Post by heelsguy25 on Mar 7, 2011 19:59:20 GMT -5
The 07-08 season is nearing it's end and some teams are still atop the rankings, while others are fighting for some identity and a shot at the playoffs.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 43-19
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Minnesota still remains supreme out West, no big shock there. They have won 25 of the last 35 games since the last installment. They have made a couple moves, but they only bettered the club. Minnesota deal away up and coming star Al Horford for a proven all star type player in Tracy McGrady. This lineup is deadly, and the chances for a title in Minnesota are..nevermind, we don't wanna jinx them, again.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 4 Change: +2
current record: 39-25
Top Player: Dirk Nowitzki
A move upwards for the defending champs. The Lakers can do no wrong and if they don't land the #1 seed out West, should be in the final mix for title holders.
3. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 3 Change:N/A
current record: 38-23
Top Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
The Jazz are fighters. They have come close to being the 2 seed out West, but may fall short. They have a good core of guys, but being so young may hurt them in the long run. This will be good for years to come though.
4. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 5 Change: +1
current record: 36-28
Top Player: Brandon Roy
Sacramento dealt away leading scorer Tracy McGrady for Al Horford, but have not really missed a beat. Brand Roy has stepped up to lead the team in scoring. They made need more scoring from Horford and Josh Smith to be a serious contender for the title.
5. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 2 Change: -3
current record: 38-29
Top Player: Danny Granger
The big deal the Blazers made before the last edition has seemed to mess with the team chemistry a bit. This team has a good 1-2 punch, but can they find a groove and stay there heading towards the playoffs, and into them?
6. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 6 Change: N/A
current record: 35-28
Top Player: Vince Carter
A mediocre season for Houston. That seems to be the them for this club. They will stick around the middle of the pack, and may never get over the hump to be a contender out West.
7. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 7 Change +7
current record: 31-32
Top Player: Joe Johnson
In the last edition, we got on the Suns for being back at the bottom. They took that as a challenge and have snuck into the playoffs. Joe Johnson is the real deal, and can lead a team by himself. A Portland-Phoenix matchup in the playoffs would be a fun watch indeed.
8. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 10 Change: +2
current record: 27-32
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
Are the Nuggets on one of their patented hot streaks? We are not too sure about that. They have improved slightly since the last edition, but is it enough? The bottom of the playoffs are once again muddy. The Nuggets have the veteran guys, but teams like Dallas, Golden St. and Seattle could overtake them for #8.
9. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 12 Change: +3
current record: 27-35
Top player: Andris Biedrins
An up and down season for this club. The Warriors looked like a lock for a top 3 pick, but they have put it in overdrive as of late. Currently on a 7 game win streak, this team went 6-0 the last sim. Winners of 8 of their last 10 too. This team may have it in them to sneak into the 8th slot.
10. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 9 Change: -1
current record: 25-31
Top Player: Paccelis Morlende
Like golden State, the Sonics are on the playoff bubble. The GM has been trying to rebuild, and maybe that will be the factor the team wont get over the hump. This team is built for the playoffs, but inconsistent play is never good.
11. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 7 Change: -4
current record: 26-33
Top Player: Andrew Bynum
The Spurs dealt Conley not long ago, and seem to be moving forward. The GM didn't see much going into the season, so being on the bubble should be a step in the right direction. A young team with a promising future.
12. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 13 Change: +1
current record: 27-34
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? The Mavs are still on the bubble, but it may pop soon for them.
13. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 8 Change: -5
current record: 28-38
Top Player: Keith Van Horn
It didn't last long for the Grizzlies to sink. They tried to swim, but decided to dive bomb and trade away their best scorer in Arenas. The play of Van Horn and Iguodala isn't enough for this team. This team is still building, but will the GM scrape the plans soon and win?
14. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 11 Change: -3
current record: 23-38
Top Player: Robert Traylor
The Clippers ARE the worst team out West now. The GM is clearly looking past this season and onto bigger things like the draft. Will another young guy really help this team? We doubt it.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
