Post by cjmjones008 on Apr 16, 2009 14:08:40 GMT -5
1. New Jersey Nets- 157
The Nets were in the top 3 in all 10 ballots submitted. The Oden trade does set them back some this season, but there is still no reason why they can’t win it all this year. The Nets are likely to make at least one more big move to get another stud big.
2. Seattle Supersonics-135
The Sonics have been a tough team to stop on offense all season. They have been giving up a lot of points, but they still manage to have some of the better defensive stats in the league (8.6 steals 10 blocks). I don’t know how much of a contender they will be come playoff time, but I didn’t expect them to be this good right now either
.
3. Milwaukee Bucks- 128
One of the youngest teams in the league, the Bucks have been a surprise thus far. They have two of the better defenders in the league in Brock and Chiba. They also added another sick defender in Sembene. This team has a great mix of scorers and defenders, and could make a deep playoff run.
4. Indiana Pacers- 124
The Pacers don’t have a major weakness on their entire team. They can score, pass, and defend very well at every single position. They are a lot like the Pistons teams that Jay recently had. I’m not sure if they will have similar playoff success, but they are going to be a tough out for anyone.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves- 110
As Duck-Young Bak goes so do the Timberwolves. They are capable of beating any team in the league if he is on any given night. The Wolves also have a very nice starting frontcourt in Bynum and emerging Jeremy Tyler. Tyler is having a career year with 20ppg 12rpg and 2bpg. Eamon O’Callaghan has been an under the radar PG since his days in Houston. The guy can get the job done. The Timberwolves have good wing depth with Tony Galvan but have none in the frontcourt. If they can add someone to play backup C/PF they will be a tough out.
6. Los Angeles Lakers- 103
The leagues most talented team has really struggled this season. They were completely left out of the power rankings by their own GM. Key starters or backups have missed a total of 96 games thus far this season. If the Lakers ever get healthy, they will be the favorite to win the title again.
7. New York Knicks- 95
The Knicks were a fast riser in the rankings after acquiring Derrick Favors. They even managed a first place vote. No one in the league can matchup with their frontcourt of Howard and Favors. These two combined with Austin Rivers are easily enough to win the title this season.
8. Las Vegas Rebels- 86
About one season ago, the Rebels were the hottest team in the league. They had just added two all time greats in Derrick Rose and DeJuan Bliar. Since last seasons disappointing playoffs, the Rebels have taken a step back. They are still very good, but something besides Bigelow, Whitehorse, and Rose is going to be needed for them to have a chance in the playoffs.
9. Miami Heat- 81
Kevin Durant is still the leagues best player at 32 years old. The Heat are a perfect example of how far a player like Durant can take you. DeRozan, Freeman, and Smith are all good role players but don’t look like much of a threat at this point.
10. Toronto Raptors -76
The Favors trade has once again taken DJ out of contention. If it weren’t for early ballots they wouldn’t be higher than 13th in this rankings.
11. Memphis Grizzlies- 74
12. Orlando Magic- 72
13. Chicago Bulls- 33
14. Utah Jazz- 19
15. Phoenix Suns-14
Others Receiving Votes: Nuggets (8), 76ers (2), Clippers (2), Cavs (1)
Voters: Mark, DJ, Jah, Greg, Skillz, CC, Nanz, Jordan, Maniac, Ashes, Blue
The Nets were in the top 3 in all 10 ballots submitted. The Oden trade does set them back some this season, but there is still no reason why they can’t win it all this year. The Nets are likely to make at least one more big move to get another stud big.
2. Seattle Supersonics-135
The Sonics have been a tough team to stop on offense all season. They have been giving up a lot of points, but they still manage to have some of the better defensive stats in the league (8.6 steals 10 blocks). I don’t know how much of a contender they will be come playoff time, but I didn’t expect them to be this good right now either
.
3. Milwaukee Bucks- 128
One of the youngest teams in the league, the Bucks have been a surprise thus far. They have two of the better defenders in the league in Brock and Chiba. They also added another sick defender in Sembene. This team has a great mix of scorers and defenders, and could make a deep playoff run.
4. Indiana Pacers- 124
The Pacers don’t have a major weakness on their entire team. They can score, pass, and defend very well at every single position. They are a lot like the Pistons teams that Jay recently had. I’m not sure if they will have similar playoff success, but they are going to be a tough out for anyone.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves- 110
As Duck-Young Bak goes so do the Timberwolves. They are capable of beating any team in the league if he is on any given night. The Wolves also have a very nice starting frontcourt in Bynum and emerging Jeremy Tyler. Tyler is having a career year with 20ppg 12rpg and 2bpg. Eamon O’Callaghan has been an under the radar PG since his days in Houston. The guy can get the job done. The Timberwolves have good wing depth with Tony Galvan but have none in the frontcourt. If they can add someone to play backup C/PF they will be a tough out.
6. Los Angeles Lakers- 103
The leagues most talented team has really struggled this season. They were completely left out of the power rankings by their own GM. Key starters or backups have missed a total of 96 games thus far this season. If the Lakers ever get healthy, they will be the favorite to win the title again.
7. New York Knicks- 95
The Knicks were a fast riser in the rankings after acquiring Derrick Favors. They even managed a first place vote. No one in the league can matchup with their frontcourt of Howard and Favors. These two combined with Austin Rivers are easily enough to win the title this season.
8. Las Vegas Rebels- 86
About one season ago, the Rebels were the hottest team in the league. They had just added two all time greats in Derrick Rose and DeJuan Bliar. Since last seasons disappointing playoffs, the Rebels have taken a step back. They are still very good, but something besides Bigelow, Whitehorse, and Rose is going to be needed for them to have a chance in the playoffs.
9. Miami Heat- 81
Kevin Durant is still the leagues best player at 32 years old. The Heat are a perfect example of how far a player like Durant can take you. DeRozan, Freeman, and Smith are all good role players but don’t look like much of a threat at this point.
10. Toronto Raptors -76
The Favors trade has once again taken DJ out of contention. If it weren’t for early ballots they wouldn’t be higher than 13th in this rankings.
11. Memphis Grizzlies- 74
12. Orlando Magic- 72
13. Chicago Bulls- 33
14. Utah Jazz- 19
15. Phoenix Suns-14
Others Receiving Votes: Nuggets (8), 76ers (2), Clippers (2), Cavs (1)
Voters: Mark, DJ, Jah, Greg, Skillz, CC, Nanz, Jordan, Maniac, Ashes, Blue
