Post by Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan 22, 2009 18:55:16 GMT -5
*DET wrote comments for teams ranked 1-6
*CHA wrote comments for teams ranked 7-12
*ORL wrote comments for teams ranked 13-18
*TOR wrote comments for teams ranked 19-24
*OKC wrote comments for teams ranked 25-30
A new edition of Power Rankings will be released every 3 sim weeks.
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*CHA wrote comments for teams ranked 7-12
*ORL wrote comments for teams ranked 13-18
*TOR wrote comments for teams ranked 19-24
*OKC wrote comments for teams ranked 25-30
A new edition of Power Rankings will be released every 3 sim weeks.
Rank (Last) |
Team
[/td][td]Record
[/td][td]Comment
[/td][td]Trend
[/td][/tr][tr][td]
1
(1)
[/td][td]Hornets[/td][td](1)
33-7
[/td][td]It was not to long ago when the Hornets traded their star PG Chris Paul. Most were saying this could really ruin the teams chemistry, but boy were they wrong. This team has been flying high and playing at a very nice rate. The team is leading the Southwest Division by 10 plus games and is the front runner for the title. As long as Michael Redd and Marcus Camby can keep up the consistent play this team could really make a push to be a back-to back-to back champion.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
2
(2)
[/td][td]Jazz[/td][td](2)
33-9
[/td][td]Kirk Hinrich took a little break from the roids for a while and you could tell. Utah was just losing a few games that they had no business losing, but now with Kirk being rejuvenated (If you know what I mean) they have been playing a lot better. They are still leading Oklahoma City for the Northwest Division lead and their looking to finish strong heading into the all-star break. One thing I'm sure Utah wouldn't mind, would be Lebron stepping it up a little bit. If that happened this team could be hard to stop in there playoff run.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
3
(3)
[/td][td]Raptors[/td][td](3)
31-8
[/td][td]The Raps are still out in front in the East, but teams are closing in fast. Maybe some change is needed in Toronto? It wouldn't have to be anything major but adding a nice 6th man could help them pull away to where they once were. This team, by far, has the most chemistry in the Eastern Conference and it shows by the teams record. Jermaine O'Neal is right atop of the MVP talks, but I think he has a lot more than that on his mind. His team is pushing for the Championship.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
4
(4)
[/td][td]Thunder[/td][td](4)
30-8
[/td][td]Deron Williams has been a very nice pick-up for the Thunder. Since being traded from the Warriors he has helped pull OKC neck and neck with Utah. Deron has given the Thunder that true leader on the court. A guy that can not only score on his own but can set up his teammates as well. Rudy Gay has also been a nice addition to this team putting up some big games since being added to the roster. Its going to be a nail-biting finish down the stretch to see who can take the top spot in the division between the Thunder and the Jazz.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
5
(5)
[/td][td]Magic[/td][td](5)
30-11
[/td][td]The big 3 didn't look as if it was going to work out a few weeks back. The team was losing games it should not have lost. Since they have played well though, they finally got rid of the cancer on their team Jamal Crawford. He was taking shots away from the Big 3 and just was not fitting in well with the system. Carmelo, CP3, ad Yao have been playing good basketball as of late and it shows. Their climbing back atop the Eastern Conference inch by inch and showing that they're a team you don't want to mess with.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
6 (10)
[/td][td]Heat[/td][td]23-16
[/td][td]This team has to be the surprise team of the year. Most would of put at least 6 teams in the East ahead of the Heat at seasons start, but have they showed all the haters that they're for real. Miami has a deadly front-court with Carlos Boozer and Pau Gasol. Both can go off on any given night and put put up 30. The real rock on this team has been Jose Calderon, though. As of now he will be a starter in the All-Star game and he really deserves it. Jose has been one of the best point guards in the league this year and is showing he really is hungry to show that this Miami team can make some real noise come playoff time.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
7 (7)
[/td][td]76'ers[/td][td]25-13
[/td][td]The 76ers GM has been dealing with personal issues, and has yet to make the big trade that everyone thought they should make coming into this season. KG and Agent can't win the title by themselves, and while Raja Bell is contributing this team still needs more fire power. Until this trades happens, Philly can't go farther than the 2nd round.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
8
(13)
[/td][td]Nets[/td][td](13)
22-16
[/td][td]Nets have come a live as of late, Steve Nash just got done LOCKING DOWN Derrick Rose. If Steve Nash and the Nets can hold there opponents between 90 and 100 ppg, I could see NJ getting back in the playoff race and maybe winning the title. Don't forget people, they were the pre- season favorite out of the East.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
9 (6)
[/td][td]Cavaliers[/td][td]26-14
[/td][td]This team was held together by that awesome chemistry that happens in NBA Live sometimes, don't ask me why, but sometimes players play well together. When the Cavs GM traded Josh Howard for Ray Allen, he broke that and the Cavs are now slipping because of it. Larry Hughes is not a SF, though I could see him being a pretty good PG for this team. That would bring recently acquired Adam Morrison into the starting 5 at the 3, who could live off of Brand getting double teamed in the post. I see this deep going down to a 6-8 team in the East by the time it is all said and done.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
10 (9)
[/td][td]Grizzlies[/td][td]20-15
[/td][td]The Grizzles recently traded Pau Gasol for Tyson Chandler and Shane Battier, and I think it's a move that will help the Grizzles a lot. Chandler and Dirk in the post compliment each other well, in Dirk you have a scorer and Chandler a tough D and rebounding kind of guy. Gasol and Dirk would fight for touches, but now Dirk knows he is the man. Battier gives the Grizzles a much needed outside defender, and allows Anthony Parker to go to the bench as the 6th man. Only thing I don't like is Peja or Battier is going to have to be a 2 guard, and they are both slow footed 3's. Overall I like it for the Grizzles, and they should rise in the West.[/td][td][/td][/tr][tr][td]
11 (11)
[/td][td]Suns[/td][td]23-17
[/td][td]New GM traded Wade, Jsmith, Korver, and others for Ron Artest, Vince Carter, and Emeka Okafor. I think it was a good trade overall, but it will make them better this year. You now have a complete starting 5, and if Carter is up to the task of being a leader this team could really fly. Look out for the Suns in the West, they could shock some people come playoff time.[/td][td][tr][td]
12 (12)
[/td][td]Trailblazers[/td][td]23-16
[/td][td]I always get Portland, and it's always the same thing. THEY NEED A FREAKIN CENTER!!!!!! Diop can't do it, you can write as many articles as you want and Diop can cry as much as he wants, but you need a center to take the next step to being a contender. You have Outlaw, Webster, and Diop to deal to get one, without breaking up your great guard play. I don't know what else to say about this team, they're just sitting waiting for someone to get them a center.[/td][td][tr][td]
13 (19)
[/td][td]Rockets[/td][td]20-18
[/td][td]What to say about the Rockets? Solid. A solid team made up of the old-guard tandem of Billups and Rip and a front-court of Wilcox and Al has propelled this team into the top of Texas. Every day that passes is another day of gelling and team chemistry and if I know my Texans, they'll be grabbing their ten-gallon hats and firing pistols in the air come playoff time.[/td][td][tr][td]
14 (17)
[/td][td]Pistons[/td][td]20-18
[/td][td]After months of tapping our feet and checking our non-existent watches, Detroit has finally shown up. After more facelifts than Joan Rivers, this team has finally found an identity around Z-Bo, who has been spectacular for the men from Mo-Town. They may have slipped down our rankings but my money is on this being the most dangerous #14 to date and a major player come playoffs...as usual.[/td][td][tr][td]
15 (14)
[/td][td]Bucks[/td][td]19-18
[/td][td]I have officially renamed the Bucks, the Rubix. No matter how many times I try and figure out to solve this team's problems, I come up with a jumbled mess and a headache. On paper, they're great. On the court, not so much. And unless someone much smarter than I can solve their problems, they will forever and always be an anomaly.[/td][td][tr][td]
16 (16)
[/td][td]Mavericks[/td][td]21-20
[/td][td]Speaking of anomalies, here come the Mavs. Marion, T-Mac, Manu, Kidd. At first glance you may think I am just listing off yearly contenders for the All-star ballot, but in reality, this is just the rag-tag group that Dallas calls a team. Only idea I have here is simple egos butting heads. Marion and T-Mac should be studs and they know it...so unfortunately, Dallas is left with a duel for who gets the better stat line each game. Doesn't help that Z thinks he's D12 and jacks shots like he's straight out of Mike D'Antoni's system.[/td][td][tr][td]
17 (8)
[/td][td]Celtics[/td][td]19-19
[/td][td]With the more recent deals that Boston has accomplished, I am not as in love as I used to be with this squad. In my humble opinion, they may have taken a slight step backwards. "Good"en is anything but "good" at center. (ha, get it, good...gooden) And Posey just doesn't tickle my fancy. Jo-Jo, Durant and Odom, great, studs, solid, men. But I think the combo on this team is just off to me and Boston can only hope that they prove me wrong[/td][td][tr][td]
18 (15)
[/td][td]Bobcats[/td][td]20-21
[/td][td]CHUCK-CITY!!! Between Biedrins and Harrington, all Gordon and Rose can do is chill at half-court and watch. It's called a team sport boys, and taking 2/3 of your team's shots is a little too selfish for my tastes. And I know, I know, I'm sure at one point in high school you guys COULD jack all the shots you wanted because no one else was even half as good as you. But you got the silky smooth stylings of BG on the perimeter, for God's sake, PASS! [/td][td][tr][td]
19 (20)
[/td][td]Warriors[/td][td]18-22
[/td][td]Golden State has done everything they can in the past few weeks. They have traded players for a new look but yet still under 500. The bright side to Golden State, is there playing in an awful division where making the playoffs is still a reality. It all depends on how T.J Ford and PP play down the stretch for this team.[/td][td][tr][td]
20 (18)
[/td][td]Wizards[/td][td]18-19
[/td][td]Nothing seems to be going right for the Wiz. After trading T-Mac, the future looked bright but yet they are still under 500. With the team having CB4 only as their number one guy, it is very hard for him to bring it every game. The best thing the GM could be able to pull off is a Jackson or Wallace trade to get a true PG or even a true Center as CB4 is more of a PF.[/td][td][tr][td]
21 (21)
[/td][td]Lakers[/td][td]15-23
[/td][td]Lakers have done everything but trade one player and his name is Kobe. It was made clear multiple times that LA does not want to give up superstar SG Kobe Bryant, but maybe it's time to entertain offers. Lets face it, the team is in a rebuilding mode and needs to get younger, and with trading there first round pick this year, its very likely they wont be able to land a young stud. That leaves only one thing, trade Kobe for young talented players and picks. We could see a big improvement next year in LA but this year is a ride off for them, baring a miracle.[/td][td][tr][td]
22 (22)
[/td][td]Hawks[/td][td]16-23
[/td][td]One thing about Atlanta is consistency, they have a very good team but yet they're losing games which they should be able to win. They beat the best 2 teams in the league in Toronto and Utah but yet they lose games which they should win. Al Horford has been the key for them all year, you pass him the ball, 75 % of the time it will get you 2 points or more. The only move I see Atlanta doing is trying to trade for either a better PG or a true SF to play with Al.[/td][td][tr][td]
23 (23)
[/td][td]Knicks[/td][td]14-25
[/td][td]2 Words, Chris Kaman, he has been on a roll of late posting double doubles like its easy, but sadly the team is unable to get a big winning streak going. With New York not having their first round pick this year, it's hard to rebuild without getting a young stud. Wont be to surprise if New York try's and trade Ellis for a better SG or PG.[/td][td][tr][td]
24 (24)
[/td][td]Nuggets[/td][td]13-26
[/td][td]What a Yo-Yo season it has been for Denver. We all figured they were rebuilding at the start of the season, then they get AI and D12 ,and they were doing very good, then Denver trades away AI and the team starts to suck again. Denver has not found the right guy for the job. Yes they have the best Center in the game and also young SF in Josh Howard, but what about the PG, SG, and PF? This off season should be fun for nuggets fan because I expect your GM to make multiple moves to make Denver a better team.[/td][td][tr][td]
25 (25)
[/td][td]T'Wolves[/td][td]12-25
[/td][td]The T'Wolves have been pretty bad this year, but their lone bright spot has to be the play of Danny Granger. He has been stellar in a Wolves jersey. The change of scenery has done him well, as he will most likely be playing in this years all-star game. A nice feat for a team that is otherwise non-existient. You know a team is just riding out the season when they have Antoine Walker playing center .[/td][td][tr][td]
26 (29)
[/td][td]Spurs[/td][td]9-31
[/td][td]The Spurs have played well as of late...well, as well as a 9 win team can play. Andrew Bogut is playing outstanding as the featured player for the Spurs. He has been a top 5 center out west all year and is getting very little recognition due to the team he plays for. The Spurs are just playing out the season. Their GM gets paid the big bucks to make the important decisions that face him this off-season. An important off-season, I might add.[/td][td][tr][td]
27 (26)
[/td][td]Kings[/td][td]9-31
[/td][td]After showing some promise before the last rankings, the Kings have fallen back into the cellar of the West. Their latest trade, that sent Boris Diaw to Boston was one that could be questioned talent wise, but the deal did bring back a 6 million dollar expiring contract. And teams that are in rebuild mode need as much cap room they can get. Expect the Kings to be big players in this years off-season FA.[/td][td][tr][td]
28 (28)
[/td][td]Clippers[/td][td]10-31
[/td][td]The Clippers are 1-9 in their last 10 games and they dont show any signs of popping out of this slump. The team is to a point where its already looking forward to next season. They have a lot of cap space and a few solid drat picks that could really turn this team into something decent. Throw in rating changes, which LAC will benefit the most from compared to the entire league, and the Clippers could be a dangerous team next season.[/td][td][tr][td]
29 (27)
[/td][td]Pacers[/td][td]8-27
[/td][td]Hmmm...What to say about the Pacers? When you dont play your best players it sends the wrong message to your fans, and to a certain degree, your players. I say this, because this recently transpired. The GM IR-ed Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo and lets not forget Troy Murphy has been on IR all year. Things like this make Pacer fans cry. The fans purchase a tikcet, they want to see Indy's best young and up and coming players. Not second rate players.[/td][td][tr][td]
30 (30)
[/td][td]Bulls[/td][td]4-37
[/td][td]The Bulls have not won a game in over 3 weeks, but that is not important to the Bulls GM. He wants to see improved play from his players and he is getting that. After a disappointing start to the season, Craig Smith has made himself into a rebounding force. He has moved into the top 10 in the league averaging, 10+ a game. The GM also has to be impressed with his stud rookies play, Kevin Love. He is having a great season averaging 18 and 8.[/td][td]