NBA.com released their power rankings this morning and take a guess who is number one. Actually, take three guesses. Go ahead, write them down. Now check to see if you are right:
Boston Celtics- wrong
Orlando Magic- wrong
Phoenix Suns- wrong
LA Lakers- wrong
Cleveland Cavs- wrong
SA Spurs- wrong
Give up?
The Atlanta Hawks. I know, crazy, but you have got to love whats going on down in the ATL. Josh Smith's maturity has really improved the efficiency of this squad and of all people, Jamal Crawford has been a great addition to the offensive production. With 5 guys in double figures and Marvin Williams at 9 ppg, the Hawks are really balancing the load well and the team defense with Joe Johnson on Mike Bibby locking down the ball handlers, Josh Smith controlling the floor and igniting fast breaks, and Al Hortford holding down the middle (double double and 1.9 blocks a night), have the Hawks are looking really good. They got a huge win IN Boston Friday night and that gives them great scores but its tough to believe the Hawks will remain at the top of the pack down the road. Looking ahead, they play Portland tonight who is bring the league's longest winning streak (6 games) in to town. The last 4 have come on the road so Portland will not be intimidated by the Bird men. This will be a good test for both teams which are on the brink of the league's elite. After Portland, the schedule looks like this:
Miami
Houston
@ New Orleans
Orlando.
This will be a big test for the Hawks. After Orlando next Thursday, let's check back on these Hawks to see if they are for real.
Speaking of Orlando... they will be at full strength for the first time this week with Anderson returning (Ankle) and Rashard Lewis suiting up for the first time this season (suspension). The landscape of the East will be very dynamic in the weeks ahead.
Speaking East, what's up with the Celts (1-15 from the Three line gainst the Hawkies at home in a loss)? According to NBA.com, back-to-back losses didn't happen until late December last year and mid-January in 2007/2008.
They have a huge game this Friday against Orlando.
Stephen Jackson may get his wish... the two teams on the top of the list in trade talks right now are the Dallas Mavs and the Cleveland Cavs. I would lean more towards Cleveland at this point for four reasons:
1) Shaq and LeBron have voiced their support for this trade. Well hmmm, the trade will probably involve moving big Z. Of course Shaq wants it to happen!!!! And when did he earn the right to voice his opinion on this team? Am I hating? I get it that Shaq is an NBA veteran with 4 rings but is he really consulted on possible trade negotiations? Shaq is out with a shoulder strain... how severe is it. This may hinder the move. Let's keep our eyes on this.
2) Danny Ferry, GM of the Cavs is a Jackson fan. They played together in San Antonio and oddly enough, everyone on that team from Tim Duncan down loved Stephen Jackson as a teammate.
3) Cleveland is desperate to do anything to keep LeBron home.
4) JJ Hickson and Anderson Varajeo have really stepped up their game... well actually let's just focus on JJ. After what happened with Anderson's skull last week in Miami (AHHHHHH), Anderson should never be mentioned in positive light again. That is, unless he spends 3 weeks in one of these. But seriously, JJ and Anderson stepping up and providing positive minutes makes the possible departure of big Z easier to stomach.
Ouch.
Brandon Jennings... stop it. Seriously. Women and children are present. You need to cool it down.
Did you notice he was 7-8 from 3. To take a line from the Stuart Scott book, "Dude's like sun."
For this effort, Mr. Jennings the prestigious, one-of-a-kind Wry of the Weekend.
Brandon getting out of bed Monday morning.
Wry it up you little champ. You earned it. You have made Milwaukee relevant again. You are in uncharted territory my young friend.
Also big ups to Durant for dropping 40 and 8 and I know what you are saying... but it came in a LOSS to the CLIPPERS, but I am not kidding you, these really aren't your Dad's Clippers. This team has a certain something that is oddly enough working. Don't worry, they will find a way to destroy it soon enough.
Joakim Noah is fun and his game is for real.
On to Local Sports:
Knicks- 1-9. Worst start in FRANCHISE history. And Toney Douglas just lost points in my book. You gotta be supporting historic movements young man. This is bigger than you.
Nets- 0-10. They approaching historic territory. But hey, at least their finances are in order. Um, er something.
76ers- 4-6 but Speights is out two months.
The NBA... where amazing happens.
(This was a great ending point but I need some more time to have fun....)
for this
and this
New England Sports.... where stomach punches happen.
Happy ball.
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