Marty Burns' Power Rankings Confuse Me

Marty Burns writes the NBA power rankings over at SI.com. I'm sure Mr. Burns has watched much, much more NBA basketball than I have and I bet he knows alot more about it that I do. But his power rankings just confused the hell out of me. So I'm just gonna put them out here and if anyone can explain the rational, you just let me know. Thank you very much.

1. San Antonio Spurs (2-1)

They gained a measure of revenge with that opening-night win at Dallas. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili look healthier this season, and Francisco Elson already adds some needed frontcourt quickness.

OK, when Marty wrote this, there was still three undefeated teams in the NBA and the Spurs had lost a nationally-televised game on their home court. Fine - the Spurs are a solid choice. After all, let's give them credit for beating an 0-3 team and the Knicks. Very impressive, right? And let's completely ignore how the Cavs handled them on their homecourt. Do we all agree to do this? Fine. Moving on...

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) Yes, they beat the Spurs in San Antonio. But it came on the second night of a back-to-back for the Spurs, and Saturday's loss at Charlotte means they automatically forfeit any claim to the top spot in these rankings.

So if two teams have the exact same record, and Team A beat Team B head to head, shouldn't team A be ranked higher than them? Are we sure Marty didn't create the BCS, too?

3. New Orleans Hornets (3-0)

Chris Paul and his new-look squad gave their old fan base a treat with Sunday's win over the Rockets at New Orleans Arena. It also kept them perfect after impressive road wins at Boston and Indianapolis.

Finally, an undefeated team makes Marty's power rankings. Isn't the point of these rankings to show who has been most impressive so far? Wouldn't a team with no losses be more impressive than a team with one?

And yes, I realize these things are arbitrary and stupid, but this guy writes for freakin' Sports Illustrated. Sports Illustrated. I just think...oh, who the hell cares.

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Tonight in the Association

Atlanta at Cleveland (-10.5)
Cleveland. I have a theory that I would rather have any other starting point guard in the NBA than Eric Snow. Rather than just glossing over some rosters and making up my mind in 4 minutes, I'm going to compare Snow to his counterpart each night. Tonight he goes against Speedy Claxton, who is the complete opposite of Snow, which makes him better. 1-1.

What is the appeal of Snow anyways? Its not like he's guarding anybody. Here's Charley Rosen: "Eric Snow can no longer remember when he was able to play acceptable defense." He can't score. He's not exactly penetrating and getting people the ball. He's just out there. Imagine doing this in any other line of work. I just don't get it.

Philadelphia at Indiana (-4.5)
Indiana. Philly is starting out on fire, aren't they? They're gunning for Surprise Team of the Year right out of the gate. I've got a sneaking suspiscion that Indiana is that team, though. We'll see tonight.

Seattle at Miami (-4.5)
Seattle. I really don't get why Seattle is so bad. They have the best shooter in the league, one of the best rebounders, a versatile inside-outside threat, a point guard who can push the ball and find people. Oh, they have absolutely no one inside? Well then, Shaq should get the Heat the win. Wait - Shaq is faking a knee injury so he only has to play 30 games this year? Oh. Well, no Daddy inside means Miami loses its prime advantage over Seattle. And a percieved weak opponent flying cross-country seems like exactly the team the Heat really could care less about.

And I'm really glad I drafted Shaq on my fantasy team. He'll look really god at the end of my bench. Lazy bastard.

Houston (-4.0) at Memphis
Houston. I bet Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick goofing around after practice is really fun to watch. They should be teammates in the dunk contest. Those two should make one of those Powerade commercials where they are dunking from half court and jumping over the backboard and shooting through the rim without disturbing the net (they are freakishly athletic, but they are still skinny as hell).

The Rockets are just going to out talent the Grizz, though. Yao doesn't know you are allowed to take every third night off in the NBA without anyone questioning you.

Golden St. at NOOCH (-7.5)
NOOCH. Let down game after upsetting the Mavs. Plus, I like saying NOOCH!

Minnesota at LA Lakers (-8.0)
Minnesota. Eight points seems like too much, especially with Kobe not at 100% and Lamar & Co. still trying to figure out how to play with Kobe. If those two ever get on the same page, watch out.

Last night: 4-2-1. Season: 16-13-2.

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