Wow Nuggets are rated higher than the Lakers? On paper the Lakers have the BEST TEAM in the West. Realistically its still true, only the Thunder have a chance to dethrone them because of chemistry, being younger and more durable, and Durant is nearly as good as Kobe in closing out games. No way we're in last place though but if we are, I'll be happy. At least we'll finally get a top pick, possibly two if Toronto follows suit.
I don't mind the rankings as the Rockets simply are a team of overachievers at this point. What I do take issue with is the idea that this team won't do well because it is full of rookies. Truth is, there are no rookies in the starting lineup and all the starters outside of Martin can play defense. I honestly think this team has the ability to D up on a nightly basis against any team. Granted they are gonna be a work in progress, but when its all said and done, the teams that play good defense usually end up in the playoffs. Another good thing is that they can only get better as this year goes on. They will likely gel and learn to play better, and since a lot of the younger teams like the Wolves are dealing with injuries to begin the season, the team can steal some wins while learning. In the NBA the hardest positions to fill with borderline all-star talent are pg and center. If lin plays as he's shown to be capable of and Asik continues on this trajectory, the Rockets will have two guys at crucial spots to push them into the playoffs and debunk these kind of preseason rankings.
