I’ll probably do around five Power Polls this regular season and only rank the top ten teams in the league. I see no point going any further down the list. If you have no life whatsoever and need to know who the bottom twenty teams in the league are then probably googling Marc Stein or Bill Simmons would be the thing to do.
1. Golden State Warriors — When you won 73 games the previous season and would have won a second straight NBA championship if not for the dipshit antics of Draymond Green in Game 4 and add Kevin Durant to your ball club, you should be the best team in the league. Currently–they are.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers — Although I have the Cavs at No.2, I still feel they’re the team to beat come the NBA Finals. LeBron has owned Kevin Durant’s mind to date, so until I witness Durant cross this mental hurdle the Cavs are my pick to repeat although I have them No. 2 in my first poll of the regular season.
3. San Antonio Spurs — A good team, but not a great team. How far can they go with Tony Parker as their starting point guard? I honestly think OKC will match up nicely with the Spurs.
4. LA Clippers — This in itself shows how weak the league is when everyone is picking the Clippers as the fourth best team in the entire league. I think OKC would match up very well against the Clippers in a post season series as well.
5. OKC Thunder — Assuming Westbrook doesn’t get hurt, Adams can keep his hand healthy, and Victor Oladipo continues to elevate his game weekly—I see no reason the Thunder shouldn’t be here on my poll. If the zebras had called the Nick Young Walk and OKC doesn’t sleepwalk against the Magic at home they’re 14-6 as I write.
6. Toronto Raptors — Who else is the second best team in the East? DeRozan has finally cooled, but I love their guard tandem. At some point this season, Westbrook-Oladipo will pass DeRozan-Lowery, but for now I still have them above the Thunder backcourt by a smidge.
7. Houston Rockets — Like Westbrook, James Harden is having a career season. Should not be a surprise if you saw Mike D’Antoni coach Steve Nash in Phoenix. If ever a coach was made for James Harden it’s D’Antoni. Houston vs. Oklahoma City games should be treated as prized royal treasures this season by NBA junkies. First game this season didn’t disappoint at all.
8. Chicago Bulls — Jimmy Butler. No other reason than Jimmy Butler. Plus, someone has to fill out this feeble poll.
9. Boston Celtics — They should start playing better. But they still need a star. Glad Presti didn’t trade Westbrook for Crowder, Smart, and those first round draft picks right now. Seriously glad.
10. Atlanta Hawks — They’re going nowhere once again, but they play smart ball and give their fans their money’s worth on most nights. Yawn.