Hello all, tis' the season! The basketball season that is. I would like to present the next installment of the "Jingalls Top 10", as of December 11. Before I do, I would like to raise a question about the NBA this season: Where has all the parity gone? From what I can tell this season is essentially a two horse race right now. The Lakers and Celtics seem to be the only true title contenders if the playoffs started today. Aside from a couple good teams, (Orlando, Cleveland, Denver, Dallas) the league is as watered down as I've seen in a several years. In the East you have 3 teams with losing records holding playoff positions right now. Not cool. The West is a little better, no team in the top 8 spots has a losing record, but again the bottom 3 teams are barely above .500.

Don't get me wrong, it's a long season and many teams are still getting their act together. You never know, some team could rise out of the West and surprise the Lakers. But if I were a betting man, the Lakers and Celtics seem to be the only complete teams out there so far.

1) Los Angeles (17-3)
The best record in the league and winners of 10 in a row. Quite simply the best 8 man rotation in basketball and the best coach. Not looking good for the rest of the West.

2) Boston (18-4)
KG is back and has the Celtics are sitting atop the east again. They've won 9 in a row and are an unbelievable 10 -1 this season on the road. They have room to improve on offense, but their defense has regained some of it's championship form. I really enjoy watching this team on both ends of the court.

3) Orlando (17-5)
Despite losing Thursday night to a scrappy Utah team, Orlando is in 2nd place in the East. They are in the top 10 statistically on offense and defense thus far. However, I haven't seen enough offensive polish from Dwight Howard to take them to a title yet.

4) Denver (16-7)
For as brilliant as Denver is at times, they lose games they should win. Such as back to back losses to Charlotte and Detroit. What?? That being said Carmelo is leading the NBA in scoring at 30.3 ppg. But can they play consistent D?

5) Cleveland (15-7)
The bad news is the Cavs have lost 2 in a row and have dropped to the 4th spot in the East. The good news is they still have Lebron James! So far the Shaq deal hasn't made them any better. It is my theory that he may be able to help them defeat Orlando in the playoffs, but with KG healthy in Boston, will it matter?

6) Dallas (15-7)
The Mavs have shot to the 3 seed in the West, and have jumped in my rankings from 11 to 6. Quite honestly I was surprised by how good they have been. Dirk is stellar as always, averaging 27 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Jason Kidd is not what he once was but he is giving them about 9 ppg and 9 apg. Not bad!

7) Atlanta (15-6)
Joe Johnson is their rock with 21 ppg, but this team is winning because of improved defense. The Hawks are 3rd in the league in opponent field goal percentage, allowing just 41.04 % from the field. Impressive young grasshopper.

8) Pheonix (15-7)
The Suns got back to their run n gun ways and started the season with a hot start. But have cooled way off as of late losing 4 out of their last 5. This is still a dangerous team the way Nash and Stoudamire are playing but the lack of options has hurt them lately. They have averaged only 98.6 ppg the last five, 108.9 ppg on the season.

9) Portland (14-9)
The Blazers are a nice young team and very dangerous, especially at home. Unfortunately the real story is once again Greg Ogden is out for the season. This especially hurts since he was finally playing really well avg about 12 ppg, 12 rpg and almost 3 blocks. Look for them to struggle without him.

10) Utah (13-9)
How does Sloan do it? This team is always scrappy and dangerous, this year is no different. They've had gutsy wins over San Antonio and Orlando in the past week. It's nice to see what Boozer can do when healthy, he gives you 20 and 11. I hate to play what if, but what if Boozer had stayed in Cleveland??

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