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NBA Power Rankings

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Here is how SI's Marty Burns ranks the teams entering the first week of the 2000-01 NBA season. This year's kickoff begins the same way last year's ended, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers holding down the top two spots. Check back each week for Marty's latest Power Rankings.

Click here to send Marty a comment.

CNNSI.com Power Rankings
Rank	LW	Team
1	--		Portland Trail Blazers
			Paul Allen's Traveling All-Stars have size, depth and -- after last year's choke job to L.A. -- a burning desire to bring an NBA title to Rip City.
2	--		Los Angeles Lakers
			The Shaq & Kobe Show is primed for an encore performance, but will aging Horace Grant and Ron Harper have enough left in the tank come playoff time?
3	--		San Antonio Spurs
			Tim Duncan is back, joining the Admiral in a top-flight frontcourt. If Derek Anderson emerges as consistent two-way player, the Spurs could get back to Finals.
4	--		New York Knicks
			Trio of All-Star-caliber perimeter players in Houston, Sprewell and Rice, and coach Jeff Van Gundy won't let defense rest. Mental toughness will carry them far.
5	--		Philadelphia 76ers
			Defense, rebounding and clear-cut go-to guy in Iverson. Coming off back-to-back appearances in conference semis. But can Iverson and Brown get along?
6	--		Miami Heat
			Even without 'Zo, they'll be among the East contenders because the talent is there, and Pat Riley won't have it any other way. Tim Hardaway must stay healthy.
7	--		Phoenix Suns
			Jason Kidd/Penny Hardaway backcourt will shine in the Valley of Sun, and they should get Gugliotta back in midseason. But in the West, no center = no rings.
8	--		Milwaukee Bucks
			Best-shooting team in the NBA. Ray Allen and Tim Thomas are blossoming stars. Could be sleepers if Jason Caffey can score down low and team D improves.
9	--		Utah Jazz
			Stockton and Malone will keep them near the top, but losses of Jeff Hornacek and Howard Eisley will hurt. Even Horny's return for playoffs won't be enough.
10	--		Indiana Pacers
			Jonathan Bender, Al Harrington and Jermaine O'Neal will have to grow up fast if Hoosier Hysteria is to return in June. Lack of rebounding looms large.
11	--		Orlando Magic
			Intriguing darkhorse, but Grant Hill's ankle and team's lack of interior defense make them suspect. Doc Rivers will have to work more magic.
12	--		Toronto Raptors
			With Air Canada and rugged frontcourt, new coach Lenny Wilkens will feel rejuvenated. Now if only his team could defend the perimeter.
13	--		Seattle SuperSonics
			Gary Payton finally has a true center. At least until midseason (or sooner), when Patrick Ewing inevitably goes down with injury.
14	--		Sacramento Kings
			Final season in Sac Town for Chris Webber, and probably for coach Rick Adelman, too. Unless they suddenly learn how to defend.
15	--		Minnesota Timberwolves
			Broke the cardinal rule of NBA business: Never put it in writing! Still, with or without Joe Smith, not enough supporting cast for Kevin Garnett.
16	--		Charlotte Hornets
			Yes, they're huge in the frontcourt. But Jamal Mashburn isn't a shooting guard and point guard Baron Davis isn't quite ready for prime time.
17	--		Dallas Mavericks
			Good chance to end their 10-year playoff drought. Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki are keepers, and Eisley should help solidify the point.
18	--		Cleveland Cavaliers
			If 7-foot-3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas can return to form, they have horses to contend for a playoff spot. Point guard Andre Miller is a nightly triple-double threat.
19	--		Houston Rockets
			No longer Dream's team, but that's OK. Steve Francis is legitimate franchise player. Soft D and inexperience, however, will hold them back.
20	--		Boston Celtics
			Enough talent to make the playoffs, but Antoine Walker and Kenny Anderson need to bring it every night. If they don't, it's bye-bye Rick Pitino.
21	--		New Jersey Nets
			New coach Byron Scott will provide much-needed spark. But rookie Kenyon Martin will have to be real good, real fast for them to make the playoffs.
22	--		Washington Wizards
			No capital improvements, but MJ says they have talent to make playoffs. If Rod Strickland regains form of two years ago, they might come close.
23	--		Golden State Warriors
			Larry Hughes and Antawn Jamison will bring excitement to Bay Area. Unfortunately, defense and no post presence will bring heavy losses as well.
24	--		Denver Nuggets
			Nick (Van Exel) is quick and McDyess is nice, but lightweight frontcourt leaves them susceptible to Western Conference bullies.
25	--		Detroit Pistons
			Without Grant Hill, could unravel like Firestones on a Ford Explorer. Still, new team president Joe Dumars vows they won't go down without fight.
26	--		Vancouver Grizzlies
			Solid starting unit, especially if center Bryant Reeves can get his mind and body straight. Shaky defense and lack of depth, however, will prove fatal.
27	--		Chicago Bulls
			With rookies Marcus Fizer and Jamal Crawford joining Elton Brand and Ron Artest, call them the Baby Bulls. And call them doormats once more.
28	--		Atlanta Hawks
			Unless Dikembe Mutombo suddenly develops an offensive game, new coach Lon Kruger is in for a long season. But, hey, lots of cap room next summer.
29	--		Los Angeles Clippers
			With five players under age 21, L.A.'s Kiddie Corps will suffer baptism by fire. Should be exciting for the first month or so.

 

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