Before the season started, the Cleveland Cavaliers were a “sexy” playoff pick. What does that even mean, you ask, particularly within the context of Cleveland, which even proud residents will admit is not an aesthetically pleasing metropolis? Nobody knows. Now it’s February, and the Cavs are a mess, and a big part of that mess is that big man Andrew Bynum turned out to be a pain in the ass that was better off traded for nothing than kept on the roster.
The Pacers have signed Bynum for the rest of the year, perhaps just to keep him away from the Heat. Based on what we’ve seen of Bynum this year, he could make a solid basketball contribution off the bench; he could also be a toxic presence that destroys team chemistry. For now, we have to consider this a step backwards for the Pacers’ hopes at a championship.
February is all about staying focused. It’s easy to forget that every game is worth the same amount of wins or losses (one won game = one win), regardless of the time of year. You can’t take nights off, and you’ll wish you hadn’t when home-court advantage comes down to a few winning percentage points at the end of the season.
Note: We’re making a slight change to Our NBA Power Rankings. They’ll be based on what I’ll call “odds.” Not any official odds, as Matt Rudnitsky likes to use, but my odds for whether this team will win the title this year. All wins, losses, moves and news will be weighed against that possibility — not just if you fall to the Jazz on an unfortunate off day.
With that in mind:
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1.30. Milwaukee Bucks
As likely to win a title as you are to win a date with Genghis Khan.
2.29. Orlando Magic
Magic: The Gathering still ranks above them in Google Search results.
3.28. Sacramento Kings
No love for DeMarcus Cousins in the All-Star Game? Boo.
4.27. Utah Jazz
They're doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing -- giving their young guys NBA experience. TL;DR: They're supposed to suck.
5.26. Cleveland Cavaliers
It's clear that Luol Deng is not the LeBron of 2014 for Cleveland. Not his fault.
6.25. L.A. Lakers
There's talk of them trading Pau Gasol to the Suns. This is great news. For Pau.
7.24. Detroit Pistons
Josh Smith... fuck...
8.23. Boston Celtics
They're only this high because of the teams below them.
9.22. New Orleans Pelicans
If they went on a magical regular season run now, led by Anthony Davis (imaginary line: 40.3 ppg, 19 rpg, 18 bpg), they'd still probably lose in the first round.
10.21. Philadelphia 76ers
Remember when this team started off the year amazingly and we all felt stupid for like five games?
11.20. New York Knicks
Another team that could have a fantastic regular season run only to get their asses handed to them early in the playoffs.
12.19. Minnesota Timberwolves
Not necessarily the 19th-best team in the league, but in a stacked West, you gotta come stronger than this.
13.18. Charlotte Bobcats
I don't know... Al Jefferson could play out his mind for awhile and boost their profile, but they're still the Bobcats.
14.17. Chicago Bulls
Carlos Boozer wants more playing time? Why, to rack up more fouls?
15.16. Denver Nuggets
The most up-and-down team in the NBA in the first half. They'll need consistency to turn this ship around.
16.15. Dallas Mavericks
Another team that could be higher if it wasn't for all the good teams in the West.
17.14. Brooklyn Nets
They have the talent, and they certainly have the experience. Do they have the gas?
18.13. Atlanta Hawks
If only Al Horford could be outfitted with a mechanical boob muscle.
19.12. Washington Wizards
John Wall's fury alone could be enough to elevate this team.
20.11. Toronto Raptors
With the Eastern Conference as weak as it is, a Top-4 seed is within reach.
21.10. Phoenix Suns
If they get Pau Gasol, they creep into the "contender" conversation.
22.9. Golden State Warriors
Experience, or a lack thereof, may be the death of this team.
23.8. Memphis Grizzlies
Here you are! I knew you belonged around these parts.
24.7. Houston Rockets
I kind of like to believe that Jeremy Lin, even if he comes off the bench, is a key cog here.
25.6. San Antonio Spurs
They're likely ranked way too low, because they're the Spurs.
26.5. Indiana Pacers
Sorry, but adding Andrew Bynum does not make me like you ore.
27.4. Portland Trail Blazers
They're really good. Are they title good? I don't think anyone would pick them over the Clippers or Thunder in seven games.
28.3. L.A. Clippers
With CP3 coming back, this team will be better than ever.
29.2. Miami Heat
Only when you drive a stake through LeBron's heart do you become the East favorite.
30.1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Kevin Durant. The team is on his back. Good thing that back is strong as fuck.