The NBA season is just about at its halfway point, and the league’s top teams and cellar dwellers are starting to cement their positions. Some teams have surprised in more ways than one, while others have lived up (or down) to expectations. This is the list of the top 10 teams in the NBA, as we approach the All-Star break. These are the teams expected to contend for a title, or at least make a deep playoff push. Without further ado…
1. Golden State Warriors
Golden State is lighting the world on fire right now. Anchored by the league’s best offense, and one of the league’s best MVP candidates in Stephen Curry, Golden State has the league’s best record and is only improving. Their only recent loss was a result of head coach Steve Kerr resting Andre Iguodala and Andrew Bogut, and in doing so he sent a message to the rest of the league that Golden State is not interested in the regular season, but rather being prepared for the playoffs. If they keep playing this way, the Dubs could lock up the NBA MVP (Curry), DPOY (Draymond Green), MIP (Green or Klay Thompson), and COY (Kerr) awards. What a statement that would be.
2. Atlanta Hawks
Not to be outdone, the Atlanta Hawks are the hottest team in the NBA. While the Warriors have been blowing teams out left and right, the Hawks have quietly won 13 in a row, and 27 of their last 29. Riding the league’s best scoring defense and a team-first approach, Atlanta has surged to the top of the east and have to be considered legitimate title contenders. Jeff Teague, Al Horford, Paul Millsap, and Kyle Korver all have legitimate all-star claims, but head coach Mike Budenholzer has been the real game-changer here. He has inspired a Spurs-like mentality, emphasizing defense and team basketball. So far, it has worked wonders.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has also surged to the top of the western conference, surprising many in the process. LaMarcus Aldridge has followed up his breakout season last year with an even better campaign so far this year. Damian Lillard has continued his ascent to the top of the point guard ranks, and he and Wesley Matthews have actually combined to make more three pointers than the Splash Bros in Golden State. Matthews leads the league in that category himself as well. Only injuries have slowed this team down, but losing three straight to the Clippers, Spurs, and Grizzlies is hardly a crisis.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Speaking of the Grizzlies, Memphis comes in at number four after making their roster even more dangerous than before. The addition of Jeff Green gives Memphis another weapon who should fit in well with their system. Having Zach Randolph back certainly helps, and a fully healthy Memphis team should get back to their grinding ways. Balance is key in the west, and Memphis is one of the best at spreading the wealth through potential MVP candidate Marc Gasol, Mike Conley, Z-Bo and the rest of this dangerous squad.
5. Houston Rockets
Houston has started to find its stride again as of late, going 7-3 in their last 10 and riding their MVP James Harden the entire way. Harden has put in a legitimate claim for the league’s MVP, as he is Houston’s primary scorer, facilitator, and crunch time bucket-getter (trademark pending). Harden is also the league’s leading scorer, and for Houston his contributions have been immeasurable. So far the Josh Smith experiment has had mixed results, but he provides depth, and has perhaps overshadowed the resurgence of Dwight Howard. More balance would be useful, but if Harden continues the way he is, it might not matter.
6. Washington Wizards
Perhaps another surprise so far this year, the Wizards are second in the east and look poised to go further than they did last season. John Wall has emerged as a premier point guard. His chemistry with Bradley Beal, Marcin Gortat, and Nene has contributed to the Wizards’ 4th most assists per game. Paul Pierce has provided veteran leadership, and the Wiz have even gotten contributions from Kris Humphries and Rasual Butler. In a relatively weak eastern conference, the Wizards could certainly contend for a title.
7. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have quietly surged to the top half of the western conference, as they have finally provided true balance around Dirk Nowitzki. Bringing back Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons in the offseason, and trading for Rajon Rondo a few weeks ago has Dallas humming to the tune of the second best scoring offense in the league. They are hitting their stride and starting to gel, having found the solution to their weak spot at the point guard position. With Rick Carlisle behind the helm, Dallas certainly could make some noise in the playoffs.
8. Los Angeles Clippers
By their own account, the Clippers have been maddeningly inconsistent this season. At times, they look poised to win the NBA Championship, yet at others they look disinterested and lose winnable games. Chris Paul is still a premier point guard, and Blake Griffin has modified his game. This has caused some concern, as his rebounding numbers are down, but DeAndre Jordan has been there to pick up the slack. The bench is a potential issue, but for now L.A. is still in the thick of things in the west.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Injuries have befallen the reigning champs, but they still have positioned themselves in the playoff hunt. NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard has missed 18 games, Tony Parker has missed 14, Tiago Splitter has missed 22, and Patty Mills has just returned from an offseason surgery. If they stay healthy, there is no reason this team cannot make another run. Danny Green and Cory Joseph have performed admirably, and there is no way to understate just how well Tim Duncan has continued to play. His team high PER of 22 has paced San Antonio as they try to return to defend their crown.
10. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls were one of the favorites in the east in the offseason. Having acquired Pau Gasol, bringing in Nikola Mirotic, and drafting Doug McDermott were all supposed to build a potent offense while still holding down one of the best defenses in the league. Chicago has been snake bitten by injuries as well, however, with several key players missing significant time. McDermott has only played 17 games, Mike Dunleavy has missed 9, Joakim Noah has missed 9, Taj Gibson has missed 9, and Derrick Rose has missed 11. The offense, mostly led by Gasol and MIP candidate Jimmy Butler, has thrived, but the defense is down to 15th in the league. For a team that has been in the top 3 for the last few seasons, this is a stat that head coach Tom Thibodeau will be hungry to correct.