Post by heelsguy25 on Jan 9, 2011 16:24:26 GMT -5
The 05-06 season is just past the All Star breakand things are far from settled. The West looks the same as last year, except for a few things. The East isn't far off as far as dominance like past years, so the teams out West need to step up and prove their worth in the league.
1. Portland Trailblazers
Previous Rank: 1 Change: N/A
current record: 28-7
Top Player: Joe Johnson
Portland keeps on chugging along to a stellar season. this team is looking more and more like the ultimate winner out West. Things could always go wrong late in the season, but we wont bet on it. Many GMs around the league think Joe Johnson is a clear cut candidate for league MVP. We think so too.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Previous Rank: 2 Change: N/A
current record: 23-11
Top Player: Kevin Garnett
Winning 4 out of the last 5 games will keep the Wolves near the top of the standings. They are loaded. A few GMs have wondered if this could be their year. They were the best out West last year and got shocked ion the playoffs. Maybe with not so much pressure on them this season they can bring a title back to Minnesota. Garnett sure hopes so.
3. Houston Rockets
Previous Rank: 3 Change: N/A
current record: 25-14
Top Player: Vince Carter
The Rockets are still very high on our rankings. They have a solid core of players, but depth is a glaring weakness for them. Come playoff time that could come to haunt them.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Previous Rank: 5 Change: +1
current record: 25-18
Top Player: Tim Duncan
An average sim for this club, but they still move up the rankings. They have the pieces to contend and should do so as the season goes along.
5. Seattle Supersonics
Previous Rank: 7 Change:+2
current record: 20-14
Top Player: Kobe Bryant
Great play from Stackhouse and Bryant has helped this team move up not only our rankings but the standings out West. this team is a sneaky team that could advance a few rounds come playoff time. The GM likes to improve the team throughout the season, but do they need to mess with something so good?
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Previous Rank: 4 Change: -2
current record: 21-16
Top Player: Michael Olowokandi
A bit of a slip for this club, but they are still a good team. Strong from other teams may hurt this club as they never seem to find a steady groove. A mediocre team, but could surprise a few teams later in the year.
7. Phoenix Suns
Previous Rank: 6 Change:-1
current record: 22-19
Top Player: Gilbert Arenas
have the Suns come back to earth? They didn't have a solid sim and have slipped a bit in our rankings because of it. They have a good core of young players, but they may need to mix things up to challenge come playoff time.
8. Denver Nuggets
Previous Rank: 8 Change: N/A
current record: 21-21
Top Player: Antonio McDyess
A better sim this time around for Denver. The GM wants the team to go on another patented hot streak, but we are not sure if they have it in them this year. A trade saw them move Glenn Robinson to the Warriors for a young Antawn Jamison. Jamison brings defense to Denver, but may not be able to handle the scoring load that Robinson did for this club. Thankfully McDyess continues to play like an All Star player.
9 Dallas Mavericks
Previous Rank: 9 Change: N/A
current record: 19-22
Top player: Shaun Livingston
Dallas isn't in win now mode but still hang around the playoff bubble. If they make it in they may not make much noise but will prove a young team can compete out West.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Previous Rank: N/A Change: N/A
current record: 17-22
Top Player: Mike Bibby
The Spurs GM wants this team to win and will do so at any cost. Moving Tracy McGrady recently has proven that theory loud and clear. Mike Bibby is now the star of this club and will have a heavy load to deal with. The Spurs may not make the playoffs but will have alot of options come offseason time.
11. Golden State Warriors
Previous Rank: 12 Change: +1
current record: 17-25
Top Player: Glenn Robinson
The recent acquisition of Glenn Robinson has helped this team so far. The Warriors are trying to load up on scorers without destroying their nucleus and are taking a step in the right direction. They have tried to move Penny Hardaway for some time now, to no avail. they need to make a push for the playoffs soon or will be in bad sorts come the offseason.
12. Vancouver Grizzlies
Previous Rank: 1`3 Change: +1
current record: 16-25
Top Player: Sofoklis Schortsanitis
Vancouver is improving, ever so slightly. They are in the process of improving their young core and have the pieces to do So as the season goes on. Look for them to improve, but be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
13. Utah Jazz
Previous Rank: 11 Change: -2
current record: 15-25
Top Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
We are left shaking our heads as to what this team is doing. They are loaded with picks for the next few seasons, but can they really win through the draft? Time will tell.
14. Sacramento Kings
Previous Rank: 14 Change: N/A
current record: 12-31
Top Player: Josh Smith
The season can not get over soon enough for the Kings. They are in full rebuild mode, but should atleast try and win games. They are the 05-06 version of Phoenix from last season.
We will continue to update the rankings as the season progresses, so stay tuned to see how this all plays out.
