Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 20, 2010 0:34:38 GMT -5
The 04-05 season is nearing the end and the playoff picture is shaping up out West.. Some teams have done a complete turn around, while others have slipped off their throne. The West is still the better conference, but some new teams are leading the way out West.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 49-18
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Minnesota stays on top of our rankings this edition. they are playing very very good ball, at the right time. Winning 12 of their last 15 makes them the team to beat in the entire league. It may be too early to say they wrapped up the top seed out West, but we are calling it now.
2. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 4 Change: +2
current record: 49-22
Top Player: Joe Johnson
Back at #2 in our ranking come the Blazers. Playing great ball at the right time too. The Gm has mentioned to other GMs he is a bit shocked at the play of his club. We whole heartedly agree with him there.
3. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 2 Change: +1
current record: 43-22
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
The Sonics keep on rolling. Some may have thought this team would slip a bit, but nothing so far. Kobe is the glue for this team and things are sticking in Seattle. The Gm is trying to shop some players for upgrades, but no bites thus far.
4. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 6 Change: +2
current record: 39-26
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
This team is still riding it's hot streak. If the strong play continues in Denver look for this team to go from a non-playoff team to a 4 seed. That's quite an improvement, but does it surprise anyone?
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 3 Change: -2
current record: 43-26
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
The Clippers are still hanging around and fighting there way to a top 3 seed out West. We think they have enough to grab one, but if not they will still be a tough out for any team.
6. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 5 Change: -1
current record: 40-27
Top Player: Allen Iverson
How is this team a middle of the pack team? They blow out teams left and right. Things may be unfolding in Vancouver, but we still feel the team will play well come playoff time.
7. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 7 Change: N/A
current record: 37-31
Top Player: Jamal Mashburn
Winning 9 of their last 15 games will not get things done out West. This team has a very big solid frontocurt, but seem to be lacking the scoring punch in the backcourt. Felton is young, but as the floor general has to play better for this club to be taken serious.
8. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 8 Change: N/A
current record: 35-33
Top Player: Yao Ming
Sacramento is hanging on to their playoff lives. They are playing good enough to be the 8th seed, but will things stay this way for a few more weeks? Ming leads this team, but he needs more hep if they want to be a force in the playoffs.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 9 Change: N/A
current record: 32-31
Top Player: Tim Duncan
The Lakers are playing good ball since acquiring Antoine Walker. This club is on the playoff bubble, but we feel they should move past the Kings and steal the final seed out West. They could give teams trouble in the playoffs as well.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 11 Change: +1
current record: 30-35
Top player: Shareef Abdur-Rahim
The Mavs are chugging along, but still are on the outside looking in. The new GM appears to be ready for the draft, and has given up hope on this season.
11. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 10 Change: -1
current record: 30=39
Top Player: Chris Webber
The Jazz are back to their losing ways. Things may not get better for this club for a couple seasons.
12. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: 12 Change: N/A
current record: 28-40
Top Player: Gary Payton
Like Dallas, this club is searching for an identity. Look for this team to try and get back to it's winning ways next season.
13. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 13 Change: N/A
current record: 22-45
Top Player: Vince Carter
Awful. that all but sums up how this team is playing as of late. They need help, and fast. Look for them to try and fill that scoring void via the draft.
14. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 14 Change: N/A
current record: 21-45
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
A young team, plain and simple. Another top draft pick is in their sights. The GM is doing his best, but not near enough to be a force in the West.
A couple teams are battling for the 8th spot out West and that race should remain tight for awhile. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Western Conference rankings.
