NBA Power Rankings

Welcome to the inaugural edition of my weekly NBA Power Rankings. Every Friday I will rank each and every team in the National Basketball Association, in order from best to worst. Alright, enough with the formalities. Let's get this party started:



1. Boston Celtics (6-0)



Is there any debate? The Celtics have looked astonishingly good through their first six games. Pierce, Garnett, and Allen are better than ever, and Rajon Rondo is blossoming into an elite point guard who can fill the stat sheet in nearly every category. Rasheed Wallace has been a perfect fit in Doc Rivers' system, and Marquis Daniels has provided a nice spark off the bench. Not to mention guys like Eddie House and Glen Davis, who are immensely valuable players off the bench.



2. Denver Nuggets (5-0)



We all knew Carmelo Anthony was good, but this is getting a little ridiculous. Melo has been absolutely sensational thus far, and he looks like he will be sorely disappointed with anything short of a championship. In addition to Melo, Chauncey Billups, Nene, and Kenyon Martin have all gotten off to fast starts. When J.R. Smith returns, George Karl will have another explosive scorer. And let's not forget rookie Ty Lawson, a star in the making who has Usain Bolt-like speed.



3. Orlando Magic (4-1)



Rashard Lewis is in the midst of his 10-game suspension, and Vince Carter is out with a left ankle injury. Oh yeah, and the Magic no longer have Hedo Turkoglu, their go-to playmaker from last season. But a week-and-a-half into the season, the Magic are showing absolutely no signs of decay. Stan Van Gundy's team is playing terrific basketball right now. Jameer Nelson has had a seamless return back into the starting lineup after an injury-riddled 2008-2009 season, Dwight Howard remains the most dominating big man in the game, and J.J. Redick is proving himself to be a legitimate scoring threat in this league. With Matt Barnes and Brandon Bass, Orlando also has a very deep bench that will serve them well come playoff time.



4. Phoenix Suns (4-1)



Prior to the start of the season, I predicted that the Suns would struggle and suffer from an identity crisis. So far at least, my predictions have been thoroughly wrong. After spending the last couple of years on the decline, Steve Nash has looked rejuvenated this season. Nash is averaging 10.8 assists per game, and his superb play has marked a return for Phoenix back to their high-octane ways. I still don't trust Channing Frye at the starting center position, but with the explosive athleticism of Jason Richardson and Amare Stoudamire in the starting lineup, the Suns have had more than enough talent to suffice for the weakness at the center position.



5. Los Angeles Lakers (4-1)



The defending champs are 4-1, and they have been playing without the injured Pau Gasol. So how can I have four teams ahead of them in the power rankings? Well, it's because Phil Jackson's team has looked disturbingly sluggish at times . In the season opener against the Clippers, the Lakers exerted little effort in the second half, nearly blowing a twenty point lead. And at home against the Mavericks, the Lakers got torched. L.A showed tremendous poise in gritty road wins at Oklahoma City and Houston, but I need to see a little more energy from this team before they crack the top three of my power rankings.



6. Atlanta Hawks (4-1)



The Hawks are completely overlooked, lost in the shadow of the Celtics, Magic, and Cavs in the East. But ladies and gentlemen, this is a fantastic team. The Hawks have some of the best athletes in the game with Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, and Al Horford. Mike Bibby, meanwhile, has revived his career in Atlanta. I also want to recognize Zaza Pechulia, one of the most infectiously tenacious players in the league. The Hawks have been playoff darlings the last couple of years, but this season they may be able to make a deep run in the playoffs.



7. Miami Heat (4-1)



All is well right now in South Beach, as the suprising Heat are off to a great start. However, there is cause for concern. Dwayne Wade is averaging 32 points a game, and he has been the sole reason for the Heat's fast start. As spectacular as D-Wade is, though, other guys need to step up if Miami wants to continue to play winning basketball. Quentin Richardson has played well, but Jermaine O'Neal and Mario Chalmers have to be more consistent.



8. Dallas Mavericks (3-2)



They have only played five games, but the Mavs' season has already been a wild roller-coaster ride. After appearing listless in a home loss to Washington in the season opener, the Mavs flew to Los Angeles and dominated the Lakers at the Staples Center. After Dirk Nowitzki brilliantly led the Mavs to a come-from-behind victory against the Jazz with 29 points in the fourth quarter, the team failed to build any momentum, loisng the very next night to a struggling Hornets team. Eventually, I think the Dallas Mavericks will be in the upper echelon of the Western Conference, especially if Shawn Marion is a big factor. But Rick Carlisle's team has been a little too Jeckyl and Hyde to start the season.



9. Houston Rockets (3-2)



With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady injured on the sidelines, and with Ron Artest now a member of the Lakers, all signs pointed to disaster for these Houston Rockets. But this feisty group has defied expectations so far this season, and that is a testament to the brilliance of head coach Rick Adelman. The Rockets have some serious talent (Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, Trevor Ariza), but if Rick Adelman somehow finds a way to lead this team to the playoffs, he should win a Nobel Piece Prize.



10. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3)



I picked the Cavs to win the East, and they are still a definite title contender. But my goodness, these Cavs have looked completely out-of-sync to start the year. Mike Brown doesn't seem to know how to utilize Shaquille O'Neal, and his presence has made for some awkward offensive sets. The Cavs other big offensive aquistion, Anthony Parker, has not yet played up to his potential. King James is King James, but he can't do it alone. There is, however, one positive, and that is the return of Delonte West. West has brought some much-needed energy to this team, and the Cavs better hope that that energy translates to wins. (As of this writing, the Cavs are destroying the Knicks in the second quarter behind yet another brilliant performance by LeBron at Madison Square Garden. Perhaps the Cavs have re-gained their swagger).

11. Chicago Bulls (3-2)

Technically, the Bulls should be ranked ahead of the Cavs after their impressive road win at Cleveland last night. But I still need to see more from this young team before I declare them better than Cleveland. Nonetheless, Vinny Del Negro's Bulls have looked good thus far. Derrick Rose looks more confident and assertive in his second year, as has John Salmons. And there may be no player more fun to watch than the endlessly spunky and agressive Joakim Noah. The Bulls, however, will have to make do for the next four to six weeks without the athleticism of Tyrus Thomas, who broke his left arm in a weight training accident today.

12. San Antonio Spurs (2-2)

Obviously, I expect the Spurs to rise to the top of these power rankings as the season progresses. Gregg Popovich's teams are notorious for their slow starts, and this year is no different. After a near-perfect season opener against the Hornets, the Spurs have looked awfully rusty, and that rust was evident in their blowout loss to the Jazz last night. But don't worry Spurs fans, your team will be just fine. Player to watch: DeJuan Blair. The rookie has the potential to be a great player in this league, and his NBA career is off to a stellar start.

13. Philadelphia 76ers (2-2)

That 32-point embarassment against the Celtics notwithstanding, Eddie Jordan's Sixers have looked pretty good. We saw flashes of how good this team can be last week when they scored 141 points against the Knicks. Granted, it was against the Knicks, but it was still an extremely impressive display of offense from Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young, and Samuel Dalembert.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2)

This team is bound to experience some growing pains, but they will never stop being exciting. The trio of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook has shown why this Thunder team is expected to be a prominent player in the West in the years to come. Even in a tough overtime loss to the Lakers, the Thunder played well and provided some hope to their loyal fans in Oklahoma City.

15. Portland Trail Blazers (2-3)

Some were anointing the Blazers championship contenders before the season began, but reality has now set in for Nate McMillan's team. The Blazers are a good team, and with Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez they will be competitive in every game. But there is far too much uncertainty on this team. Nate McMillan needs to make a decision at point guard. Who will it be, Andre Miller or Steve Blake? And at center, it is time to give Joel Pryzbilla the majority of playing time. It pains me to say this, because he seems like a nice guy, but Greg Oden has been a complete flop. Sadly, I don't see much of a future in the NBA for Oden.

16. Utah Jazz (2-3)

That was a statement victory for Deron Williams and company last night at home against the Spurs. Carlos Boozer finally played with spirit and motivation, and Wesley Matthews had a coming out party in the national spotlight. All good news for Jerry Sloan. But the Jazz will never, ever be a top-tier team unless they drastically improve their performance on the road. Utah has struggled mightily away from Salt Lake City, and their utter fourth quarter collapse in Dallas on Tuesday night was indicative of their road woes.

17. Toronto Raptors (2-2)

When everything is rolling, the Raptors can be fun to watch, as evidenced by their season-opening win against LeBron and the Cavs. But there is an odd sense of inevitability hovering around Toronto. It is only a matter of time before Chris Bosh departs, a move that will leave the Raptors in shambles. For now, they better hope that Jose Calderon and Hedo Turkoglu find a way to convince Bosh that Toronto has title aspirations in the future. I just don't see that happening.

18. New Orleans Hornets (2-3)

Byron Scott's team has taken a major step back this season. Chris Paul continues to amaze, but the Hornets will be in a difficult fight to make the playoffs this season. David West needs to step up his game. He was awesome in 2007, but West has since been inconsistent. CP3 needs West to be a reliable wingman, or the Hornets will be in for a long season.

19. Golden State Warriors (1-2)

My beloved Warriors got off to a horrible start, but played well in a win against the Grizzlies. Now is the perfect opportunity for the W's to make their move, with their next couple of games against lottery opponents. I like what I see from Stephen Curry, as the rookie guard has developed a nice rapport with Monta Ellis. Still, I'm slightly worried with Don Nelson's handling of Anthony Randolph. Nellie has placed Randolph behind Mikki Moore on the depth chart, and that is not the right move. Randolph is indeed a raw talent, but Nellie needs to have more faith in him.

20. Charlotte Bobcats (3-2)

The future is most definitely not now for Larry Brown's Bobcats, but in Friday night's 103-83 win over the Hawks, the Bobcats showed great promise. With guys like Gerald Wallace, Raja Bell, and Boris Diaw, the Bobcats will keep fans intrigued.

21. Washington Wizards (2-3)

I expect the Wizards to make a huge rise in these power rankings in next week's edition, but Flip Saunders' team has not looked good after their impressive season-opener in Dallas. This team misses Antawn Jamison, but they are better than they have showed. C'mon Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, and company, it's time to step up your game!

22. Milwaukee Bucks (1-2)

It goes without saying that the Bucks are in for a long year, so I'll stick with the positives. Brandon Jennings has been sensational for Milwaukee, taking some of the weight off of Michael Redd's shoulders. Jennings is a big-time playmaker who has gone a long way in rebuilding his once-tarnished reputation.

23. Detroit Pistons (2-3)

The good news? Ben Gordon has been everything the Pistons had hoped he would be. The bad news? This is a team completely devoid of cohesion and chemistry. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

24. Indiana Pacers (1-3)

Other than Danny Granger, who can the Pacers turn to for big plays? Troy Murphy? Perhaps. Dahntay Jones? Nah. Mike Dunleavy? Hell no!

25. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-4)

The young duo of Jonny Flynn and Corey Brewer have provided hope in an otherwise dismal start to the season. It was especially fun to watch Flynn go head-to-head with Steve Nash last week in Phoenix. Flynn was undoubtedly the student and Nash was the teacher, but Flynn showed why he will be a great point guard in the NBA for years to come.

26. Los Angeles Clippers (1-4)

Baron Davis is in great shape, and Chris Kaman continues to play better than we'd expect from a guy who looks like a 40-year old overweight couch potato. Other than that, there is not much to be happy about.

27. New York Knicks (1-4)

Can somebody tell me why I picked the Knicks to make the playoffs? I don't remember drinking any alcohol, but that seems to be the only logical explanation of that prediction.

28. Sacramento Kings (1-4)

Now that Kevin Martin is out for two months with an injured wrist and Andres Nocioni has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, the Kings have gone from bad to worse. There is no way that this young and inexperienced team will be able to compete in the face of such overwhelming distractions.

29. Memphis Grizzlies (1-4)

It took one game for Allen Iverson to prove once again why he is a selfish jerk, complaining about coming off the bench. There is no getting around it, folks: The Grizz are a freak show.

30. New Jersey Nets (0-5)

The Nets put up one of the most humiliating offensive performances in recent memory against the Bobcats this week. At this point, Devin Harris has to be longing for the days he played in Dallas.

John Sterling's Gorilla Chant, and Hating Brett Favre

Today is a day of celebration for the New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers are deserving world champions, and by no means do I want to dampen the celebratory mood. However, the organization has one glaring flaw that needs to be addressed immediately, and that is broadcaster John Sterling. The radio voice of the Yankees has always been a joke, known for his excruciatingly cheesy home run calls and embarrassing gorilla chants at the end of each Yankee victory. Sure enough, when Mariano Rivera recorded the final out of the 2009 World Series, Sterling failed to do the moment justice. Rather than delivering a spontaneous ode to the Yankees' 27th championship, Sterling proceeded with the same tired, staged shtick, yelling like an inebriated caveman the words, "Thuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhh Yankeees win! Thuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhh Yankees win! This is a disgrace. An organization as iconic and celebrated as the Yankees deserve a better announcer.

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Much to my dismay, Brett Favre continues to silence his skeptics. He has led the Minnesota Vikings to a 7-1 start, and no win has been more satisfying than the Vikings Week 8 victory in Favre's triumphant return to Lambeau Field. With the electrifying greatness of Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, the Vikings are an elite team. And as much as I would like to say otherwise, Brett Favre has been playing fantastic football.

Does this mean that I've changed my view of Favre? Absolutely, 100 percent no. I still take great pleasure in hating Number 4, and his recent success has only added more fuel to my dislike of him. Brett Favre's success on the football field does not change the fact that he is a petulant egomaniac who holds teams hostage every offseason. The adoring sports media portrays Favre as a holy saint, but don't let that fool you. Brett Favre is every bit as selfish as Terrell Owens. That's my story and I'm sticking to it, regardless of how many touchdowns he throws or how many wins he brings to Minnesota.

Utley, Cable, Iverson, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:


---Thanks to the heroics of Chase Utley, the 2009 World Series will return to the Bronx for a Game 6. Chase Utley has been downright spectacular in this World Series, belting five home runs, three of which were hit against CC Sabathia. With Ryan Howard struggling, the Phillies desperately needed Utley to deliver, and he has delivered in a big way. If the Phillies somehow find a way to come back and win this series, Utley is the surefire MVP.

---Still, the Yankees are in the driver's seat. If they hang on and win the championship, the franchise should give a special nod of appreciation to Johnny Damon. Damon had one of the most resilient at-bats in World Series history in the ninth inning of Game 4, fouling off pitch after pitch against Brad Lidge, eventually getting a base hit. Damon followed his single with one of the most heads-up baserunning plays I've ever seen. After stealing second, Damon had the awareness to recognize the defensive shift being put on by the Phillies with Mark Teixeira at the plate, and he immediately stole third. It was an incredibly intelligent play that drastically altered the momentum of the series.

---A-Rod keeps on getting clutch hit after clutch hit. How much do you think the Yankees are paying Kate Hudson?

---Has there ever been a more inconsistent starter than A.J. Burnett? Burnett followed up his brilliant Game 2 performance with a god-awful meltdown in Game 5. When Burnett takes the mound, all Joe Girardi can do is cross his fingers and hope and pray, because you never know what you're going to get.

---With all due respect to Peyton Manning and the undefeated Colts, the best team in the NFL right now is the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees and company put on another electrifying offensive display against the Falcons last night on Monday Night Football, essentially clinching the NFC South with nine weeks to play. If the Saints meet the Colts in the Super Bowl, the score will be something like 128-125.

---What has happened to the New York Giants? After a 5-0 start, the G-Men have lost three consecutive games. Eli Manning has looked terrible, and the once-stout defense has struggled mightily in three straight losses to the Saints, Cardinals, and Eagles. Tom Coughlin's team was once declared a Super Bowl favorite. Now, due to the resurgence of the Eagles and Cowboys, their playoff hopes are very much in doubt.

---As a Niners fan there isn't much to brag about right now. We have lost three straight, and are once again in the midst of a quarterback controversy between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. But there is one positive, and that is Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has had an instant impact at the wide receiver position, and he has not shown any sort of rust after missing all that time.

---Is there a more dysfunctional sports franchise than the Oakland Raiders? I don't think so. The latest saga in Raiderville is regarding head coach Tom Cable. Nothing has been proven, but in light of the overwhelming accusations, it appears that Cable is a violent thug. Just another season of fun and games for the Raiders.

---It's that time of year again, when the BCS comes and absolutely ruins the tremendous excitement of the college football regular season. Florida, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, Boise State, Iowa, and TCU all have an argument that they belong in the national championship game. But instead of letting it play out on the football field, the BCS will ensure that six of the aforementioned teams get screwed. Wake up college football, you need a playoff.

---Tim Tebow is having another stellar year, and the Florida Gators are again the favorites to win the national championship. However, it is not all smiles in Florida right now after the disgusting behavior of linebacker Brandon Spikes, who attempted to gauge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in Saturday's game. Coach Urban Meyer has suspended Spikes for the first half of their next game, but that penalty is not severe enough. Spikes should be ashamed of his actions, actions that warrant at least a one-game suspension.

---He's only played one game, but Allen Iverson is already complaining. A.I. criticized the Grizzlies after their overtime loss to the Kings last night, saying that he should not be coming off the bench. If I were Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins, I would start taking some Advil, because Iverson is going to be a major headache this season.

---I know I'm a professional Laker hater, but I can't be the only person who is annoyed with the staged antics of the Lakers bench. Whenever the Lakers score, the players on the bench do this ridiculous choreography with their feet. It's dumb and juvenile behavior that shouldn't be expected from a championship-winning team.

---Kudos to the Boston Celtics for re-signing Rajon Rondo. Rondo may be a step behind Chris Paul and Deron Williams, but he is still an elite point guard who will be a major player in the Celtics organization for years to come.

---So we all knew the Nets were bad but, my goodness, I didn't know their offense was this bad. The Nets put up a mere 68 points in an embarrassing loss to the Bobcats last night. With guys like Devin Harris, Rafer Alston, and Brook Lopez, New Jersey should be able to score a lot more than that.

---Quick NBA programming note: Look for the inaugural edition of my NBA Power Rankings, coming to a computer near you on Friday. The power rankings will become a Friday tradition.

---I'll conclude with my thoughts on the recent revelations regarding tennis great Andre Agassi, who admitted past meth use and a deep hate for the sport of tennis in his recent autobiography. I admire Agassi's candor, and as a huge tennis fan I will always hold him in high regard. But these revelations just make me sad. Tennis fans always viewed Agassi as a happy-go-lucky guy with a passionate love for the game, when in fact he was an unhappy man making a living at something he hated. Sad.

Around the Association

Here are my random observations on the first week of NBA action:



---I picked the Cavs to win the East, but I'm starting to reconsider. The Fighting LeBrons are fresh off two consecutive wins against the lowly T'Wolves and Bobcats, but Cleveland's flaws were seriously exposed in their first two games against the Celtics and Raptors. The additions of Shaquille O'Neal and Anthony Parker are supposed to give LeBron adequate help, but King James was all alone in losses to Boston and Toronto. As of this writing, the Celtics look unstoppable and the Magic look strong. It's far too early for real concern, but the Cavs are falling behind the pack in the East.



---We all knew the Celtics were great, but I didn't expect them to look this great. The C's looked stunningly good in their commanding win at Cleveland, a win followed by a blowout victory against the Bobcats. The Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett is now a Big 4, thanks to the superb point guard play of Rajon Rondo. If Danny Ainge and the Boston front office are smart, they will reward Rondo with a contract extension now. Meanwhile, the new acquisitions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels have payed enormous dividends. Daniels has looked especially sharp, providing Doc Rivers' team with another explosive scorer and fierce defender off the bench.



---It was painful to watch Greg Oden down the stretch in the Blazers' home loss to the Nuggets on Thursday night. Oden continues to look like he's sixty, limping his way from baseline to baseline. The fact that Oden missed two clutch free throws in the final seconds further exposed him as not ready for primetime. Sad.



---Speaking of that Nuggets-Blazers game, what a spectacular performance by Carmelo Anthony. Brandon Roy was playing terrific defense, but Melo just could not be stopped. Anthony looks like a man on a mission this season, and he should scare the hell out of the rest of the league.



---They may have looked bad in a loss to the Bulls on Thursday night, but it is evident that the Spurs made a brilliant move by acquiring Richard Jefferson. The addition of Jefferson adds years to the playing careers of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan.



---What an impressive win by the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. After a disappointing opening-night home loss to Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards, the Mavs rebounded with a dominating road win against the defending-champion Lakers. If Friday night's performance was any indication, the Dirk Nowitzki-Shawn Marion duo will be hard to beat.



---Things are not looking good for the Pistons. First, they looked helpless against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, they were soundly defeated by Michael Redd and the Milwaukee Bucks. Detroit has some big-time talent (Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey), but they have no chemistry whatsoever. Detroit used to be an elite NBA franchise, but ever since they traded away Chauncey Billups the Pistons have been floundering.



---From the department of ugly uniforms, say hello to your 2009 Charlotte Bobcats! The addition of pinstripes to the Bobcats uniforms was a horribly ill-advised idea.



---Well, Stephen Curry has showed great promise, but other than that it has been a rough start for my Golden State Warriors. If I were Don Nelson, I would play Ronny Turiaf more minutes. Turiaf is not a perfect player by any stretch, but he is an endlessly tenacious and energetic competitor who gives his team a spark every time he is on the floor.



---So Brandon Jennings has looked solid for the Milwaukee Bucks. Jennings was labeled a brash, immature hot shot after he handled himself poorly at the NBA Draft, but he has a chance to endear himself to NBA fans with his play.



---Everyone knows that Mike D'Antoni is an offensive-minded coach, but does he do any defensive drills in practice? His Knicks looked absolutely helpless defensively as Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand led the Sixers to a 141-127 win over New York last night.



---There is serious cause for concern in New Orleans. No disrespect to Emeka Okafor, but the absence of Tyson Chandler has left the Hornets in a state of total disarray. The Hornets were thrashed by the Spurs last Wednesday night, and they had to scratch and claw their way to victory at home against the lowly Kings on Friday night. The front office in New Orleans has done a poor job. A team that was a title contender two years ago will now have to fight for a playoff spot. Chris Paul deserves better.



---And finally, it's great to see E.J., Kenny, and Charles back in action. "Inside the NBA" is the best sports show on television, a must-see every Thursday night.

The Mastery of Lee and Burnett, and Pigskin Prognostications

Prior to the start of the 2009 World Series, sports fans across the nation were talking about the offensive prowess of the Yankees and Phillies. After all, this was supposed to be a slugfest. New York has A-Rod, Teixiera, Jeter, and Matsui. Philadelphia has Howard, Rollins, Utley, and Ibanez. Fans sitting in the outfield bleachers were advised to bring their gloves to the ballpark, for there were bound to be several baseballs launched into the stands. There was no doubt about it: The Yankees and Phillies were going to put on a home run derby.

Two games later, our assumptions and predictions have turned out to be woefully misguided. Games 1 and 2 were tremendously compelling pitching duels, a far cry from the rounds of batting practice that we had all anticipated. In Game 1, Cliff Lee outdueled CC Sabathia, dominating the powerful Yankees lineup in stunning fashion, leading the Phillies to a 6-1 victory. Last night, A.J. Burnett and Pedro Martinez put on a show. Pedro was great, but the frequently inconsistent Burnett was better, delivering seven stellar innings in a 3-1 Yankees win. The pitching has shined the brightest in the 2009 World Series, and both offenses have been stymied. As the series shifts scenery to Philadelphia for games three through five, I expect these offenses to pick up the pace. But I'm excited to see what kind of show will be put on by Cole Hamels and Andy Pettite in Game 3. They certainly have tough acts to follow.

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Week 8 in the National Football League brings forth several juicy storylines, most notably Brett Favre's return to Lambeau Field, where he will hopefully be greeted with a shower of boos. Here are my Week 8 picks (home team in caps):

RAVENS over Broncos. Denver is absolutely as good as their undefeated record. But they're not going undefeated. Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, and the Ravens are in desperate need of a W, and they will get it.

Texans over BILLS. After a bumpy start to the season, Gary Kubiak's Texans are starting to gain some steam. The Bills, meanwhile, lost to the Browns 6-3 in their last home game. Enough said.

BEARS over Browns. Okay, Jay Cutler, it's time to step up. After an embarrassing loss to Cincinnati last week, Chicago needs a big win over the hapless Browns.

COWBOYS over Seahawks. Dallas, reinvigorated after a surprising Week 7 win over the Falcons, will roll over the thoroughly mediocre Seahawks.

LIONS over Rams. Hide the children! This is going to be one ugly football game.

49ers over COLTS. Yes, this is a completely biased pick. I'm hoping Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree can rejuvenate the San Francisco offense. Go Niners!

JETS over Dolphins. The ridiculously silly hot dog controversy will go away after Mark Sanchez leads his team to victory.

Giants over EAGLES. The G-Men can't possibly lose three straight, can they?

CHARGERS over Raiders. How do you think Richard Seymour is feeling about that Oakland Raiders playoff prediction?

TITANS over Jaguars. Tennessee will get their first win of the year against the forgettable Jags.

CARDINALS over Panthers. As a Niners fan, I'm pulling for Carolina. But let's get real.

PACKERS over Vikings. Obviously, this is the game of the week, thanks to a certain Number 4. Here's hoping that Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk combine for a thousand sacks against Favre.

Falcons over SAINTS. Upset alert. The New Orleans offense, led by Drew Brees, has been unstoppable. But I get the sense that Matt Ryan and the Falcons will redeem themselves after a sloppy performance at Dallas last week and hand the Saints their first loss.

World Series Breakdown

The 2009 Fall Classic is upon us, and it has the potential to be one of the most exciting World Series of all time. On one side, you have the New York Yankees, that storied franchise looking for their twenty-seventh championship. On the other side, there's the Philadelphia Phillies, the defending world champions. The Yankees are known for their murderer's row of a lineup, but the Phillies are the only team in baseball that can match the Yankees in offensive firepower. These two teams are evenly matched. The Yankees have CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter. The Phillies have Cliff Lee, Ryan Howard, and Jimmy Rollins. As we get ready to commence the series, I am completely uncertain of which team to pick. Picking a winner in this series requires a position-by-position breakdown. With no further ado, here it is:


1B-Mark Teixiera vs. Ryan Howard


If this comparison would have taken place at the end of the regular season, it would have been a wash. But after the incredible performance of Ryan Howard during this postseason, the Philadelphia slugger gets the edge here. Teixiera is indeed a great player, a legitimate AL MVP candidate who has come up clutch at times during this postseason. However, Mr. Howard has been absolutely unstoppable at the plate as of late. Howard is on a complete roll right now, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Teixiera is a better defensive first baseman, but Howard wins this battle.


EDGE: Phillies


2B- Robinson Cano vs. Chase Utley


Utley wins this battle hands down. Utley is an undeniably better hitter, and even after his shaky defensive performance in the NLCS, he is still a better second baseman. Cano is a solid player and a more-than-competent double play partner to Derek Jeter. But there is no doubt: Utley wins this battle.


EDGE: Phillies


3B-Alex Rodriguez vs. Pedro Feliz


Pedro Feliz is a terrific player. He was a good San Francisco Giant for many years, and for that I am eternally grateful. But let's get real. A-Rod is A-Rod, and during these playoffs he has established himself as a clutch player. No contest here.


EDGE: Yankees


SS-Derek Jeter vs. Jimmy Rollins


This is an extraordinarily difficult call to make. I have the ultimate respect for Jimmy Rollins, an elite shortstop and a strong leader for Charlie Manuel's team. However, after much deliberation, I'm going to give this to Jeter. The Yankees captain is a consummate professional, one of the classiest athletes in all of sports. But as much as we would like to think otherwise, games aren't won based on a player's classiness. Jeter continues to perform at a shockingly high level, offensively and defensively, and he has inherited Reggie Jackson's nickname for a reason. Jeter truly is the new Mr. October.


EDGE: Yankees


OUTFIELD- Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, and Nick Swisher vs. Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth


Offensively, it's pretty much a wash. But the Phillies get the edge here because of defense. Damon, Cabrera, and Swisher have fared well this postseason, but based on their shaky regular season, they remain a defensive liability. No such liability exists with Ibanez, Victorino, and Werth.


EDGE: Phillies


STARTING PITCHING- CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettite, and Chad Gaudin vs. Cliff Lee, Pedro Martinez, Cole Hamels, and J.A. Happ

Both teams have formidable aces. Sabathia and Lee have been fantastic this postseason, and look for their reliability to continue. Many people have cried foul over Charlie Manuel's decision to start Pedro Martinez over Cole Hamels in Game 2, but I like the decision. It was just one game, but Pedro was vintage Pedro in his start against the Dodgers in the NLCS. I give Pedro the slight advantage over Burnett in Game 2, simply because Burnett is so darn inconsistent. On paper, it would seem that Cole Hamels is the better bet than Andy Pettite, but in the postseason I would rather have Pettite take the hill, due to his veteran savvy and vast wealth of playoff experience. J.A. Happ, meanwhile, is a far better pitcher than Chad Gaudin. Ladies and gentleman, this category is just too close to call, but since Sabathia will be pitching at Yankee Stadium in Game 1 and possibly Game 7, I'll call it ever so slightly for New York.

EDGE: Yankees

BULLPEN:

The Philadelphia bullpen was all over the place in the regular season, but they have been stalwart in the postseason. Guys like Scott Eyre and Ryan Madson were mostly reliable against the Rockies and Dodgers, and Brad Lidge has transformed into the Brad Lidge of old after a disastrous regular season. But this one goes to the Yankees for one reason: Mariano Rivera. You can talk all you want about the unpredictability of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, but all that is moot. If the powerful Yankees lineup gives Rivera a lead, the game is over. Period.

EDGE: Yankees

MANAGER- Joe Girardi vs. Charlie Manuel

Sure, Girardi may have been guilty of overmanaging against the Angels in the ALCS, but he is a good manager who deserves a ton of credit for the exemplary job he has done this season. With this being said, Charlie Manuel is the superior skipper. Manuel notoriously manages from his gut, and that is a beautiful thing. Too many managers play the percentage game in baseball, but Manuel refreshingly lets his instincts guide his decision-making. Thus far, it has worked.

EDGE: Phillies

So there you have it. By my calculations, it is a 4-4 tie. Yup, this is going to be an awesomely competitive series.

PREDICTION: Yankees in 7

2009-2010 NBA Preview

Basketball is back, and I'm giddy with excitement over what promises to be a tremendously exciting NBA campaign. With no further ado, here is my preview of each and every team as we head into the 2009-2010 season (teams listed in predicted order of finish):





WEST





1. San Antonio Spurs/ Coach: Gregg Popovich





For some inexplicable reason, NBA fans love to underestimate the Spurs. Over the years, San Antonio has been called boring and old, a team that is past their prime. Ladies and gentlemen, this is beyond ridiculous. The Spurs are the best-run organization in the NBA, and they have at least one more title run in them. This is the best Spurs team in years. The addition of the supremely talented Richard Jefferson gives them another explosive scoring threat. The powerful trio of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan should all be rejuvenated by Jefferson's arrival. Roger Mason Jr. is a criminally underrated player with the ability to hit big shots in clutch situations. And the acquisition of proven veteran Antonio McDyess gives the Spurs great consistency at the center position. Not to mention rookie DeJuan Blair, who should surprise people with his productivity off the bench. Under the leadership of Gregg Popovich, the best coach in the league, the San Antonio Spurs will win the West.





2. Los Angeles Lakers/ Coach: Phil Jackson





I absolutely hate the Lakers, but there is no denying that this is a great team. The defending champs got even better over the offseason with the addition of Ron Artest. Artest has an unfortunate reputation, but I love the guy. He is a great player, an elite defender, an extraordinarily hard worker, and contrary to popular belief, a good teammate. The Lakers may have lost Trevor Ariza, but Artest more than makes up for Ariza's absence. The centerpiece of the franchise is obvioulsy Kobe Bryant, and as much as I despise the guy, he shows no signs of slowing down. Pau Gasol is an elite player, and Derek Fisher comes up big in pressure-packed situations. I'm not sold on Andrew Bynum, and I think Sasha Vujacic is one of the most egregiously overrated players in NBA history, but this Lakers team still has an excellent chance to repeat. But make no mistake about it: Nothing would make me happier than to see the Lakers lose sixty games. Who knows, perhaps the Lamar Odom-Khloe Kardashian marriage will cause a major distraction. There's always hope.





3. Dallas Mavericks/ Coach: Rick Carlisle





The Mavs flew largely under-the radar during the offseason, but they made one of the smartest acquisitions of any team. I am talking of course about Shawn Marion. Last year, Dallas was very good, but it was evident that Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki needed help if the Mavs were to compete with the elite. Shawn Marion, a.k.a The Matrix, is just the player that the Mavericks needed. With Marion, Rick Carlisle's team now has three legitimate scoring options (Marion, Nowitzki, and Josh Howard). And while Jason Kidd is indeed aging, he is still one of the best distributors in the game. My only worry with these Mavs is at center, where Drew Gooden and Erick Dampier will split playing time. Gooden is a nice guy to have come off the bench, but he should not be a starter on a contending team. Dampier, meanwhile, may struggle to find motivation if Gooden becomes the go-to-guy at center. Nonetheless, I think the 2009-2010 Mavericks will keep Mark Cuban happy.





4. Denver Nuggets/ Coach: George Karl





The Nuggets pushed the Lakers to six games in last season's Western Conference Finals, but nobody seems to be taking them very seriously right now. I think they are being unfairly disrespected. Chauncey Billups is a superb leader, and as long as he is around Denver will be a serious player in the West. Carmelo Anthony may well be the best pure scorer in the NBA, and Chris Andersen may well be the most dedicated player in the NBA. J.R. Smith has always been a superb offensive player, but he has matured significantly on the defensive end. And rookie Ty Lawson will be a star. Just watch. Do I think the Nuggets are as good as the Lakers and Spurs? No. But let's hold off on those Fire George Karl rallies. This is still a dangerous team.





5. Portland Trail Blazers/ Coach: Nate McMillan





Brandon Roy is a star. That is an indisputable fact. Rudy Fernandez is outstanding. That is an indisputable fact. LaMarcus Aldridge is terrific. That is an indisputable fact. As long as Roy, Fernandez, and Aldridge stay healthy, Portland will make the playoffs with relative ease. However, I am not ready to hop on the "Blazers are ready to contend for a championship" bandwagon just yet. I like Andre Miller, but he's not the savior that Blazers fans are making him out to be. Greg Oden has been a massive flop. He seems like a great guy, but he looks like he needs a walker on the court. The Blazers are a good team guided by a top-notch coach in Nate McMillan, but they are still a relatively young and inexperienced bunch that lack the depth of the upper-echelon teams of the Western Conference.





6. Utah Jazz/ Coach: Jerry Sloan





Okay, I have the Jazz in the number six position simply because the West is so loaded. But I still think this is a seriously dangerous team. Deron Williams is the second-best point guard in the league, second only to Chris Paul, and D-Will hasn't even reached his full potential yet. That's scary. Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur are two sneaky and unheralded scoring threats. And with Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap, the Jazz have the most depth at the power forward position of any team in the league. Kyle Korver and C.J. Miles will provide a spark off the bench for Jerry Sloan's team. Basketball is always exciting in Salt Lake City, and this year will be no different.





7. New Orleans Hornets/ Coach: Byron Scott





Chris Paul is the best point guard since Magic Johnson, and any team with CP3 will be a force to be reckoned with. With this being said, the 2009-2010 New Orleans Hornets are in state of disarray, due in large part to their dismissal of Tyson Chandler. The Hornets traded Chandler to Charlotte in exchange for Emeka Okafor. For any other team this deal would essentially be a wash, but for the Hornets it was a move that will surely wreck team chemistry. Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler had formed one of the most intimidating duos in basketball, a duo that carried the Hornets to the Western Conference Finals a mere two years ago. Okafor is a solid player, but it will be mighty difficult for Paul and Okafor to duplicate such incredible chemistry. The fact that Okafor missed much of the preseason with a toe injury will only add to the adjustment period. With Paul, David West, Peja Stojakovic, and James Posey, New Orleans will still be a fun team to watch. But when all is said and done, they will miss Chandler.





8. Golden State Warriors/ Coach: Don Nelson





I am a diehard warriors fan who lives and dies with every dribble, so you can imagine my dismay and nervousness over the myriad of attacks that everyone is levying at the W's right now. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to say that my beloved Golden State Warriors are going to shock the world. We will be a playoff team. Yes, I realize the complete and utter messiness of the Stephen Jackson situation, and I even think we would be better off trading him away. But with or without Jack, Nellie's Warriors still have plenty of talent. We have yet to see what a fully healthy Monta Ellis can do. He should have a splendid year. Stephen Curry will be a top contender for Rookie of the Year. Anthony Morrow, Kelenna Azubuike, and Corey Magette are legitimate scoring threats, especially Morrow, who can be lights-out from downtown. Andris Biedrins is the most underrated center in the NBA, and Ronny Turiaf brings spectacular energy and tenacity off the bench. And saving the best for last, Anthony Randolph will blossom into a bona fide star this season. You can laugh now, but I remain optimistic about my W's. Go Warriors!!!!!!!





9. Phoenix Suns/ Coach: Alvin Gentry





The Suns have a lot of good individual talent, but not a lot of chemistry. Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Jason Richardson, and Amare Stoudamire all like to run-and-gun, but that style of play just does not suit aging veteran Grant Hill. Thus, the Suns are likely to suffer from an identity crisis this season. And if they do return to their fast-paced style now that Shaq has left, they still have other things to worry about, namely the lack of an effective center. Channing Frye should not be a starting center on this team or any other team. The Suns are good enough to stay in the playoff hunt, but if they miss the playoffs they will have major trouble on their hands with Amare Stoudamire. Amare will likely bolt for free agency if the Suns fail to perform, leaving a gaping hole. For some strange and mysterious reason, the Suns front office has dangled the possibility of trading Stoudamire, but that is beyond stupid. Amare is their best player, and the Suns will be in long-term trouble if Amare leaves.





10. Oklahoma City Thunder/ Coach: Scott Brooks





The Thunder are a year or two away from fulfilling their potential, but there is plenty of reason to be excited about this team. Reason Number One, of course, is Kevin Durant. This season, Durant will establish himself as one of the game's greats. Pretty soon, Durant's name will be mentioned in the same breath as LeBron, Wade, and Kobe. In addition to Durant, the Thunder have another star-in-the-making, Russell Westbrook. Durant and Westbrook comprise an exciting young duo that will keep Oklahoma City competitive. If the Thunder can get another excellent year out of Jeff Green, they may even contend for a playoff spot this year. They are likely a year or two away, but the Thunder will be well worth watching in 2009.



11. Los Angeles Clippers/ Coach: Mike Dunleavy



The Clippers are the trendy dark horse pick in the West, thanks in large part to number one draft pick Blake Griffin. Indeed, Griffin will have a monster rookie year, and the Clips will be much-improved. But playoffs? Not so fast, my friends. First of all, all predictions of success are based on the assumption that Baron Davis stays healthy. Davis enters the '09-'10 campaign in outstanding physical condition, but he is still one of the most injury-prone players in the NBA. Even if B.D. stays healthy, the Clippers still have two weaknesses in their starting lineup: Chris Kaman and Al Thornton. Oh yeah, the Clippers also have Ricky Davis, one of the most petulant athletes in sports history. And as long as the thoroughly incompetent Mike Dunleavy is at the helm, the Clippers will struggle.



12. Houston Rockets/ Coach: Rick Adelman



Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Houston Rockets put up a great effort against the Lakers in last year's playoffs. One year later and the organization is in total shambles. Ron Artest is gone, Yao Ming is out for the year, and Tracy McGrady starts the season injured. G.M. Daryl Morey may have signed Trevor Ariza, but that will not make up for the big losses. The most devastating loss is, of course, Yao. Without him, the Rockets have no shot at the playoffs. The good news is that Aaron Brooks will continue to improve at point guard, Chase Budinger will have a year to learn the ropes, and Rick Adelman will provide superb leadership as coach. Next year, with a healthy Yao and T-Mac, the Rockets will be good again. This year will be a mess.



13. Minnesota Timberwolves/ Coach: Kurt Rambis



This organization is somewhat flustered after Ricky Rubio decided to stay in Spain, but the T'Wolves have some serious potential. I am a big fan of Jonny Flynn, a talented and very athletic point guard who plays with great heart. Al Jefferson remains the best player that nobody is talking about; he'll continue to improve. I also like Wayne Ellington, a terrific scorer and rebounder out of North Carolina. So in a few years, the Timberwolves may have something. But for first-year head coach Kurt Rambis, it will be a tough rookie campaign.



14. Sacramento Kings/ Coach: Paul Westphal



Tyreke Evans is another rookie guard with great potential. And Kevin Martin will deliver more of the same goods for the Kings. However, Sacramento remained largely stagnant in the offseason. They acquired Andres Nocioni from Chicago, but it will be hard for first-year coach Paul Westphal to find a consistent role for Nocioni. Another concern is rookie Jon Brockman. Brockman was a star at the University of Washington, but I'm not sure his game will translate to the next level. We shall see. Unfortunately, Kings fans will spend this season pining for the days of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Vlade Divac. But hey, at least the Kings aren't as bad as the....................



15. Memphis Grizzlies/ Coach: Lionel Hollins



The Grizzlies will be one hell of an entertaining team, for all the wrong reasons. G.M. Chris Wallace should have his head examined for bringing in Allen Iverson. The selfish Iverson will have a horrible effect on this young team, demanding the ball at every turn and eventually ruining team chemistry, something A.I. does well. I used to love Iverson, but his antics in recent years have completely changed my opinion of him. As if bringing in A.I. wasn't enough, the Grizzlies also signed Zach Randolph, an equally bad role model. Iverson and Randolph will turn the Grizzlies into a total sideshow, and that's a shame, because star-to-be O.J. Mayo will go largely unnoticed. I am, however, fascinated to see how Hasheem Thabeet fares in the NBA. An awesome defender but a clumsy offensive player, will Thabeet be the next Shaq or the next Greg Oden?



EAST



1. Cleveland Cavaliers/ Coach: Mike Brown



King James and company are fresh off a disappointing exit to the Magic in last year's Eastern Conference Finals, but I believe they enter the 2009-2010 season as the team to beat in the East. LeBron James is far and away the best player in the world, but as evidenced by last year, he cannot win a championship by himself. This is why G.M. Danny Ferry was smart to bring in Shaquille O'Neal. Is Shaq past his prime? Of course. But as he showed last year in Phoenix, Shaq is still a productive force in the paint. The Cavs don't need him to be the Shaq of old; they simply need him to be productive. Another wise move by Danny Ferry was the signing of Anthony Parker. Parker flew under the radar in Toronto, but this season will be his coming-out party. Mo Williams provides consistent leadership at point guard, and while Anderson Verejao often serves as a punchline, there's no denying the fact that he brings incredible energy to the table. Off the bench, Mike Brown has two weapons in Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson. My only worry with the Cavs is the ongoing legal proceedings of Delonte West. The Cavs can't let West, due in court on Nov. 20 due to two counts of weapons possessions, become a distraction.



2. Boston Celtics/ Coach: Doc Rivers



This Celtics team is even deeper than the team that won the championship two years ago. The Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen are back and better than ever, and Rajon Rondo begins the season in the best physical shape of his life. Doc Rivers' Celtics may now have the best bench in the NBA, thanks to the acquisitions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels. It is hard to find a better scoring threat off the bench than the always tenacious Wallace, and Daniels is a more-than-competent backup to Rajon Rondo. For the Celtics, anything short of a championship will be a disappointment.



3. Orlando Magic/ Coach: Stan Van Gundy



Dwight Howard is the most dominant center in basketball, and Jameer Nelson is back and healthy. So yes, the defending Eastern Conference champions are a definite threat to win a championship. However, count me among the crowd who believes that signing Vince Carter while letting Hedo Turkoglu go wasn't such a good idea. Turkoglu was the go-to-guy in late-game situations. With the game on the line, Stan Van Gundy would put the ball in Hedo's hands, and Turkoglu would often deliver. Now that Turkoglu has left, the Magic are without a go-to-guy when the game is on the line. Vince Carter is a tremendous athlete and a solid player, but I've always found him to be overhyped. This is Dwight Howard's team, and I fear that Vince Carter will try to make it his team. If that happens, it will not be good. G.M. Otis Smith does deserve credit, though, for signing Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes. Bass is a legit starting power forward, and Matt Barnes is an excellent scorer and defender.



4. Atlanta Hawks/ Coach: Mike Woodson



The best move that nobody is talking about? The Hawks signing of Jamal Crawford. Perhaps because he has never played on a playoff team, Crawford has never received the credit he deserves for being one of the game's most prolific scorers. In a lineup that already includes the likes of Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, and Marvin Williams, Crawford gives the Hawks another dimension on offense. If there is a team that is going to leapfrog any of the Big 3 (Cavs, Celtics, Magic) in the East, it will be the Hawks.



5. Washington Wizards/ Coach: Flip Saunders



The Wizards were absolutely dismal last season, a team with no sense of cohesion whatsoever. Miraculously, however, they begin this season as legitimate contenders in the East, thanks to some brilliant offseason moves, a new and experienced coach, and the return of Agent Zero himself, Gilbert Arenas. The additions of Mike Miller and Randy Foye are not earth-shattering acquisitions, but Miller and Foye will be key assets to the Wizards offense. Flip Saunders may have struggled a little bit in Detroit, but make no mistake about it, he is a terrific coach. But the biggest reason why the Wizards will be the most-improved team in the NBA this year is Gilbert Arenas. The Wizards were lost without Arenas last season. His return gives Washington an explosive scorer, distributor, and most of all, leader.



6. Chicago Bulls/ Coach: Vinny Del Negro



In the immediate aftermath of their epic seven-game series with the Celtics last season, I thought that the Bulls would be top championship contenders in '09-'10. I was that impressed with their play, even in defeat. Then again, I didn't expect them to get rid of Ben Gordon, their best player. The loss of Gordon to Detroit will prevent the Bulls from being taken seriously as a real title contender. However, this is still a very good team that will cruise into the playoffs. Now that Gordon is gone, it is up to Derrick Rose to assume leadership responsibilities, and Rose will thrive as a leader. After this year, Rose will be an elite point guard. If he stays healthy, Luol Deng will be a big-time weapon for the Bulls, as will John Salmons, who also adopts a larger role in the absence of Gordon. And then there's Joakim Noah, the love him-or-hate him hustler who gives the Bulls a jolt of energy whenever he is on the floor. So the Bulls will be good. But they would have been much better if Ben Gordon were still around.



7. Miami Heat/ Coach: Eric Spoelstra



With the exception of Jermaine O'Neal and maybe Michael Beasley, Dwayne Wade has no help. Pat Riley and the Miami Heat organization will have a lot of work to do in the offseason if they want to keep D-Wade in South Beach. For this year alone, however, it is a testament to Wade's greatness that he will be able to carry this team to the playoffs. If the Heat are going to be anything more than a lower-seed playoff team, they are going to need to see significant improvement from Michael Beasley. Beasley was far from great in his rookie year, but the jury is still out on what kind of player he will be in the NBA.



8. New York Knicks/ Coach: Mike D'Antoni



I must be crazy. Am I really picking the Knicks to make the playoffs? Ladies and gentlemen, yes I am. After all, what is the fun in making predictions if you don't take any risks? Granted, a quick glance at the Knicks starting five is not all that impressive. But upon further inspection, this team is better than most people think. Wilson Chandler is a terrific player who will only get better, David Lee is an energetic and talented center who gives the Knicks a needed spark, and I don't care what the skeptics say, Al Harrington is a dangerous player. And I'm a fan of Nate Robinson coming off the bench. New York has some serious question marks (Danilo Gallinari? Chris Duhon? Larry Hughes? Eddy Curry?) but Mike D'Antoni is steering this ship in the right direction. This team will surprise people.



9. Detroit Pistons/ Coach: John Kuester



The aforementioned Ben Gordon is a phenomenal pickup for the Pistons, but this team is still feeling the effects of the Allen Iverson-Chauncey Billups trade debacle. Detroit, under first-year head coach John Kuester, will contend for a playoff spot, but ultimately I don't think they will make it. Their main problem is their starting lineup. I love Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, but I have never been sold on Charlie Villanueva. I like Rodney Stuckey, but I would rather see Gordon start at point guard. And no team should ever start Kwame Brown at center. That's just common sense.



10. Philadelphia 76ers/ Coach: Eddie Jordan



The Sixers fate hinges on a series of if's: If Elton Brand stays healthy, the Sixers will make the playoffs. If Lou Williams improves at point guard, the Sixers will make the playoffs. If Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert make that next jump from being very good to truly great, the Sixers will make the playoffs. Those are some seriously big if's. If all of the above occurs, I agree, the 76ers will be playing in April and May. But when is the last time you heard of a team in which everything goes as planned?



11. Toronto Raptors/ Coach: Jay Triano

The Raptors are not short on talent. Chris Bosh is a star, Hedo Turkoglu and Jose Calderon are both proven NBA starters, and DeMar Derozen is a raw rookie who nonetheless possesses great upside. Then why do I get the feeling that this will be a down year for Toronto? Well, first of all, Andrea Bargnani has yet to prove that he can be a consistent starter in the NBA. But more importantly, the Raptors do not have one dangerous weapon on the bench. The closest thing they have to a bench threat is Marco Bellinelli, but his game is mostly limited to perimeter shooting. Thus, the Raptors are an odd group, a team with loads of talent that will struggle.

12. Indiana Pacers/ Coach: Jim O'Brien

The Pacers will go only as far as Danny Granger takes them. Granger is a proven all-star, and he will deliver, but he doesn't have much help. T.J. Ford is an unproven point guard who has spent the majority of his career on the injured reserve, and Brandon Rush has yet to show that he deserves to be a starter. Troy Murphy is a solid player, but he's not good enough to lead the Pacers to the playoffs. And while most people are enamored with the supposed defensive prowess of Dahntay Jones, I'm still not sold, especially after witnessing Kobe torch Jones in last year's Western Conference Finals.

13. Charlotte Bobcats/ Coach: Larry Brown

I think we can all agree that the Bobcats are a couple of years away from reaching playoff glory, but lets focus on the positives. Raymond Felton continues to grow as a leader, Boris Diaw is a big scoring threat, Raja Bell is a fierce defender, Tyson Chandler is an outstanding player, and Gerald Wallace has incredible athleticism. Much like the Raptors, the Bobcats will get zero bench production, and that will ultimately be their demise. But all is not lost for Larry Brown's Bobcats.

14. Milwaukee Bucks/ Coach: Scott Skiles

As great as Michael Redd is, there is not much he can do with this bunch. The loss of Richard Jefferson, and to a lesser extent, Charlie Villanueva, definitely hurts Milwaukee. Other than Redd, there isn't much to like. Luke Ridnour, starting point guard? Really? If I were head coach Scott Skiles, I would give the starting point guard position to Brandon Jennings. The Italian import may be young, cocky, and inexperienced, but Skiles would be wise to let him learn the ropes immediately. After all, the Bucks are playing for the future, and the future is most definitely not now.

15. New Jersey Nets/ Coach: Lawrence Frank

The first coach to get fired this season may very well be Lawrence Frank. Devin Harris is superb. We can all agree on that. But the rest of the team is awfully thin. I like Brook Lopez, but he isn't quite ready for primetime. The Nets, now under new ownership, are faced with increasing uncertainty about their future and a potential move to Brooklyn. It will be a rough year, but on the bright side they do have rookie Terrence Williams, a freakish athlete who will someday be a star.