Post by heelsguy25 on Mar 1, 2011 16:56:48 GMT -5
The 07-08 season is a third of the way complete and some teams have shown improvements since last season, while others remain kings out West.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 18-9
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Minnesota on top..is that a shock? This team is always top dog, but can they bite their way to a championship? They lost Steve Blake to FA, but got him back via big offer. This team should be good for years, as their top players are locked up for years. Strong play from Lenny Cooke has been a nice addition to this already powerhouse team. Cooke is a FA this season, but his chances of returning to Minnesota on a long term big contract seem high. Minnesota has some challengers for the top spot out West, so look for the veterans to clamp down as the playoffs near.
2. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 19-11
Top Player: Danny Granger
The Blazers just pulled off a blockbuster deal, that could change the landscape of the West drastically. Joe Johnson, league MVP, is now in Phoenix. The Trailblazers got some big time youth in the deal, but is it the smart move? The Portland GM wanted to move Johnson, but most of our writers wonder why. Danny Granger and Dwight Howard lead this team now, but can they really keep the team atop the standings all year? Time will tell how that trades worked out for Portland.
3. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: N/A Change:N/A
current record: 21-12
Top Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
This team has done a nice rebuild. They were awful for few seasons, but now seem to be turning the page on losing seasons. The Jazz landed a stud in Kevin Durant in the draft, and he has really paired nicely with LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is a big time threat and carries this team every game. We like how this team has shaped, but do they have the depth like other teams to make that playoff run?
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 17-10
Top Player: Dirk Nowitzki
The Lakers always seem to be pests atop the standings. They are led by Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan. Duncan, like Steve Blake tested Fa, but resigned with his former team. Some questioned the terms of Duncan's deal, but the Lakers GM just scoffed at the haters. LA should challenge for another title, but do they have it again this year? Yuyang seems to be the man at SF, but his he ready for a full time role?
5. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 19-12
Top Player: Tracy McGrady
Sacramento is another bottom feeder team making a push atop the rankings. Sacramento pulled off a big deal landing McGrady from the Knicks and have benefited greatly from it thus far. McGrady and Roy lead this team and should b a nice duo for years to come. Sacramento lacks a scoring center, but might find one via FA. Sacramento is making positive strides and should be a sneaky team come playoff time.
6. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 17-11
Top Player: Vince Carter
The Rockets are playing good ball, but can they keep winning? Vince Carter is the vet on this team. Andrew Bogut has made big strides since last season and is a dominate force in the middle.
7. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 17-15
Top Player: Andrew Bynum
The Spurs are getting better, but should a party be thrown yet? The Spurs GM doesn't think so. The team is stacked at PG, so look for Mike Conley to be the odd man out soon. The Spurs have a decent lineup, but they are still young so may be a few years away from really challenging. Like the Lakers, the Spurs lack a scoring SF.
8. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 12-14
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
The Grizzlies are in the playoffs, but for how long? They stole, as one GM said, Arenas from Phoenix in FA. Arenas has been the main scoring guy above the border. This team lacks overall scoring, but should be on the playoff bubble as the season progresses.
9. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 12-16
Top Player: Paccelis Morlende
This team last year, we were discussing how strong the Sonics were. How seasons can change. this team is completely different from last season, and their record shows it. This team has some scorers, but the days of Kobe and Stack are over. This team may be in an identity crisis, and should try to fix it ASAP. They could sneak into the playoffs over Vancouver, but it will be tough.
10. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 10-14
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
We always talk about Denver and their hot streaks. This year may not be like the rest. This team is led by veteran Antonio McDyess, but outside of him, not much else. Losing Chauncey Billups has proven to be huge for this team. They lost Spanoulis via FA to San Antonio. Rashad McCants can score, but is he ready to take over as a starter? Denver is usually a middle of the road team, but this season, they could be on the outside looking.
11. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 13-18
Top Player: Robert Traylor
The Clippers aren't the worst team, but are still pretty bad. Word is they are rebuilding, but can they pull a Utah Jazz? We don't see it happening. This team doesn't have a legit scorer. Robert Traylor is the veteran on this club and seems to keep them in games at times. Alot of youth here, but will they progress sooner than later? The Clips GM sure hopes so. We could have a new GM if things remain poor in Clipperland.
12. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 13-11
Top player: Andris Biedrins
Starting 0-5, was not the way things were to happen in Golden State. Some good FA signings by this team have changed the landscape for the team, but time will tell if they will pay off. Beno Udrih didn't last long in CA, as he was sent packing to Orlando for veteran sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic. The Warriors are led by Andris Biedrins. Biedrins is considered to be a top big around the league, and only at the tender age of 21. Things are getting better for the Warriors, so look for them to be around the playoff bubble.
13. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 12-18
Top Player: Rasheed Wallace
Another young team out West. The surprising play of Jordan Farmar and Brandon bass has helped this team thus far. Jordan Farmar is a strong candidate for ROY. Rasheed Wallace leads this team of youngins, but can he carry the load heading forward?
14. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 10-18
Top Player: Joe Johnson
The Suns were once a middle of the pack team, and now are back at the bottom looking up. Not for long some speculate. As mentioned earlier, the Suns made a big deal acquiring Joe Johnson from Portland. They lost their only scoring in Danny Granger and Dwight Howard. Some feel Portland got the better end of the deal. Johnson is the league MVP, but can he carry this team? Not much else around Johnson, so Phoenix may never crack the top 10 of the rankings. The Suns GM may need to find ways to build around Johnson, just like the Blazers GM did.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
