The NBA's Best

So you already read the report on our prediction of the NBA's worst teams and you probably find yourself wondering, who are the best? Well dear reader here is your answer counting down from 5 to 1.

5. (censor)2009-2010 record 50-32
The (censor)have what every professional sports team dreams about, a young, talented team built around a uber-skilled yet down to earth superstar.

The (censor)are built around their core of (censor), (censor)and (censor). All three of these players are super talented and well rounded. If you rank of all of the players from last season individually by PTS, AST, REB, STL and BLK and then average each players ranks to get a composite score, (censor), (censor)and (censor)are all in the top 25. That is amazing. Additionally, all three appear to have their heads on straight. Something that is exceedingly difficult to find in the modern NBA.

Both (censor)and (censor)played for the USA nation team in this summers FIBA world championship. This allowed them to gain valuable experience playing against some of the world’s best. (censor)was even named the tournaments MVP. He averaged 22.8 PPG and shot 63.1% form the field.

The (censor)roster is completed with a collection of young players with lots of potential and a few solid veterans. The young players include collegiate standouts, (censor), (censor)and (censor). Any of them could have a breakout year. The veterans on the team aren’t old unlike many other teams. Only one player, (censor), is over 30.

Although the (censor)might not be the best team this year they are definitely deserving of a stop in the top five. Their team is young and talented with plenty of room to grow. If they can keep this core together they have built what is likely to be a team challenging for NBA championships for years to come.

4.Boston Celtics 2009-2010 record 50-32It bodes well for a team when it has four future hall of famer on it. With Shaq, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce all on the roster the Celtics have just that. They also have a good chance to win a lot of games.

The Boston Celtics greatest strength is their veterans and their most important veteran is lifelong Celtic Paul Pierce. He has built his career around getting to the basket and scoring points (22.5 career PPG). At the beginning of his career he was a volume scorer requiring 18-20 attempts a game to put up his numbers. However, in the last several years he has drastically improved his shooting efficiency. He brought his FG% up to 47.2% and his 3PT% up to 41.4% last year, both career highs. By increasing his shooting percentage, Pierce has been able to continue to put up big numbers while still allowing other players touches.

Boston’s biggest weakness is also relying so heavily on those four players. All of them are over 33, with Shaq leading the way at 38. It is well known that as players pass 30 their skills decline and they become more susceptible to injury. The Celtics should be able to withstand a bad year or an injury of one or even two of their veterans. But, if the unforgiving hands of father time touch too many of their players expect this team to fall fast.

With their experienced star veterans leading the way not many teams will be able to best them. If this team stays healthy they should challenge for a trip to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals.

3. Orlando Magic 2009-2010 record 59-23After losing in the NBA finals two years ago and in the Eastern Conference finals last year, the Orlando magic are back to push for another shot at the title.

The best and most dominating center in the NBA is Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard has led the NBA in REB three straight years and BLK two. Dwight Howard is an imposing force who can single handedly take over a game. Dwight Howard plays for the Orlando Magic. This is a good thing for them.

Besides their center the Magic have a lot of other good things going for them. The majority of the players from last year are back. On the offensive end, they were 6th in the league in PPG last year, registering at 102.8. They also excelled on the defensive side. The Magic held opponents to only 95.3 PPG, good enough for 4th in the league. The main departure from the team was Matt Barnes, who bolted to the Lakers. To replace him they added two veterans, Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson. 28 year old PG Chris Duhon is a reliable back up incase Jameer Nelson gets hurt again. 30 year old SG Quentin Richardson has shown the ability to score. Both should be an upgrade over Barnes.

This year, the key parts of a great 2009-2010 team, that made the Eastern Conference finals last year, return. Those returning players, along with the upgrades to their bench, make the Magic a title contender for sure.

2. Miami Heat 2009-2010 record 47-35Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the same team, need I say more?

1. Los Angeles Lakers 2009-2010 record 57-25The Lakers are the two time defending NBA champs and have the best chance at winning it all again this year. Their team is staked with talent on offense and defense.

The most obvious talent is Kobe Bryant. Kobe is easily one of the 3 best players in the league. Although he is now 32 years old he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. Kobe has averaged 29.82 ppg, 5.04 apg and 5.58 rpg over the last 5 seasons. To compliment his stellar offensive numbers Kobe is also a great defender. He has made the NBA All-Defensive first team five straight seasons.

In addition to Kobe, the Lakers have a great team. They have lights out range shooters (Steve Blake), dominating post players (Pau Gasol), match-up nightmares (Lamar Odom), tenacious defenders (Ron Artest), and seasoned veterans (Derek Fischer). Once everyone is healthy, the team features projected starters: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. There isn’t a better starting five in the league.

Unless they completely and totally under perform expectations, the Lakers will have the best team in the league yet again. This will put Coach Phil Jackson will be looking to add to his already record 11 NBA Championships.


Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN, FIBA