Post by heelsguy25 on Jan 31, 2011 0:50:56 GMT -5
The 06-07 season is underway and some surprises have arisen out West.. 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. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 8-1
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
The Timberwolves are back to their old ways. Back atop the rankings to start the season. Minnesota looks like it should be another contender fore the title. We have previously called the Wolves a beast of a team, and somehow they blew it in the playoffs. With that said, we will not try and jinx this team as the playoffs near. The play of Lenny Cooke has been a very pleasant surprise thus far. Cooke, who has been in the D League for the past 2 seasons is looking like a true starter for this club. He is currently averaging just under 22 ppg. The Minnesota GM has to be pleased by that.
2. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 5-1
Top Player: Dight Howard
The first surprise out West. it was not long ago that Phoenix was the butt of every GMs jokes. Nowadays, they are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Last year, they were a middle of the pack team. With another year under their belts, it looks like the young trio of Danny Granger, Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas is clicking. Strong play from Ha Seung Jin is another surprise. Look for Phoenix to be around the top of the standings, unless something tragic happens. Tony Parker, who was acquired from Philadelphia late last year, has been underused. Not sure thats what he wants.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: N/A Change:N/A
current record: 6-4
Top Player: Dirk Nowitzki
Here come the Lakers. LA is back and looks to improve on a decent start to this season. The strong play from Duncan And Dirk should carry this team far. The Lakers GM sure hopes so. This team on paper looks unstoppable, yet cant seem to ride the right winning wave.
4. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 4-3
Top Player: Vince Carter
The Rockets remain near the top of our rankings. Last year they stayed around the top. Houston is getting strong play from Vince Carter and Andrew Bogut. The acquisition of Andre Miller should help this team. losing Dajuan Wagner in Fa was a big hit, but they seem to have gotten past that bump in the road.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 5-4
Top Player: Sofoklis Schortsanitis
This up and coming team is off to an impressive start. Outside of Sofo they don't have another dominating force, but yet seem to find ways to win. They were awful last year, so being on the right side of the .500 mark is a positive thing for this club. The Grizzlies GM is trying to find another piece for this team, with no luck thus far.
6. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: N/A Change:N/A
current record: 3-2
Top Player: Dajuan Wagner
You are seeing this right. The Utah Jazz out of the Western Conference lower level. The season is still young, but being over .500 is a huge step in the right direction for this young team. The play of FA grab Dajuan Wagner is a big reason for this team's success. Another player who is playing out of his mind so far is rookie Randy Foye. Foye right now is making it hard for any other rookie to win the ROY, This team is young, but could have the punch to stay in the middle of the field come playoff time.
7. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 1-1
Top Player: Josh Smith
Another bottom feeder team making a jump in our rankings since last season. With only 2 games under their belt, the progress of the Kings isn't as defined as others, but nonetheless decent. The play of Josh Smith has been huge for this club. A bit of a disappointment is the play of Brandon Roy. Many GMs around the league thought he was a shoe in for ROY, but so far has not played up to his ability. Outside of Mourning, this team lacks another frontocurt presence. This could be their downfall as the season moves forward.
8. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 3-3
Top Player: Jerry Stackhouse
The Supersonics are not where they should be. They were going into this season as a team that could challenge for a top seed. Out of nowhere, the GM pulls off a blockbuster deal. Kobe Bryant was dealt north of the border for younger pieces and former MVP Jason Kidd. The play of Kidd is not where it once was. Many GMs around the league questioned the big move made by Seattle. The GM assured the other GMs they would be fine. We wonder if he regrets saying that. This could be a long season for Seattle.
9 Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 3-4
Top player: Raymond Felton
Not the start the Warriors had hoped for. This team is full of questions, that may not be answered until the season's end. The Warriors GM is not sure how to set his lineup each night, so that may be the issue. Look for this team to be around the playoff bubble all year, unless they make a move to grab a legit scorer.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 3-4
Top Player: Emeka Okafor
The season is not very old, so the Spurs GM wont hold a grudge. This team is in rebuilding mode, but looks to be on the right path.
11. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 3-4
Top Player: Joe Johnson
We all know the season is young, but not the start this team should have had. The Portland GM is not pleased and should be making drastic changes to his lineup in the near future. Look for this team to find its groove soon and be back atop the Western Conference in the near future. They do have the league MVP after all.
12. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 2-3
Top Player: Rasheed Wallace
A young team looking to build through the draft and their young players. Unfortunately, they are pickless for a couple seasons. Lets hope the play of the young guys picks up just a bit, or else its no playoffs for this team.
14. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 4-6
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
An unfamiliar spot for the Nuggets. This team is decent on paper, so lets hope they get things going right soon.
14. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 1-6
Top Player: Quentin Richardson
We are not sure whats wrong in Clipperland, but they better right the ship soon, or else. It's as if the GM is MIA..oh wait. We like to joke around at the SSBL Times. Hope you appreciate our humor.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
