Post by heelsguy25 on Nov 28, 2010 2:02:32 GMT -5
Edition #4 is upon us of the Western Conference Power Rankings. The West is not so stuffy. A few teams still vying for a playoff spot.
The rankings provided are based on different factors. All opinions are just that, opinions.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 2 Change: +1
current record: 55-19
previous record: 44-17
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Minnesota takes the top spot in our rankings from Vancouver. Why? Because they have proven to be a force out West. They have been one all year, but are turning it on at the right time. Look for Minnesota to hang on to the top spot in the playoffs and be a very tough out each round.
2. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 1 Change: -1
current record: 55-23
previous record: 43-16
Top Player: Jason Kidd
Their reign at #1 is over. Vancouver has faltered a of late and finds themselves at #2 in the rankings. Vancouver is slipping out of contention for the top spot out West come playoff time. The Grizzlies will be a very solid team come playoff time, regardless of their seed. Word is Kidd is the run away favorite for league MVP.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 5 Change: +2
current record: 47-29
previous record: 36-24
Top Player: Tracy McGrady
Since being taken over by new management, this team is showing signs of being a force. Winning 9 of their last 10 games will make other teams notice how a tough team they could be come playoff time. The new GM is doing things right and we commend him for that.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 5 Change -1
current record: 49-27
previous record: 39-18
Top Player:
The Lakers are back to be a big question mark of a team. We get the feeling the loss of Grant Hill has really hurt his team more than most expected. The Lakers are still a top 4 team out West, but could they suffer from the first round oopsies?
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 9 Change: +4
current record: 44-30
previous record: 33-27
Top Player: Marko Jaric
The Clippers have made a strong push these past couple sims and find themselves entrenched in the payoff picture. The play of Marko Jaric has really made this team a potential upset team when the first round comes by.
6. Sacramento Kings Previous Rank: 6 Change: +1
current record: 31-24
previous record: 45-28
Top Player: Chris Webber
The Kings could nab the 4th spot in the playoffs, but should be happy with the 5 seed. They have really turned this season around. They were once considered a team in shambles. The management door was not long ago a revolving one. They were over the cap, but now find themselves better off. Chris Webber leads this team, but will he be here long? The Kings GM is trying to send him packing, with no luck. .
7. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 9 Change: -3
current record: 44-33
previous record: 37-28
Top Player: Rasheed Wallace
The Mavericks are slipping, and not at the right time. They should stick in the playoff race, but may need to bolster their team come playoff time. They haven't played great ball as of late, and that is never good. Look for the GM to try and do something to push this teams motivation level up.
8. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 11 Change: +3
current record: 42-34
previous record: 33-30
This team is looking into the playoff window, from the outside. Do they have enough in the tank to make up a 1.5 game deficit. They are playing good ball, winning games they need to win. They have beaten some playoff teams as of late too. Golden State could sneak into the 8 spot, but its definitely a toss up.
9. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 9 Change: -3
current record: 43-32
previous record: 34-25
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
The hot play of the Nuggets was once the feel good story of the league. Now, they are back to being a fringe team. The nuggets are playing bad as of late. However, they still should hang on to that precious 8th seed. This year is one lucky season for this team.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 10 Change: NA
current record: 39-36
previous record: 31-27
Top Player: Joe Johnson
The Blazers didn't do themselves any favor, by losing more games then they should have. They still look like a team that could nab the final playoff spot, but they need to have others step up. Joe Johnson can not be the only option for tis team to be successful.
11. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 12 Change: +1
current record: 34-32
previous record: 37-37
Top player: Kobe Bryant
The GM has already thrown in the towel. They are not satisfied with this team's play. They landed MVP Kobe Bryant, and still find themselves coming up short. Look for this team to try and land some pieces in the offseason to finally compete out West.
12. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank; 8 Change: -4
current record: 38-37
previous record: 35-29
Top Player: Vince Carter
A new GM has taken over, but too late. This team lacks a solid starting 5, and wont see the playoffs. They are led by Vince Carter and Chris Bosh, Look for Houston to land another scoring option to help Carter. This team could find that piece in the draft.
13. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 14 Change: +1
current record: 14-50
previous record: 14-45
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
We bump the Suns up to 13th in the rankings, due to their slid play as of late. They are showing signs of promise, for next season. The Suns could land Dwight Howard, and then be more of a force out West.
14. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 13 Change: -1
current record: 29-46
previous record: 26-34
Top Player: Yao Ming
The GM has gone AWOL, as has his team. The Jazz cant wait until the draft. They drop in the rankings due to a poor couple sims as of late. 3 wins in the past 15 games, ouch.
The playoffs are nearing and some teams still have a fighting chance. One sim to go before things are settled. Stay tuned.
