Post by cjmjones008 on Jun 23, 2009 21:52:05 GMT -5
1. Milwaukee Bucks- 128
All of the late ballots had the Bucks #1 in this powerpoll, which allowed them to quickly, climb from #3 to the top spot. The slowing of the teams pace has paid great dividends. They are 18-5 since this move with 3 of the losses occurring due to injuries. Sly Rollins has become more dominant than ever (note his 3 consecutive POW and the last POM). The Bucks have one of the biggest teams in the league. Everyone can score. The depth is there. This team has all the makings for success. At this point, there are three teams that clearly stand out and the Bucks are one of them. Look for them to maintain the top spot for the next powerpoll.
2. New York Knicks- 125
The Knicks had the great players to start off the season, but no depth to speak of. Outlawz quickly added Chris Singleton, Tristan Thompson, and Sven Anderson for practically nothing. The addition of Sven Anderson is one of this seasons key acquisitions. Jacquez Mercier is surprisingly an elite PG. I’m not sure if he will be able to maintain this type of dominance in the playoffs, but if he can the Knicks will be a real threat. The Knicks are one of the previously mentioned elite three teams in the league at this point. If they can add another 20+ppg threat then they will likely be the favorite.
3. Memphis Grizzlies- 123
After looking at the Grizzlies roster, I don’t think I would consider them substantially better (if any better) then the next tier of teams. Austin Brock is a very good player, but I’ve never thought he was even close to being elite while I had him. Dmitri Maximov isn’t playing up to his ratings. Eamon O’Callaghan is a good PG. However, there is a reason why I never thought the Timberwolves would never go anywhere in the playoffs, and if O’Callaghan is the Grizzlies PG then I will feel the same about them. The frontcourt depth of the Grizzlies is very poor at this time as well. I don’t see the Grizzlies continuing their success for the rest of the season, but Skillz will likely have a new roster by the next powerpoll so it is hard to say where this team will exactly be.
Prediction: At least one of Brock or Maximov will be gone. I’m guessing Maximov.
4. Phoenix Suns- 99
The Suns have certainly been a surprise thus far this season. Devereux St. Cloud has been one of the elite players in the league for quite some time. His size gives him a huge advantage over almost every PG out there. Brody Masterson has taken his game to a higher level this season. Karron Thomson has been one of the leagues best and most underrated big men for the past few seasons. He was a huge signing for the Suns. The Suns roster does not have the look of a conference champion, but with St. Cloud’s playoff track record and their huge frontcourt advantage on Memphis, I think the Suns may be the current west favorite.
5. Boston Celtics- 94
Deon Price is the leagues most improved player. Even though he is only in his second season he is already a guy who could start for any team. Price is the Celtics closest thing to a stud. This alone should tell you this team isn’t going to poise a real threat come playoff time. Myles Taylor is a great PG to have, but he isn’t going to carry you. Should Price and Amon Cummings continue to improve, the Celtics should be a top team in the East in future seasons.
6. Philadelphia 76ers- 91
The 76ers have underperformed thus far this season due to injuries. They were one of the title favorites to start off this season and still have to be. They have one of the three best rosters in the league. Delvon Roe and Jeremy Tyler are both providing good minutes from the bench. The one thing that the 76ers don’t have this season and haven’t had in the past is the element of surprise. Their starting lineup is going to be the same regardless which allows the other team come playoff time to set up a DC that they think gives them the best chance of success. I think Maniac needs to make one or two trades to shake up this team and give it some flexibility.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves- 75
This team would be lucky to win 30 games without Duck. He is the leagues best player at this point and probably will be for another three seasons. Ashes has needed to rebuild or tear things down for awhile. He is now to the point where the only player he will get any value out of is Duck. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get value for the leagues best player. If he can get two very good players and some picks then that would be a good starting point. Having said this, I realize Ashes isn’t rebuilding anytime soon. Duck’s career will continue to be a waste while he is in Minnesota. Dwight has to retire at some point and Rubio is going to get worse. This team is as good as its going to be with these players, and that is not good enough for even a conference finals appearance.
8. Chicago Bulls- 74
Can Andy please get a center? Aaron Baer should not be starting if you want to seriously compete. Sidney and Favors will give every team a matchup problem at either SF or PF if not both. Xavier Henry can still score like few others. QAJ can do a good enough job to give this team a chance to compete. A real center and depth is something the Bulls have to add. Unfortunately, they don’t have the contracts for it.
9. Denver Nuggets- 57
Gabe Aimetti is finally producing better than most centers in the league. The Nuggets have desperately needed that for a few seasons. If he has another good TC or two, the Nuggets will have the second best frontcourt in the league (if Outlawz keeps his duo together). The Nuggets have more depth than any of the other contenders in the west. This will be a big advantage come playoff time. They also are going to be able to outsize almost every team in the league. The Nuggets are actually a darkhorse team in the west at this point IMO.
10. Orlando Magic- 53
The Magic have a great talent base. Three very good big men, an elite PG, and good wings is definitely a recipe for success. However, injuries have hurt this team thus far. Even with the injuries, they still aren’t playing quite to the level I would expect. Once Aaron has more time to find a better DC I think the Magic will be a tough team to beat. At this point, I think the title is going to one of Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, or Orlando.
11a. San Antonio Spurs- 41
11b. Indiana Pacers- 41
13. Detroit Pistons- 34
14. Las Angeles Clippers- 18
15. Las Vegas Rebels- 9
Voters: CC, Ducky, Skillz, DJ, Dan, Jah, JTBRLZ, Scott, Jordan
All of the late ballots had the Bucks #1 in this powerpoll, which allowed them to quickly, climb from #3 to the top spot. The slowing of the teams pace has paid great dividends. They are 18-5 since this move with 3 of the losses occurring due to injuries. Sly Rollins has become more dominant than ever (note his 3 consecutive POW and the last POM). The Bucks have one of the biggest teams in the league. Everyone can score. The depth is there. This team has all the makings for success. At this point, there are three teams that clearly stand out and the Bucks are one of them. Look for them to maintain the top spot for the next powerpoll.
2. New York Knicks- 125
The Knicks had the great players to start off the season, but no depth to speak of. Outlawz quickly added Chris Singleton, Tristan Thompson, and Sven Anderson for practically nothing. The addition of Sven Anderson is one of this seasons key acquisitions. Jacquez Mercier is surprisingly an elite PG. I’m not sure if he will be able to maintain this type of dominance in the playoffs, but if he can the Knicks will be a real threat. The Knicks are one of the previously mentioned elite three teams in the league at this point. If they can add another 20+ppg threat then they will likely be the favorite.
3. Memphis Grizzlies- 123
After looking at the Grizzlies roster, I don’t think I would consider them substantially better (if any better) then the next tier of teams. Austin Brock is a very good player, but I’ve never thought he was even close to being elite while I had him. Dmitri Maximov isn’t playing up to his ratings. Eamon O’Callaghan is a good PG. However, there is a reason why I never thought the Timberwolves would never go anywhere in the playoffs, and if O’Callaghan is the Grizzlies PG then I will feel the same about them. The frontcourt depth of the Grizzlies is very poor at this time as well. I don’t see the Grizzlies continuing their success for the rest of the season, but Skillz will likely have a new roster by the next powerpoll so it is hard to say where this team will exactly be.
Prediction: At least one of Brock or Maximov will be gone. I’m guessing Maximov.
4. Phoenix Suns- 99
The Suns have certainly been a surprise thus far this season. Devereux St. Cloud has been one of the elite players in the league for quite some time. His size gives him a huge advantage over almost every PG out there. Brody Masterson has taken his game to a higher level this season. Karron Thomson has been one of the leagues best and most underrated big men for the past few seasons. He was a huge signing for the Suns. The Suns roster does not have the look of a conference champion, but with St. Cloud’s playoff track record and their huge frontcourt advantage on Memphis, I think the Suns may be the current west favorite.
5. Boston Celtics- 94
Deon Price is the leagues most improved player. Even though he is only in his second season he is already a guy who could start for any team. Price is the Celtics closest thing to a stud. This alone should tell you this team isn’t going to poise a real threat come playoff time. Myles Taylor is a great PG to have, but he isn’t going to carry you. Should Price and Amon Cummings continue to improve, the Celtics should be a top team in the East in future seasons.
6. Philadelphia 76ers- 91
The 76ers have underperformed thus far this season due to injuries. They were one of the title favorites to start off this season and still have to be. They have one of the three best rosters in the league. Delvon Roe and Jeremy Tyler are both providing good minutes from the bench. The one thing that the 76ers don’t have this season and haven’t had in the past is the element of surprise. Their starting lineup is going to be the same regardless which allows the other team come playoff time to set up a DC that they think gives them the best chance of success. I think Maniac needs to make one or two trades to shake up this team and give it some flexibility.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves- 75
This team would be lucky to win 30 games without Duck. He is the leagues best player at this point and probably will be for another three seasons. Ashes has needed to rebuild or tear things down for awhile. He is now to the point where the only player he will get any value out of is Duck. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get value for the leagues best player. If he can get two very good players and some picks then that would be a good starting point. Having said this, I realize Ashes isn’t rebuilding anytime soon. Duck’s career will continue to be a waste while he is in Minnesota. Dwight has to retire at some point and Rubio is going to get worse. This team is as good as its going to be with these players, and that is not good enough for even a conference finals appearance.
8. Chicago Bulls- 74
Can Andy please get a center? Aaron Baer should not be starting if you want to seriously compete. Sidney and Favors will give every team a matchup problem at either SF or PF if not both. Xavier Henry can still score like few others. QAJ can do a good enough job to give this team a chance to compete. A real center and depth is something the Bulls have to add. Unfortunately, they don’t have the contracts for it.
9. Denver Nuggets- 57
Gabe Aimetti is finally producing better than most centers in the league. The Nuggets have desperately needed that for a few seasons. If he has another good TC or two, the Nuggets will have the second best frontcourt in the league (if Outlawz keeps his duo together). The Nuggets have more depth than any of the other contenders in the west. This will be a big advantage come playoff time. They also are going to be able to outsize almost every team in the league. The Nuggets are actually a darkhorse team in the west at this point IMO.
10. Orlando Magic- 53
The Magic have a great talent base. Three very good big men, an elite PG, and good wings is definitely a recipe for success. However, injuries have hurt this team thus far. Even with the injuries, they still aren’t playing quite to the level I would expect. Once Aaron has more time to find a better DC I think the Magic will be a tough team to beat. At this point, I think the title is going to one of Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, or Orlando.
11a. San Antonio Spurs- 41
11b. Indiana Pacers- 41
13. Detroit Pistons- 34
14. Las Angeles Clippers- 18
15. Las Vegas Rebels- 9
Voters: CC, Ducky, Skillz, DJ, Dan, Jah, JTBRLZ, Scott, Jordan