{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"NBA Power Rankings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/nba_14.jpg","caption":"

Football is finished and national focus turns to the NBA and the Golden State Warriors. Insider Monte Poole stacks up the 30 NBA teams the way he sees things...

"},{"index":3,"title":"30. Suns (14-38)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/phx_14.jpg","caption":"

Yo, desert rats, quitters finish last. Sandwiched between injuries and Markieff’s open rebellion, Coach Horny was potted meat.

"},{"index":5,"title":"29. Nets (13-39)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/bkn_14.jpg","caption":"

True: You haven’t won two in a row in two months. True: You’d like to move the Ghost of Joe Johnson. False: Teams are lining up to take him.

"},{"index":7,"title":"28. Timberwolves (16-36)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/min_24.jpg","caption":"

Should we be fooled by those last two wins? We’re not. But if you give us another year or three with KAT, we might start believing.

"},{"index":9,"title":"27. Lakers (11-42)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/lal_14.jpg","caption":"

Due credit for your second two-win week this season and for Kobe turning back the clock against Minny. Even a bad team can have a cuddly week.

"},{"index":11,"title":"26. 76ers (8-43)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/phi_22.jpg","caption":"

The bar is officially above ground and rising. It’s not going very high, but it’s visible. Welcome back to the NBA, Philly. Have a cheesesteak.

"},{"index":13,"title":"25. Magic (22-28)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/orl_14.jpg","caption":"

We like you, Big Nik, but you alone can’t make “magic.” You’re 3-15 over the last month, fellas, so you belong on the same street as the Sixers.

"},{"index":15,"title":"24. Bucks (20-32)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/mil_14.jpg","caption":"

Poor shooting? Check. Injuries? Check. Immaturity? Triple-check. Memo to roster: Coach J-Kidd is safe as long as the owner is patient.

"},{"index":17,"title":"23. Knicks (23-31)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/nyk_14.jpg","caption":"

The Ultimate Tease. KP is fun. Melo is good, Melo is bad, Melo is hurting. Triangle is here, and then triangle is gone. Losing nine of 10 puts you here.

"},{"index":19,"title":"22. Pelicans (18-32)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/no_22.jpg","caption":"

The Ultra-Ultimate Tease. You win five of six, only to drop your next four. Latest in the infirmary: ‘Reke Evans (knee) -- out until at least Feb. 19.

"},{"index":21,"title":"20. Nuggets (21-31)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/den_22.jpg","caption":"

You’ve beaten the Warriors, Bulls and Raptors in the last three weeks. Coach Michael, you may be onto something. You deserve a break.

"},{"index":23,"title":"19. Wizards (22-27)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/wsh_22.jpg","caption":"

You fellas couldn’t spell defense if we gave you “efense.” That top-4 finish, once realistic, has become pure fantasy. Can John Wall stay awake?

"},{"index":25,"title":"18. Hornets (25-26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/cha_14.jpg","caption":"

We hear Big Al is returning soon. We’ve missed him. Kemba is fun to watch, to be sure, but Big Al’s post footwork is downright educational.

"},{"index":27,"title":"17. Trail Blazers (25-27)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/por_15.jpg","caption":"

Dame, we’re with you even as the haters pull rank. Forgive them, for they know not what they do. Now stop balling, or you’ll blow the lottery.

"},{"index":29,"title":"16. Pistons (27-25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/det_24.jpg","caption":"

SVG is a good coach with an unexceptional team in a league of mostly unexceptional teams. Know that means? Playoffs, baby. Get well soon, KCP.

"},{"index":31,"title":"15. Mavericks (29-25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/dal_22.jpg","caption":"

You’re high-grade mediocre when everybody is healthy. Rarely is that the case. Coach Rick and The Dirk somehow keep you in the Top 15.

"},{"index":33,"title":"14. Rockets (27-26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/hou_22.jpg","caption":"

You guys entertain us only because your talent constantly wrestles with your idiocy. It’s like a demolition derby among men in shorts.

"},{"index":35,"title":"13. Jazz (25-25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/uta_14.jpg","caption":"

Look who’s hot, winning six a row. But the softish schedule makes us wonder if you’re real. It is nice to see Big Rudy regain his conditioning.

"},{"index":37,"title":"12. Pacers (27-24)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/ind_22.jpg","caption":"

Uh, fellas, this uptempo thing only works well when bodies are cutting and ball is moving. We do like us some Myles Turner, though.

"},{"index":39,"title":"11. Bulls (27-23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/chi_24.jpg","caption":"

Uh-oh, a team in need of grit is about to get an injection from ... Mike Dunleavy? Oh boy. Get up, Jimmy B. Tell us your knee isn’t too bad.

"},{"index":41,"title":"10. Hawks (30-23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/atl_23.jpg","caption":"

Not bad. Not too good either. “Popcorn” Bazemore is shooting treys better than Kyle Korver. That’s a problem. No wonder your phones are hot.

"},{"index":43,"title":"9. Heat (29-23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/mia_22.jpg","caption":"

Good coach. Good defense. Arrhythmic offense. We’re still waiting, Dragon, for the U-Haul truck to deliver your Phoenix game to South Beach.

"},{"index":45,"title":"8. Grizzlies (30-21)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/mem_14.jpg","caption":"

Hated what we saw early, when you were all blindfolded jumpers and sloth. You’re recovered quite nicely. Rio has been good for you.

"},{"index":47,"title":"7. Celtics (31-22)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/bos_14.jpg","caption":"

Love your grit. Winning 13 of 16 ... we’ve been waiting for this because we believe, somewhere inside your soul, beats the heart of a 50-win team.

"},{"index":49,"title":"6. Clippers (34-17)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/lac_14.jpg","caption":"

We’ve concluded you’re smarter, more efficient and more respectable people without Brainlock Blake. Welcome to the race for MVP, CP3.

"},{"index":51,"title":"5. Cavaliers (36-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/cle_24.jpg","caption":"

A mean schedule gets T-Lue a pass on his 5-3 start. No sooner than Kyrie finds his groove, for who knows how long, K-Love gets an “ouchie.”

"},{"index":53,"title":"4. Raptors (34-16)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/tor_14.jpg","caption":"

We understand losing at Denver. You’re still the hottest team in the East, with the best backcourt outside the Bay. We see you, DeKyle DeLowry.

"},{"index":55,"title":"3. Thunder (38-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/okc_14.jpg","caption":"

We see you, too, Coach Billy D, and we’re not impressed. KD and Russ will keep you near the top. We used to love Serge Ibaka. Anybody seen him?

"},{"index":57,"title":"2. Spurs (43-8)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/sas_14.jpg","caption":"

Ever since your biggest weakness (you’re slow) was exposed in the Bay, others have tested your legs only to discover you’re still fast enough for them.

"},{"index":59,"title":"1. Warriors (46-4)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/08/gallery-warriors_6.jpg","caption":"

Three All-Stars, spanking contenders and hanging with Da Prez, these dudes are “clowning” the NBA and believe, as they should, they haven’t peaked.

"}]}

Monte Poole's NBA Power Rankings (2.8.16)