Post by GP on Feb 19, 2007 1:54:12 GMT -5
BBS Power Rankings as of Feb 18
BBS Senior Writer Galo Pesantes
1- Indiana Pacers (17-7)- The best team in the league at this point has four profilic scorers on its roster. Garnett is having another MVP like season, while Grant Hill has rebounded his career nicely in Indy.
2- Philadelphia 76ers (16-7)-- Like the Nets and Pacers, the Sixers are one of the three top scoring teams in the league. Dirk Nowitski continues to lead this team to prominence with his amazing scoring ability while they continue to lean on Starbury to play second fiddle to Dirk.
3- Detroit Pistons (20-9)-- This team has won 11 games and conceded only 1 game since starting the year 11-8. The star studded line up is still lead by Shaq and company but Jason Kidd continues to show why he is the best point guard in the league.
4- Golden State Warriors (20-10)-- The eventual rookie of the year, Dwayne Wade leads an unlikely cast of fellow players at the top of the West. This team seems to have it all covered with Ratliff changing shots, Barkley and Thomas getting rebounds, Wesley distributing the ball, and Wade and Marion putting in the hoop.
5- Utah Jazz (20-10)-- GM Manas called it when he said that the Utah Jazz would be the big surprise of the year. Its no longer a surprise. Big man Vitaly Potapenko is a candidate for most improved player of the year and if not for Richard Jefferson and Jason Terry underachieving, this team would be in real good shape.
6- San Antonio Spurs (14-7)-- Another team deserving of most improved is the San Antonio Spurs. Following three seasons of misery, this team has really got it going with a tandem of Carter, Billups, and Davis. If not for Wade, Mehmet Okur has to be favorite for ROY.
7- Sacramento Kings (14-7)-- GM David Lumley is shocked the team is playing so well since they were banking of rebuilding this season. This team may not be at the same spot in the next power rankings, but for now they are proving all doubters wrong.
8- Los Angeles Clippers (18-10)-- The LA Clippers have experienced an up and down season so far despite being in heavy playoff conention. Despite taking major strides this off-season, forward Stephen Jackson has been a bit of disappointment on the offensive end since being brought in the Ray Allen mega deal this last off-season.
9- Chicago Bulls (19-11)-- Another team that came into its own last off-season. The Bulls have made a number of smart moves among them signing skyscraper Shawn Bradley, drafting Hedo Turkoglu, and trading for forward Jamal Mashburn. It may all pay off dividends come playoff time.
10- New Jersey Nets (12-7)-- This team is a load to take down low with Duncan, Fortson and Trent all residing in the paint. Point guard Jason Williams is having a career year in assists by feeding his big men constantly. By the end of the season, it may not matter how little guard Allan Houston has produced compared to the past.
11- Memphis Grizzlies (13-8)-- With only Tony Parker as the certified point guard of this team, the Grizz still are playing tough. They are recieving balance scoring from Isiah Rider, Keith Van Horn, and Michael Olowokandi. Nevertheless, this team still lacks consistency and more of a dynamic scoring threat.
12- Washington Wizards (15-10)-- Finals runner up are still on the prowl this season with newcomers Eddie Jones and Doug Christie on the squad. Pierce is still a great scorer but Toine has not been able to get any better playing next to him.
13- Portland Trail Blazers (11-8)-- At only 3 games above .500, you can argue Dan Basone's club is slightly underachieving. They have three of the top players at their position in Nash, Hughes and Artest on their roster. However, if their big man play doesnt get better they are not going anywhere this year. Luckily, they are still very young.
14- Los Angeles Lakers (11-9)-- The Lakers are still led by golden child Kobe Bryant but is joined by youngsters Zach Randolph and Jason Richardson. This team lacks a bit of direction in which they are going, either up or down. But for the time being, they are exciting to watch and see.
15- Dallas Mavericks (14-12)-- Currently in the 8th spot in the West, the Mavs have alot of nice young big men but could afford to lose one or two for some swing men. After prying Joe Smith away from Denver last year, he has been a bit of disappointment for Dallas this year.
16- Orlando Magic (11-13)-- After dealing almost everyone on that 01' Finals team, the Magic are transitioning to rebuilding mode. Alonzo Mourning is likely to be moved soon as is possibly sharpshooter Reggie Miller. It may mean the Magic will drop in the next power rankings.
17- New Orleans Hornets (11-14)-- Chris Martinez, aka the Mark Cuban of BBS, has caught heat for many of his inapproriate and sometimes undeserving comments on matters and GMs around the league. Despite all that, the team is doing well in the East, since Peja and Brandon took over the scoring load. Don't count on it to last though since the Hornets own their own pick next year
18- Minnesota Timberwolves (9-11)-- The Twolves best player, Robert Traylor, is all the Twolves have to lean on for the rest of the season. Not many more moves are expected for this club, but still they hang tough in a conference where many teams are rebuilding.
19- Toronto Raptors (12-16)-- Perhaps the most disappointing team in the league, simply because they have one of the best players in the league in T-Mac and are not above .500. Sure, Arenas isnt fully developed and Redd is still only a shooter, this team should be much better than its record indicates.
20- Atlanta Hawks (9-15)-- The Hawks made a lot of moves prior to the start of the season and yet none of them have seem to have been worthwhile. After seemingly solidifying their frontcourt with Theo Ratliff, they ship him back to the West in exchange for shooter Ray Allen. The Hawks are still pathetic down low but I presume the backcourt is set with Francis and Allen at the helm.
21- Cleveland Cavaliers (8-14)-- This is one of those teams that has been bad for a while and nothing has come about to stop it. They have a young star in Jerry Stackhouse but literally no help around him besides Glenn Robinson who is experiencing lows in his numbers. A change of personnel may be best for this team.
22- Seattle Sonics (11-19)-- After revamping their roster from last season, all the Sonics have to show for it is Brevin Knight, Mike Bibby, Udonis Haslem and Rasheed Wallace. This team is bad but could be a lot worse. This team has a while to go before its competing again in the west.
23- Denver Nuggets (9-16)-- The Denver faithful must be losing faith after the season they are currently having. And for good measure. This team lost Joe Smith but overpaid for Tim Thomas. Now, they are unwilling to split ways with Antawn Jamison although losing may be the best way Denver can get back to winning again in the future.
24- Houston Rockets (7-13)-- This team almost has half as many lottery picks (4) as it does wins (7). At 22, Rashard Lewis has very good trade value and could be a very good asset for the Rockets to deal him for maybe another a couple picks. Because it seems like their own picks are not doing them justice.
25- New York Knicks (8-17)-- Outside of K-Mart, this team has nothing better than an Ex-Wolverine in Maurice Taylor. They do have plenty of cap space for next year and the years after, and is already rumored to be the destination of choice for potential top pick in 02, Yao Ming.
26- Milwaukee Bucks (8-17)-- Once hailed as one of the best teams in the East, has fallen hard through time. Luckily the Bucks have plenty of cap space and first rounders to last them and get better while trying to compete in the East.
27- Miami Heat (7-15)-- One of the more exciting teams in the league has not gotten their act together in Florida. The way its going, Pau Gasol may give Wade a run for his money for ROY. However this team has plenty of talent but not of production for its potential.
28- Boston Celtics (5-19)-- This may be the best time for Penny Hardaway to leave Boston with his pride and his game intact. The Celtics are a bunch of veterans with little left in their games to show up in wins. This team is falling hard and a major fire sale may be on hand soon.
29- Phoenix Suns (4-22)-- CC's 10 day reign as GM of the Suns ended in the total destruction of what used to be the Phoenix Suns. In a a experiment gone terribly wrong, CC has made the team worse than it came in being which used to be a playoff team last year. Hopefully, new GM and former Indy assistant Boss Playa can get this franchise back on track with time in the Pacific divison.
BBS Senior Writer Galo Pesantes
1- Indiana Pacers (17-7)- The best team in the league at this point has four profilic scorers on its roster. Garnett is having another MVP like season, while Grant Hill has rebounded his career nicely in Indy.
2- Philadelphia 76ers (16-7)-- Like the Nets and Pacers, the Sixers are one of the three top scoring teams in the league. Dirk Nowitski continues to lead this team to prominence with his amazing scoring ability while they continue to lean on Starbury to play second fiddle to Dirk.
3- Detroit Pistons (20-9)-- This team has won 11 games and conceded only 1 game since starting the year 11-8. The star studded line up is still lead by Shaq and company but Jason Kidd continues to show why he is the best point guard in the league.
4- Golden State Warriors (20-10)-- The eventual rookie of the year, Dwayne Wade leads an unlikely cast of fellow players at the top of the West. This team seems to have it all covered with Ratliff changing shots, Barkley and Thomas getting rebounds, Wesley distributing the ball, and Wade and Marion putting in the hoop.
5- Utah Jazz (20-10)-- GM Manas called it when he said that the Utah Jazz would be the big surprise of the year. Its no longer a surprise. Big man Vitaly Potapenko is a candidate for most improved player of the year and if not for Richard Jefferson and Jason Terry underachieving, this team would be in real good shape.
6- San Antonio Spurs (14-7)-- Another team deserving of most improved is the San Antonio Spurs. Following three seasons of misery, this team has really got it going with a tandem of Carter, Billups, and Davis. If not for Wade, Mehmet Okur has to be favorite for ROY.
7- Sacramento Kings (14-7)-- GM David Lumley is shocked the team is playing so well since they were banking of rebuilding this season. This team may not be at the same spot in the next power rankings, but for now they are proving all doubters wrong.
8- Los Angeles Clippers (18-10)-- The LA Clippers have experienced an up and down season so far despite being in heavy playoff conention. Despite taking major strides this off-season, forward Stephen Jackson has been a bit of disappointment on the offensive end since being brought in the Ray Allen mega deal this last off-season.
9- Chicago Bulls (19-11)-- Another team that came into its own last off-season. The Bulls have made a number of smart moves among them signing skyscraper Shawn Bradley, drafting Hedo Turkoglu, and trading for forward Jamal Mashburn. It may all pay off dividends come playoff time.
10- New Jersey Nets (12-7)-- This team is a load to take down low with Duncan, Fortson and Trent all residing in the paint. Point guard Jason Williams is having a career year in assists by feeding his big men constantly. By the end of the season, it may not matter how little guard Allan Houston has produced compared to the past.
11- Memphis Grizzlies (13-8)-- With only Tony Parker as the certified point guard of this team, the Grizz still are playing tough. They are recieving balance scoring from Isiah Rider, Keith Van Horn, and Michael Olowokandi. Nevertheless, this team still lacks consistency and more of a dynamic scoring threat.
12- Washington Wizards (15-10)-- Finals runner up are still on the prowl this season with newcomers Eddie Jones and Doug Christie on the squad. Pierce is still a great scorer but Toine has not been able to get any better playing next to him.
13- Portland Trail Blazers (11-8)-- At only 3 games above .500, you can argue Dan Basone's club is slightly underachieving. They have three of the top players at their position in Nash, Hughes and Artest on their roster. However, if their big man play doesnt get better they are not going anywhere this year. Luckily, they are still very young.
14- Los Angeles Lakers (11-9)-- The Lakers are still led by golden child Kobe Bryant but is joined by youngsters Zach Randolph and Jason Richardson. This team lacks a bit of direction in which they are going, either up or down. But for the time being, they are exciting to watch and see.
15- Dallas Mavericks (14-12)-- Currently in the 8th spot in the West, the Mavs have alot of nice young big men but could afford to lose one or two for some swing men. After prying Joe Smith away from Denver last year, he has been a bit of disappointment for Dallas this year.
16- Orlando Magic (11-13)-- After dealing almost everyone on that 01' Finals team, the Magic are transitioning to rebuilding mode. Alonzo Mourning is likely to be moved soon as is possibly sharpshooter Reggie Miller. It may mean the Magic will drop in the next power rankings.
17- New Orleans Hornets (11-14)-- Chris Martinez, aka the Mark Cuban of BBS, has caught heat for many of his inapproriate and sometimes undeserving comments on matters and GMs around the league. Despite all that, the team is doing well in the East, since Peja and Brandon took over the scoring load. Don't count on it to last though since the Hornets own their own pick next year
18- Minnesota Timberwolves (9-11)-- The Twolves best player, Robert Traylor, is all the Twolves have to lean on for the rest of the season. Not many more moves are expected for this club, but still they hang tough in a conference where many teams are rebuilding.
19- Toronto Raptors (12-16)-- Perhaps the most disappointing team in the league, simply because they have one of the best players in the league in T-Mac and are not above .500. Sure, Arenas isnt fully developed and Redd is still only a shooter, this team should be much better than its record indicates.
20- Atlanta Hawks (9-15)-- The Hawks made a lot of moves prior to the start of the season and yet none of them have seem to have been worthwhile. After seemingly solidifying their frontcourt with Theo Ratliff, they ship him back to the West in exchange for shooter Ray Allen. The Hawks are still pathetic down low but I presume the backcourt is set with Francis and Allen at the helm.
21- Cleveland Cavaliers (8-14)-- This is one of those teams that has been bad for a while and nothing has come about to stop it. They have a young star in Jerry Stackhouse but literally no help around him besides Glenn Robinson who is experiencing lows in his numbers. A change of personnel may be best for this team.
22- Seattle Sonics (11-19)-- After revamping their roster from last season, all the Sonics have to show for it is Brevin Knight, Mike Bibby, Udonis Haslem and Rasheed Wallace. This team is bad but could be a lot worse. This team has a while to go before its competing again in the west.
23- Denver Nuggets (9-16)-- The Denver faithful must be losing faith after the season they are currently having. And for good measure. This team lost Joe Smith but overpaid for Tim Thomas. Now, they are unwilling to split ways with Antawn Jamison although losing may be the best way Denver can get back to winning again in the future.
24- Houston Rockets (7-13)-- This team almost has half as many lottery picks (4) as it does wins (7). At 22, Rashard Lewis has very good trade value and could be a very good asset for the Rockets to deal him for maybe another a couple picks. Because it seems like their own picks are not doing them justice.
25- New York Knicks (8-17)-- Outside of K-Mart, this team has nothing better than an Ex-Wolverine in Maurice Taylor. They do have plenty of cap space for next year and the years after, and is already rumored to be the destination of choice for potential top pick in 02, Yao Ming.
26- Milwaukee Bucks (8-17)-- Once hailed as one of the best teams in the East, has fallen hard through time. Luckily the Bucks have plenty of cap space and first rounders to last them and get better while trying to compete in the East.
27- Miami Heat (7-15)-- One of the more exciting teams in the league has not gotten their act together in Florida. The way its going, Pau Gasol may give Wade a run for his money for ROY. However this team has plenty of talent but not of production for its potential.
28- Boston Celtics (5-19)-- This may be the best time for Penny Hardaway to leave Boston with his pride and his game intact. The Celtics are a bunch of veterans with little left in their games to show up in wins. This team is falling hard and a major fire sale may be on hand soon.
29- Phoenix Suns (4-22)-- CC's 10 day reign as GM of the Suns ended in the total destruction of what used to be the Phoenix Suns. In a a experiment gone terribly wrong, CC has made the team worse than it came in being which used to be a playoff team last year. Hopefully, new GM and former Indy assistant Boss Playa can get this franchise back on track with time in the Pacific divison.