Post by James on Nov 7, 2007 19:12:09 GMT -5
1: Seattle Supersonics
Comment: After winning their first ever BBS championship, Seattle tore down the house and rebuilt it again stronger and better than ever. Players were traded and then brought back, superstars were swapped and more importantly, depth was added. With a starting 5 consisting of Dwyane Wade, Ricky Davis, Danny Granger, Jermaine O’Neal and Eddy Curry, it’s hard to really see any team stopping the Sonics this season.
2: Detroit Pistons
Comment: With most of their players improving in training camp, it’s not hard to predict that Detroit will once again be title favourites. The Chris Paul and Baron Davis back court is as dangerous as ever, Ron Artest remains as one of the leagues top defensive players whilst Brandon Wright, Al Thornton and Andrew Bynum continue to improve off the bench. Although they aren’t as strong as previous years, the Paul/Davis combo will be to much for many teams to handle.
3: New York Knicks
Comment: They aren’t going to be as strong as yesteryear however with Parker, Durant and Gay still in a Knick uniform, they will still remain as one of the leagues best teams. After narrowly avoiding hard cap hell, New York enters the 2010/11 season full of confidence. They will need to make a few moves to acquire a serviceable PF/C to compliment Samuel Dalembert, however with Randy Foye and Brandon Roy at their disposal, it shouldn’t be a difficult task.
4: Toronto Raptors
Comment: Last year solidified the fact that Toronto quite clearly have the leagues best and most imposing front court. Oden is now the best center in the league and should inflict his dominance on the BBS this season. Pair that with the incredible performance of Darko Millicic last season, Kevin Martin, Steve Francis and the ever improving and now stellar looking OJ Mayo and you have a serious title contender on your hands.
5: LA Lakers
Comment: The Lakers have been ‘up there’ for around 4 seasons now. With an almost untouched team who have only improved, it’s quite prevalent that the Lakers will once again compete for the BBS title. The Thabeet and Stoudemire frontcourt is still very dangerous and now more mature than ever. Luol Deng has cemented himself as a league wide force whilst Deron Williams once again puts up his hand to be recognised as one of the BBS’ most consistent and valuable point guards.
6: Sacramento Kings
Comment: After losing Jermaine O’Neal to free agency and trading away Brandon Roy quite controversially, Sacramento remain at near the top of the BBS power rankings. Their Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett combination down low is evidently very strong, as is their Nash and Jefferson back court. The Kings lack quality depth although their star power alone makes them a top team.
7: San Antonio Spurs
Comment: Nowitzki and Marion have returned for another crack at the BBS title, this time with an improved Roko Ukic and a more talented yet shallower bench. T-Mac is back for another title run as well and will be hoping that 2011 is his year. The Spurs are getting on in years so they will be hoping that this season results in a championship.
8: Milwaukee Bucks
Comment: Like the Lakers ranked a few players before them, Milwaukees core of Bosh, Beasley and Anthony have grown together and are better for it. Add in seasoned veterans Jason Richardson and Smush Parker as well as Darren Collison and you have a team who will trouble some of the more experienced teams come playoff time.
9: Philadelphia 76ers
Comment: After years of failed attempts at making the playoffs, this is Philly’s year to really wreak some havoc. Their Gasol/Boozer frontcourt is very tough and now that they have a very developed Sean Williams off the bench, it (their frontcourt) should also tire opposing big men. The Sixers then have Peja and either Kyle Lowry or Derrick Rose off the bench and a new and improved Gerald Green starting at the 2. Philly will definitely scare some teams in this years playoffs.
10: Denver Nuggets
Comment: This is a wild card pick here but if Denver’s very fast paced, outside focused offence can generate a lot of points, I trust young DeAndre Jordan and Pattrick Patterson to at least withstand the opposing teams inside barrage. Their ability to score from the outside is un matched, as is the defensive abilities of Gibson, Iverson and Smith. This should be an exciting year for Nugget fans who would love to see their team delve deeper into the playoff picture next season.
Comment: After winning their first ever BBS championship, Seattle tore down the house and rebuilt it again stronger and better than ever. Players were traded and then brought back, superstars were swapped and more importantly, depth was added. With a starting 5 consisting of Dwyane Wade, Ricky Davis, Danny Granger, Jermaine O’Neal and Eddy Curry, it’s hard to really see any team stopping the Sonics this season.
2: Detroit Pistons
Comment: With most of their players improving in training camp, it’s not hard to predict that Detroit will once again be title favourites. The Chris Paul and Baron Davis back court is as dangerous as ever, Ron Artest remains as one of the leagues top defensive players whilst Brandon Wright, Al Thornton and Andrew Bynum continue to improve off the bench. Although they aren’t as strong as previous years, the Paul/Davis combo will be to much for many teams to handle.
3: New York Knicks
Comment: They aren’t going to be as strong as yesteryear however with Parker, Durant and Gay still in a Knick uniform, they will still remain as one of the leagues best teams. After narrowly avoiding hard cap hell, New York enters the 2010/11 season full of confidence. They will need to make a few moves to acquire a serviceable PF/C to compliment Samuel Dalembert, however with Randy Foye and Brandon Roy at their disposal, it shouldn’t be a difficult task.
4: Toronto Raptors
Comment: Last year solidified the fact that Toronto quite clearly have the leagues best and most imposing front court. Oden is now the best center in the league and should inflict his dominance on the BBS this season. Pair that with the incredible performance of Darko Millicic last season, Kevin Martin, Steve Francis and the ever improving and now stellar looking OJ Mayo and you have a serious title contender on your hands.
5: LA Lakers
Comment: The Lakers have been ‘up there’ for around 4 seasons now. With an almost untouched team who have only improved, it’s quite prevalent that the Lakers will once again compete for the BBS title. The Thabeet and Stoudemire frontcourt is still very dangerous and now more mature than ever. Luol Deng has cemented himself as a league wide force whilst Deron Williams once again puts up his hand to be recognised as one of the BBS’ most consistent and valuable point guards.
6: Sacramento Kings
Comment: After losing Jermaine O’Neal to free agency and trading away Brandon Roy quite controversially, Sacramento remain at near the top of the BBS power rankings. Their Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett combination down low is evidently very strong, as is their Nash and Jefferson back court. The Kings lack quality depth although their star power alone makes them a top team.
7: San Antonio Spurs
Comment: Nowitzki and Marion have returned for another crack at the BBS title, this time with an improved Roko Ukic and a more talented yet shallower bench. T-Mac is back for another title run as well and will be hoping that 2011 is his year. The Spurs are getting on in years so they will be hoping that this season results in a championship.
8: Milwaukee Bucks
Comment: Like the Lakers ranked a few players before them, Milwaukees core of Bosh, Beasley and Anthony have grown together and are better for it. Add in seasoned veterans Jason Richardson and Smush Parker as well as Darren Collison and you have a team who will trouble some of the more experienced teams come playoff time.
9: Philadelphia 76ers
Comment: After years of failed attempts at making the playoffs, this is Philly’s year to really wreak some havoc. Their Gasol/Boozer frontcourt is very tough and now that they have a very developed Sean Williams off the bench, it (their frontcourt) should also tire opposing big men. The Sixers then have Peja and either Kyle Lowry or Derrick Rose off the bench and a new and improved Gerald Green starting at the 2. Philly will definitely scare some teams in this years playoffs.
10: Denver Nuggets
Comment: This is a wild card pick here but if Denver’s very fast paced, outside focused offence can generate a lot of points, I trust young DeAndre Jordan and Pattrick Patterson to at least withstand the opposing teams inside barrage. Their ability to score from the outside is un matched, as is the defensive abilities of Gibson, Iverson and Smith. This should be an exciting year for Nugget fans who would love to see their team delve deeper into the playoff picture next season.