Hoops Addict is excited to host the latest version of the Blogger Power Rankings. Are the Celtics still on top?  How far will Detroit and Toronto’s recent losing ways drop each team in our rankings?  Will Cleveland be to leapfrog Los Angeles and crack the top two?  The answers are in this weeks version of the Blogger Power Rankings.

This week, our distinguished contributors are: 3 Shades of Blue, A Stern Warning, CelticsBlog, Empty the Bench, Hardwood Paroxysm, Hoops Addict, Hornets 24/7, Queen City Hoops, Raptors HQ, and last, but not least, With Malice.

1. Boston Celtics:

“I wish these guys would start taking games seriously.  If they think that they can just coast through the regular season again…wait, what?  18 in a row, huh?  Never mind.  Back to your regularly scheduled dominance.” 3 Shades of Blue

“18 straight… and here we were thinking that the Lakers were the class of the league for so long.” A Stern Warning

“The Celtics are obviously looking dominant, but save for last season recent history tells us that those teams who sprint out to this kind of regular-season success often come up short in the end.” Empty the Bench

“18 game win streak?  Some things just seem constant.  Like… the Celtics for example.  Or a really bad case of diarrhea.” With Malice

2. Cleveland Cavaliers:

“This team is playing at a very high level, as evidenced by the fact that King James is talking about possibly signing an extension this summer.  The city of New York and major media outlets let out a collective groan in response to that news.” 3 Shades of Blue

“The way LeBron (James) carries this team, anything less than MVP will be a slap in the face.” A Stern Warning

“Let’s not forget about the big contributions this team is getting from Delonte West this season, like 38% three-point shooting, 1.4 steals/per.” Empty the Bench

“The Cavs takedown of the Nuggets was really quite frightening.” CelticsBlog

“I’m still stunned that giving LeBron (James) the ball 15 feet from the basket instead of 25 feet from the basket is a better idea.  Really.  Just Shocked.” Hornets 24/7

“LeBron (James) just seems like Superman at the moment.  Is there nothing he can’t do?  January 9th looms as a Lex Luthor moment: Boston come to town.” With Malice

3. Los Angeles Lakers:

“It seems that Phil Jackson is giving the Zen mind games a rest this year in lieu of waiting for the inevitable postseason run, which explains their strange off nights against inferior opponents.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Bored? Maybe.  Soft?  Most definitely.” CelticsBlog

“Andrew Bynum needs to get his confidence back.” Empty the Bench

“Keeping defensive intensity high takes intense willpower.  And most of the players on this team aren’t known for ferocity.” Hornets 24/7

“Suffering from a bit of a strange dip of late and needing more offense from the Mamba.” Raptors HQ

“For those hoping for an epic clash the likes of Batman vs Superman, don’t give up hope.  LA is down at the moment, but nothing’s changed on that roster - they’re just not feeling it at the moment.” With Malice

4. Orlando Magic:

“Jameer Nelson is 100% healthy and would like to remind everyone that he’s very capable of leading this team.” 3 Shades of Blue

“In another year, the Magic would be talk of the League with that record.” CelticsBlog

“Shouldn’t Orlando fall apart without Dwight Howard? Without their franchise player the team still managed to win four straight games this past week.” Hoops Addict

“This team is forcing my perception of their perimeter player’s defense to change.  It’s Howard, but not all Howard.” Hornets 24/7

“A new power rises in the East… and it’s name is Orlando.” With Malice

5. Portland Trail Blazers:

“Brandon Roy’s 52-point performance put everyone on notice that this ‘young’ team doesn’t intend to wait to make some noise.  Everybody better grab some ear plugs then.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Brandon Roy’s 52-point performance against the Suns was really something.” Empty the Bench

“As a Raptors fan I cry myself to sleep most nights thinking about what a trio of Chris Bosh, Brandon Roy and Jose Calderon could accomplish.” Hoops Addict

“Remember last year when they won 13 in a row, but finished 41-41?  Let’s wait to anoint them.” Hornets 24/7

“Um…anyone have that flux capacitor handy?  Us Raptors’ fans would love to go back in time and take (Brandon) Roy instead of (Andrea) Bargnani.” Raptors HQ

“Darius Miles aside, this team’s one of the feel-good stories of the new millennium.  In the hoopla surrounding Old Man Oden, we forgot that Brandon Roy is one helluva basketballer.” With Malice

6. New Orleans Hornets:

“Chris Paul just stole the cheeseburger out of your hand…and you didn’t even notice it.  He’s got your wallet too, by the way.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Due to increased expectations heading into this season, people tend to forget the Hornets are off to a similar start than they had last season.”

“Strangely, the Hornets are once again becoming the forgotten team” Hornets 24/7

“We love the Antonio Daniels deal; it could be one of the sleepers of the year.” Raptors HQ

“Another team I’m finding it difficult to give much love to.  They’re playing some damn fine basketball at times.  And they’ve beaten some good teams… but there’s something not quite right at NOLA.  If I were Byron Scott, I’d be feeling a little less nervous than a few weeks ago, but I’m sure he’s watching over his shoulder.” With Malice

7. San Antonio Spurs:

“Silver bullets, wooden stakes to the heart, enchanted swords…can nothing kill these guys?” 3 Shades of Blue

“The Spurs are back in business. Underestimate them at your peril.” A Stern Warning

“Fans are falling in love with George Hill and Roger Mason, but defenders, they ain’t” Hornets 24/7

“This team can still beat anyone on a given night and that’s why we’re looking forward to their  Feb 8 match with the Celtics.” Raptors HQ

“Team Bela Lugosi just keep on comin’ atcha.” With Malice

8. Denver Nuggets:

“Remember when Billups was an MVP candidate with the Pistons? Well he’s probably putting up an even stronger case now.” A Stern Warning

“The Nuggs continue to play dominant ball with Chauncey Billups at the helm.  Question now is, can they get out of the first round?” Raptors HQ

9. Houston Rockets:

“This team will be judged by their performance in the postseason, but even still, they are managing to work through their ever-present injury issues en route to the fifth best record in the NBA.” 3 Shades of Blue

“If I had my choice, I’d take Battier over Artest any day.  Efficient offense and real perimeter defense, thank you.” Hornets 24/7

“There have been games when this roster looks exactly the way most expected it to look… but then we catch a glimpse of the frailty that’s becoming as much a hallmark of Houston’s as the Rocket logo.” With Malice

“All together now sing it with me ‘let’s, stay healthy!’” Raptors HQ

10. Atlanta Hawks:

“Typical young talented team — they beat everyone but the elite teams…and still manage to sneak a victory in over one of them occasionally.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Isn’t much point waiting for a letdown now.  There isn’t going to be one.” Hornets 24/7

“The Hawks have been another surprise team this year…just think about their potential once some of the kids get a bit more experience!” Raptors HQ

“A young team, full of the energy and enthusiasm youth brings.  Unfortunately, also possessing the wild erratic nature of a juvenile too.” With Malice

11. Dallas Mavericks:

“They speak about Devin Harris in whispered tones now.” 3 Shades of Blue

“There hasn’t been this little buzz about the Mavericks in a long, long time. And rightfully so.” Empty the Bench

“The Demise of the Southwest Division has been greatly exaggerated.” Hornets 24/7

“Mavs are just sitting outside on the playoff fence looking in but with Howard back we expect them to overtake the Suns eventually.” Raptors HQ

“Slowly on the rise.  Perhaps Mark Cuban should be spiking the Gatorade with Viagra.” With Malice

12. Utah Jazz:

“They have had a little bit of a hitch in their giddy-up recently, but historically, they always have trouble with the pre-Christmas road trip.” 3 Shades of Blue

“No Boozer? No problem. Paul Millsap is using this stretch of game as an open audition to ink a big deal this summer as a free agent.” Hoops Addict

“Deron’s scoring touch is starting to come back, making this team dangerous once more.” Hornets 24/7

“Slipped worse than Phil Jackson’s disk.  Going .500 over the last 10 isn’t something that Jerry Sloan, a man not noted for his ‘carebear’ attitude, will be enjoying.” With Malice

“Carlos Boozer’s killing various fantasy teams right now but Utah hasn’t missed a beat with Paul Millsap in his place.” Raptors HQ

13. Phoenix Suns:

“The trade has made them somewhat better…for now.  They’re still a level below the upper tier teams though.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Jason Richardson deserved better than the Bobcats, but he deserves better than the Suns, too.” Empty the Bench

“This team has finally figured out it’s identity:  Mediocrity.” Hornets 24/7

“Trading for Jason Richardson was a start, but this team still has a ways to go to get back to an elite level.” Raptors HQ

“Almost weekly, we get reminders that this is not the Suns of “7 seconds or less”.  And they - and we - are the worse for it.” With Malice

14. Detroit Pistons:

“This team does not like playing on Sunday (0-6), leading me to wonder if it is a religious thing or just a laziness thing.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Inserting Rodney Stuckey into the starting lineup may have been the best move yet of Michael Curry’s head-coaching career; Stuckey is in that spot to stay.” Empty the Bench

“Hey, at least Detroit can join Memphis in being the only teams to employ both Darko (Milicic) and Kwame (Brown).” Hornets 24/7

“Sinking closer to .500 with each game played…” Raptors HQ

“Amazing that the Pistons are really in search of an identity at the moment.  Are they the superteam with no superstars?  Or a support group for AI?” With Malice

15. Miami HEAT:

“They’re not good, they’re not bad…they just are.  In the East that gets you into the playoffs.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Ballsy win against the Lakers shows just how far this team has come since last year’s disastrous season.” Empty the Bench

“Give them two years.  If they keep Dwyane Wade.” Hornets 24/7

“Mediocre at best - which is why it’s scary to think of this club without Dwyane Wade.  Could they beat an NCAA squad?” Raptors HQ

“Dwayne Wade looks every bit as good as he ever has.  But no Big Fella in support any more.  And the team he has got around him needs a shot.  Carlos Boozer will be a nice addition.” With Malice

16. Milwaukee Bucks:

“They’ve won 4 of 5 after their three-game road trip losing streak.  Not-so-surprising news: the return of Michael Redd makes them a competitive team.” 3 Shades of Blue

“They’re winning some games, but something about Scott Skiles as head coach is never a good thing for long-term success.” Empty the Bench

“They’re still the same Bucks. Sure, they now play defense, but they are still poor to middlin’ at best.” Hornets 24/7

“Still a team that could press come late spring.  There’s a good nucleus there, and a lot to like in the work Scott Skiles is doing there.  There’s a toughness forming that hasn’t been present for years.” With Malice

17. New Jersey Nets:

“Devin Harris scares me…just a little bit.  If he develops a more consistent perimeter shot, he’s going to start giving me nightmares.  Mark Cuban agrees.” 3 Shades of Blue

“That beatdown of the Mavs had to taste mighty fine to Devin Harris.” CelticsBlog

“I know I’m not the only one who enjoyed Devin Harris absolutely torching Jason Kidd last week.” Empty the Bench

“This summer I claimed New Jersey as a sleeper team in the East and was laughed at. Who’s laughing now?” Hoops Addict

“They have two players who can score, and a bunch who . . well . . . can’t.” Hornets 24/7

“Imagine how good this surprising team would be if Vince Carter decided to bring it EVERY night?” Raptors HQ

18. Chicago Bulls:

“Derrick Rose and a bunch of role players and underachievers.” 3 Shades of Blue

“The best thing that can possibly happen for the Bulls this season is trading away some of their many redundant pieces of the puzzle.” Empty the Bench

“Imagine the assists Rose would have if he had a jumpshooter or two in the starting lineup.” Hornets 24/7

19. New York Knicks:

“They’ve lost 8 of their last 11 and appear to be heading in the wrong direction after their surprising start.  At what point does the ‘2010′ mantra become sarcastic or bitter?” 3 Shades of Blue

“Probably higher than they should be, but they deserve some credit for, as a team, playing consistently harder than they have in years.” Empty the Bench

“Still our surprise team of the year - full props to Mike D’Antoni for the job he’s done.  We just wish he was doing it in Toronto this year.” Raptors HQ

20. Philadelphia 76ers:

“I don’t care if you are missing Elton Brand — you simply cannot lost to a Pacers team missing Danny Granger, Troy Murphy and Marquis Daniels.  You just can’t!” 3 Shades of Blue

“This might be the lowest you see the 76ers ranked this week, but they’ve been a massive disappointment and the preseason goodwill has to end at some point.” Empty the Bench

“Do you think they could use Kyle Korver?” Hornets 24/7

“Hands down the most disappointing team in the league so far this year, Brand or no Brand.” Raptors HQ

“Just as this team started to look as if they’d turned a corner, Elton Brand blows out his shoulder. Prepare to dive.” With Malice

21. Memphis Grizzlies:

“When a young team loses focus after a winning streak and a game against the conference leaders on the horizon, then bad things happen.  Bad things = blowout loss to the BETcats.  They had better be competitive against the Lakers in the Gasol vs. Gasol matchup.” 3 Shades of Blue

“This team will continue to improve if Darko Milicic continues to realize he’s best served hanging his hat on rebounding and blocking shots.” Empty the Bench

“I’ve got a confession to make: Memphis is quickly becoming one of my favourite teams to watch on NBA League Pass due to the play of O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol.” Hoops Addict

“I’d be lying if I said I thought the Grizzlies would be good enough to be ranked 20th this year.” Hornets 24/7

“Perhaps Marc Iavoroni has a new lease on life thanks to recent wins.” Raptors HQ

22. Indiana Pacers:

“Half the team has the flu.  The other half just plays like it has the flu.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Danny Granger is having an All-Star season. Will he actually make it?” Empty the Bench

“This team should be six or seven spots better than this.” Hornets 24/7

23. Toronto Raptors:

“The losses keep piling up, no matter who the coach is.  Chris Bosh can’t do it alone, but he’s not getting much help right now.  The good news is that they only have four more games left on their road trip.  Yeesh…” 3 Shades of Blue

“Forget Cleveland worrying about losing LeBron–the way this team/franchise is headed, Chris Bosh heading for greener pastures is looking more and more likely by the day.” Empty the Bench

“With a loss to Oklahoma City, I debated dropping them to the bottom of my rankings.” Hoops Addict

“I’d be lying if I thought they could fall further than 20.  But here they are.” Hornets 24/7

“Note to Bryan Colangelo - maybe you want to reconsider that whole ‘best Raptors’ squad you’ve ever had’ statement?” Raptors HQ

“The only truly dizzying thing about the Raptors is the speed with which they’ve capitulated.  This is a team that should be better.” With Malice

24. Los Angeles Clippers:

“What a completely mixed up mish-mash of ‘talent.’ I put talent in quotation marks because you can’t see that I’m trying to hold back a laugh while discussing this team.  Mike Dunleavy needs to be shown the door after this season has concluded for thinking that this team could compete when it looks like it was a puzzle put together by a blind, three-legged dog.” 3 Shades of Blue

“Zach Randolph, though a selfish cancer, has at least helped this team be more competitive and scare up a win here and there.” Empty the Bench

“Marcus Camby is still a rebounding machine, but his team is still not meeting expectations.  Maybe if he played defense before the other team shot the ball.” Hornets 24/7

“What’s Mike Dunleavy doing down there?  He’s got the new version of the Jailblazers playing top notch ball suddenly!” Raptors HQ

25. Charlotte Bobcats:

“Jamal Crawford just dropped 50 on you.  Shame….SHAME!!!” 3 Shades of Blue

“Larry Brown, ‘franchise savior.’” Empty the Bench

“How long until George Lynch comes out of retirement and joins this team, adding another scrappy, non-scoring forward?” Hornets 24/7

26. Golden State Warriors:

“Don Nelson named Keith Smart as the team’s defensive coordinator and the Warriors snapped their five-game losing streak with a victory at Charlotte.  They only allowed the Bobcats to score 103 points, which was the lowest output for an opponent in 15 games (because holding the Thunder to 102 doesn’t count!).” 3 Shades of Blue

“Good enough to still entertain, not good enough anymore to consistently win.” Empty the Bench

“People say that Corey Maggette isn’t the answer, but have you seen Baron Davis play this year?  Would he have been a better investment?” Hornets 24/7

“Still not sure why this team decided they needed 18 shooting guards but they’re dangerous enough to beat anyone.  Too bad they haven’t done that much lately.” Raptors HQ

27. Sacramento Kings:

“They’ve lost 13 of 15, with the wins coming against the T’Wolves (who doesn’t beat them?) and the Lakers (!).  They just don’t have the talent to compete consistently right now.” 3 Shades of Blue

“John Salmons thrives with the ball in his hands, but not so much without it.” Hornets 24/7

“Reggie Theus didn’t deserve this - another case of GM’s wanting to go young but not having the patience to see a coach guide the young’ens.” Raptors HQ

28. Washington Wizards:

“They’ve lost 5 in a row…and now might be without Antawn Jamison.” 3 Shades of Blue

29. Minnesota Timberwolves:

“Somebody get their fans some Prozac. Stat!” 3 Shades of Blue

“I just feel bad for Big Al and Ryan Gomes at this point. “ CelticsBlog

“I can’t really blame Mike Miller for not even trying.” Hornets 24/7

“12 losses in a row and counting” Empty the Bench

“McHale now as coach - a perfect example of “you made your bed, now lay in it.”” Raptors HQ

“It’s amazing.  One would think it’s impossible to go any lower when you’re already grovelling on your belly, but the T-Wolves have surprised, and found a way to be even more inept. Never thought this would happen (displacing the Thunder), but a 12-game losing streak has made this so.  Kevin McHale, you’ve done it again!” With Malice

30. Oklahoma City Thunder:

“They’re bad….really bad.  And yet I don’t have them ranked dead last - or even in the Bottom 3. It’s a Chrismas miracle!” 3 Shades of Blue

“Still on track for single digit wins!” Hornets 24/7

“The victory over Toronto made for a celebration akin to winning the Grey Cup.” Raptors HQ

Photo Credit: ICON Sports Media

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