NBA power rankings: Celtics no surprise as preseason No. 1
1
Boston Celtics
The NBA champs deserve the inaugural top spot. But they'll miss good luck charm James Posey.
2
Los Angeles Lakers
They should be better with a healthy Andrew Bynum, but can Odom defend at small forward?
3
New Orleans Hornets
Adding Posey helps. But the loss of Jannero Pargo to Moscow will hurt.
4
San Antonio Spurs
When healthy, the Spurs are as good as anybody.
5
Portland Trail Blazers
Already-solid team adds Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez and Jerryd Bayless.
6
Detroit Pistons
Stuckey and Maxiell should become bigger part of the rotation.
7
Philadelphia 76ers
Elton Brand gives this hustling team a dimension it previously lacked.
8
Houston Rockets
Might be higher if not for Alston's off-field trouble, Artest's volatility and Yao's injury woes.
9
Cleveland Cavaliers
o Williams gives LeBron some offensive help.
10
Orlando Magic
Howard's still improving and Pietrus will help, but bench still needs work.
11
Dallas Mavericks
Window is closing for NowitzKidd.
12
Utah Jazz
How much more can Deron Williams improve?
13
Phoenix Suns
All of a sudden, the Suns seem Methuselahesque.
14
Washington Wizards
Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler must prove they can stay healthy for a full year.
15
Toronto Raptors
Impressive Olympian Bosh now has frontcourt sidekick in Jermaine O'Neal.
16
Golden State Warriors
It will be interesting to see how they play without Baron.
17
Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade is definitely back, and has help in Michael Beasley and Marion.
18
Milwaukee Bucks
Redd, Jefferson and Bogut have Bucks thinking playoffs.
19
Los Angeles Clippers
Baron Davis and Marcus Camby are talented but have history of injuries.
20
Denver Nuggets
The defense was already bad, then they gave away their best defender, Camby.
21
Atlanta Hawks
A lot depends on Josh Smith's mindset. Childress loss will hurt.
22
Minnesota Timberwolves
With Miller, Foye, Jefferson, Love, Wolves could make a move.
23
Charlotte Bobcats
Not as good as they seem on paper.
24
Memphis Grizzlies
OJ Mayo-Gay (Gayo?) combo could be fun to watch.
25
Chicago Bulls
At least Bulls fans have Michael Jordan memories.
26
Sacramento Kings
At least they have Beno Udrih.
27
Indiana Pacers
At least they rid themselves of the O'Neal headache.
28
Oklahoma City SuperSonics
new nickname: SuperBads?
29
New Jersey Nets
Already dreaming of LeBron.
30
New York Knicks
What has Mike D'Antoni gotten himself into?
