Post by runngunallday on Jun 26, 2011 17:51:50 GMT -5
1. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks thought they had the Eastern Conference finals in the bag when they went up 3-1 on the Celtics, but LeBron came back with a vengeance to put a final stamp on the rivalry between the two franchiss. The Hawks however have assembled a team that will continue to contend, so with the Celtics out the way look for former MVP JJ and co to make that championship run.
2. NJ Nets
This team's fan base was in despair with their old gm 'verysilentone' refusing to make any major changes. The Nets finally found themselves a capable GM who has changed the team's fortune 360 degrees. Nick worked wonders last season adding a very strong supporting cast for his superstar Danny Granger. Boris Diaw, DPOY Darko Milicic, Amare Stoudemire, and Leandro Barbosa were all acquired last season in order to get this team to contend. After a strong training camp look for the Nets to be amongst the elite.
3. Utah Jazz
Kevin Durant has finally lived up to the hype and took his game to the next level. The Jazz have done a good job keeping a solid supporting cast around him, last season they picked up Sergei Karaulov who will be monumental to their success. Look for a breakout season from PG Sun Yue who will have to play his best game for this team to come out the West.
4. Orlando Magic
The Magic have 2 franchise players in Russell Westbrook and Trevor Ariza. Both players play outstanding defense and can put up 25-30 points on any given night. A lot of people expected to see this team in the Finals last season but they fell short of expectations by losing in the 1st round. The magic haven't made any significant moves this offseason to address their C position or their depth at the 2/3 but with Westbrook and Ariza they'll be contending no matter what.
5. Seattle Supersonics
Elite PG, check. Stud SF, check. Hard nosed C, check. The Sonics are in good shape, with Monta Ellis ready to prove himself as the best player in SSBL4. George Hill looks like he's ready to produce, and he will need to as the Sonics lack a 3rd scorer. The Sonics will also need to add some more depth at the 2 and 3 positions to solidify their championship run.
6. Denver Nuggets
With half beast half amazing Blake Griffin and their latest pickup former ssbl4 champion Carmelo Anthony the Nuggets will be looking to make another trip to the finals. After losing their Steve Franchise the Nuggets fell to the lotto, but Melo should compliment Griffin perfectly so look for the nugs to shoot right back up to the top.
7. Sacramento Kings
The Kings might have finally found the right equation with Roy, Turner and J-Smooth leading the way. They have plenty of depth at the PG position where any one of their guys can shine for them, and Gerald Wallace providing solid play off the bench. The Kings may choose to play Turner at PG where he excels as they have guys like Gdub and Newley who are capable of starting. Many options for this deep team, although their Center situation is appalling.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
The league champions don't quite look like the same team since Duncan got his ring and jumped ship. The big ticket, a 17 year veteran with the Wolves is having too much fun however and wants to make another run. Unfortunately for the wolves they are lacking the firepower to be serious contenders but TMac, Artest and KG will still make some noise if their supporting cast can help.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Dirk is 34 but still a all star calibre player. Marcus Williams is arguably a top 3 PG. The team with no GM will be looking to win some games this season, with a GM who knows what they can accomplish.
10. Philadephia 76ers
DRose and DWade are dynamic backcourt, but the sixers have many questions left to be answered. Can Lopez and Howard get it done? Will Iggy be traded? What role will Jimmer play this season? Either way the sixers should be a threat to any team in the East.
Close but no cigar:
11. Houston Rockets
Brand, Beasley and Jennings along with a decent supporting cast should actually give the Rockets a good shot at cracking into the top 10, esp after getting a nice TC from Marcus Morris.
12. Miami Heat
Rondo + Blatche will get them a bunch of wins. They will need Akyol to find his form if they want to be taken seriously this season.
13. NY Knicks
Aquiring Bargnani was an interesting move for the Knickerbockers. Barnes looks like hes molding into a franchise player but it is too early to expect him to lead the Knicks anywhere. The Knicks look like they'll be one of the league's worst rebounding teams, this is something they'll have to fix to be in the top 10
The Hawks thought they had the Eastern Conference finals in the bag when they went up 3-1 on the Celtics, but LeBron came back with a vengeance to put a final stamp on the rivalry between the two franchiss. The Hawks however have assembled a team that will continue to contend, so with the Celtics out the way look for former MVP JJ and co to make that championship run.
2. NJ Nets
This team's fan base was in despair with their old gm 'verysilentone' refusing to make any major changes. The Nets finally found themselves a capable GM who has changed the team's fortune 360 degrees. Nick worked wonders last season adding a very strong supporting cast for his superstar Danny Granger. Boris Diaw, DPOY Darko Milicic, Amare Stoudemire, and Leandro Barbosa were all acquired last season in order to get this team to contend. After a strong training camp look for the Nets to be amongst the elite.
3. Utah Jazz
Kevin Durant has finally lived up to the hype and took his game to the next level. The Jazz have done a good job keeping a solid supporting cast around him, last season they picked up Sergei Karaulov who will be monumental to their success. Look for a breakout season from PG Sun Yue who will have to play his best game for this team to come out the West.
4. Orlando Magic
The Magic have 2 franchise players in Russell Westbrook and Trevor Ariza. Both players play outstanding defense and can put up 25-30 points on any given night. A lot of people expected to see this team in the Finals last season but they fell short of expectations by losing in the 1st round. The magic haven't made any significant moves this offseason to address their C position or their depth at the 2/3 but with Westbrook and Ariza they'll be contending no matter what.
5. Seattle Supersonics
Elite PG, check. Stud SF, check. Hard nosed C, check. The Sonics are in good shape, with Monta Ellis ready to prove himself as the best player in SSBL4. George Hill looks like he's ready to produce, and he will need to as the Sonics lack a 3rd scorer. The Sonics will also need to add some more depth at the 2 and 3 positions to solidify their championship run.
6. Denver Nuggets
With half beast half amazing Blake Griffin and their latest pickup former ssbl4 champion Carmelo Anthony the Nuggets will be looking to make another trip to the finals. After losing their Steve Franchise the Nuggets fell to the lotto, but Melo should compliment Griffin perfectly so look for the nugs to shoot right back up to the top.
7. Sacramento Kings
The Kings might have finally found the right equation with Roy, Turner and J-Smooth leading the way. They have plenty of depth at the PG position where any one of their guys can shine for them, and Gerald Wallace providing solid play off the bench. The Kings may choose to play Turner at PG where he excels as they have guys like Gdub and Newley who are capable of starting. Many options for this deep team, although their Center situation is appalling.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
The league champions don't quite look like the same team since Duncan got his ring and jumped ship. The big ticket, a 17 year veteran with the Wolves is having too much fun however and wants to make another run. Unfortunately for the wolves they are lacking the firepower to be serious contenders but TMac, Artest and KG will still make some noise if their supporting cast can help.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Dirk is 34 but still a all star calibre player. Marcus Williams is arguably a top 3 PG. The team with no GM will be looking to win some games this season, with a GM who knows what they can accomplish.
10. Philadephia 76ers
DRose and DWade are dynamic backcourt, but the sixers have many questions left to be answered. Can Lopez and Howard get it done? Will Iggy be traded? What role will Jimmer play this season? Either way the sixers should be a threat to any team in the East.
Close but no cigar:
11. Houston Rockets
Brand, Beasley and Jennings along with a decent supporting cast should actually give the Rockets a good shot at cracking into the top 10, esp after getting a nice TC from Marcus Morris.
12. Miami Heat
Rondo + Blatche will get them a bunch of wins. They will need Akyol to find his form if they want to be taken seriously this season.
13. NY Knicks
Aquiring Bargnani was an interesting move for the Knickerbockers. Barnes looks like hes molding into a franchise player but it is too early to expect him to lead the Knicks anywhere. The Knicks look like they'll be one of the league's worst rebounding teams, this is something they'll have to fix to be in the top 10
