Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 22, 2010 4:47:58 GMT -5
The 04-05 season is wrapping up and the playoff picture is shaping up nicely. Some teams have done a complete turn around, while others have slipped off their throne. The West is still the better conference, but some new teams are leading the way out West.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 54-21
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
On top again. What a shock. We all feel Minnesota is destined to win the title, but weird things can happen come playoff time. As it stands now they will face the Golden State Warriors. Not much of a challenge there.
2. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 52-25
Top Player: Joe Johnson
A very good season for this club who at this point last season was looking at a lottery pick. The Blazers could challenge in the playoff race and face the Wolves for the West crown.
3. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 6 Change: +3
current record: 49-27
Top Player: Allen Iverson
We knew that if we lit a fire under their butts they would come through. Vancouver was questioned with a lack of bite this season and have responded by climbing up no only our rankings, but in the West playoff picture. The play of Kidd, Iverson and Shaq has never been better then now, and at the right time. Look for Vancouver to challenge Minnesota fore the best team out West come playoff time.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 5 Change: +1
current record: 48-28
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
The Clippers are chugging along and playing ball that is good enough to be a middle team in the playoff race. This team gets solid play form many positions and could upset a team or two come playoff time.
5. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 3 Change: -2
current record: 47-27
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
The Gm tried to upgrade before the trade deadline, yo no avail. Kobe is hurt, but look for this team to still stick around in the playoff picture. Kobe is the main scorer on this club, but will his counterparts step up come crunch time? We are not sure.
6. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 4 Change: -2
current record: 45-28
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
The Nuggets keep on winning and are in the playoffs for sure. The GM loves the play out of a few guys, but worries that the injury bug may come to hurt them come playoff time. This team may not have enough firepower to go far come playoff time.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 9 Change: +2
current record: 38-34
Top Player: Tim Duncan
The Lakers are back in the playoff picture and are loving it. Consistent play from Walker and Duncan has helped this team become a potential dragon slayer come the playoffs.
8. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 7 Change: -1
current record: 39-37
Top Player: Robert Traylor
Hanging on for their playoff lives, a the wrong time. this club can seem to catch fire enough to be a team that could do damage come playoff time. They are slated to face the top seeded Wolves, and may not even pose a threat in that match-up. The GM is worried about the playoffs, but is not letting the thoughts of the offseason slip his mind, as that time is a crucial one.
9. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 8 Change: -1
current record: 37-38
Top Player: Yao Ming
Sacramento is on the outside looking in, but not mathematically eliminated just yet. They may have already given up hope and are looking forward to the future. This GM has decided to make some moves this season, that may be questioned in the not so distant future.
10 Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 10 Change: N/A
current record: 34-39
Top player: Grant Hill
This team is rebuilding and is looking forward to what could be a promising FA period. Not alot of stars on this team. The GM is going with a youth movement and hope it pays off sooner than later.
11. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 11 Change: N/A
current record: 35-43
Top Player: Chris Webber
On paper this team looks good, but this season was one to forget. A strong FA period could help alot in terms of making this club a threat again.
12. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 12 Change: N/A
current record: 33-42
Top Player: Tracy McGrady
Another team who should be a powerhouse, but isn't. This club is rebuilding in sorts and could become relevant again next year.
13. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 13 Change: N/A
current record: 26-50
Top Player: Vince Carter
This team needs alot of help. Some may even say new manmagement. Houston, we DO have a problem.
14. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 14 Change:N/A
current record: 21-55
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
We thought this team could sneak out of the last spot in our rankings, but didn't. Going winless in 10 games will do that. This team needs alot of help.
The season is just about up and playoffs are coming. Some teams are set, where some could slip this last sim. Minnesota looks to be the top dog, but others hope to change that come playoff time.
