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Why Marc Stein is Wrong

In case you haven’t checked, ESPN.com’s Marc Stein has released his NBA Power Rankings. Again, the team with the NBA’s best record is not ranked first (that’s the Spurs), and it’s not second either (that’s the Magic). The Celtics are ranked third with the comment: “I know, I know: Boston had nothing to do with spitting out such a cake early schedule. But I can’t help it: Boston can’t wow me more than the Spurs and Magic have until the schedule gets harder, like it or not.”

OK, that’s fair. But allow me to check the Magic’s schedule: Against the elite teams Stein speaks of, the Magic have lost to the Suns at home and in Phoenix, and lost to the Spurs in San Antonio. They did defeat the Celtics by a basket at home, so that could be why they get the nod, but against that tougher schedule, the Magic did nothing while the Celtics haven’t had the opportunity.

The Magic also just lost 2 games in a row (matching how many losses the Celts have all season). They lost to Indiana 115-109 at home and lost Monday night to the Hawks 98-87 at home. Two straight home losses to mediocre opponents earns them the No. 2 nod. To Stein’s credit, the rankings came out before the Magic lost to the Hawks, but it just further strengthens my point.

I would’ve done the rankings:

1. Spurs
2. Celtics
3. Magic
4. Suns (You could make an argument for the Suns to be ranked third, though…)

I know these rankings don’t matter in the end, but it’s nice to have something to argue about so early in the season.

Tags: Celtics, Marc Stein, Orlando Magic