Post by heelsguy25 on Feb 1, 2011 1:30:57 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: 12-2
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
The Wolves keep on winning. They look to be back at their prime and should be a contender for the title all year.
2. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 2 Change: N/A
current record: 11-4
Top Player: Dwight Howard
Another good sim for Phoenix. Things in Sunsland have turned around quicker than most thought. We give the Suns GM props for the job thus far.
3. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 8 Change: +5
current record: 10-5
Top Player: Jerry Stackhouse
Many questioned the Seattle GM after dumping Kobe Bryant in exchange for an older Jason Kidd. We were assured things would be fine. So far so good in Seattle. Winners of 7 out of 9 this past sim, give Seattle a big boost in our rankings.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 3 Change:-1
current record: 11-6
Top Player: Dirk Nowitzki
The winning ways in LA keep on. The Lakers are making a hard push to be another top seed come playoff time. We feel confident they can.
5 Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 9 Change: +4
current record: 7-5
Top player: Raymond Felton
A better sim for the Warriors this time around. Golden State should be a fringe playoff team all year long. They can't seem to find consistent scoring from anyone. The latest word is that they have dealt Robert Traylor to Portland for some expiring contracts. That could be a nice move for Golden State in the long term.
6. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 6 Change:N/A
current record: 6-5
Top Player: Dajuan Wagner
A .500 sim for Utah. The Jazz have a young backcourt that should lead the team for several years. We are not sure the Jazz have the depth to make it deep in the playoffs. Only time will tell.
7. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 5 Change: -2
current record: 9-8
Top Player: Sofoklis Schortsanitis
Like Utah, a .500 sim for Vancouver, who so far has done better than most expected. The Grizzlies may not have what it takes to be a top seed, but a young core could surprise people come playoff time.
8. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 11 Change: +3
current record: 8-7
Top Player: Joe Johnson
We all know the season is young, but not the start this team should have had. The Portland GM is still not pleased with the team's efforts as of late. this team is on the up, but can they regain supremacy like last season? A recent move for an all around player like Robert Traylor could be the answer.
9. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 4 Change: -5
current record: 5-6
Top Player: Vince Carter
The Rockets struggled and have toppled downward in our rankings. The Houston GM has a solid core, but it may not be enough with the other powerhouses in the West.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 12 Change: +2
current record: 5-8
Top Player: Rasheed Wallace
Another poor sim for a team that looks to be going the wrong way. Are things really bigger in Texas? No big things happening in Dallas, thats for sure.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 10 Change: -1
current record: 6-8
Top Player: Emeka Okafor
A below average sim for this club. Things can only get better, right?
12. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 13 Change: +1
current record: 6-10
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
Another poor showing by this team. They tend to start off cold, and regain speed soon. That may not be a theme they want to repeat this year, but looks like they have no choice. Not sure whats going on in Denver.
13. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 7 Change: -6
current record: 2-7
Top Player: Josh Smith
We couldn't tell how the Kings would play after 1 sim, with only 2 games under their belt. With a 7 game sim, we now know. They are young and rebuilding,. The 05-06 Jazz may be their label soon enough.
14. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 14 Change: N/A
current record: 5-12
Top Player: Quentin Richardson
We don't have a joke this time around. The record says it all. This team is in bad shape.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
