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Unfortunately we weren’t very active for the first couple of weeks of the season, but now we are back and here are the first batch of Power Rankings!
The Ron Artest Effect
Last season, the Lakers were a fairly mediocre defensive team. They would constantly be scoring and allowing over 100 points a game while usually playing respectable defense the other teams’ best player, but allowing a role player to have a career night. But with the addition of Ron Artest, the Lakers are #1 in opponent FG% and opponent 3P FG% this season, while allowing teams to score only 96 points a game while playing at a fast pace. The main reason for this is the addition of Ron Artest, with a little credit going to the return of Andrew Bynum. Artest has been one of the best one-on-one defenders ever in his career, and this season is bringing a defensive intensity to the usually offensive-minded Los Angeles Lakers. Ron Artest has shut down every star player the Lakers have gone against this season, other than Carmelo Anthony, but that should change the next time they face off against the Nuggets. Artests’ defense is one of the key factors as to why the Lakers are #1 in the power rankings of many websites.
Rank
Team
Record
Description
1
Los Angeles Lakers
12-3
The Lakers have been cruising as of late, and should continue for at least another week or two with their easy, home-loaded schedule.
2
Orlando Magic
13-4
The Magic earned the #2 spot with a Turkey Day blowout of the former #1 seeded Hawks in Atlanta.
3
Phoenix Suns
13-3
The Suns have been the surprise team this season with the best record in the NBA, but they lost badly to the Hawks and Lakers, and probably won’t be able to keep this excellent play up for the remainder of the season.
4
Atlanta Hawks
12-4
The Hawks were another surprise team this season, but a bad loss to the Magic puts them right back below the Celtics and Magic in the standings. Though, they did have an impressive win in Boston.
5
Boston Celtics
12-4
Struggling early this season, but should turn it around soon and be back at the top of the East in a 3-horse race with the Lakers and Magic for best record.
6
Denver Nuggets
12-4
The Nuggets proved they are a contender with their blowout of the Lakers in Denver, but they have had an extremely easy schedule, as well as the easiest 5-game stretch in NBA history (New Jersey, @ Minnesota, New York, Minnesota, Golden State).
7
San Antonio Spurs
8-6
The Spurs started off the season badly, but have caught fire the past week and are riding a 4-game winning streak.
8
Cleveland Cavaliers
12-5
The Cavaliers are disappointing this season, and it appears that Shaquille O’Neal is not a good fit for them. They need a Chris Bosh or David West to win a ring for the king.
9
Dallas Mavericks
12-5
The Mavericks have had impressive wins this season, but they need to consistently be able to beat good teams.
10
Portland Trailblazers
12-7
Same problem as the Mavericks.
11
Miami Heat
9-6
An impressive win of the Magic, and a disappointing loss to the Wizards.
12
Oklahoma City Thunder
9-7
The Thunder have been very good this season (for their standards) and have an above .500 record, but don’t expect it to be that way at the end of the season.
13
Utah Jazz
9-7
The Jazz are consistently inconsistent.
14
Charlotte Bobcats
7-9
The Bobcats have been a fantastic defensive team this season, but they just can’t get enough points on the offensive end. They need a 25+ ppg scorer in order to have any chance in the playoffs.
15
New Orleans Hornets
7-9
The Hornets are 4-3 under new head coach Jeff Bower, but expect that number to increase once Chris Paul is back.
16
Sacramento Kings
7-8
The Sacramento Kings are a legitimate Top 16 team for the first time in a long time. Impressive at home with a 6-2 record, but terrible on the road with a 1-6 record.
17
Milwaukee Bucks
8-7
The Bucks started out the season as one of the top teams with an 8-3 record, but since then they have only lost.
18
Chicago Bulls
6-8
The Bulls are on a bad 4-game slide due to a tough West coast trip.
19
Houston Rockets
8-8
Started off the season strong, but have faltered lately.
20
Indiana Pacers
6-8
The Pacers need to make some major changes, because no matter how good Danny Granger gets, they will never go past the 1st round.
21
Toronto Raptors
7-10
The Raptors start out every season expected to be a top team with a strong core of Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, and Jermaine O’Neal/Hedo Turkoglu, but every season they disappoint.
22
Memphis Grizzlies
6-10
The Iverson experiment failed badly, but at least now they can give more minutes to young soon-to-be stars OJ Mayo and Mike Conley.
23
L.A. Clippers
7-10
They beat the Detroit Pistons, big deal?
24
Washington Wizards
5-10
Gilbert Arenas + Antawn Jamison + Mike Miller + Caron Butler = 5 wins and 10 losses? At least they have beaten the Cavaliers.
25
Golden State Warriors
5-10
The Warriors are banged up right now, so you can’t expect them to be able to win games.
26
Philadelphia 76ers
5-11
How bad are they playing right now? Well, they are the one team in the league that really SHOULD sign Allen Iverson. They’re in trouble.
27
Detroit Pistons
5-11
Of the 28 teams in the NBA, they have the longest losing streak at 7 games. In case you didn’t know, the Timberwolves and Nets were officially merged into the D-League last night.
Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.
Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................
And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.
Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................
Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.
Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.
Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.
Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................
Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.
The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.
Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................
Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................
The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.
So the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady will be looking to wear the #3 jersey when the new season opens up for his team . With the newly signed Trevor Ariza seemingly in to make an easy transition after the departure of Ron Artest westward bound to the Los Angeles Lakers . One would surmise that the Rockets will be looking towards legitimacy as a contender within the Western Conference.
Chase Budinger (10) of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket in an NBA Summer League game played against the Minnesota T'wolves at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett W. Ellwood ............
However , with the impending loss of All-Star center Yao Ming quite possibly for a season , if not an abrupt end to an already tangible career within the NBA. It has to be said that the future as to the Rockets’ fortunes may well rest squarely on the shoulders of McGrady. In some circles Tracy McGrady has been viewed as the quintessential player. In others he’s viewed as a players who’s never quite lived up to the early promise shown. Be it either through a lack of maturity on his part. Or the mere fact he’s merely not a team player and who’s merely about the stats alone.
Rockets' guard Tracy McGrady . picture appears courtesy of globesports.com/ Everett Cooper .................
One thing is most definitely certain is that this year will either be a make or break year for both McGrady and the Houston Rockets. After last year’s disappointment of the postseason ,wherein the loss to the Lakers in the conference semi-finals 4-3 brought about an abrupt end to their postseason ambitions in the NBA. Another season of disappointment and GM Dary Morey and the team’s coach Rick Adelman will have to take good , long and hard look at the team’s roster.
Jermaine Taylor of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw against the T'wolves in an NBA Summer League Game played at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas , Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/ getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood .........
The team’s draft was deemed to be a success. And with the additions of Chase Budinger , Sergio Lull and Jermaine Taylor as rookies on the roster. These players ought to complement a core group of talented players that showed some promise initially in the playoffs. And in particular the play and contribution made by third year point guard Aaron Brooks. The player , himself , showed a great deal of maturity and leadership throughout much of the playoffs. And were it not for the unevenness of the team’s play and then the loss of Yao Ming in conference semi-finals to the Lakers. We may well never have known how the might’ve ended up faring . But the games aren’t about suppositions , as it’s about the events that take place and the the facts presented that determine the results at the end of the day.
As to McGrady and his wish to wear the #3 jersey in order give an identity to a man-made crisis the Darfur region of Sudan. I commend the player on his altruism and philanthropical efforts. At the end of the day the plight of the refugees means nothing to the most ardent of NBA fans. As their only concern is what takes place on the basketball court. And state of the team that they suppport. Whilst this is a magnanimous and magnificent gesture on the part of the player. Unless his game excels on the court and reaches the levels that we know it is capable of reaching. But above all he shows that he can not only become the vocal and physical leader of this Houston Rockets’ team. Then all of the these gestures will count for nothing in the eyes of the fans. No matter how stoic and virtuous his intentions might be.
Trevor Ariza seated alongside Rokckets' GM Daryl Morey having just been acquired by the Rockets from the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Bill Baptist ............
If McGrady really seeks a platform to make his voice heard and to further publicize his efforts . Then what better way than to raise the level of his play and lead this Rockets’ team with some authority in the absence of his teammate Yao Ming. Afterall over the years we’ve questioned his leadership and maturity. But never his undoubted skills. If its his intention to prove to us all that he has what it takes. Then let now be the time for him to step up to the plate once and for all. And then at the same time just forget about a numbered jersey and what it apparently signifies.
McGrady amongst the midst of a man-made dissaster of immeasurable proportions in the Darfur region of Sudan.
McGrady amongst starving refugees at a camp in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. picture appears courtesy of afp/oneblackplanet/ Michael Olagwenyuwu .................
At the end of the day that number may well mean something to him. But to the mere fan in attendance it mightn’t signify nothing to them at all. The numbers on a jersey is nothing compared to figure on a piece of legal tender ! And that is afterall the real donation that we as fans contribut to a a worthwhile and just cause !
As to McGrady let’s hope that he too can prove that the lessons he’s now said to be learning will serve him in good stead as far as his professional career goes. And also in his philanthropic endeavors.
McGrady’s old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza , the Lakers’ forward who agreed to a multi yeard deal with Houston on July 2.
McGrady wore No.3 in high school . He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his 2007 summer visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, #3 Points*, is set for release this fall. The title refers to goals of peace, protection and punishment.
McGrady has donated $75,000 to a humanitarian project in Darfur. He had microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. Doctors say he needs up to 12 months to recover.
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Have you ever asked yourself, “What will happen to the Lakers once Kobe retires?” or, “Who will be the next coach once Phil Jackson retires?“.
In this article I will try my best to answer those questions, as well as others in determining what will become of the defending champions in the future. First off, I will start with discussing who will be the Lakers next head coach once Phil Jackson retires, because that is most likely the next thing to happen.
Phil Jackson was originally rumored to be retiring this offseason due to health issues, but after getting the “ok” from his doctor he will be returning to coach the Lakers full time next season. When he finally does retire though, it is expected that Kurt Rambis will take over as the head coach. Though Rambis has been an assistant with the Lakers for a couple of seasons, I believe that there may be better choices for the Lakers when it’s time to get a new coach. Byron Scott is the top choice by many Lakers fans to be the new head coach. Not only is he a former Lakers player, but he was also the coach of the year two seasons ago. He is an excellent offensive and defensive coach, and could be a perfect fit for the Lakers. Kurt Rambis is a good coach and deserves the job, but I think that if Byron Scott or, possibly, Nate McMillan is available then they should pursue them.
With the aging and retirement of some of the players on the team over the next few seasons, the Lakers will need to transition into a team led by Andrew Bynum and other young players. After the Lakers swapped Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest through free agency, they are less prepared for the future. The Lakers are gradually becoming a veteran team led by Ron Artest (29), Kobe Bryant (30), Pau Gasol (28), and Lamar Odom (29). Although they have young players in Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Josh Powell, and Sasha Vujacic, Farmar and Vujacic are extremely inconsistent and are expected to be traded at some point, while Bynum has two surgically repaired knees that might cause problesm in the future, but he might be just fine, and Josh Powell isn’t a starting caliber player. If Andrew Bynum is able to return to his star form and avoids getting injured, then the Lakers will have a nice building block for the future. Kobe Bryant will be finishing his career with L.A., so the Lakers will have a lot of time to start rebuilding even when he is still in the NBA. And since it is the Lakers, they will have no problem getting marque players through free agency. Since Artest, Gasol, Bryant, and Odom will all be retiring within a 3-year span of each other, the Lakers will need to be prepared to rebuild quickly. And there is a possibility that some of them will be on a different team before they retire.
Now for the Post-Kobe Lakers era. The Post-Kobe Era will be highlighted by Andrew Bynum and another star player that we don’t know about yet. It is a guarantee that the Lakers will be able to get another star guard the same offseason that Kobe Bryant retires, whether it be through free agency or a trade. If Andrew Bynum is able to develop into a 20/10 guy who plays at least 70 games a season, then the Lakers will be in good shape. There are rumors that OJ Mayo wants to be a Laker, so when he is a free agent after Kobe Bryant retires, there is a good chance that he would come to the Lakers. The Lakers will also be stocking up on players in the next few years through the draft and through getting hidden gems in trades (like the Ariza trade).
So, no matter what happens in the future, you can always expect the Lakers to be a good team led by superstars.
The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams. For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.
Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon. Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks. Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring. After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him. Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders. Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.
Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home. Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic. The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy. Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.
Things just keep getting better for the 2009 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. A day after small forward Ron Artest announced that he had reached a verbal agreement on a 3-year deal with the team, Jackson decided to stay on as head coach. Jackson had serious concerns about his health and wanted to check with doctors before deciding to come back for another season. Questions persisted about whether his health would allow him to coach a full 82-game slate — he missed one game in Portland last season — but he he has apparently been cleared by his doctors. It makes sense for Jackson to return, considering the Lakers will be the favorites to win the Western Conference — and possibly the NBA championship. ESPN.com:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ commitment to sign the mercurial Ron Artest made retaining Phil Jackson even more imperative than it already was.
And Jackson’s status is no longer an unknown, thanks to a statement on the Lakers’ Web site Friday afternoon.
Jackson issued a statement confirming that he will be back to complete the final season of his contract, following an ESPN.com report earlier Friday that an announcement was forthcoming early next week.
“After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason,” Jackson said in the statement. “All things point to go!”
Jackson left Los Angeles on Wednesday to make the drive back to his offseason home in Montana after completing a positive series of medical checkups following the Game 5 victory in Orlando on June 14 that clinched the 15th NBA title in franchise history.
In a recent radio interview with 710 ESPN Los Angeles, Jackson said his 2009-10 status would be made official by “early July” and insisted that health concerns would be the only factor that could keep him from completing the final season of his contract in 2009-10, worth an estimated $12 million.
Trevor Ariza, a key member of the 2009 NBA Champions, has left for Houston. Was it because the Lakers didn’t want him back? No. Was it because Ariza didn’t want to come back? No. Was it because he requested too much money? Yes. The Lakers’ desperately wanted Trevor back in a Laker uniform for years to come but because of 1 good season he had, his agent thinks his client deserves a $50 Million contract. Hell no. We love you Ariza, but you arent worth anymore than $6 Million a year. He was that guy who would be at the corner waiting for the ball to come for him to hit the three. He was that guy who hustled for every loose ball. He was a fan favorite in LA. Everyone loved him. The Los Angeles Lakers made Ariza who he is today.
Craig Hodges, one of the greatest shooters to ever live, taught him how to shoot, the Laker’s offense allowed him to be open for those big shots. The Lakers’ defense even, allowed him to make epic steals to close out games. And he thanks us by telling us he wants a $50 million dollar contract, one that wasn’t deserved after just one season. Let me tell you guys now, Ariza will not get open looks in Houston, Ariza will not score big in Houston, Ariza will not flourish in Houston period. The Lakers were willing to give David Lee and his client, Ariza Mid-level exception money, for over 5 to 6 years even. Lee said he wanted a $50 Million dollar contract for his client, we refused, we got out and got an even better player, shooter, and defender in Ron Artest. Ariza decides to join the Rockets for the same money we offered him.
David Lee says “…it was more about respect than money”. David, you’re full of bulls**t. You can’t request a huge contract like that and then say it wasn’t about money in the end. And if it was about respect, we gave him plenty of respect, we gave him a shot, we gave him his name, the fans gave him love and respect and support. That’s all you can ask for as a basketball player. Or did you want the type of respect as in “show me the money” type of respect? It was all about the money all along. David Lee screwed his client out of a very promising position. Ariza will not be the player he was in LA. Why not take our MLE offer when you were gonna take an MLE offer in the end anyway? You both disrespected the city of Angels, the franchise of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the fans who loved and supported you all the way to the NBA Championship last year. I’m telling you now, if you wanted to come back to LA, make sure you mean the LA Clippers, because seeing you as a Laker again will make me puke. Thank you Ariza for everything you have done for us…oh… and Thank y0u for getting us Ron Artest.
100 points a game while usually playing respectable defense the other teams’ best player, but allowing a role player to have a career night. But with the addition of Ron Artest, the Lakers are #1 in opponent FG% and opponent 3P FG% this season, while allowing teams to score only 96 points a game while playing at a fast pace. The main reason for this is the addition of Ron Artest, with a little credit going to the return of Andrew Bynum. Artest has been one of the best one-on-one defenders ever in his career, and this season is bringing a defensive intensity to the usually offensive-minded Los Angeles Lakers. Ron Artest has shut down every star player the Lakers have gone against this season, other than Carmelo Anthony, but that should change the next time they face off against the Nuggets. Artests’ defense is one of the key factors as to why the Lakers are #1 in the power rankings of many websites.
than $6 Million a year. He was that guy who would be at the corner waiting for the ball to come for him to hit the three. He was that guy who hustled for every loose ball. He was a fan favorite in LA. Everyone loved him. The Los Angeles Lakers made Ariza who he is today.
