Time to unveil the initial 2007-2008 NBA Power Rankings. But before we do that... there are a few things I need to get off my chest.
Another week goes by in the Lakers' preseason and already we have more drama than General Hospital.Amid comments by Owner Jerry Buss that Kobe is not untouchable... there were rumors flying that The Mamba had cleaned out his locker in anticipation of a trade.
Jesus Christ... what gives... I guess I should know by n0w that it's not possible... but can we go a week without some stupid story getting blown out of proportion. In my mind Buss comments were dead on... but about 3 months too late... as good as he his, it's about the team and if you've got to trade Kobe before he opts out so be it.
But why did those comments have to come three weeks before the season... I'm thinking Buss
would just rather have negative/worrisome/troubling attention on the Lakers than no attention at all.
would just rather have negative/worrisome/troubling attention on the Lakers than no attention at all.Thank God Kobe got on the floor for some action this past week and seems to be enjoying his teammates (at least for the moment). Where exactly the team is headed remains to be seen.
But for now... let's just find out where the Lakers stand in our preseason Power Rankings.
Lottery Bound
30. Timberwolves: If life with KG wasn't too great the past few years, imagine how it will be without him.
29. Sixers: First full season without AI not looking good.28. Pacers: With glory days of Miller & Co. long gone, Indiana looks to rebuild.
27. Hawks: It's nice to have the potential, but there's a problem when your drafting in the top 8 every year.
26. Kings: Can't wait to hear the complaining Kings fans all season.
25. Knicks: Isiah's turbulent off season will carry over into season.
24. Clippers: Life without Brand will prove difficult for the Clips.
Wait till Next Year
23. Trailblazers: One can't help but wonder if Portland drafted damaged good
s..22. Supersonics: Future looks bright even if it's in another city.
21. Grizzlies: Terrible year last year... improved and should be better.
20. Bobcats: Lost May and Morrison for the year... but J-Rich and Gerald Wallace are the nucleus of a franchise headed in the right direction.
Playoffs in Sight
19. Bucks: Roster has enough talent to compete for a playoff spot. Need to stay healthy and see what Yi brings to the table.
18. Heat: Wade coming off an injury and Shaq is a year older. Window of opportunity likely past.
17. Hornets: Chris Paul one of the best in the game... must be healthy all season for Hornets to
get back the playoffs in the first full year back in New Orleans.
16. Wizards: Arenas in contract year so you know he's bringing it. Roster filled with too many swing men and not enough down low to contend.
15. Nets: Hope to get Jermaine O'Neal in a trade before window closes on Kidd's career.
Contenders if All Goes Well
14. Magic: Will go as far as a developing Dwight Howard can take them.
13. Lakers: Health concerns will determine how late they're playing (and how long Kobe will be in purple and gold.)
12. Raptors: Won't be taking people by surprise this year. Bosh one of the best, just can't disappear in the playoffs.
11. Warriors: A poor man's Suns team is fun to watch, but must replace the scoring of J-Rich.
10. Bulls: Baby bulls starting to grow up. Question is, will they land Kobe?
9. Cavs: Run to the Finals a fluke. Lebron needs more help before he gets a ring.
8. Nuggets: Melo and AI finished the year on fire. Hoping Kenyon Martin has something left in
the tank.
Knocking on the Door
7. Jazz: Boozer/Williams combo could become modern day Stockton and Malone.
6. Rockets: Ming and McGrady still looking to make it past first round. This year as good a chance as any.
5. Pistons: Might be last hurrah! for this group who fell apart last post season.
Cream of the Crop
4. Mavs: Last year's best team and home of reigning MVP looking to avenge last season's playoff embarrassment.
3. Celtics: League's newest big three should cruise through weak Eastern Conference.
2. Suns: Nash and the boys trying once again to make it to the promised land.
1. Spurs: Hated Spurs return same nucleus that has won multiple titles.
20. Bobcats: Lost May and Morrison for the year... but J-Rich and Gerald Wallace are the nucleus of a franchise headed in the right direction.
Playoffs in Sight
19. Bucks: Roster has enough talent to compete for a playoff spot. Need to stay healthy and see what Yi brings to the table.
18. Heat: Wade coming off an injury and Shaq is a year older. Window of opportunity likely past.
17. Hornets: Chris Paul one of the best in the game... must be healthy all season for Hornets to
get back the playoffs in the first full year back in New Orleans.16. Wizards: Arenas in contract year so you know he's bringing it. Roster filled with too many swing men and not enough down low to contend.
15. Nets: Hope to get Jermaine O'Neal in a trade before window closes on Kidd's career.
Contenders if All Goes Well
14. Magic: Will go as far as a developing Dwight Howard can take them.
13. Lakers: Health concerns will determine how late they're playing (and how long Kobe will be in purple and gold.)
12. Raptors: Won't be taking people by surprise this year. Bosh one of the best, just can't disappear in the playoffs.
11. Warriors: A poor man's Suns team is fun to watch, but must replace the scoring of J-Rich.
10. Bulls: Baby bulls starting to grow up. Question is, will they land Kobe?
9. Cavs: Run to the Finals a fluke. Lebron needs more help before he gets a ring.
8. Nuggets: Melo and AI finished the year on fire. Hoping Kenyon Martin has something left in
the tank.Knocking on the Door
7. Jazz: Boozer/Williams combo could become modern day Stockton and Malone.
6. Rockets: Ming and McGrady still looking to make it past first round. This year as good a chance as any.
5. Pistons: Might be last hurrah! for this group who fell apart last post season.
Cream of the Crop
4. Mavs: Last year's best team and home of reigning MVP looking to avenge last season's playoff embarrassment.
3. Celtics: League's newest big three should cruise through weak Eastern Conference.
2. Suns: Nash and the boys trying once again to make it to the promised land.
1. Spurs: Hated Spurs return same nucleus that has won multiple titles.
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