2012 NBA Power Rankings thru 11-16-12 – Top 10 NBA Title Contenders: After months of speculation about which teams were ready to contend for the NBA title in 2012-13, we have finally gotten a chance to see the teams in game action for the past couple of weeks. Many of the preseason favorites have gotten off to quick starts, but there have been a few that have struggled. Meanwhile, there have also been a couple of major surprises. The 2012-13 NBA season has just begun, but here is an early look at how the teams are stacking up in the latest NBA Power Rankings.
2012 NBA Power Rankings 11-16-12: Top 10 NBA Title Contenders
1. Miami Heat (7-3): Despite a heavy early schedule and a hobble Dwyane Wade, the Miami Heat are looking more than capable of defending their title. LeBron James continues to do it all on the court, and Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis have provided the added perimeter firepower to make the Heat the top scoring and top 3-point shooting team in the NBA.
2. San Antonio Spurs (7-2): Tim Duncan has looked great to start the year, and he and Tony Parker have the Spurs headed to another big win total this year. The fast start is even more impressive considering Manu Ginobili’s slow start. Meanwhile second-year players Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard keep getting better, adding a bit of youth and athleticism to this veteran, experienced bunch.
3. New York Knicks (6-0): It is safe to say that New York made the right decision in letting point guard Jeremy Lin walk in the offseason. Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd have been a major upgrade at the position, helping New York become one of the highest-scoring teams in the league. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are both dialed in to start the year, and Tyson Chandler continues to make the Knicks one of the best defensive teams, as well. The only question is whether or not the success will continue once Amar’e Stoudemire returns to the mix.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (6-2): After being one of the thinnest teams in the NBA last year, the Clippers are now one of the deepest squads around. Jamal Crawford in particular has been fabulous off the bench. Chris Paul is the glue that holds it all together at the point guard spot, and a fast start to the year from center DeAndre Jordan has been the icing on the cake for a team that is looking more and more like a real threat in the Western Conference.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-3): Was a little bit of luxury tax too much to take on to keep a great core intact? Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are good enough to make sure the Thunder remain one of the best teams in the NBA, but the loss of James Harden has been felt. Oklahoma City no longer has a third option down the stretch of games or a player that can lead the second unit. The Thunder are still a great team, but they were a better team with Harden.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (6-1): The frontcourt of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph has been as good as expected, and Randolph is currently leading the NBA in rebounding. Meanwhile, Rudy Gay and Mike Conley Jr. have both avoided the inconsistent outings that have plagued them in the past. A suspect bench has been much better than expected, and if the Grizzlies’ 10-point win at Oklahoma City was a sign of things to come, Memphis will be moving up the ranks in the coming weeks.
7. Brooklyn Nets (5-2): While a 30-point loss to Miami was ugly, the Nets have more than held their own as they attempt to develop some chemistry with all their new pieces. Center Brook Lopez, in particular, has looked strong after being injured most of last year, and Deron Williams has been worth his hefty contract thus far. If Joe Johnson ever finds his stroke, Brooklyn is going to be a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.
8. Chicago Bulls (5-3): The defense has been as stingy as usual, and the Bulls are handling life without Derrick Rose. Joakim Noah and Carlos have provided steady offense in the frontcourt, and forward Luol Deng has really elevated his game in Rose’s absence. If Nate Robinson and Kurt Hinrich can continue to provide serviceable point guard play, Chicago will be sitting within striking distance in time for Rose’s return.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (5-3): The fact that Minnesota has taken a step forward this season isn’t a complete shock. The fact that the Timberwolves have done so while Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio have been hurt is big surprise. Credit Andrei Kirilenko for helping transform a defense that was terrible last year to the best scoring defense in the NBA thus far. When their stars do return, the Timberwolves could become a legitimate playoff team in the Western Conference.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (5-2): Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings and Mike Dunleavy Jr. have been a sharpshooting scoring trio for the Bucks, providing more than enough offense. Meanwhile, the unexpected play of center Larry Centers has provided the presence on the boards and defense in the paint that many though the Bucks would lack. Milwaukee is looking like a team that could sneak into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
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