Post by heelsguy25 on Jan 11, 2011 16:46:33 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: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 32-11
Top Player: Joe Johnson
Still atop the rankings, what a shock. Word is that Joe Johnson is the front runner for league MVP. We aren't all that shocked about that. An average sim, but still the best out West.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 2 Change: N/A
current record: 26-16
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
A dangerous team, but can they take over the top spot out West. It looks slimmer and slimmer each sim.
3. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 5 Change:+2
current record: 27-17
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
Great play from Stackhouse and Bryant has helped this team move up not only our rankings but the standings out West. this team is a sneaky team that could advance a few rounds come playoff time. The GM likes to improve the team throughout the season, but do they need to mess with something so good?
4. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 3 Change: -1
current record: 27-17
Top Player: Vince Carter
The Rockets are still very high on our rankings. They have a solid core of players, but depth is a glaring weakness for them. Come playoff time that could come to haunt them.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 4 Change: -1
current record: 28-21
Top Player: Tim Duncan
An average sim for this club, but still are in the middle of the pack. They are another dangerous team, but lady luck seems to be turning her back on them.
6. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank:7 Change:+1
current record: 26-23
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
Moved up one spot in the rankings. Could have the harsh words we said about them last edition maybe lit a small fire under them? They have a young nucleus, and could cause some havoc come playoff time.
8. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 6 Change: -2
current record: 23-20
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
A bit of a slip for this club, but they are still a good team. The Clippers may be in a bit of a slump, but should come back to earth soon. The Clippers GM sure hopes so.
7. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 8 Change: +1
current record: 21-21
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
The Nuggets have been playing solid ever since trading for Antawn Jamison. Could he be the missing link for this team to push forward in the playoffs? Only time will tell.
9 Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 9 Change: N/A
current record: 22-24
Top player: Shaun Livingston
Dallas isn't in win now mode but still hangs around the playoff bubble. If they make it in they may not make much noise but will prove a young team can compete out West.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 10 Change: N/A
current record: 21-24
Top Player: Mike Bibby
The Spurs are in rebuild mode and hope to start their new regime come offseason time.
11. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 11 Change: N/A
current record: 22-30
Top Player: Glenn Robinson
An average sim for a team that needs to win now. The Warriors have good players, but cant seem to get everyone on the same page. This may be another lost season.
12. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 12 Change: N/A
current record: 18-29
Top Player: Sofoklis Schortsanitis
A young team looking to build through the draft and its young core. Time is on their side thankfully.
14. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 13 Change: +1
current record: 14-35
Top Player: Josh Smith
They move up one spot in our rankings, but are still not anywhere close to being a contender this season. Like the team below them, they are building through youth.
14. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 13 Change: -1
current record: 15-32
Top Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
We have come to terms to what this team's ultimate goal is. Its so painfully obvious. build through the draft. Not a bad plan, but can they start contending within 5 years? A winless sim shows that this season is over, and has been for some time.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
