NBA
BASKETBALL: FAN
EDITORIAL NBA
POWER RANKINGS 2001-2002
By SCOTT
BLOOMBERG August 4, 2001
NBA POWER
RANKINGS 2001-2002: Regular season only
1. Lakers-
The world champions have the most dominating force in the L, and maybe
the best sidekick. Samaki and Mitch take care of their “Kryptonite”…depth.
2. Bucks- With
the new rule changes the Bucks take first in the East. Their big 3, along
with a good point guard could make other teams… AFRAID.
3. Kings- I’m
still amazed about how they managed to pull of the Williams for Bibby trade.
They re-signed Webber, watch your back LA.
4. Magic- They
got the big 3, the question is who will play where. They have rookie help
on the glass… but Ewing, common people!
5. 76ers- yeah
they drop… only ‘cus I don’t think they can do that again.
6. Blazers-
Call me crazy but their chemistry isn’t so bad anymore. They have a MUCH
better coach and another point guard.
7. Spurs- They
could be lower, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that the loss
of DA won’t hurt them too much.
8. Mavericks-
They kept the team intact, that’s all that matters. This team only needs
experience to improve.
9. T-Wolves-
The Payton rumors are becoming more and more reality, and less rumor. Imagine…
Payton to Garnett…
10. Raptors-
I don’t know how they managed to resign the 3 FA’s (well it’s lookin that
way) if Vince’s knee doesn’t bother him, this is where they’ll be,
11. Heat- The
ugly memory of the first round last year…UGLY!!! If ‘Zo can come back,
and Tim gets on out of there, they could be fairly dangerous.
12. Rockets-
This team could be dangerous, Cut, Francis, and Griffin… shibby…
13. Hornets-
Refer to 11, then just remember the glory games for Charlotte.
14. Jazz- Age
finally hits this old team, damn they are old.
15. Clippers-
Young team, in 3 years, watch out for da BOM… Brand Odom Miles
16. Celtics-
3 Great picks, already got PP and Toine. Look for the 3 headed monster
to step up, bigtime.
17. Knicks-
Is Houston really worth 100mil? NO!
18. Suns- No
Cliff… No Kidd… BUT HELL THEY GOT MARBURY… still not anywhere near enough.
19. Pacers-
I think Reggie won’t be like the old Reggie anymore.
20. Hawks-
Improved but they have horrible depth.
21. Nuggets-
I really have no explanation, they’re just not over the hump yet.
22. Sonics-
it looks like they are starting over next year.
23. Warriors-
when your season relies on a rookie, that’s never good
24. Detroit-
see above.
25. Grizzlies-
finally out of Canada (no offense eh?) better, but still bad
26. Wizards-
Kwame looks good… should I even say his name? Ok, MJ * If this dude is
back, they move up a good 15-20 spots.
27. Nets- for
some reason, the Griffin trade, with their luck, will suck for them, Grand
Kanyon will suck, Van Horn will get injured, and Kidd will still somehow
carry the team.
28. Bulls-
WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? Trading their best player for a varsity standout???
Smart Krause, real smart.
29. Cavs- WHAT
WERE THEY THINKING? Drafting a guy who turns out to be 3 inches and 15lbs
less than they thought? Drafting a guy who tore his ACL, in high school???
Drafting a guy over Joe Johnson and Rodney White??? YOU ARE THE WEAKEST
LINK, GOODBYE.
