The Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 5)

Record: 2 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 30
Last Week's Results: L vs. Houston 106-114, (Mon); W vs. Oklahoma City 105-102, (Wed); L vs. Denver 104-108, (Fri); L vs. Boston 94-100, (Sun)
This Week: @ Philadelphia, Monday (1/23); vs. Charlotte, Wednesday (1/25); @ Houston, Friday (1/27); @ Charlotte, Saturday (1/28)

The apocalypse must be coming. How did the Wizards pull out the W over the Thunder?! Ironically, the so-called "Future of the NBA" JaVale McGee had nothing to do with it. Yeah, I'll take the cheap shots. In typical Washington fashion, they couldn't build off of that monumental win and instead lost consecutive games to the Nuggets and Celtics, respectively. If there's silver lining to all their recent losses, it is that they haven't lost by more than 8 points which shows that these guys are showing some heart out there...even if the outcome is always the same. —Jose Martinez

Record: 3 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 29
Last Week's Results: L vs. Cleveland 94-102, (Mon); L @ Orlando 89-96, (Tue); L @ Chicago 89-95, (Sat); L 87-97 @ New Jersey, (Sun)
This Week: vs. New York, Tuesday (1/24); @ Washington, Wednesday (1/25); @ Philadelphia, Friday (1/27); vs. Washington, Saturday (1/28)

The Bobcats stink. Just plain stink. After weeks of bashing the Wizards for their poor start, Charlotte could very well end up with the worst record in the NBA if they play their cards right...or wrong. With two games against Washington coming up this week, this team could either salvage the last bits of dignity they have left or put up another string of horrible efforts and take over as the cellar dwellers of The Association. The ball's in their court. —Jose Martinez

Record: 3 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 25
Last Week's Results: L vs. Portland 77-84, (Mon); L vs. Memphis 87-93, (Wed); L @ Houston 88-93, (Fri); L vs. Dallas 81-83, (Sat)
This Week: vs. San Antonio, Monday (1/23); @ Oklahoma City, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Orlando, Friday (1/27); vs. Atlanta, Sunday (1/29)

So, if the owners should take anything from Lockout and its aftermath, it's that YOU SHOULD NEVER LET DAVID STERN MAKE PERSONNEL DECISIONS. Eric Gordon, the one player Stern deemed worthy of trading Chris Paul for, has played just two games this year. Yes, it's totally unfair, but Nelson, soundtrack please! —Jack Erwin

Record: 4 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 27
Last Week's Results: L @ Clippers 91-101, (Mon); W vs. Golden State 107-100, (Wed); L vs. Oklahoma City 74-84, (Sat); W v. Charlotte 97-87, (Sun)
This Week: @ Chicago, Monday (1/23); @ Philadelphia, Wednesday (1/25); @ Cleveland, Friday (1/27); vs. Toronto, Sunday (1/29)

The Nets are gunning for that lottery pick. Sike, they traded it away for Deron Williams, who doesn't want to be there unless they can somehow trade Jigga's platinum plaques along with Brook Lopez for Dwight Howard. That's their only hope. On a lighter note, Marshon Brooks continues his good play offensively and Kris Humphries is proving last year wasn't the work of Kim's golden vagina. It's going to be a long road to Brooklyn and an empty Barclays Center without any of the superstars their billionaire promised. —Angel Diaz

Record: 4 - 12
Last Week's Rank: 24
Last Week's Results: L @ Atlanta 84-93, (Mon); L @ Boston 73-96, (Wed); L vs. Portland 84-94, (Fri); L @ LA Clippers 103-91, (Sun)
This Week: @ Phoenix, Tuesday (1/24); @ Utah, Wednesday (1/25); @ Denver, Friday (1/27); @ New Jersey, Sunday (1/29)

The Toronto Raptors are on an 8-game losing streak. This shortened season has not been kind to them (same goes for the rest of the L). Time to contract them or start rebuilding. Colangelo's going to have to dip into the Euro well another go 'round. They have a decent team, but are softer than the Knicks on defense and no size coming off the bench. They can start by drafting Jared Sullinger or Anthony Davis. It might be already over for them. —Angel Diaz

Record: 4 - 13
Last Week's Rank: 26
Last Week's Results: L @ Houston 80-97, (Tue); L @ Minnesota 85-93, (Wed); L vs. Memphis 81-98, (Fri); W vs. Portland 94-91, (Sat)
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Monday (1/23); vs. Miami, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Atlanta, Friday (1/27); @ 76ers, Saturday (1/28)

Don't be deceived by the Pistons' win over Portland on Saturday. They still stink. Proof of that? Several Trail Blazers players admitted that they felt embarrassed and disgraced after coming to Detroit and taking an L. Ouch. We hope the Pistons enjoyed that win, though, because from the looks of their schedule it very well might be the last one they get this month. See you guys in February!—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 5 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 23
Last Week's Results: W @ Cleveland 105-95, (Tue); L @ New Jersey 100-107, (Wed); L vs. Indiana 91-94, (Fri)
This Week: vs. Memphis, Monday (1/23); vs. Portland Wednesday(1/25); vs. Oklahoma, Friday (1/27);

The Warriors got some good news this week as Steph Curry returned from his chronic sprained ankle issues. He scored 12 points in Golden State's 91-94 loss the the Pacers on Friday. A victory against the Cavs which saw David Lee score 29 points was the only real highlight Golden State had during their light schedule this week. The Warriors will need a healthy and productive Curry in addition to help from a few others this week as they play a tough line-up full of contenders. They're already at the bottom of the Pacific Division, as they fell below the lowly Kings this week, so things can easily go from bad to worse if they don't step their game up. #handdownmandown —Ralph Warner

Record: 6 - 11
Last Week's Rank: 28
Last Week's Results: L @ Minnesota 86-99, (Mon); W vs. Indiana 92-88, (Wed); W @ San Antonio 88-86, (Fri); L @ Memphis 95-128, (Sat)
This Week: @ Portland, Monday (1/23); vs. Denver, Wednesday (1/25); @ Utah, Saturday (1/28)

It'd be easy to look at their record and say the Kings just suck, but this team's issues can be attributed to two things: inexperience and injuries. They're already one of the youngest teams in the league and this week injuries to John Salmons and Marcus Thornton (stomach flu and thigh contusion, respectively) hampered a squad that has already had to deal with a lot this season. The Kings still managed to go .500 this week and move themselves out of the basement of the Pacific Division. They can thank the Warriors for taking that shameful spot from them. —Ralph Warner

Record: 6 - 10
Last Week's Rank: 15
Last Week's Results: L vs. Orlando 93-102, (Mon); L vs. Phoenix 88-91, (Wed); L vs. Milwaukee 86-100, (Fri); L vs. Denver 114-119, (Sat)
This Week: @ Charlotte, Tuesday (1/24); @ Cleveland, Wednesday (1/25); @ Miami, Friday (1/27); @ Houston, Saturday (1/28)

The Knicks are holding on for dear life. After beating the Sixers, the Knicks decided to go on a 6-game losing streak with no point guard in sight. Oh wait, Baron Davis is set to practice for the first time today and is expected to be on the floor vs. the Rockets on Saturday. Sadly, New York's success this season may be put on his brittle back. All Melo knows how to do is score and Stat needs to get fed. The Knicks can get their mojo back by beating Heat on Friday, but they have to beat the Cavs and the Bobcats first. —Angel Diaz

Record: 6 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 20
Last Week's Results: L @ Chicago 97-118, (Tue); W @ New York 91-88, (Wed); W @ Boston 79-81, (Fri)
This Week: @ Dallas, Monday (1/23); vs. Toronto, Tuesday (1/24); @ Portland, Friday (1/27); vs. Memphis, Saturday (1/28)

Gone are the days where the Suns drop 120 plus points on their way to victories. But these days, the aging squad will take the Ws anyway they can get 'em. The Suns were able to take two out of three games on a tough road trip this week as they beat the Knicks at the Garden then went up to Boston to beat the Rondo-less Celtics in a game where they only scored 79 points. A nice 24 point 12 rebound performance from Marcin Gortat proved to be the difference against Boston. Despite the victories this week, the Suns are still 6-9 and ranked 12th in the Western Conference. Putting up 92 points a game on a team not really known for its defense will do that to ya. —Ralph Warner

Record: 5 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 18
Last Week's Results: L vs. Oklahoma City 88-97, (Mon); W vs. Toronto 96-73, (Wed); L vs. Phoenix 71-79, (Fri); W @ Washington 100-94, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Monday (1/23); @ Orlando, Thursday (1/26); vs. Indiana, Friday (1/27); vs. Cleveland, Sunday (1/29)

The Celtics haven't looked good at all this season. There's even rumors of breaking the Big Three up to start the rebuilding process. The good news is, with all their struggles so far, Boston's only three games under .500 and can easily turn things around with a four game winning streak. Meanwhile, Kendrick Perkins is a big part of OKC's early succes this season. That might've been a worse trade than the Melo deal. —Angel Diaz

Record: 6 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 16
Last Week's Results: W @ Charlotte 102-94, (Mon); L vs. Golden State 95-105, (Tue); L vs. Chicago 75-114, (Fri); L @ Atlanta 94-121, (Sat)
This Week: @ Miami, Tuesday (1/24); vs. New York, Wednesday (1/25); vs. New Jersey, Friday (1/27); @ Boston, Sunday (1/29)

Chalk this last week up to growing pains. Overall, we've been impressed with the way Cleveland has come out and played this season. But, if this week showed us anything—specifically, the 39-point loss to the Bulls at home—it's that this team isn't ready to play with the big boys just yet. Still, they're worth watching on League Pass, if for no other reason than to continue to see Kyrie Irving grow as a player. Just don't expect to see a playoff-caliber team when you tune in.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 7 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 21
Last Week's Results: W vs. Sacramento 99-86, (Mon); W vs. Detroit 93-85, (Wed); W @ L.A. Clippers 101-98, (Fri); L @ Utah 98-108, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Houston, Monday (1/23); @ Dallas, Wednesday (1/25); vs. San Antonio, Friday (1/27); vs LA Lakers, Sunday (1/29)

Well, the Wolves indeed got what they needed out of Sacramento and Detroit — Ws — and they even managed to keep it going against the Clippers in L.A. despite Mo Williams's hot hand and Ricky Rubio's freezing-cold one, thanks to a Kevin Love three-pointer at the buzzer. Did we mention that he needs a max extension? Next week is Texas week (although only the Dallas game is on the road), and if the Wolves can beat Houston and Dallas, they could find themselves back even with the Ws and Ls. Not bad considering they've been missing second-leading scorer Michael Beasley and new addition J.J. Barea for some time now. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 6 - 9
Last Week's Rank: 22
Last Week's Results: L @ Philadelphia 82-94, (Mon); L vs. Denver 95-105, (Tue); W @ New York 100-86, (Fri); W @ Miami 91-82, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Atlanta, Monday (1/23); @ Houston, Wednesday (1/25); @ Chicago, Friday (1/27); vs. LA Lakers, Saturday (1/28)

Just when we were ready to write the Bucks off on Tuesday night after a loss to the Nuggets, they went and knocked off the Knicks in New York AND the Heat in Miami. Now, we're not sure quite what to think. As we said last week, part of their sudden success can be attributed to the fact that Andrew Bogut is back in the lineup to provide a post presence. But it's also partly due to the fact that Brandon Jennings has been balling his ass off lately. With 36 points against the Knicks and 23 against the Heat, he's been playing like the leader of this team again. And he'll have to keep it up if they've got any chance of hovering around .500 and giving themselves a realistic chance to make the playoffs.—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 9 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 14
Last Week's Results: W @ New Orleans 84-77, (Mon); L @ Atlanta 89-92, (Wed); W @ Toronto 94-84, (Fri); L @ Detroit 91-94, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Sacramento, Monday (1/23); vs. Memphis, Tuesday (1/24); @ Golden State, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Phoenix, Friday (1/27)

The Blazers are, for lack of a better term, a bit bipolar. That said, they're still on the proper side of .500 as they get used to a whole mess of new pieces. And whilst their four-game week just resulted in .500 ball, they beat two of the teams they were supposed to (New Orleans and Toronto), lost a close one to the Hawks and... OK, so there's no excuse for losing to the Pistons. Hey, did we mention they're 9-7? —Russ Bengtson

Record: 9 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 19
Last Week's Results: W @ Washington 114-106, (Mon); W vs. Detroit 97-80, (Tue); W vs. New Orleans 90-88, (Thur); W vs. San Antonio 105-102, (Sat)
This Week: @ Minnesota, Monday (1/23); vs. Milwaukee, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Washington, Friday (1/27); vs. New York, Saturday (1/28)

One of two teams from the Southwest Division riding six-game winning streaks, the Rockets are paced by Breakout Player of the Year (we made it up) candidate Kyle Lowry. Lowry's averaging a Pippen-esque 16, 8 (assists), and 6 (boards)—as a point guard. Get familiar. —Jack Erwin

Record: 10 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 11
Last Week's Results: L @ L.A. Lakers 70-73, (Mon); L @ L.A. Clippers 89-91, (Wed); W @ Utah 94-91, (Thu); W @ New Orleans 83-81, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Phoenix, Monday (1/23); vs.Minnesota, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Utah, Friday (1/27); vs. San Antonio, Sunday (1/29)

This was probably as good a week as Dallas could've expected—even with the loss of Dirk for four games. After splitting an L.A.-Utah-New Orleans road trip, the Mavs get what should be a light homestand to get their MVP into shape and give some work to Lamar Odom. —Jack Erwin

Record: 10 - 8
Last Week's Rank: 7
Last Week's Results: W vs. Dallas 73-70, (Mon); L @ Miami 87-98, (Thu); L @ Orlando 80-92, (Fri); L vs. Indiana 96-98, Sunday (1/22)
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Wednesday (1/25); @ Milwaukee, Saturday (1/28); @ Minnesota, Sunday (1/29

Last week, we asked how much longer could Kobe Bryant continue carrying this team to victory. Well, we got our answer pretty quickly. It didn't matter whether Kobe went off for 30-plus points in games against Orlando and Indiana or if he had poorer shooting nights like the ones against the Heat and Mavs, the Lakers offensive woes are pretty obvious. They no longer have Phil Jackson's triangle to rely on; now it's Mike Brown's "Let's just pray our superstar is on his game tonight" style of offense. And with Kobe having some other pressing issues on his mind, this team could be struggling for a while. —Ralph Warner

Record: 10 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 13
Last Week's Results: W vs. L.A. Clippers 108-79, (Tue); L vs. Dallas 91-94, (Thur); W vs. Minnesota 108-98, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Toronto, Wednesday (1/25); @ Dallas, Friday (1/27); vs. Sacramento, Saturday (1/28)

Yep, just another over-.500 week for the Utah Jazz. They crushed the Clippers, lost a tight one to the Mavs, and handled their business against the Timberwolves. Next up are the Raptors, the Mavs again, then the Kings — which could easily mean another winning week. Did anyone think the Jazz would be five games above .500 15 games in? OK, Jeff Hornacek, you can put your hand down. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 9 - 6
Last Week's Rank: 17
Last Week's Results: W vs. Chicago 102-86, (Mon); W @ New Orleans 93-87, (Wed); W @ Detroit 98-81, (Fri); W vs. Sacramento 128-95, (Sat)
This Week: @ Golden State, Monday (1/23); @ Portland, Tuesday (1/24); @ LA Clippers, Thursday (1/26); @ Phoenix, Saturday (1/28)

Six in a row, all without Zach Randolph? Not bad. Mike Conley had perhaps his Best Week Ever, and a healthy Rudy Gay > most other shit. They'd be ecstatic if they go 3-1 on this West Coast road trip. —Jack Erwin

Record: 10 - 7
Last Week's Rank: 3
Last Week's Results: L @ Miami 98-120, (Tue); W @ Orlando 85-83, (Wed); L vs. Sacramento 86-88, (Fri); L @ Houston 102-105, (Sat)
This Week: @ New Orleans, Monday (1/23); vs. Atlanta, Wednesday (1/25); @ Minnesota, Friday (1/27); @ Dallas, Sunday (1/29)

Weird season? Two days after completing a back-to-back on the road in Orlando and Miami, Tim Duncan sits for all but 5.5 seconds in the 4th quarter of a two-point home loss to the Sacramento Fucking Kings, the first home L of the season for the Spurs. San Antonio's built for the playoffs, a flukey loss to one of the league's most disoriented team shouldn't matter much, right?—Jack Erwin

Record: 9 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 6
Last Week's Results: W vs. New Jersey 101-91, (Mon); L @ Utah 79-108, (Tue); W vs. Dallas 91-89, (Wed); L vs. Minnesota 98-101, (Fri); W vs Toronto 103-91, (Sun)
This Week: @ LA Lakers, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Memphis, Thursday (1/26); @ Denver, Sunday (1/29)

Even though they didn't have Chris Paul the entire week, the Clippers didn't fall off too much as they went 3-2 and maintained their position atop the Pacific division. Their losses came in a poor showing in Utah where they got routed by 29 and a nail-biter versus Minnesota who won thanks to a buzzer-beater by Kevin Love. Since victories over lower-tier teams like New Jersey and Toronto don't mean much, the highlight of the week came when L.A. beat the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday. In that game, Chauncey Billups lived up to his Mr. Big Shot moniker by scoring 21 points including the game-winning three pointer. CP3 is still listed as day-to-day with his sore hamstring but with Billups at the helm, Lob City should be OK for the time being. Wait, sore hamstring? Paul is the one who's 26, not 35--right? —Ralph Warner

Record: 11 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 9
Last Week's Results: L @ Sacramento 89-92, (Wed); W @ Golden State 94-89, (Fri); W @ L.A. Lakers 98-96, Sunday (1/22)
This Week: vs. Orlando, Tuesday (1/24); @ Chicago, Wednesday (1/25); @ Boston, Friday (1/27); @ Orlando, Sunday (1/29)

Earlier this season, we criticized Pacers star Danny Granger for failing to get his teammates involved in some of their games. "Sharing is caring" is how we phrased it. Well, it sounds like dude got the message loud and clear. The Sacramento loss aside, this team handled their business during their West Coast trip last week and looked mighty impressive on Sunday night against the Lake Show with all five starters (and one bench player!) finishing in double figures for the game. Their true test will come on Wednesday, though, when they square off with the Bulls. Keep on sharing, Danny. We told you it'd work, didn't we?—Chris Yuscavage

Record: 12 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 8
Last Week's Results: W vs. Toronto 93-84, (Mon); W vs. Portland 92-89, (Wed); L @ Philadelphia 76-90, (Fri); W vs. Cleveland 121-94, (Sat)
This Week: @ Milwaukee, Monday (1/23); @ San Antonio, Wednesday (1/25); @ Detroit, Friday (1/27); @ New Orleans, Sunday (1/29)

Another week goes by and the Hawks just keep on winning. While the loss to Philadelphia was a tough one, they didn't let the ship veer too far off course by easily handling the Cavs at home. This week, Atlanta will be playing entirely on the road. Normally, this would be a cause for concern but this team has already succeeded in tougher weeks. —Jose Martinez

Record: 11 - 4
Last Week's Rank: 12
Last Week's Results: W @ New York 102-93, (Mon); W vs. Charlotte 96-89, (Tue); L vs. San Antonio 83-85, (Wed); W vs. Los Angeles Lakers 92-80, (Fri)
This Week: @ Boston, Monday (1/23); @ Indiana, Tuesday (1/24); vs. Boston, Thursday (1/26); @ New Orleans, Friday (1/27); vs. Indiana, Sunday (1/29)

Who's leading the Southeast Conference right now? It's not a trick question. It is the Magic. This news shouldn't come as a surprise considering their deep roster combined with their weak schedule of late. But this past week, they faced two, uh, somewhat formidable teams in the Lakers and Spurs. Even though they lost to San Antonio and beat L.A., Orlando took advantage of their other lesser matchups to end up with a good overall week. Expect more of the same against the shell of their former self Celtics on the horizon. —Jose Martinez

Record: 11 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 5
Last Week's Results: W vs Milwaukee 94-82, (Mon); L vs. Denver 104-108, (Wed); W vs. Atlanta 90-76, (Fri); L @ Miami 92-113, (Sat)
This Week: vs. Washington, Monday (1/23), vs. New Jersey Nets, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Charlotte, Friday (1/27); vs. Detroit, Saturday (1/28)

Philly is for real, folks. Doug Collins is doing a hell of a job and is the Coach of the Year, so far. The Sixers are beating up on the bottom dwellers and are showing up against the league's top teams. Sure they got blown out by a Wade-less Heat team, but Philadelphia had just won four out of their last five games. The Sixers are looking at a soft schedule this week and are in great position to keep a stranglehold on the Atlantic division. —Angel Diaz

Record: 12 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 10
Last Week's Results: W @ Milwaukee 105-95, (Tue); W @ Philadelphia 108-104, (Wed); W @ Washington 108-104, (Fri); W @ New York 119-114, (Sat)
This Week: @ Sacramento, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Toronto, Friday (1/27); vs. LA Clippers, Sunday (1/29)

Well, it took double overtime in the Garden to get things done, but the Denver Nuggets cleaned up on their four-game East Coast road swing, dropping 100-plus each on the Bucks, Sixers, Wizards and Knicks. As for Gallo's homecoming — how's a career-high 37 points sound? (The way he's playing, that won't be his career high for long.) One more on the road — at Sacramento — before a well-earned couple at home. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 11 - 5
Last Week's Rank: 4
Last Week's Results: W vs. San Antonio 120-98, (Tue); W vs. Los Angeles Lakers 98-87, (Thur); W vs. Philadelphia 113-97, (Sat); L vs. Milwaukee 91-82, (Sun)
This Week: vs. Cleveland, Tuesday (1/24); @ Detroit, Wednesday (1/25); vs. New York, Friday (1/27); vs. Chicago, Sunday (1/29)

This past week, the Big 3 turned into the Big 2 with the absence of Dwyane Wade due to a sprained right ankle. But you probably haven't noticed because the Heat are playing great basketball in some tough matchups. After easily disposing of the Spurs, they manhandled the Lake Show and destroyed the red-hot Sixers. Miami is keeping Wade off the court until he's 100%. However, these guys aren't in dire need of his help...just yet. —Jose Martinez

Record: 13 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 2
Last Week's Results: W @ Boston 97-88, (Mon); L @ Washington, 102-105 (Wed); W @ New Jersey, 84-74 (Sat)
This Week: vs Detroit, Monday (1/23); vs. New Orleans, Wednesday (1/25); @Golden State, Friday (1/27)

Well, you win some and you lose some—but you usually don't lose them in Washington to their latest sorry excuse for an NBA team. Yet the then 14-2 Thunder did just that following a win in Boston, before getting back on track and grinding out an 84-74 win in Newark. They also handled some internal biz, giving Russell Westbrook a five-year, $80 million contract extension. Home games against Detroit and New Orleans should—actually, we'll leave those kind of predictions alone. —Russ Bengtson

Record: 15 - 3
Last Week's Rank: 1
Last Week's Results: L @ Memphis 86-102, (Mon); W Phoenix 118-97, (Tue); W @ Cleveland 114-75, (Fri); W vs. Charlotte 95-81, (Sat)
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Monday (1/23); vs. Indiana, Wednesday (1/25); vs. Milwaukee, Friday (1/27); @ Miami, Sunday (1/29)

Want to know how well the Bulls are playing right now? They beat the Bobcats on Saturday night without Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, AND John Lucas III in the lineup. And they relied on guys like Mike James, Omer Asik, and Brian Scalabrine to pick up the slack. That depth will be key moving forward as NBA teams continue to fight through games on short rest. And once this team actually gets healthy and is playing at full strength, we advise the rest of the league to watch out. 'Cause even though they're in the upper echelon of the NBA rankings already, the Bulls are only going to get better. —Chris Yuscavage