This has been one wild and wacky NBA season so far and our “NBA Power Rankings” sure demonstrate this phenomenon - where are you hiding Oklahoma City and Houston? Do you really have a winning record, Golden State? What in the name of Rick Fox is going on here? The playoffs are far away so there is time to piece things together for those not listed on this ten-team list, but the clock is ticking!

Remember, these rankings are not based just on overall record but how a team played the previous week. As the season moves along overall marks will obviously play a part in where teams end up more but as of right now switches may happen often.

Also, after the rankings you will find a few NBA stories I have found interesting throughout the week and a completely shameless “Awards” section for performances from the previous week’s games.

The top four teams are fairly interchangeable at this point and should begin to separate themselves in the coming weeks.

Here we go…

1. New Orleans Hornets (8-0) (2-0 Last week)

Yes, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt for being undefeated. New Orleans has sprinted out of the gate behind Chris Paul’s (17.0 points, 10.3 assists) brilliance and a new commitment to suffocating defense (#2 in defensive rating). Offensively they are sound as well, scoring 99.1 points despite a 1990’s Knicks-style pace. Their schedule strength hasn’t been all that difficult yet though – we’ll have a little better idea after they play the Mavs back-to-back to start this week.

2. San Antonio Spurs (8-1) (4-0 Last week)

These Spurs, while still getting it done defensively, have a vastly improved offense this season behind the usual suspects (Duncan, Ginobili, Parker) and revitalized Richard Jefferson (17.3 points on stellar shooting). Manu starting this season has been a wise decision for Coach Popovich and Parker has been at his penetrating-and-dishing best. Duncan will come around too, folks.

3. Boston Celtics (8-2) (Last week 2-1)

I had a difficult time ranking the Celtics below the Spurs but based on Boston’s loss to Cleveland (I know, it was the first week, but it still resonates), and tough wins in OT over the Bucks and Grizzlies I can’t put them ahead with a clear conscience. I’m not discounting the two victories over the Heat but Miami has proven it is still working through kinks. I know a lot of people are discounting the Spurs and won’t understand why Boston is third here but watch San Antonio play a couple of games and you’ll see what I mean. I could certainly flip them with little fuss, though.

4. Los Angeles Lakers (8-2) (Last week 2-2)

After two consecutive losses, albeit close ones, these guys fall into basically a tie with Boston right now. Their offense is simply potent and operating at playoff-level right now but that defense is sure allowing a lot of points. Steve Nash and company carved them up for 22 three-pointers yesterday! If Phil Jackson gets the defense humming they’ll be back on top before too long.

5. Utah Jazz (7-3) (Last week 4-0)

I love the fight in this team, although having to come back in EVERY single game you play is not a recipe for success long-term. Paul Millsap is proving beastly in the paint and Deron Williams is back to being the playmaker we remember. I’m not sure why this offense began the season in such a rut but they are coming out of it and are sure fun to watch.

6. Dallas Mavericks (6-2) (Last week 3-0)

Rick Carlisle has this bunch playing terrific defense alongside a potent (although not as crisp as we’re used to) offense – they are 4th in the league in defensive rating so far. Tyson Chandler has had an immediate impact for the Mavs in the middle, Dirk Nowitzki continues to fill it up efficiently and Jason Terry continues his journey toward another “Sixth Man of the Year” title. We should know a lot more about this team after two consecutive games against the Hornets this week.

7. Miami Heat (6-4) (Last week 1-2)

The Heat have lost all four of their games to teams above them on this list so don’t fret, Miami. When their offense is clicking Lebron and company have been devastating and it’s only a matter of time before their players figure out their roles. Oh, and that defense is frighteningly good – 5th overall and that’s with Chris Bosh not defending the paint particularly well. They absolutely have to start defending elite point guards better though as Rondo, Paul, and Williams have hurt them. This week their toughest matchup will be the Suns on Wednesday. I’ll be watching that one for sure.

8. Orlando Magic (6-3) (Last week 2-2)

Where has your offense disappeared to, guys? The Magic have been superb on the defensive end and Dwight Howard has been his typical self but Orlando is not generating points in bunches, especially from downtown, the way we’ve seen in the past. I still can’t get over the fact that Rashard Lewis is a $100 million man. Seriously.

9. Phoenix Suns (5-4) (Last week 2-1)

I’m putting the Suns here over the Hawks because 1) Atlanta had lost four straight games before beating Minnesota last night 2) Phoenix just defeated the Lakers and have beaten the Hawks this season and 3) Atlanta’s strength of schedule was extremely poor to begin the year, hence the awesome start. Nash is playing amazing basketball right now and Jason Richardson is shooting lights out. Big win last night for the Suns.

10. Golden State Warriors (6-4) (Last week 2-2), Atlanta Hawks (7-4) (Last week 1-3)

Both teams are coming off difficult weeks but they have looked excellent this season at various times with loads of potential. Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and David Lee are forming quite the trio in Golden State while Al Horford and Josh Smith have been fantastic so far for Atlanta. The Hawks could use a true point guard as Joe Johnson dominating the ball is only going to get them so far. Interesting week for both teams coming up as each play two very tough games.

SO CLOSE! - Denver Nuggets (I know you beat the Lakers but you allowed 54 points in a quarter to Indiana!), Portland Trailblazers (I don’t know about you yet, with Brandon Roy being hurt and all), Chicago Bulls (I’m sure you’ll pull it together soon)

Welcome to the first edition of my “Shameless Weekly Awards” section where I highlight outstanding (and miserable) performances by handing out completely fake and irrelevant awards named after former NBA players who happened to be excellent (or terrible) in that category.

On to the ceremony…

  1. The “Are you kidding me?”** **(an amazing performance) and “Jerry Lucas Award” (a huge rebounding effort) winner: Kevin Love (Timberwolves)

You all know by now about the ridiculous 31 point, 31 board performance posted by Love last week, the first such performance since Moses Malone in 1982 and the first thirty-board game since Barkley in 1996. You’re a great rebounder, Mr. Love, but thirty is quite the eye-opener.

Don’t worry Michael Beasley, your 45 point outburst was definitely considered. However, even Tony Delk went off for 50 once, so a 30-30 game takes the cake.

  1. The *“Steve Kerr Award” *winner (a fantastic shooting display): The Phoenix Suns

What a dazzling shooting performance by Phoenix on Sunday night, nailing 22 of 40 triples in their win over the Lakers. Jason Richardson went 7-10 from downtown and even Hedo decided to join the fun by hitting five bombs himself. Well done, guys.

  1. The “Adam Morrison Award” winner (a player(s) who shoots miserably from the floor) - Dorell Wright, Stephen Curry (Warriors)

Gosh, guys - The other night against Milwaukee I wonder if the Bucks thought the rim had been moved higher or something. A combined 5-28 shooting performance typically won’t net you a win, I’m afraid.

  1. The “Mark Eaton Award” winner (a player who sent shots into the bleachers) - Serge Ibaka (Thunder)

Eleven blocks in three games will win you this award, my man. Twenty-one rejections in nine games for the relatively unknown Ibaka - when Serge plays thirty minutes or more OKC is 4-1. Play the man, Scott!

  1. Finally, our “Kevin Porter Award” winner (a player who racked up the dimes): Rajon Rondo (Celtics)

This guy just knows how to dish - 48 assists during the week! The 1,000 assist club might have a new member after this season if Rondo keeps it up.

Finally, four NBA-related pieces you should read if you get the chance:

  1. An informative piece on the state of both the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder - Zach Lowe is very good, people!

  2. A humorous article from a sportswriters (and fans) perspective on Chris Bosh. Something tells me Toronto is not a fan of Mr. Bosh these days…

  3. An interesting write-up on the Hall of Fame chances of Tim Hardaway. Those guys do a great job with these!

  4. A fantastic piece from 2001 on then-breakout star Steve Nash. Appreciate this guy while you still can!

Until next Monday….

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