Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 18, 2010 10:20:35 GMT -5
The West playoff picture isn't as murky as the one in the East. Some new blood lead the West and change is always good. Edition #2 is here and some changes took place since the last edition.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 42-20
previous record: 40-16
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Minnesota stays on top of our rankings this edition. They are virtually impossible to beat. Winning 8 of their last 10 games sheds some light on how well this team is playing. The GM doesn't tinker with the roster much, and why would he? The motto, "if it's not broken don't fix it", applies here in Minnesota.
2. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 4 Change: +2
current record: 36-17
previous record: 29-15
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
This team is playing great ball as of late. The addition of Stepania has paid big dividends, but the Gm is still not happy. Do you really need to keep messing with a good thing? We don't think so. This team is led by a trio of scorer in Kobe, Stackhouse and Shawn Marion. many around the league have been impressed by the recent strong play of Marion.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 5 Change: +2
current record: 38-20
previous record: 27-17
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
the Clippers are another team playing out of its mind. Marko Jaric solidifies his stance as a top PG out West every game. This team is full of players who do the little things, and they pay of big time every game. This team could challenge for the #2 spot on our rankings with another strong sim. Look for this team to remain a top 3 team fore the foreseeable future.
4. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 2 Change: -2
current record: 42-20
previous record: 32-15
Top Player: Joe Johnson
The Blazers slip a little bit due to the strong play by the before mentioned two teams. They have won 10 of their last 15, but will that be enough to remain near the top? Joe Johnson is playing like, well Joe Johnson. The addition of Bryant Reeves has been a huge plus for this club's frontcourt. Portland is a strong team for sure and should even challenge Minnesota for the #1 seed come playoff time.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 5 Change: -2
current record: 33-23
previous record: 28-14
Top Player: Allen Iverson
Is there something odd in the air in Canada? The grizzlies have lost their bite this season for sure. The three headed monster isn't as fierce as most used to believe. Vancouver should be a middle of the pack club come playoffs, but are they really just mediocre? They could spoil the plans for some teams come that time.
6. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 8 Change: +2
current record: 28-21
previous record: 17-19
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
We mentioned in our last rankings of a hot streak by Denver last season. Well fast forward to this season, and we see the fire ablazing again in the Rocky Mountains. the inside outside combo of Billups and McDyess has seen this team go from on the bubble to in the hunt. They are clearly the team to beat every night.
7. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 6 Change: -1
current record: 28-25
previous record: 22-19
Top Player: Jamal Mashburn
Golden State has been on a skid as of late but still find themselves in the playoff picture. The bottom of the standings are murky and if they don't play better soon they could be on the outside looking in. This team has talent, but the gel process is taking longer than the GM would like.
8. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 10 Change: +2
current record: 27-28
previous record: 19-22
Top Player: Yao Ming
this team has gone through some growing pains, but has played decent as of late. The deal that saw Walker packaged to LA may hurt this team for the season, but may help them in the long run.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 9 Change: -2
current record: 23-26
previous record: 17-18
Top Player: Tim Duncan
Showtime may be back in LA. A trio of stars is shining and could help this club be a force again. On the bubble as of now, look for this team to start racking up wins now that the Shimmy Shake is in LA.
10. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 9 Change: -1
current record: 24-29
previous record: 17-19
Top Player: Chris Webber
The Jazz are back to their losing ways. Things may not get better for this club for a couple seasons.
11. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 11 Change: N/A
current record: 25-29
previous record: 19-23
Top player: Shareef Abdur-Rahim
A new GM has helped this club, but is it enough? A flurry of moves thus far for the new GM has gotten them virtually nowhere out West.
12. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 12 Change: N/A
current record: 23-30
previous record: 18-22
Top Player: Gary Payton
Like Dallas, this club is searching for an identity. Look for this team to try and get back to it's winning ways next season.
13. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 13 Change: N/A
current record: 17-36
previous record: 14-23
Top Player: Vince Carter
Awful. that all but sums up how this team is playing as of late. They need help, and fast. Look for them to try and fill that scoring void via the draft.
14. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 14 Change: N/A
current record: 15-37
current record: 12-25
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
A young team, plain and simple. Another top draft pick is in their sights. The GM is doing his best, but not near enough to be a force in the West.
Three teams are battling for the 8th spot out West and that race should remain tight for awhile. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Western Conference rankings.
