NBA Power Rankings: 10-12

Another month in this marathon we call an NBA season has come to an end. So at the end of February, where do the best teams rank in the league? Who are the best teams? Those answers, and more, are provided to you in this edition of the NBA Power Rankings!

10. Dallas Mavericks

Rec (L10): 6-4 Margin of Victory against L25%: +2.27 SOS (L25%): .511

The Mavericks have gone through a lot over the past few weeks. The trade talk that surrounded this team for so long had an effect on some of its players, and that should be expected considering how easily they folded in last year's players (cheap shot, I know, but they deserve it!). But their last performance (albeit against Minnesota) seemed to indicate that the arrival of Jason Kidd is now starting to pay dividends. J-Kidd had a 14-point, 17-assists, 7-rebound game, in a 17 point victory over the Timberwolves. If he plays like that in the playoffs, maybe this team will be more resembling of a champion than my folding chair.

11. Phoenix Suns

Rec (L10): 5-5 Margin of Victory against L25%: +2.73 SOS (L25%): .530

The Suns have gotten a bad wrap. Many people have been knocking them for acquiring Shaquille O'Neal, despite the fact that it was a move they had to make if they wanted to contend for an NBA championship. In addition, since they have started 1-2 with the Diesel, everybody wants to talk about just how right they were in saying the deal for the Diesel was a bad idea. However, the fact is that the Phoenix Suns obviously have some adjustments to make in acquiring a player that is not only new to their system, but is also contrary to their entire philosophy. Now some of you will stop me right there and say that in saying that Shaq is against the philosophy of the Suns, then that alone makes this a bad trade.

However, it's not that simple. On player that contradicts a team's entire philosophy can often be a good thing. When Rasheed Wallace joined the Pistons in 2004, his 3-point shooting, post-up, ways weren't what a motion-oriented Pistons team was used to. Yet he came in, gave them a new dimension, and they won the title. Same goes for Ginobili's offensive ways for the Spurs, or even Antoine Walker's services for the Miami Heat in 2006. Shaq can be just what the Suns need in terms of giving them a new dimension both offensively and defensively, and I expect them to climb these rankings over the next few weeks.

12. Golden State Warriors

Rec (L10): 6-4 Margin of Victory against L25%: +3.57 SOS (L25%): .496

The Warriors can beat any team they face. They can also lose to any team the face. However, as their 33-22 record would indicate, they tend to do a lot more winning than they do losing, so I'll give them credit for remaining somewhat consistent. They also have faired quite well against pretty decent competition. A distinguishing factor between them and the teams below them is that they have no problem outscoring teams, and right now, I don't think there is a team that is better than they are at doing that since the Suns currently haven't worked out their kinks yet. However, they don't play a lick of defense, and as the Suns know, that usually doesn't result in a whole lot of playoff success.