiah Thomas could be on the hot seat if Reggie Miller & Co. don’t take step a forward this season. 14 Orlando Magic If Grant Hill (ankle) and Tracy McGrady (back) stay healthy, they could form the East’s best 1-2 punch . 15 Utah Jazz They're aiming for their 20th straight playoff appearance, provided they don’t trade Karl Malone in midseason. 16 Toronto Raptors Vince Carter is out to prove a point, but the loss of Keon Clark and Chris Childs has hurt their depth. 17 Atlanta Hawks Glenn Robinson and Theo Ratliff make them one of league’s most improved teams -- at least on paper. 18 Houston Rockets If Yao Ming can live up to the hype, Steve Francis & Co. could cause headaches for the rest of the West. 19 L.A. Clippers Andre Miller joins this up-and-coming team, but uncertainty over the future has left a cloud over the franchise. 20 Seattle SuperSonics Gary Payton can keep them competitive, but will he stay happy without a contract extension? 21 Detroit Pistons They're solid defensively, but young Rip Hamilton is not yet ready to fill Jerry Stackhouse’s scoring role. 22 Phoenix Suns There's a decent mix of youth and veterans, but Stephon Marbury (ankles) must stay healthy. 23 Miami Heat Without Alonzo Mourning (kidney), Pat Riley will need big seasons from Brian Grant and Eddie Jones. 24 New York Knicks The loss of Antonio McDyess (knee) is the latest blow for a franchise that has fallen and can’t get up. 25 Memphis Grizzlies Reigning Rookie of the Year Pau Gasol should have more help with the return of Michael Dickerson. 26 Chicago Bulls Jay Williams joins an exciting young core, but their brutal defense will keep them near the Central cellar. 27 Golden State Warriors Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy and Antawn Jamison give hope to new coach Eric Musselman. 28 Cleveland Cavaliers Until Zydrunas Ilgauskas proves he can regain his form, put them in the LeBron James Sweepstakes. 29 Denver Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe’s rebuilding project will take a severe beating in the ultra-competitive West.
They started out well listing 4 West teams, but 10 East teams in the top 18 - are they nuts? The only bad teams out West are the Nuggets, the Warriors, and the Grizzlies. Every other team in the West would be a playoff team in the East, and a threat to advance in the playoffs. Heck, even the Grizzlies would have a good shot at the playoffs in the East. Just an example...he says that Philly's team defense looks slow. That's kind of bad news, when their offense is looking worse as well. Does anyone really think that TMac's and KVH's offense is going to look better playing alongside Allen "Give me the ball" Iverson than playing next to Kidd? I don't think TMac is gonna be quite the presence that Mount Mutumbo was at grabbing AI's bricks.
Portland at #7? Milwaukee ahead of the Hawks? And personally, I think Denver should be placed ahead of the Knicks. Go Denver.
there is way too much to discuss about this ranking. all i'll say is we should be higher of course, and it seems that this power ranking could use some reconstructive sergury.
Dallas at number 3? Wizards at 10? New Orleans at 6? Has the writer been living in a cave the past couple years?
Public service Announcement: Sports writers, please put down the crack pipe before writing something that some less informed fans will take as truth. It just makes you look like a total Mor-on.. Please, this is wrong on more levels than can be discussed in one lifetime.
