Number Ten Team- New Orleans Hornets

           The New Orleans Hornets, originally known as the Charlotte Hornets, joined the NBA just in time for 1988-1989 season.  It didn't take to long for the Hornets to become a big franchise in the NBA.  The Hornets picked up many veteran players to begin with a good season. Although the Hornets started the season good, the upcoming years were not to good and there was no improvement.  The current coach was fired and replaced with by coach Littles.

            The Hornets also picked up Muggsy Bogues, a 5'3 guard. Muggsy would be known as one of the shortest and best basketball players in the NBA.  It wasn't till 1994, when the Hornets played one of their finest seasons.  In 1997, there was a change of guards and Muggsy was traded to Golden State.  Despite all of these problems, the Hornets finished the 90's with a bang. 

            In 2001, the Hornets exceeded their expectations and played their best season ever.  Currently, the Hornets overall are ranked as number ten in the NBA.  The main person that has contributed to their success is point guard Chris Paul. Chris Paul has also helped the New Orleans Hornets achieve the record 35-25.  The Hornets are in the title hunt and are ranked number five in the western conference.

Number Nine Team- Atlanta Hawks

            The Atlanta Hawks are part of the eastern division of the NBA.  The Hawks first started their franchise in 1968. Before being known as the Atlanta Hawks, the Hawks had many different names such as the Blackhawks.  The Hawks finished their first season with a record of 48-34.  This record would be remembered because it was one of the best records to be achieved by a first year franchise.

            The Hawks, through their hard work and dedication, would make an amazing 25 play off appearances.  The Hawks had much help from Dominique Wilkins, one of the best players and best dunkers to ever step onto a basketball court.  The Hawks lost Dominique after Dominique got an Achilles injury.

            Despite their difficulties, the Atlanta Hawks fought to earn their current ninth overall spot in the NBA. The Hawks have a record of 35-23. The Hawks are ranked at the number five position in the eastern conference. Some of the best players such as Mike Bibby play for the Hawks and they are helping the Hawks try to win a NBA title.

Number Eight Team- Orlando Magic

            The Orlando Magic played their first season in 1989 with Matt Guokas as the head coach.  The Magic selected 12 players in the 1989 NBA Expansion Draft.  The Magic started the season off good but struggled later on and they ended with the record of 11-57.  In 1992, the Magic picked up one of the most dominant players they would ever have, Shaquille O'Neal.

            Shaquille would then help the Magic improve their record to 41-41, the best turnaround record of any team in the NBA.  In 1996, the Magic lost Shaquille O'Neal as he was a free agent but they were able to pick up some of the best players in the NBA such as Tracy McGrady.  The Magic then received one of the biggest players to play in the NBA, Dwight Howard.

            Dwight Howard would help lead the Magic into the NBA finals against the Lakers.  The Magic are currently ranked 4th in the eastern conference. Overall the Magic are 8th in the NBA with an astounding record of 37-22.  The Magic are now looking to win a NBA title and are competing as one of the most dominant teams in the NBA.

Number Seven Team- Oklahoma City Thunder

            The Oklahoma City Thunder weren't originally the Thunder. At first they were know as the Seattle Supersonics.  The Thunder had relocated in 2008 due to a dispute with Seattle lawmakers.  Before being known as the Thunder, the Seattle Supersonics had went to the play offs 22 times.  They were a franchise that was known by many people around the world.

            The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the team with the most youngest  players.  Kevin Durant and many others on the Thunder are helping the thunder earn their fourth place in the western conference. Overall the Thunder are ranked 7th in the NBA and have a record of 36-21.

Number Six Team- Los Angeles Lakers

            The Los Angeles Lakers, originally known as the Minneapolis Lakers, started their franchise in 1947.  Although the start of the Lakers wasn't very fast, the Lakers quickly won their first title in 1949.  The Lakers began to win over and over until there were some new rules introduced to the NBA.  The rule of the 24 second shot clock and the limit of six fouls brought the Lakers down.

            The Lakers adapted to the new rules as quick as they could. The found another title in 1971 and won two more until 1973. The Lakers were on a role and had a streak.  In 1971 the Lakers received a player who could really help the Lakers, Earvin "Magic" Johnson.  The skills of this 6'9 point guard were a force to be reckoned with.

            In 1984, after working on their game for years, the Lakers beat their long time rivals the Boston Celtics.  Magic Johnson announced his retirement because he tested positive for HIV. Although his medical problems, Magic Johnson went to the olympics and helped the U.S.A. basketball team win. Currently the Lakers have the record 41-19 and are ranked third in the western conference.  With their top players Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers look to defend their championship from the 2010 finals.

Number Five Team- Chicago Bulls

            The Chicago Bulls joined the NBA in 1966 and struggled for a quarter of a century.  The Bulls earned a record of 33-48 in their first year of play and that was the best of any team. In the next few years the Bulls struggled to win because they did not have a player who could lead them to victory.  It wasn't till the received one player, Michael Jordan.

            Michael "Air" Jordan joined the bulls in 1984 when he was drafted.  He led the Bulls to their first play offs since 1981.  The play offs were a short visit because the bulls had much to learn.  After the loss, the Bulls fired their coach. In 1990 the bulls received a new coach who enforced teamwork and defense. By that time, Jordan had won every major award in the NBA including Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team, NBA All-Defensive First Team, All-Star Game MVP, and NBA Slam-Dunk Champion.

            The Bulls dominated and many thought they would continue to dominate until 1993, the year the Michael Jordan retired.  There was some life in the Bulls but their hopes increased when Michael Jordan returned in 1994. The Bulls played hard and finally Michael Jordan decided to really retire. All the way into the 2000's the Bulls dominated.  Currently the Bull's have a record of 39-17.  They are ranked third in the eastern conference.

Number Four Team- Dallas Mavericks

            The Dallas Mavericks joined the NBA in 1980 and quickly became a competitive franchise.  Paying $12 million to join the NBA to receive glory, the Mavericks would play for the mid west division.  The Mavericks had a slow start but in 1983 the Mavericks started to play like many other teams couldn't.

            In 1986, the Dallas Mavericks won the mid west division with a record of 55- 27.  Because of their hard work, the Mavericks went to the finals in 1988 but lost by a single game in the series.  This affected the Mavericks so much that in 1990, the Mavericks missed the play offs. The Mavericks decide to regroup.

            In 1991, the Mavericks still had one of the worse records but they began rebuild their team.  The Mavericks began to see light in 1994, when rookie point guard Jason Kidd helped the Mavericks to victory.  Throughout the 90's the Mavericks showed that they were determined to win.  The Mavericks began a new era in 2001 with Dirk Nowitzki, one of the best players to play for the Mavericks.  The Mavericks currently dominate the western conference at second place with the record of 41-16.