Power Rankings Excerpt:

The New York Knicks finally lose a game and the Miami Heat are looking ahead to the playoffs. That means we have a new number 1 this week! Teams playing with a chip on their shoulder go a long way in these rankings…

1. Memphis Grizzlies

After losing their opener the Grizzlies have rattled off seven wins in a row. Rudy Gay is playing like a stud and the front court is as tough as ever. Many had this team underachieving and being broke up by February. Take that NBA writers and bloggers!

2. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are winners of four in a row, including a statement game against the defending champions. Jamal Crawford is on fire and L.A. goes ten deep on their bench. If you don’t include Lamar Odom, then that number is nine.

3. New York Knicks

They beat the San Antonio Spurs, but lost to the Grizzlies. Why not ranked higher? Still not a believer, but don’t worry, they will climb to the top if deserving. Please, no hate mail Knick fans.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week we discussed Kevin Martin contributions, but let’s not forget about the other Kevin. Durant is averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 dimes a game. Obvious statement of the week: Kevin Durant is the early MVP favorite.

5. Miami Heat

After leaving Boston, Ray Allen sounded like a scorned woman. We can now see why, Allen has a lot left in the tank and will be an integral part of this team. Now, if only Miami can keep their focus during the regular season.

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The Milwaukee Bucks Brandon Jennings Dilemma Excerpt

During the Milwaukee Bucks heyday of the eighties point guard was always a position of defensive strength. With Quinn Buckner, Sidney Moncrief (more of a two, but played the point role often), and Paul Pressey playing Don Nelson’s “point-forward” role (a term Marques Johnson claims to have coined as he also played this position from time to time) the Bucks enjoyed several years of Central division titles and deep playoff runs. Since, the position has been pieced together with Eric Murdock, Jay Humphries, Sherman Douglass, T.J. Ford, and Sam Cassell. With the exception of Cassell, who enjoyed success with the Bucks for a couple seasons this has not been a position of strength, until now. Brandon Jennings is starting his fourth season as the Bucks point guard; a restricted free agent after this season, the Bucks elected not to extend Jennings and see how the season plays out. BJ is off to a hot start and so the question stands: Is Brandon Jennings worth a max contract?

The Case for Brandon Jennings deserving a Max Contract

For starters, the fans (as a whole) have embraced Jennings. As a rookie he was a key ingredient to the “Fear the Deer” run and was given the nickname “The Rooster.” His outspoken attitude translated to a court leader, a necessity at the position of point guard. Jennings is quick and has the ability to score in bunches. During his first three seasons Brandon has demonstrated a great lead-by-example work ethic that finds him in the gym often and working on his deficiencies during the off-season. Jennings has flash, but he doesn’t take plays off, this blue collar attitude works well in Milwaukee, a city that embraces gruff sports stars and shuns prima donnas (SEE: Gary Sheffield). This season BJ has shown his greatest improvement, increasing both his assist and steal output while continuing to lead the team with his scoring. Most importantly, he has led Milwaukee to the top of the division, winning games the team needs to win in order to return to the playoffs. Milwaukee is not a place free agents place at the top of their lists; however, Brandon has expressed (most of the time) his desire to continue his career in Brew City.

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David S. Grant is an author of several books, rock columnist, travel writer, and NBA blogger. Follow David on Twitter: .david_s_grant