Post by heelsguy25 on Jan 8, 2011 9:13:51 GMT -5
The 05-06 season is nearing the halfway point and things are far from settled. The West looks the same as last year, except for a few things. The East isn't far off as far as dominance like past years, so the teams out West need to step up and prove their worth in the league.
1. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 21-6
Top Player: Joe Johnson
The Blazers were atop the Western standing last year, and have not faltered since. They are led by one of the best players in the league in Joe Johnson. this team was once in rebuild mode, but a fire was lit under the GMs butt to win, and win they are doing. This team could very well win a title if they continue their strong play.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 19-10
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
On top again. What a shock. We all feel Minnesota is destined to win the title, but when? this team is loaded from top to bottom, but weird things happen late in the season. We still think this team will compete for a title come playoff time.
3. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 21-12
Top Player: Vince Carter
Houston's problems seem to be getting better. This team has made quite the run around since last season. The addition of Jamal Mashburn and Andrew Bogut have proved to be huge dividends. Bogut is quite the young player, and should be in consideration for Rookie of the Year.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 48-28
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
The Clippers keep improving but can they finally get over the hump and challenge for a title? They have the pieces, but lady luck never seems to come their way. The season isn't over yet, so they could sneak into a top 3 seed come playoff time.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 23-16
Top Player: Tim Duncan
The Lakers have gotten better and could finally be a top team again. They have the pieces to challenge teams like Portland and Minnesota for tops out West.
6. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: N/A Change:N/A
current record: 21-15
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
This is by far the most improved team. They are on pace to win quite a few more games than last season. Looks like the new GM has been able to right the ship, and has done so quickly. The addition of Granger and Anderson have been huge factors to their success this season. Dwight Howard continues to play solid defense, but where is his offense? If he scored more this team could be a legit threat out West.
7. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 17-13
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
This team has slipped abit since last season, but should be able to turn things around. The GM is shopping a few players for upgrades, but again, no takers. Having two 25 ppg scorers on a team is nice, but they still lack a solid third option. Their frontcourt is not a problem area has they have 3 players who play very solid defense. We are left scratching our heads as to why this team cant get over the hump and play good ball like last season.
8. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 16-18
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
A roller coaster season thus far for Denver. The GM is used to it, but he wants to win. The hot streak for Denver may not come this season, so the GM could look to rebuild a bit. Rumors have it the GM is trying to move pieces to get in better cap flexibility, but again, just rumors. This team plays well, but since the emergence of other teams, has been lost in the shuffle.
9 Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 16-18
Top player: Shaun Livingston
The GM has mad It clear this team is rebuild move for a few seasons. Will that come back to hurt them? They aren't that terrible of a team and could be a playoff team later this season. They don't have a superstar laden team, but still find ways to win. The emergence of Polish big Szymon Szewczyk has been quite th surprise of the season. Apparently the Dallas GM saw something in him this FA period. Look for this team to chug along and rely solely on youth to finish out the season.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 14-17
Top Player: Tracy McGrady
Another rebuilding team. With a nice centerpiece in Bynum to build around this team could be solid in a couple seasons. They lack a solid PG and PF option, which are key positions in the league. The Spurs should challenge for a playoff spot, but may not have enough gas to push their way in.
11. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 14-18
Top Player: Mike Bibby
We are not too sure whats going on in Utah, but this team may not challenge for a playoff spot for a few seasons. They have made some trades as of late, but will they help the team in the long run?
12. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 14-20
Top Player: Robert Traylor
What a crazy season thus far for this team. They wont 7 of 8 games recently, then only won one game out of six. This club isn't bad, but cant seem to gel. Some moves may need to be made for this club to get back above .500 fast, as they don't own a 1st round pick in this year's draft. The strong play of Biedrins has really caught the eye of many other GMs, but the Warriors GM will not move the young big.
13. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 12-22
Top Player: Sofoklis Schortsanitis
You are seeing this right. Vancouver at the bottom of the West rankings. The Grizzlies GM decided to rebuild, and took a bomb to this club this off-season. He is starting over with young talent, and is in no hurry to win. Led by a promising big in Sofoklis Schortsanitis, this club will not compete for a few seasons. The GM is trying to make some moves to improve some weak positions, but no luck thus far.
14. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 11-26
Top Player: Josh Smith
Another rebuild team. This GM has tried to assemble this team based around young talent, and has done so. Led by forward Josh Smith, this club seems to be a few years away from being a contender out West. The strong play of rookie Nate Robinson has caught the eye of some, and has been a nice surprise for this club. With some cap room, look for this team to find some nice pieces via FA and the draft. If they play their cards right, the Kings GM could build a contender sooner than later.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
