1. Los Angeles Lakers (7-0): The Lakers are winning by an average of 14 points per game and just dismantled the Trailblazers (a trendy pick to challenge LA in the West) by 25 points. It seems like nearly every game has Kobe Bryant on the bench in the fourth quarter with ice bags on his knees and a victory well in hand. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol are both playing at an All-NBA level, Matt Barnes does everything, and Shannon Brown plus Steve Blake make a good backup guard duo. Just imagine when Andrew Bynum gets back.
2. New Orleans Hornets (6-0): A team I predicted to be in the lottery is still undefeated as we enter Week Three of the season. Chris Paul is a magician and leads his team to win after win. David West is scoring well so far, but his rebounding needs to improve. My main concern is the lack of a third option.
3. Boston Celtics (6-1): If Paul isn't the early season MVP, it's Rajon Rondo. He's averaging 11 points and 15 assists per game while playing terrific defense, second in the league in steals. Kevin Garnett looks healthy and Paul Pierce is scoring with ease. Glen Davis has been playing really well so far, and if he keeps it up, this team can beat anyone.
4. Atlanta Hawks (6-1): I neglected this team in the first Power Poll, but at 6-1, I have to include them. They probably won't be this high as the year goes forward, but they are playing great ball right now. They have six players averaging double figures, and that balance bodes very well for sustaining a high level of play.
5. Miami Heat (5-2): They've lost to Boston and New Orleans. The theme in those two games? Rondo and Paul. The Heat don't have a point guard, so when they play a team that does, they will suffer. Outside of those two losses, we have seen how exciting this team can be with spectacular plays in the open court. Chris Bosh has to rebound better.
6. Orlando Magic (4-1): Dwight Howard has shown flashes of an improved offensive repertoire, but he's not a complete player yet. Still, if he can continue averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game, he may not only win another Defensive Player of the Year Award, he could be the MVP. Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, and Rashard Lewis have not produced enough.
7. San Antonio Spurs (4-1): This biggest positive thus far is that Richard Jefferson is averaging 20 points a game after struggling mightily last year. Manu Ginobli is playing great as well. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are doing their usual thing, and once Tiago Splitter is healthy, this team will be scary. George Hill has bigtime talent and I expect him to produce more as the season goes along.
8. Denver Nuggets (4-2): They have the talent and are playing well, but again, how long will Carmelo Anthony stay?
9. Golden State Warriors (4-2): Steph Curry and Monta Ellis are a lethal scoring combination, but David Lee has been M.I.A. thus far.
10. Portland Trailblazers (5-3): Despite being dominated at the hands of the Lakers, the Blazers have largely played well. Brandon Roy is an All Star, but I'm still waiting for him to take the next step toward super stardom.
--from Adam
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