Post by cjmjones008 on May 8, 2009 13:00:15 GMT -5
1. Los Angeles Lakers – 150
For the second time this season, the Lakers received all of the first places votes in this polling. They are definitely the favorite to win the title if they can avoid their usual big injury come playoff time. With LaQuinton Ross expiring and due a big raise, this could be the Lakers last chance at a title for a while.
2. Toronto Raptors – 124
If you looked at the defending champions roster you wouldn’t think they would be in the top seven or eight teams in the league. They are the type of team everyone wants to play come playoff time, but once they do find themselves eliminated. The Raptors have to be the Eastern Conference favorite because of their great success against the Bucks this season.
3. Milwaukee Bucks – 123
This polled showed there are some very mixed feelings about the Bucks roster. They were ranked anywhere from second to seventh. They do have a favorable road to the ECF. The Bucks are going to need a great game out of Yates or Bobo on a nightly basis to take the title.
4. Utah Jazz – 117
Injuries have really killed the playoff hopes of the Jazz. They should be capable of getting by the Blazers once Xavier Henry is back, but not having DJ Augustine is going to limit them in the second round. This could be the end of this small run by the Jazz franchise due to the age of their core.
5. Las Vegas Rebels -117
I would have liked to have seen the Rebels make a deadline move for an upgrade at SF. They may have had to mortgage the future, but I think a title this year was very feasible. Bigelow and Whitehorse will keep the Rebels good for a long time, but after Rose is gone they will struggle to be elite. I don’t think this team can get by the league heavyweights, but the pieces are there. Pete Goodger is going to be key to any success.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves – 105
The Timberwolves were the leagues top defensive team. This is going give them a big advantage over all of the high-powered offenses that are dominating the league. It is surprising to see a teams fifth best starter, Tony Galvan, to not only lead the team but also the league in minutes. Some GMS may think the Wolves are the team to beat, but I don’t think their backcourt is strong enough to win a title.
7. New York Knicks – 90
For the second polling in a row, someone left the Knicks off their ballot entirely. They still would have been the seventh ranked team but they would have close to 100 total points. Having three stars could easily be enough to win the title, but I feel that none are nearly as dominant as Outlawz normal studs are. This team may surprise me in the playoffs, but I don’t see them making it past round 2.
8. Philadelphia 76ers – 81
The 76ers were the hottest team in the East to start off the seasons. Injuries quickly derailed the team and caused them to slide all the way to the four seed. Hahn Owens is out for the playoffs, but they have the players to fill in for him. They have played the Bucks tough all season and could be a sleeper for a deep playoff run.
9. Washington Wizards – 61
I honestly didn’t even know the Wizards were good until the first power poll of the season. Jah has done a good job with this team, but it is another good Eastern team without a superstar. Their second leading scorer doesn’t start. For that reason, I doubt this team has enough fire power to do anything in the playoffs. Considering that their talent looks to be tapped, I think it is safe to say the Wizards will be making frequent first round exits in the next few seasons.
10. Golden State Warriors -60
The Josh Smith acquisition was big for this team. I’ve always felt he was one of the main reasons Miami had the playoff success they have had in the past. I’m glad Pig will be around for at least 4 more years. The Warriors are in the best shape they have been in about a decade, which is good to see. Maybe they can make some playoff noise, but I don’t think they can beat any of the top 4 in the West.
11. New Jersey Nets -59
12. Cleveland Cavaliers -45
13. Phoenix Suns - 32
14. Boston Celtics – 16
15. Portland Trailblazers – 13
Others Receiving Votes:
Houston Rockets – 5
Memphis Grizzlies – 2
Voters: Greg, Ashes, CC, Jah, Nova, DJ, Scott, Nanz, Pig, and Jordan
For the second time this season, the Lakers received all of the first places votes in this polling. They are definitely the favorite to win the title if they can avoid their usual big injury come playoff time. With LaQuinton Ross expiring and due a big raise, this could be the Lakers last chance at a title for a while.
2. Toronto Raptors – 124
If you looked at the defending champions roster you wouldn’t think they would be in the top seven or eight teams in the league. They are the type of team everyone wants to play come playoff time, but once they do find themselves eliminated. The Raptors have to be the Eastern Conference favorite because of their great success against the Bucks this season.
3. Milwaukee Bucks – 123
This polled showed there are some very mixed feelings about the Bucks roster. They were ranked anywhere from second to seventh. They do have a favorable road to the ECF. The Bucks are going to need a great game out of Yates or Bobo on a nightly basis to take the title.
4. Utah Jazz – 117
Injuries have really killed the playoff hopes of the Jazz. They should be capable of getting by the Blazers once Xavier Henry is back, but not having DJ Augustine is going to limit them in the second round. This could be the end of this small run by the Jazz franchise due to the age of their core.
5. Las Vegas Rebels -117
I would have liked to have seen the Rebels make a deadline move for an upgrade at SF. They may have had to mortgage the future, but I think a title this year was very feasible. Bigelow and Whitehorse will keep the Rebels good for a long time, but after Rose is gone they will struggle to be elite. I don’t think this team can get by the league heavyweights, but the pieces are there. Pete Goodger is going to be key to any success.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves – 105
The Timberwolves were the leagues top defensive team. This is going give them a big advantage over all of the high-powered offenses that are dominating the league. It is surprising to see a teams fifth best starter, Tony Galvan, to not only lead the team but also the league in minutes. Some GMS may think the Wolves are the team to beat, but I don’t think their backcourt is strong enough to win a title.
7. New York Knicks – 90
For the second polling in a row, someone left the Knicks off their ballot entirely. They still would have been the seventh ranked team but they would have close to 100 total points. Having three stars could easily be enough to win the title, but I feel that none are nearly as dominant as Outlawz normal studs are. This team may surprise me in the playoffs, but I don’t see them making it past round 2.
8. Philadelphia 76ers – 81
The 76ers were the hottest team in the East to start off the seasons. Injuries quickly derailed the team and caused them to slide all the way to the four seed. Hahn Owens is out for the playoffs, but they have the players to fill in for him. They have played the Bucks tough all season and could be a sleeper for a deep playoff run.
9. Washington Wizards – 61
I honestly didn’t even know the Wizards were good until the first power poll of the season. Jah has done a good job with this team, but it is another good Eastern team without a superstar. Their second leading scorer doesn’t start. For that reason, I doubt this team has enough fire power to do anything in the playoffs. Considering that their talent looks to be tapped, I think it is safe to say the Wizards will be making frequent first round exits in the next few seasons.
10. Golden State Warriors -60
The Josh Smith acquisition was big for this team. I’ve always felt he was one of the main reasons Miami had the playoff success they have had in the past. I’m glad Pig will be around for at least 4 more years. The Warriors are in the best shape they have been in about a decade, which is good to see. Maybe they can make some playoff noise, but I don’t think they can beat any of the top 4 in the West.
11. New Jersey Nets -59
12. Cleveland Cavaliers -45
13. Phoenix Suns - 32
14. Boston Celtics – 16
15. Portland Trailblazers – 13
Others Receiving Votes:
Houston Rockets – 5
Memphis Grizzlies – 2
Voters: Greg, Ashes, CC, Jah, Nova, DJ, Scott, Nanz, Pig, and Jordan
