Post by Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct 8, 2008 1:03:20 GMT -5
I put together this entire league Power Rankings based off of what the Toronto and Houston GM's posted. Just to see where teams would stand throughout the whole league.
1) New Orleans Hornets:New Orleans Hornets once again at the top of power rankings for many reason. Amazing gm, great team, and 2 time NBA Legends champion. It look like New Orleans wasn’t going too repeated 3 times in a row because of the downfall of former Center Ben Wallace. After New Orleans traded Ben Wallace in a three way deal (where he landed in Minnesota Timberwolves) he currently did not have any centers which were amazing. After a few months, New Orleans made another blockbuster deal with Dallas Mavericks, where he received Marcus Camby and Michael Redd for Gerald Wallace and Manu Ginobili. Yes a bit of a downgrade in both SG and SF but a huge and I mean HUGE upgrade in Center. Why are they on the top still without Gerald Wallace and Manu Ginobili on the team? Take a look at the team, Chris Paul – Michael Redd – Hedo Turkoglu – Tim Duncan – Marcus Camby, I think I would shit my pants if I were in the West. Good luck guys
2) Orlando Magic- The East really starts with Orlando. This team has a great front court with Yao and Marion. They should be able to score points on most front courts in this league, as well as play some pretty sensational defenses. They also have Jefferson at small forward and Jason Terry at shooting guard. These two guys should be able to score lots of points for this magic team. The only question mark that I see from this team is Rafer Alston. He has shown that he is capable of playing the point, but can he lead this all star group to the promised land, and to an NBA Championship?
3) New Jersey Nets- Now this team is one that is very balanced, and it was tough not to put them at the #1 spot in the East. Maybe they will use this as motivation. This team starts with Steve Nash leading at point, and Vince Carter at the shooting guard. This makes up one of the better back courts in the league. Down low this team has Mehmet Okur and David West. This is a very good frontcourt (though not as good as Orlando's) that should be able to play tough defense as well as put up some points. Tayshaun Prince is playing the small forward position and will use is lanky frame to play tough nose defense. The Nets are a team with two aging stars, so this window of opportunity could be closing....but for now, I see it is open.
4)Detroit Pistons- This team had a great offseason as they were able to hang on to their main man Dwight Howard. Dwight signed a max deal with them and will be holding down the paint area for a long time. He has a great game and is one of the premier players in this league. Surrounding him are some older players, so its getting to the point that its now or never for this Detroit team. They have Rasheed Wallace to finish up a magnificent front court. Their backcourt contains Chauncey Billups and Jason Richardson. These guys can both score and look for Chauncey to have plenty of assists, being surrounded my multiple guys who can put the ball in the basket. This team is a definite contender for the title, with a combination of good guard play, a solid post, and a good bench...look out. This teams window is definitley closing fast though, so now may be Detroits year.
5) Utah Jazz: Hands down one of the best in the West, and what they did in the off season was amazing. The Jazz GM has made some key off season moves, trading the core of the team Deron Williams and Richard Jefferson. You may think he’s nuts but if you see what he got back, I think you would say “God Dam it” He received the best player in the Game Lebron King James and also a decent point guard in Kirk Hinirch. With adding JR Smith to play SG and trading Z for K-Mart the team has a complete roster from PG- C. I personally think they could challenge the hornets in the west IF and this is a big IF, they stay healthy.
6) Milwaukee Bucks-After the clear 1-3 in the power rankings, Milwaukee looks to me to be the team that should fit nicely in the #4 slot. This team has some good stars on their very well rounded team. Led by Tony Paker and Kevin Martin in the backcourt, this team could really give teams trouble. What really makes this team special is their ability to play great defense down low. Ron Artest is playing small forward for this team, and should play lock down defense on most teams stars. He can also shoot the ball, so look for him to flourish on this team. At power forward, Emeka Okafor will rebound the basketball and block plenty of shots. His running mate down low is Greg Oden. If this guy can play as well as he is projected to, look out. Who will be able to score on these two mammoths down low? These two should also have no problem grabbing 10+ rebounds a game each. Look for this team to make some noise.
7) Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder went through a lot of changes this off season which saw Michael Redd, Marcus Camby and Andrei Kirilenko leaving the team. But coming back was Richard Hamilton and also one the best PF in the game in Dirk Nowitzki. This trade did made a lot of Gm think why did the gm do this trade after being so close to the finals last year. After a few weeks making that trade, he went out and brought Shaq to the thunder. Best Frontcourt in the league? By Far, Shaq and Dirk Nowitzki will make a big impact on the team and also Miller and Rip will help out as well. The only weakness on the team may be in SF, I personally think Michael Finley won’t get the job done, but again with about 2 weeks left, the gm might be able to pull of a blockbuster.
8) Toronto Raptors- This is another very talented team who got better over this offseason. This team has a blend of younger and old players and has lots of potential. With a backcourt of Baron Davis and OJ Mayo, I dont know if there is a team that with a pair of guards who have the potential of scoring more points. I mean both of these guys can play! With the offseason aquisition of Antawn Jamison, this team has a legitimate guy to play the small forward position. These team also has a great front court presence in Jermaine O'Neal and Big Z. If all these guys can stay healthy, look for this team to get some wins. The Toronto GM hopes that Davis, Jamsion, and O'Neal, can stay healthy and perhaps bring a title across the Canadian border.
9) Miami Heat- This GM seems to know the success to winning basketball games- hard nosed defense and outside shooting. This team has a great defensive core starting with Duke Blue Devil standouts Shane Battier and Carlos Boozer. Tyson Chandler plays the center position and will make sure that nobody comes down the lane without a monster hand in their face. In the backcourt, Stephon Marbury and Ray Allen roam. These two vets are getting older, but they can still shoot the rock. If Marbury can put his emotional off court issues aside, then this team should make some noise. We know RayRay will get his numbers, so this team should do well, but it all hinges on how Starbury plays.
10) Dallas Mavericks: What a team the gm as assemble this off season. The GM made 2 key trades this off season which saw Dirk Nowitzki leaving Dallas. But what he got back must have been a steal, as get got back Michael Redd, Andrei Kirilenko, Camby, and others. Why this trade was good for Dallas, is that he has a depth team from PG- C (even more than Uath and New Orleans at the time) But the 2nd trade he made, made me think “What the?” Yes got an upgrade in SG and a scored in SF, but what about Center? He traded Redd and Camby for Manu, Wallace, and Bargs, that left a huge hole in Center. I wasn’t sure why he did the trade but he must be up to something. With about 2 weeks left before the season opens, I personally think Dallas is going to make 1 more key move which could see a good or decent Center coming the other way.
11) Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have done a great job with there origination by adding star SG/SF Paul Perice and getting younger and better in PG in Rose. The team has come along way, with only Gasol as the core of the team. The Grzzlies also went out and brought in Peja, which was a great move by the team. Now the GM has assembled a top team in the West from PG – C. Rose- Paul – Peja – Gaosl – Antonio McDyess. I think this team is ready for another run in the playoffs.
12) Philadelphia 76'ers- This team begins and ends with their three stars: Gilbert Arenas, Kevin Garnett, and Samuel Dalembert. For this team to rise up, these three will need to avoid injuries and play to their potential every game this year. This is not a very deep team, although they do have some fairly decent players on the bench, so health should be a major point for this team. If KG and Gil light it up like they are capable of, this team could be a sleeper for a top 4 playoff seeding.
13) Golden State Warriors: It looked like the Warriors were in trouble when trading Lewis and Baron away for just Terry and Marion. But the GM had a plan where he saw Lewis coming back and also Deron Williams It was an amazing move by the GM, and now with re-singing young center Biedrins, the team is ready to make another run in the playoffs. With a record of 46- 36 I expect them to win at least 50 games this season the max. The team will be sending out Williams – Szczerbiak – Lewis – Harrington – Biedrins. Only thing I don’t like on the starting lineup is Wally, but with 13,000,000 becoming free next season I would say G-sates a top SG.
14) Portland Trail Blazers: All they needed was a true Point Guard, and now they have one. The Blazers where able to fill a hole in there lineup as they signed PG Devin Harris to a 5 year deal in the off season. Overpay? Yes, did they have to? Yes. Devin was paid a lot and I mean a lot of money this off season for a 79 ranked player. Why was Devin paid so much? He was basically the only PG out there, and with about 5 teams in need of a PG, who ever bid the highest wins, in this case Portland won, because of Miami leaving and going after Starbury. With Devin in the lineup, Roy should have a much better game, same with LaMarcus Aldridge. To be honest I can not wait to see this team perform this year, as the GM stated a while back “What, my team will be a playoff team next year”.
15) Houston Rockets: Shocking to see Houston up here but I have to give some respects to the GM here. He has changed this team around, it started from T-Mac and Ming (which he never had to trade to get better) to Iggy and Jefferson. Funny how things change in the matter of off season. They have a new talented young PG in Nelson. They have 3 great players which can lead this team to the playoffs. I am not 100% if they will make the playoffs because of how talented the west is this year? The GM started off great buy re-signing Josh Smith then trading him for AL which was a steal. Then trading Bogut and others for Iggy was a HUGEEE steal. If we had to give Executive of year right now, winner by a landside would have to be Houston.
16) Cleveland Cavaliers- This team has some good potential, led by their two stars Josh Howard and Elton Brand. Clevelands GM knows that these two are going to get their numbers and lead this team (as long as Josh can stay out of trouble). They also have two good veterans in Brad Miller and Larry Hughes. The questions for this team is also their point guard position.... can Beno Udrih lead this team to a playoff berth? This is yet to be seen, but if he plays to his potential, this team will be a playoff team.
17) Phoenix Suns: Wasn’t to sure were to put Phoenix, they had a great PG in Nash but then that changed to Bibby: They had a good SG in Vince Cater but got wade which was great but it cost him a great lineup. The GM has made other trade which may make us say “what the”, this team had Nelson – Ganger- Melo – BIG AL- Curry at one time. I think that team would have taken PHX to 6-7 place in the West but after he traded Granger and Melo for Wade that feel a part. I did not like that move at all, but that’s me. I could be wrong with where I put this team but I think they have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but I have been wrong before.
18) Los Angeles Lakers:Lakers and Houston are tied in my opinion. Lakers traded away Shaq which was a GREAT move by the team which saved them a lot of money, and brought in some young guys which is good to see. The Lakers still have AI and Kobe which can be very deadly if they are healthy. They have the best PG/SG on the team but no other core players which could hurt the team. Trading away Shaq for Wilcox was great but I am not 100% if Wilcox can get the job done. Maybe this was a move by the gm to clear cap space next year? Or is he slowly rebuilding? Time will only tell.
19) Denver Nuggets: Rebuilding might be the key word to say at one point. Funny how things change, from rebuilding to try and make the playoffs. The team made multiply trades this off season seeing faces coming and going. The team has 2 of the top 5 picks but yet the 2nd overall pick is now gone. It went from Rose to gay to Caron Butler. Caron and Odom and Kaman are crazy but what about point guard! This team needs help in the 1 slot badly, if they can fine a decent point, I think this team can make the playoffs
20) Washington Wizards-This team is also one that relies on a couple of superstars. Chris Bosh and Tracy McGrady are the heart and soul of this team. These guys are legitimate superstars in the league and are capable of willing their teams to victory. Stephen Jackson is an excellent role player for this team, but beyond these three guys i dont see that much that would warrant them being higher in the rankings. Maybe the GM should look to trade one of the superstars for a couple of guys to make the starting lineup more balanced..... who knows, I just dont know if this team can make it to the playoffs.
21) New York Knicks- This GM has changed the face of this franchise almost overnight it seems. The offseason was a very good one for them. Over this offseason, this team acquired 3 legitimateyoung stars. This team has a great young core with Carmelo Anthony, Monta Ellis, and Danny Granger. However, beyond these three guys there is not very much. There are plenty of questions about this team, but loads of potential. Is Jeff Foster really the answer at center? Can Carmelo play the PF position in the NBA like he does in the international game? Can the other two young guys play good minutes and make up for the lack of a bench? Those will be answered this year, and this team should fight for a playoff berth.
22)Charlotte Bobcats- This is another team that has gotten a drastic makeover. This team now has a very balanced team, but without a true superstar leader. Caron Butler is their leader, no doubt, but can he play that role? The GM has put many good solid guys around Caron, such as TJ Ford, Charlie Villaneuva, and Jamal Crawford. At the center position is Antonio McDyess. Does he have another good season left in his ancient legs? If he does, and if these guys can mesh well together this is a dark horse for a playoff berth. I like their chances if their young guys play to their potential.
23) Boston Celtics-This team has a good core of guys that should help get them some victories. Kevin Durant is going to get his points, and so will Joe Johnson. The offseason signing of Jose Calderon was a great move by this GM. This team is fairly weak down low, with Nene and Krstic, but they have a fairly good bench. This team has some legit players, but look to be a couple of years away from being a strong contender. What this team needs is a low post banger that can solidify the post for this team.
24) Atlanta Hawks- Atlanta has some very good young players and has done well building this team from scratch. Al Horford is a great young player to build this franchise around, and Yiiii gives him another solid young player down low to run with. Mike Miller will provide some good outside shooting, and Ricky Davis is a wily veteran guy who should score some points. Mo williams should also get his points, to round out this balanced team. I like this team's makeup, there are just so many other good teams in the East for me to see them making the playoffs.
25) Sacramento Kings : I am not 100% sure what’s going to happen with Kings. They didn’t really do anything big this off season, they only got Deng to re-sign which is great but they don’t have anyone else to play with him. I don’t think they will make the playoffs, but I think the idea is “Slow and Steady win the race” I wonder if the GM will be more Active in the next off season.
26) Minnesota Timberwolves: This team is clearly rebuilding and has started in a great direction. Trading Caron for Rudy Gay was a great move, and it also saves them money. Gay is a great start to rebuild a team. The GM has done a lot of key moves this off season which saw Captain Gordon going to Bobcats for Caron and Caron for Rudy Gay. The Team is currently trying to trade Ben Wallace, and if they fine someone for him, this team will have a lot of money to spend next off season. Next off season will be fun to watch for this team.
27) Indiana Pacers- The Pacers organization has gone through a complete team makeover. This team is loaded with young talent and some rookies with loads of potential. Their young stud center, Andrew Bynum, is definitley the face of this franchise. This team also has many good, young guards such as: Rajon Rondo, Acie Law, and rookie Russell Westbrook. Looking at this starting lineup, I see a decent young team. Bynum will shoulder the load for this team, and it remains to be seen if Westbrook will be able to play the 2 guard as good as he does the 1. This team is 3 or 4 years away from being competitive.
28) Los Angeles Clippers: I’m sorry clippers but I truly thought you would have been a bit more active this off season. With a payroll of 30 some million I though you would of gone out and get some key FA like Jamison and Devin Harris but didn’t. But I think this team is going into the right direction. They got the first pick there year which was a plus, and maybe next year they might get it again (if they do as bad like last year). I don’t think they will be as bad as I put them, but they could do a lot better. With the signing of Swift for 10 million for the first year to me is nuts loll, but maybe next off season the team can go after a Baron Davis, or Agent 0 type of player.
29) San Antonio Spurs: 1 word to describe them, Rebuilding. The GM came in and traded all his great talent away from young players. Let’s hope this pays off.
30) Chicago- The Bulls will start off in the cellar of the first Eastern Conference Power Rankings, and I dont know if there is anyone who can dispute that. This team has loads of young guys, but no true identity. Look for Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph to be solid rookies for this team, and Willie Green will also get his touches. This team will be looking for a top 3 draft pick in order to load up on more young talent and then possibly make a run in the next 5 years. The Bulls will battle the Pacers all season for the right to the cellar of the power rankings.
1) New Orleans Hornets:New Orleans Hornets once again at the top of power rankings for many reason. Amazing gm, great team, and 2 time NBA Legends champion. It look like New Orleans wasn’t going too repeated 3 times in a row because of the downfall of former Center Ben Wallace. After New Orleans traded Ben Wallace in a three way deal (where he landed in Minnesota Timberwolves) he currently did not have any centers which were amazing. After a few months, New Orleans made another blockbuster deal with Dallas Mavericks, where he received Marcus Camby and Michael Redd for Gerald Wallace and Manu Ginobili. Yes a bit of a downgrade in both SG and SF but a huge and I mean HUGE upgrade in Center. Why are they on the top still without Gerald Wallace and Manu Ginobili on the team? Take a look at the team, Chris Paul – Michael Redd – Hedo Turkoglu – Tim Duncan – Marcus Camby, I think I would shit my pants if I were in the West. Good luck guys
2) Orlando Magic- The East really starts with Orlando. This team has a great front court with Yao and Marion. They should be able to score points on most front courts in this league, as well as play some pretty sensational defenses. They also have Jefferson at small forward and Jason Terry at shooting guard. These two guys should be able to score lots of points for this magic team. The only question mark that I see from this team is Rafer Alston. He has shown that he is capable of playing the point, but can he lead this all star group to the promised land, and to an NBA Championship?
3) New Jersey Nets- Now this team is one that is very balanced, and it was tough not to put them at the #1 spot in the East. Maybe they will use this as motivation. This team starts with Steve Nash leading at point, and Vince Carter at the shooting guard. This makes up one of the better back courts in the league. Down low this team has Mehmet Okur and David West. This is a very good frontcourt (though not as good as Orlando's) that should be able to play tough defense as well as put up some points. Tayshaun Prince is playing the small forward position and will use is lanky frame to play tough nose defense. The Nets are a team with two aging stars, so this window of opportunity could be closing....but for now, I see it is open.
4)Detroit Pistons- This team had a great offseason as they were able to hang on to their main man Dwight Howard. Dwight signed a max deal with them and will be holding down the paint area for a long time. He has a great game and is one of the premier players in this league. Surrounding him are some older players, so its getting to the point that its now or never for this Detroit team. They have Rasheed Wallace to finish up a magnificent front court. Their backcourt contains Chauncey Billups and Jason Richardson. These guys can both score and look for Chauncey to have plenty of assists, being surrounded my multiple guys who can put the ball in the basket. This team is a definite contender for the title, with a combination of good guard play, a solid post, and a good bench...look out. This teams window is definitley closing fast though, so now may be Detroits year.
5) Utah Jazz: Hands down one of the best in the West, and what they did in the off season was amazing. The Jazz GM has made some key off season moves, trading the core of the team Deron Williams and Richard Jefferson. You may think he’s nuts but if you see what he got back, I think you would say “God Dam it” He received the best player in the Game Lebron King James and also a decent point guard in Kirk Hinirch. With adding JR Smith to play SG and trading Z for K-Mart the team has a complete roster from PG- C. I personally think they could challenge the hornets in the west IF and this is a big IF, they stay healthy.
6) Milwaukee Bucks-After the clear 1-3 in the power rankings, Milwaukee looks to me to be the team that should fit nicely in the #4 slot. This team has some good stars on their very well rounded team. Led by Tony Paker and Kevin Martin in the backcourt, this team could really give teams trouble. What really makes this team special is their ability to play great defense down low. Ron Artest is playing small forward for this team, and should play lock down defense on most teams stars. He can also shoot the ball, so look for him to flourish on this team. At power forward, Emeka Okafor will rebound the basketball and block plenty of shots. His running mate down low is Greg Oden. If this guy can play as well as he is projected to, look out. Who will be able to score on these two mammoths down low? These two should also have no problem grabbing 10+ rebounds a game each. Look for this team to make some noise.
7) Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder went through a lot of changes this off season which saw Michael Redd, Marcus Camby and Andrei Kirilenko leaving the team. But coming back was Richard Hamilton and also one the best PF in the game in Dirk Nowitzki. This trade did made a lot of Gm think why did the gm do this trade after being so close to the finals last year. After a few weeks making that trade, he went out and brought Shaq to the thunder. Best Frontcourt in the league? By Far, Shaq and Dirk Nowitzki will make a big impact on the team and also Miller and Rip will help out as well. The only weakness on the team may be in SF, I personally think Michael Finley won’t get the job done, but again with about 2 weeks left, the gm might be able to pull of a blockbuster.
8) Toronto Raptors- This is another very talented team who got better over this offseason. This team has a blend of younger and old players and has lots of potential. With a backcourt of Baron Davis and OJ Mayo, I dont know if there is a team that with a pair of guards who have the potential of scoring more points. I mean both of these guys can play! With the offseason aquisition of Antawn Jamison, this team has a legitimate guy to play the small forward position. These team also has a great front court presence in Jermaine O'Neal and Big Z. If all these guys can stay healthy, look for this team to get some wins. The Toronto GM hopes that Davis, Jamsion, and O'Neal, can stay healthy and perhaps bring a title across the Canadian border.
9) Miami Heat- This GM seems to know the success to winning basketball games- hard nosed defense and outside shooting. This team has a great defensive core starting with Duke Blue Devil standouts Shane Battier and Carlos Boozer. Tyson Chandler plays the center position and will make sure that nobody comes down the lane without a monster hand in their face. In the backcourt, Stephon Marbury and Ray Allen roam. These two vets are getting older, but they can still shoot the rock. If Marbury can put his emotional off court issues aside, then this team should make some noise. We know RayRay will get his numbers, so this team should do well, but it all hinges on how Starbury plays.
10) Dallas Mavericks: What a team the gm as assemble this off season. The GM made 2 key trades this off season which saw Dirk Nowitzki leaving Dallas. But what he got back must have been a steal, as get got back Michael Redd, Andrei Kirilenko, Camby, and others. Why this trade was good for Dallas, is that he has a depth team from PG- C (even more than Uath and New Orleans at the time) But the 2nd trade he made, made me think “What the?” Yes got an upgrade in SG and a scored in SF, but what about Center? He traded Redd and Camby for Manu, Wallace, and Bargs, that left a huge hole in Center. I wasn’t sure why he did the trade but he must be up to something. With about 2 weeks left before the season opens, I personally think Dallas is going to make 1 more key move which could see a good or decent Center coming the other way.
11) Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have done a great job with there origination by adding star SG/SF Paul Perice and getting younger and better in PG in Rose. The team has come along way, with only Gasol as the core of the team. The Grzzlies also went out and brought in Peja, which was a great move by the team. Now the GM has assembled a top team in the West from PG – C. Rose- Paul – Peja – Gaosl – Antonio McDyess. I think this team is ready for another run in the playoffs.
12) Philadelphia 76'ers- This team begins and ends with their three stars: Gilbert Arenas, Kevin Garnett, and Samuel Dalembert. For this team to rise up, these three will need to avoid injuries and play to their potential every game this year. This is not a very deep team, although they do have some fairly decent players on the bench, so health should be a major point for this team. If KG and Gil light it up like they are capable of, this team could be a sleeper for a top 4 playoff seeding.
13) Golden State Warriors: It looked like the Warriors were in trouble when trading Lewis and Baron away for just Terry and Marion. But the GM had a plan where he saw Lewis coming back and also Deron Williams It was an amazing move by the GM, and now with re-singing young center Biedrins, the team is ready to make another run in the playoffs. With a record of 46- 36 I expect them to win at least 50 games this season the max. The team will be sending out Williams – Szczerbiak – Lewis – Harrington – Biedrins. Only thing I don’t like on the starting lineup is Wally, but with 13,000,000 becoming free next season I would say G-sates a top SG.
14) Portland Trail Blazers: All they needed was a true Point Guard, and now they have one. The Blazers where able to fill a hole in there lineup as they signed PG Devin Harris to a 5 year deal in the off season. Overpay? Yes, did they have to? Yes. Devin was paid a lot and I mean a lot of money this off season for a 79 ranked player. Why was Devin paid so much? He was basically the only PG out there, and with about 5 teams in need of a PG, who ever bid the highest wins, in this case Portland won, because of Miami leaving and going after Starbury. With Devin in the lineup, Roy should have a much better game, same with LaMarcus Aldridge. To be honest I can not wait to see this team perform this year, as the GM stated a while back “What, my team will be a playoff team next year”.
15) Houston Rockets: Shocking to see Houston up here but I have to give some respects to the GM here. He has changed this team around, it started from T-Mac and Ming (which he never had to trade to get better) to Iggy and Jefferson. Funny how things change in the matter of off season. They have a new talented young PG in Nelson. They have 3 great players which can lead this team to the playoffs. I am not 100% if they will make the playoffs because of how talented the west is this year? The GM started off great buy re-signing Josh Smith then trading him for AL which was a steal. Then trading Bogut and others for Iggy was a HUGEEE steal. If we had to give Executive of year right now, winner by a landside would have to be Houston.
16) Cleveland Cavaliers- This team has some good potential, led by their two stars Josh Howard and Elton Brand. Clevelands GM knows that these two are going to get their numbers and lead this team (as long as Josh can stay out of trouble). They also have two good veterans in Brad Miller and Larry Hughes. The questions for this team is also their point guard position.... can Beno Udrih lead this team to a playoff berth? This is yet to be seen, but if he plays to his potential, this team will be a playoff team.
17) Phoenix Suns: Wasn’t to sure were to put Phoenix, they had a great PG in Nash but then that changed to Bibby: They had a good SG in Vince Cater but got wade which was great but it cost him a great lineup. The GM has made other trade which may make us say “what the”, this team had Nelson – Ganger- Melo – BIG AL- Curry at one time. I think that team would have taken PHX to 6-7 place in the West but after he traded Granger and Melo for Wade that feel a part. I did not like that move at all, but that’s me. I could be wrong with where I put this team but I think they have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but I have been wrong before.
18) Los Angeles Lakers:Lakers and Houston are tied in my opinion. Lakers traded away Shaq which was a GREAT move by the team which saved them a lot of money, and brought in some young guys which is good to see. The Lakers still have AI and Kobe which can be very deadly if they are healthy. They have the best PG/SG on the team but no other core players which could hurt the team. Trading away Shaq for Wilcox was great but I am not 100% if Wilcox can get the job done. Maybe this was a move by the gm to clear cap space next year? Or is he slowly rebuilding? Time will only tell.
19) Denver Nuggets: Rebuilding might be the key word to say at one point. Funny how things change, from rebuilding to try and make the playoffs. The team made multiply trades this off season seeing faces coming and going. The team has 2 of the top 5 picks but yet the 2nd overall pick is now gone. It went from Rose to gay to Caron Butler. Caron and Odom and Kaman are crazy but what about point guard! This team needs help in the 1 slot badly, if they can fine a decent point, I think this team can make the playoffs
20) Washington Wizards-This team is also one that relies on a couple of superstars. Chris Bosh and Tracy McGrady are the heart and soul of this team. These guys are legitimate superstars in the league and are capable of willing their teams to victory. Stephen Jackson is an excellent role player for this team, but beyond these three guys i dont see that much that would warrant them being higher in the rankings. Maybe the GM should look to trade one of the superstars for a couple of guys to make the starting lineup more balanced..... who knows, I just dont know if this team can make it to the playoffs.
21) New York Knicks- This GM has changed the face of this franchise almost overnight it seems. The offseason was a very good one for them. Over this offseason, this team acquired 3 legitimateyoung stars. This team has a great young core with Carmelo Anthony, Monta Ellis, and Danny Granger. However, beyond these three guys there is not very much. There are plenty of questions about this team, but loads of potential. Is Jeff Foster really the answer at center? Can Carmelo play the PF position in the NBA like he does in the international game? Can the other two young guys play good minutes and make up for the lack of a bench? Those will be answered this year, and this team should fight for a playoff berth.
22)Charlotte Bobcats- This is another team that has gotten a drastic makeover. This team now has a very balanced team, but without a true superstar leader. Caron Butler is their leader, no doubt, but can he play that role? The GM has put many good solid guys around Caron, such as TJ Ford, Charlie Villaneuva, and Jamal Crawford. At the center position is Antonio McDyess. Does he have another good season left in his ancient legs? If he does, and if these guys can mesh well together this is a dark horse for a playoff berth. I like their chances if their young guys play to their potential.
23) Boston Celtics-This team has a good core of guys that should help get them some victories. Kevin Durant is going to get his points, and so will Joe Johnson. The offseason signing of Jose Calderon was a great move by this GM. This team is fairly weak down low, with Nene and Krstic, but they have a fairly good bench. This team has some legit players, but look to be a couple of years away from being a strong contender. What this team needs is a low post banger that can solidify the post for this team.
24) Atlanta Hawks- Atlanta has some very good young players and has done well building this team from scratch. Al Horford is a great young player to build this franchise around, and Yiiii gives him another solid young player down low to run with. Mike Miller will provide some good outside shooting, and Ricky Davis is a wily veteran guy who should score some points. Mo williams should also get his points, to round out this balanced team. I like this team's makeup, there are just so many other good teams in the East for me to see them making the playoffs.
25) Sacramento Kings : I am not 100% sure what’s going to happen with Kings. They didn’t really do anything big this off season, they only got Deng to re-sign which is great but they don’t have anyone else to play with him. I don’t think they will make the playoffs, but I think the idea is “Slow and Steady win the race” I wonder if the GM will be more Active in the next off season.
26) Minnesota Timberwolves: This team is clearly rebuilding and has started in a great direction. Trading Caron for Rudy Gay was a great move, and it also saves them money. Gay is a great start to rebuild a team. The GM has done a lot of key moves this off season which saw Captain Gordon going to Bobcats for Caron and Caron for Rudy Gay. The Team is currently trying to trade Ben Wallace, and if they fine someone for him, this team will have a lot of money to spend next off season. Next off season will be fun to watch for this team.
27) Indiana Pacers- The Pacers organization has gone through a complete team makeover. This team is loaded with young talent and some rookies with loads of potential. Their young stud center, Andrew Bynum, is definitley the face of this franchise. This team also has many good, young guards such as: Rajon Rondo, Acie Law, and rookie Russell Westbrook. Looking at this starting lineup, I see a decent young team. Bynum will shoulder the load for this team, and it remains to be seen if Westbrook will be able to play the 2 guard as good as he does the 1. This team is 3 or 4 years away from being competitive.
28) Los Angeles Clippers: I’m sorry clippers but I truly thought you would have been a bit more active this off season. With a payroll of 30 some million I though you would of gone out and get some key FA like Jamison and Devin Harris but didn’t. But I think this team is going into the right direction. They got the first pick there year which was a plus, and maybe next year they might get it again (if they do as bad like last year). I don’t think they will be as bad as I put them, but they could do a lot better. With the signing of Swift for 10 million for the first year to me is nuts loll, but maybe next off season the team can go after a Baron Davis, or Agent 0 type of player.
29) San Antonio Spurs: 1 word to describe them, Rebuilding. The GM came in and traded all his great talent away from young players. Let’s hope this pays off.
30) Chicago- The Bulls will start off in the cellar of the first Eastern Conference Power Rankings, and I dont know if there is anyone who can dispute that. This team has loads of young guys, but no true identity. Look for Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph to be solid rookies for this team, and Willie Green will also get his touches. This team will be looking for a top 3 draft pick in order to load up on more young talent and then possibly make a run in the next 5 years. The Bulls will battle the Pacers all season for the right to the cellar of the power rankings.