Maybe it’s just me, but how many are shocked to see the San Antonio Spurs climbing this mountain, once again, and sitting on top of most power rankings (not just mine)?  I definitely am.  When will this franchise start to fall out of place?

Raise your hand if you’re amazed by the Charlotte Bobcats’ play.

It’s true: I’ve avoided a power ranking article all season long.  It was always in the works, but we are all familiar with daily interference when it comes to executing those plans.  However, there’s no better time to do that than now, so here are your end-of-season Playoff Power Rankings.

1) San Antonio Spurs
No longer playing through Tim Duncan (arguably the greatest power forward of all time), coach Gregg Popovich did the unthinkable: he decided to speed up the tempo, give Tony Parker the green light, and trust in his bench.  You’re now looking at a Spurs team that has found success not only playing faster, but using Duncan whenever they like, slowing the game down.

2) Oklahoma City Thunder
This particular Thunder squad is a top three offense, top ten defense, and it all starts with the improved game of Russell Westbrook.  OKC has no problem getting to the foul line, either, doing it better than every other team in the NBA.  With Kevin Durant’s MVP play, Westbrook’s improvements, and the offensive production of James Harden, the Thunder can score the ball as good as anyone else, come back down the court and be sure to fill the paint with leading shot-blocker Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.

3) Miami Heat
Despite the bench’s inconsistencies throughout the season, the Heat have had no problem riding the back of LeBron James.  Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have been spectacular, don’t get me wrong…but James’ season has been one to remember, slotting him as the leading candidate for his third MVP award.  Miami has limited themselves shooting the three-ball, looking to become more efficient (47% FG) and a threat to steal the East once more.

4) Chicago Bulls
It’s hard to say how strong the Bulls are going to be, heading into the playoffs.  Something deep down inside of me says that Derrick Rose is hurting more than advertised.  If Chicago is going to tackle the Miami Heat, they will need to target LeBron James, something they failed to do in last season’s series. Coach Tom Thibodeau is no stranger to this, and with Chicago’s top-ranked defense, it can be done…but can the Bulls score enough points to win that series?  Luol Deng has to be more efficient, and Rip Hamilton’s excellent off-ball play will need to be utilized to perfection.

5) Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are simply complicated.  In their “four out, one in” offense that coach Mike Brown has brought over from his coaching days in San Antonio, Los Angeles is being forced to play with, basically, two centers.  Pau Gasol’s ability to create out of the post complicates what Andrew Bynum can do on the low block, and with Kobe Bryant needing to put pressure on the opposing defense, where does Ramon Sessions really fit in as a true point guard?  This could be a situation where there really aren’t enough basketballs on the court.

6)  Memphis Grizzlies
Who wants to play the Grizzlies in the Western Conference?  They may not have one of the top four seeds (yet), but Memphis scared everyone by beating the top-seeded Spurs just last year.  With Rudy Gay in the five, all we’re doing is waiting on Zach Randolph to start playing like he was last year.  If that happens, Memphis becomes a tough out for any team in the West, including the Spurs and Thunder.

7) Los Angeles Clippers
Truthfully, the Clippers top the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics because of Chris Paul.  The “other” LA team has been a top scoring machine in the league, and when they can get production from Caron Butler and Mo Williams, they are very difficult to slow down.  Just ask the Thunder, who are 1-3 against them this season.

8) Indiana Pacers
This is a team that likes to draw fouls, crash boards, and hit threes.  All of those things have made the Pacers one of the best NBA team in the month of April, record-wise (12-3), but aside from the win against the Thunder, Indiana did not topple any contenders in those 15 games, and suffered losses to the Bulls and Celtics in the process, also losing to the Spurs right before the streak.

9) Boston Celtics
Defensively, Boston is near the top of the league.  Back on offense, they are quite the opposite, and that’s the biggest concern.  With their lack of size, the Celtics also find themselves in trouble on the glass, and simply put, if you can’t find ways to score second-chance points, can’t get to the line, and you’re one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, not even your elite defense will overcome a contender that plays both ends very well.

10) New York Knicks
Right now, there is no better team in the East, seeded #4-8, than the Knicks, despite what the records say…and who doesn’t want a Miami/New York first round series?  If anyone can knock out the Heat early, it’s the Knicks, who are playing far better defense than anyone expected, and that one guy, Carmelo Anthony, has turned his game up at just the right time.

11) Denver Nuggets
Every casual fan likes the underdog, and you get a taste of this with this Denver Nuggets team.  They currently have five players scoring double-digit points, led by Ty Lawson, who is far from your typical superstar.  Denver shoots with a high efficiency, will run you to death, get to the line, and are arguably the best passing team in the league.  The problem lies in their defense, which makes for an interesting series against the Lakers or Thunder.

12) Dallas Mavericks
The defending NBA champions are a much different team than they were last season.  Shooting percentages are down across the table, offensive rating is down significantly, and Dirk Nowitzki just doesn’t seem to feel comfortable with the ball in his hands.  Losing Tyson Chandler doesn’t help, at all, and you get a sense that the Mavericks’ magical run of 2012 will be followed by a first-round exit this season.

13)  Atlanta Hawks
First of all, Josh Smith was robbed of an all star spot…let’s just get that out of the way, quickly.  I would argue that Smith has led this Hawks team all season long, especially given the slump that Joe Johnson just broke out of against an undermanned Celtics team that, funny enough, doesn’t care who has home court in the first round of their series.  Why do the Celtics brush it off?  It’s probably because both can’t score the ball, play good defense, and have loads of trouble rebounding.   Should be fun.

14) Utah Jazz
This team has size, and their ability to play bigger than most of their opponents has landed them a playoff spot.  It’s understandable that they are top three in rebounds and blocks, and top ten in FG%.  If Utah can rotate better on the defensive end, and defend the pick and roll in the post-season, they can certainly roll out a couple of wins in a first round series against the Spurs.  Unfortunately, Utah’s perimeter defense may be their downfall.

15) Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are a solid defensive team (top three) that has no idea who their primary scoring option is.  They don’t have a legitimate low post scorer to play through, Louis Williams and Jrue Holiday are both shooting 43% or less, and Andre Iguodala has taken it upon himself to create more for his teammates.  Philly went from a top three seed in the East, to barely making it in, and it’s hard to say they’ll be an issue for the Bulls or Heat in the first round.

16) Orlando Magic
The Phoenix Suns should go here, but according to the title, I’m reserving the first 16 spots for playoff teams.  Honestly, the Orlando Magic would not be a playoff team if it wasn’t for Dwight Howard, who you won’t see for the rest of this season (herniated disc).  It’s possible that they can get lucky and win a game or two launching threes, but I wouldn’t make any bets on a team that has lost its 21/15 guy that plays the role of “defensive anchor” better than anyone in the NBA.

It wasn’t the most exciting trade deadline, but when the smoke cleared, there were a few key pieces moved, and most teams were set on saving money this time around.

One of the bigger trades involved guard Monta Ellis, who packed his bags and flew to Milwaukee to play alongside guard Brandon Jennings.  Milwaukee sent injured center Andrew Bogut to the Golden State Warriors, along with Stephen Jackson, getting Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown in return.  It was a trade many Warriors fans did not understand, but as explained by their front office, one that was risky and needed to be done, to acquire a true big man they have been looking for.

Before the deadline passed, the Warriors decided to send Jackson to the San Antonio Spurs, bringing in forward Richard Jefferson.

The Los Angeles Lakers make a splash, snagging the point guard they have been eyeing, Ramon Sessions, for a 2012 first round pick and forwards Luke Walton and Jason Kapono, then trading longtime Laker guard Derek Fisher and a first round pick to the Houston Rockets, in exchange for third-year big man Jordan Hill.

In other news, guard Nick Young became a Clipper, center Nene found his number in Washington, and center JaVale McGee is learning the game of basketball in Denver.  The New Jersey Nets took a chance on Gerald Wallace, and it cost them center Mehmet Okur, forward Shawne Williams, and a top three protected 2012 draft pick.

What stole the spotlight, though, was superstar center Dwight Howard signing off his early termination option, staying in Orlando for the remainder of this season, as well as the next.  It was speculated that many teams were sitting on their phones, waiting to hear what Howard’s decision would be, and in turn, that may have assisted in slowing down the number of deals made.

It should come as no surprise that the Miami Heat (8-1) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-2) lead the Eastern and Western Conferences in the NBA after two weeks of play.

Unlike their fourth quarter play last season, the Miami Heat are an improved “clutch” team, and forward LeBron James is putting up stellar numbers once again.  With new additions forward Shane Battier and rookie guard Norris Cole, Miami looks to be cruising to the top seed in the East.

Things may not be as pretty in Oklahoma City, but the Thunder are sitting on top of the standings, despite conflict between guard Russell Westbrook and teammates.  The Thunder are being trailed by a hot Portland Trail Blazers team that are 6-2 without the recently-retired Brandon Roy.

The NBA is indeed a business, and many players are taking advantage of it.  Multiple trade rumors and signings have appeared on social networking sites (such as Twitter) all day Thursday, and those rumors include the biggest, and the smallest, of names.

One such rumor involves a three-team trade.  The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Hornets are said to be working on a deal that sends disgruntled star guard Chris Paul to LA, forward Pau Gasol to Houston, and forward Luis Scola and guard Kevin Martin to New Orleans.

To beef up their frontcourt and add defense to their game, the New York Knicks are the top dogs in the Tyson Chandler race.  Adding Chandler would almost cement their contender status, as the Knicks have been lusting over a defensive anchor for quite some time now.

In other news around the league, forward Shane Battier and center Eddy Curry have all but signed the dotted line for a contract with the Miami Heat, forward Caron Butler has verbally accepted a three-year, $24 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, forward Tracy McGrady is on his way to the Atlanta Hawks, and injury-ridden center Greg Oden has been given one more year with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The NBA is back!  After a free agency period, and some time for camps and two preseason games per team, the NBA will start its season on December 25th.  There’s no better Christmas present than the end of the dreadful NBA lockout.

Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, 12:00 PM ET, TNT
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks, 2:30 PM ET, ABC
Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers, 5:30 PM ET, ABC
Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors, 10:30 PM ET, ESPN

The NBA will conduct a 66 game season (990 games total), instead of the traditional 82-game schedule.  The All-Star game will still be played, and in Orlando, although the entire schedule, that was previously released, will be edited significantly.

As of July 1st, 12:00 AM ET, the NBA has locked out their players, and the league is without a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), putting a halt to all trades, signings, and any communication between players, front offices, and coaches around the NBA.

“The expiring collective bargaining agreement created a broken system that produced huge financial losses for our teams,” said Adam Silver, the NBA deputy commissioner.  ”We need a sustainable business model that allows all 30 teams to be able to compete for a championship, fairly compensates our players and provides teams, if well-managed, with an opportunity to be profitable.”

With the league losing as much as $300 million just last season, according to NBA commissioner David Stern, the players’ union and the owners struggled to find common ground, disagreeing on many new proposals from both sides, mainly the percentages each side would earn in relation to each other.

The last NBA lockout was in July 1998, lasting until January 1999, and it resulted in a 50-game season, 32 games shorter than the typical 82-game year.

Labor talks will continue for weeks to come, but many fear that the entire 2011-12 season will eventually be canceled, regarded by most as a slap in the face to NBA fans all over the world.

Last week, the Boston Celtics were favored to win an NBA championship.

Days later, many basketball analysts have changed their stance.

In a shocker, the Celtics traded starting center Kendrick Perkins, along with Nate Robinson, to the Oklahoma City Thunder, for Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green.  While the trade makes sense for the future of the Celtics, because Perkins was on his way out the door after declining the extension offered to him earlier in the year, the present-day defending Eastern Conference champs may have lost the one true big man that can anchor their defense.

The Portland Trail Blazers were able to rake in former all-star Gerald Wallace, dealing Joel Przybilla, Dante Cunningham, and two first-rounders to the Charlotte Bobcats.

It took Goran Dragic and a first-round pick to send Aaron Brooks from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns.  Houston’s focus is on the upcoming drafts, while the Suns can add Brooks to their run-and-gun system, where he should compliment them well.

The Rockets also sent Shane Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies, taking back a center that they desperately need in Hasheem Thabeet, and yet another first-round pick.  Thabeet is a project, nonetheless, but the Rockets were targeting him and Chicago’s Omer Asik, and it was the Grizzlies that were looking at Battier to get minutes while Rudy Gay recovers from a shoulder injury.

In other deals, the Sacramento Kings sent their 2017 second round pick to the Celtics in exchanged for Marquis Daniels, who is out for the season due to injury.  The Thunder traded D.J. White and Morris Peterson to the Bobcats, for Nazr Mohammed.  The Cleveland Cavaliers handed over a 2013 second-round pick to the Celtics, in exchange for Semih Erden and Luke Harangody.  Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric were sent from the Golden State Warriors to the New Jersey Nets for Troy Murphy and a second-round pick.  Finally, the Toronto Raptors traded a 2011 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for James Johnson.

Yes, this could very well be the last memory of Baron Davis in a Los Angeles Clippers uniform.

On Wednesday, one day before the trade deadline, the Clippers traded Baron Davis and their 2011 first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers, for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.

Former teammate DeAndre Jordan was in disbelief, expressing his emotions on Twitter.  Davis and Jordan were said to be close teammates.

In addition to Davis being moved, the Washington Wizards sent Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to the Atlanta Hawks, in exchange for Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, and Maurice Evans.  The Sacramento Kings wanted a piece of the action as well, and moved Carl Landry to the New Orleans Hornets for Marcus Thornton.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, February 24th, at 3:00 PM ET.

The New Jersey Nets have traded Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, and multiple draft picks to the Utah Jazz for all-star point guard Deron Williams.

The trade also involves the Golden State Warriors, sources have confirmed.

Despite Williams not being eligible for a contract extension before the CBA expires, Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov quietly pursued Williams after losing the chase for Carmelo Anthony, who was traded to the New York Knicks on Tuesday.

Discuss the trade here.

Carmelo Anthony wanted to explore his options as a free agent.  Now, he doesn’t get a chance to, and it’s safe to say he’s happy about it.

The Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks completed a trade on Tuesday, sending Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman, and Shelden Williams to the Knicks for Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, one first-round pick (2014), two second-round picks (2012 and 2013) and $3 million in cash.

The trade, which came at no surprise to most NBA fans, brings Anthony to the Eastern Conference, pairing him and Billups with all-star Amare Stoudemire and the impressive rookie Landry Fields.  While there are a few sad faces in Denver, just as many are excited to rebuild, bracing for such a trade since November and expecting Anthony to take a hike this July.

For New York, the deal was almost mandatory.  If Anthony stayed in Denver, and decided to become a free agent, he risked losing money and possibly an extra year on his contract extension, rumored up to 30% in salary cuts, because of a new CBA that will need to be agreed upon after season’s end.

In addition to that, the Knicks will also receive an NBA record-breaking $17.15 million trade exception.

Discuss the trade here, on our forums.