Post by heelsguy25 on Nov 24, 2010 10:17:12 GMT -5
Edition #2 is upon us of the Western Conference Power Rankings. The West is all but settled. There is a 5 way tie near the bottom of the standings. The next couple sims are huge for several teams.
There were some big jumpers in the rankings this week. There were also some teams who saw their ranking status take a hit. For more on that, check out the rankings below.
The rankings provided are based on different factors. All opinions are just that, opinions.
1. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 1 Change: NA
current record: 38-13
previous record: 33-11
Top Player: Jason Kidd
The Grizzlies had a solid sim, and remain atop the rankings. The three-headed monster never seem to let the GM down. There is a very good chance the Grizzlies take the title home. Vancouver made a mini deal that saw them acquire some more veteran help in Vin Baker.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 2 Change: NA
current record: 38-16
previous record: 35-13
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
The T-Wolves remain at 2, despite an average sim. The Wolves made a trade that saw them trade away a versatile Richard Jefferson for a 04 1st round pick. The trade doesn't hurt them and gives them a chance to acquire a similar player in this year's draft. The Wolves will continue to be a force out West. Minnesota could find themselves facing a pesky team in round one of the playoffs, but with the presence of Garnett should prevail.
3. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 8 Change: +5
current record: 31-22
previous record: 24-21
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
The Nuggets mean business. They made a big jump in the rankings after a very impressive sim. They beat 2 top teams in the Lakers and Timberwolves in the previous sim. They continue to play well behind Robinson and McDyess. They made a big jump, but will their luck continue?
4. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 11 Change: +7
current record: 29-21
previous record: 24-19
Top Player: Tracy McGrady
The Spurs made the biggest leap in the rankings after a good sim. Like the Nuggets they increased their status in the playoff picture. The next sim will be crucial for the Spurs to remain in that picture.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 3 Change -2
current record: 32-18
previous record: 30-15
Top Player:
The Lakers came back to earth the previous sim. A below .500 sim will never leave a good taste in your mouth. LA is still a top team out West, but are they slipping at the wrong time? They need to get more production out of their bench to solidify a top 3 spot in the playoffs.
6. Sacramento Kings Previous Rank: 4 Change: -2
previous record: 25-17
current record: 28-20
Top Player: Chris Webber
Sacramento is hanging on. They had an average sim, but still find themselves alive and kicking. They aren't apart of that jumbled mess, but could be if they don't win more big games. They face the Mavericks twice this upcoming sim, and they need to win to avoid being apart of a tangled playoff picture.
7. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 9 Change: +2
current record: 31-26
previous record: 27-22
Top player: Kobe Bryant
The solid play of Kobe Bryant saw their team jump up in the rankings. The Supersonics are just 1 of 5 teams apart of what can be only known as a disaster out West. A solid sim is needed by Seattle or they could find themselves on the playoff bubble once again.
8. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 6 Change: -2
current record: 29-24
previous record: 25-20
Top Player: Joe Johnson
The Blazers slip in the rankings, but did they deserve to? They are playing decent, but losing games to playoff teams could have done them in. They, like Seattle, are apart of the 5 team mix-up out West. The next sim consists of 5 games, 3 against playoff bound teams, and 1 against a Warriors team knocking heavily on the door. For the Blazers to be considered a playoff team, they need to do one thing, win games. Simple right?
9. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 12 Change: +3
previous record: 25-21
current record: 30-25
Top Player: Rasheed Wallace
Dallas played above average ball the past sim, and saw their rankings boost up 3 spots. They played the super hot Nuggets tough, and got the victory. They face some tough competition this upcoming sim, and need some sure victories to get out of the mess they are currently in.
10. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 7 Change: -3
current record: 33-27
previous record: 30-24
Top Player: Marko Jaric
The Clippers played discouraging ball this past sim, and got a double bonus. They dropped 3 spots in the rankings, and dropped 2 spots in the playoff hunt. Will they continue to blunder down the stretch and be looking in from the outside come playoff time? The Clips GM sure hopes not.
11. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank; 10 Change: -1
current record: 31-26
previous record: 28-23
Top Player: Vince Carter
The last team apart of the Western Conference mash-up. They are still hanging on for their playoff lives, but we think they may slip sooner than later. They should win games in their upcoming sim, but will it be enough?
12. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 5 Change: -7
current record: 30-26
current record: 29-21
A disgrace. Words can not describe how awful the Warriors GM feels after a horrid sim. They lost a good chunk of games this past sim by minimal points, but there are no excuses. this team has been in the playoff hunt from the season's start, but now find themselves out of it, barely. They face a tough group of teams this upcoming sim, can they win enough to be back in it? We sure hope so, or they could find themselves this low in the rankings for the remainder of the season.
13. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 1 Change: NA
current record: 23-31
previous record: 22-26
Top Player: Yao Ming
The Jazz had an awful sim, like the Warriors. Their future is within the draft, again. They need to win games, like its going out of style, or their GM will be out of a job. Ouch.
14. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 14 Change: NA
current record: 14-45
previous record: 9-42
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
Arenas still leads this awful team. They had a good last sim, but have still only mustered up 14 wins. Let the fun in the sun continue.
As you can see the West is a stuffy place to be nowadays. The playoff picture is murky, unlike in the East. There are several teams who could be in the playoff come season's end. We will update the rankings and standings after each sim. Stay tuned.
