E.C. Midseason Power Rankings *NEW POST* 11/21

nice

*In this Article*

Current Standings:
*Atlanta Hawks 14 8 .636 7-3
*New Jersey Nets 12 11 .522 2.5
*Indiana Pacers 11 8 .579 1.5
*Orlando Magic 10 9 .526 2.5
*Philadelphia 76ers 12 12 .500 3.0
*Boston Celtics 10 11 .456 3.5
*Washington Wizards 10 12 .455 4.0
*Detroit Pistons 10 12 .455 4.0
Chicago Bulls 11 14 .440 4.5
Charlotte Hornets 5 10 .333 5.5
Toronto Raptors 6 12 .333 6.0
Miami Heat 5 12 .294 6.5
Milwaukee Bucks 6 14 .300 7.0
Cleveland Cavaliers 6 15 .286 7.5
New York Knicks 6 20 .231 10.0



5. Philadelphia 76ers 12-12 Point Differential: -.1

The 76ers have an exciting young team - and nobody is surprised they are still in playoff contention even after trading away Allen Iverson - considering what they got in return. Carlos Boozer is in just his second year, yet is playing like an All-Star, averaging a team high 19.1 points, and 10.2 rebounds. Hid progress has been substantial over the summer, and it's showing up in his stats, and the win column. Backing him up are 4th year forward Shawn Marion and 3rd year guard Rip Hamilton - both of whom are having career years. The only problem this team might run into besides lack of leadership might be the point guard position. Journeyman Alvin Williams is hardly a positive on the floor as he creates almost no offense, and is slower than a chained up turtle. A star point guard is certainly this teams answer to the question: "Will they make the playoffs?"

Team MVP: Shawn Marion 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals

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6. Detroit Pistons 10-12 Point Differential: -2.1

The Pistons are in 6th simply because they have one of the most talented teams in the East - they just have to start playing together. The team has two key additions, one of which has missed the last 6 games to an ankle injury; Shareef Abdur Rahim. Leandrinho Barbosa is struggling to find his game as a rookie, but most figure it won't be long before he does - and the team should certainly benefit from it. The key for the Pistons struggles early on could also be the lack of contribution from veteran all star Michael Finley, who last year starting at the point, scored 20 PPG while dishing out 7 APG. That lack of scoring threat has allowed teams to double Dirk at will. However with the return of Abdur Rahim, I'm sure the team will start it's climb to at least home court advantage by the post season.

Team MVP: Dirk Nowitzki 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1.6 steals

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7. Boston Celtics 10-11 Point Differential: -2.9

The new home of LeBron James has proven to be a pleasant one, as the Celtics completely turned around their fortunes by drafting him number one overall last June. Haunted by numerous consecutive losing seasons, fans are beginning to feel the excitement with the word "playoffs" on the tips of their tongues. James is simply an unbelievable rookie - probably the best the league has seen since Allen Iverson was drafted in 1996. Averaging 26.8 points, good enough for 6th in the league, LeBron has become the clutch performer in Boston. However, if he wasn't on the team, guys like Pau Gasol and David West would be in the discussion for team MVP. Boston has a great future ahead of them, with the 2003 season spearheading that awful losing taste in everyone's mouths. The only thing I need to see change before they can climb the standings is the play of Jay Williams - currently averaging 4.3 turnovers a game as the starting point guard.

Team MVP: LeBron James 26.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals

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8. Washington Wizards 10-12 Point Differential: -.4

Rounding off the top eight is a Washington team I can't see staying in the hunt. Led by second year guard John Salmons and seventh year forward Antoine Walker - the team is very weak. With almost no bench to speak of, and very limited young talent outside of Salmons and rookie Mo Williams, the Wizards need to shake things up if they want to stay contenders. Walker and Salmons simply can't hold this team up every game, and the fatigue will start to wear as the long season rolls on. Starting center Vlad Stepania is playing next to nobody in the low block, as Brian Cook is averaging a meager 3 points a game. The team needs to find Juan Carlos Navarro some serious minutes - he has the talent, and the ability to cut through the defense late in games when the focus is on perimeter threats Walker and Salmons. Perhaps we will see Walker moved to PF, Salmons to SF with Navarro starting at the 2?

Team MVP: Antoine Walker 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3 assists 49.5% 3PT

A Look Ahead: [/size]On the Outside, Looking In; Lottery Bound? Or Last Minute Squeakers? The Final 8

I'd consider it Power rankings...it's in the "how to earn money" payout post

I just couldn't sit and write it all at once. Would have killed me.

$650

Great work

*In This Article:*

*Atlanta Hawks 28 16 .636
*Washington Wiza. 22 16 .579
*Indiana Pacers 22 15 .595
*New Jersey Nets 20 17 .541
*Orlando Magic 18 17 .514
*Boston Celtics 19 18 .514
*Detroit Pistons 20 22 .476
*Chicago Bulls 18 20 .474
Milwaukee Bucks 19 22 .463
Charlotte Hornets 19 22 .463
Philadelphia 76ers 17 27 .386
Miami Heat 14 27 .341
Toronto Raptors 12 26 .316
Cleveland Cavaliers 12 26 .316
New York Knicks 11 34 .244

In this edition, the last four teams (before stated as those rebuilding) will be excluded from the Power Rankings for fact they are not in playoff contention. Each team will be represented with the number of spots they have traveled up or down the rankings, along with their W-L record. Let's Begin!

1. Atlanta Hawks 28-16: +1 (Previous Rank: 2)

The Hawks have pulled away as I predicted, and are now 2.5 games up on the Pacers for division and conference lead despite going 5-5 in their last ten games. Erick Dampier appeared in his first All-Star game this weekend, joined by Eddie Jones in his 4th appearance and Gary Payton, playing in his 5th ASG. With 3 All-Stars acting as a barometer, the Hawks are a team on fire atop the standings, and could very well end up heading into the playoffs as favorites to win the East.

2. Indiana Pacers 22-15: -1 (Previous Rank: 1)

This is really a toss up between the Pacers and (COME ON MAN!) the Wizards. However, the Pacers have the more talented and experienced team, and will make it further than the Wizards down the stretch. Still let by duo Tim Duncan who was selected to the All Star Game, and All-Star snub Penny Hardaway, the Pacers have a great supporting cast including one time superstar Shawn Kemp and an exciting young point guard in Mike Bibby.

3. Washington Wizards 22-16: +5 (Previous Rank: 8.)

Wow, the Wizards have had an amazing 2nd quarter this season, winning 12 of their last 16 games since the last report and 9-1 in their last 10. Antoine Walker hasn't let up in his reign of shimmy, and John Salmons is playing like a future star. One glaring reason for their incredible success, is, well - they have only played 6 of those 16 games against playoff teams. While they have a couple great players - the overall talent level just doesn't seem enough to keep them in the top 4.

4. New Jersey Nets 20-17: Even

The Nets are still planted firmly in the 4th spot, still hovering around .500 throughout the season, and still without a scoring threat in the post. Marbury was named starting PG in the ASG and is keeping pace with his usual 25 points and 10 assists. Like it was said before - the team is pretty much the same!

5. Orlando Magic 18-17: -2 (Previous Rank: 3)

The Magic still have one of the most experienced teams in the East, outside of the top 2 teams. They've slipped a bit in the rankings, only because of their consistent .500 record. With the emergence of the Wizards which, again, I can't see staying that way, the Magic have lost home court advantage at this point in the season, however should gain it back before April.

6. Boston Celtics 19-18: +1 (Previous Rank: 7)

The Celtics are still playing great basketball, improving from 10-11 last quarter. LeBron James is still playing incredibly, leading his young team to some big wins over the Hornets (twice) and the Pistons, who are right on the teams tail in the playoff race. The big threat for the Celtics right now is Chicago who has made a couple moves, and are steadily improving each week. Boston has to start winning some games they aren't supposed to win if they want to stay ahead of those teams creeping up from below.

7. Milwaukee Bucks 19-22: +4 (Previous Rank: 11)

The Bucks are a team with a head full of steam, with Ray Allen fresh off his first 3 Point Shootout championship, he seems ready to bring that winning attitude to the season with his team to finish out the year. Since the last power rankings came out, addressing their need for a legitimate low post scorer, Bucks GM Ollie traded Glenn Robinson for Danny Fortson - exactly what the team needed. Milwaukee has gone 13-8 since acquiring Fortson, and have cut their point differential from nearly negative 6 points to just over 2. A deal has also been agreed to in principle that will see the Bucks get Juwan Howard, a prolific low post scorer, from the 76ers in return for Gary Trent and Calvin Booth, two expiring contracts. This should surely launch the Bucks up the rankings and standings, and it is expected they fight for home court advantage come the end of the season.

8. Chicago Bulls 18-20: +1 (Previous Rank: 9)

The Bulls aren't any higher for reason of their record, however they are slated above the Pistons because they are playing some great basketball at the moment. Going 7-3 in their last ten, and 7-6 since we saw them last, Chicago recently acquired Kendrick Perkins from Toronto for JaRon Rush and a draft pick. Perkins immediately adds size and a pair of young legs to take over for Sabonis, who is frequently seen vomiting between time on the floor. Expect Chicago to steadily climb the standings before ending up around 6th in the East.

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Knocking on the door:

9. Detroit Pistons 20-22: -2 (Previous Rank: 7)

The Pistons still cannot seem to put it together, going 10-12 again this quarter, and dropping out of my top 8 due to a few other teams going all-in, like the Bucks and Bulls. While these teams are steadily improving, the Pistons seem stuck in a rut. It's unclear what is causing the lack of explosiveness, but most fingers point to Leandrinho Barbosa - the teams rookie starting 2-guard. While his numbers seem decent for a rookie, he plays one of the most important positions on the floor, offensively and defensively. His lack of experience might be costing the Pistons some well deserved wins.

10. Charlotte Hornets 19-22: Even

Charlotte too addressed a need when they acquired Jason Terry from the Bulls last week, and it seemed to pay off a bit as they went 5-3 since adding him to the lineup. The Hornets had a very nice streak in the middle of the 2nd quarter, but fell out of the playoff hunt again before making the deal. It is unclear whether or not the Hornets are done adding to the roster, but as of now they lack anymore assets to add more depth to the roster.

11. Philadelphia 76ers 17-27: -6 (Previous Rank: 5)

The 76ers seem to have come back to Earth after a blistering start for such a young team. Boozer is a great franchise player and Philly will surely look to win around him, however they are still very young and lack any real force at point guard - an essential piece to any contending team. Look for them to use their picks or cap room to address that need in the offseason. In the meantime, the 76ers are officially joining the ranks of rebuilding franchises at this point.

ive moved barbs to the bench at the 1-3... maggs is the new starting two
i havent seen enough outa barbs for now he'll be back probably

good job with this, Joel. You've definitely proven to be a great addition to the league so far

i have no clue why we cant do it... with the additions of grant and SAR we can rebound the ball... fin is doing just fine at the point... making him an option fixed his scoring problems quick enough. maggs did pretty nice a few years back with close to 20 his rookie year in extended playing time.

Question about bank claim - Do I claim 650 everytime I update this without it being graded?

nope...only claim when it is graded