Post by Skillz on Aug 24, 2010 17:02:22 GMT -5
BBS POWER RANKINGS
With so many trades altering the BBS landscape, it is time for an early edition of the BBS power rankings. Even though it is early, one thing has already been made extremely clear: the West is significantly better than the East. Also, early records are misleading and played little role in these rankings.
# 29 Houston Rockets (3-9)
Despite the additions of Deron Williams and Danny Granger, the Rockets still don’t have much talent other than their two star rookies. The team doesn’t have enough quality big men or depth to win games, which is good considering the Rockets want to add another top 5 pick to the core.
# 28 New Jersey Nets (4-10)
Chris Paul is really, really, really good already but that’s the only player that the Nets have. Expect another top 3 pick from New Jersey this season and 20 wins or less.
# 27 Dallas Mavericks (3-8)
The Mavericks, a team that seems to win no more than 45 games and no less than 35 games each season, has spiraled into mediocrity over the past few seasons. Greg has been unusually idle with trades, likely due to former superstar Dirk Nowitzki’s production plunge. The Mavericks really should be focused on doing a total rebuild and tanking. Dirk should be traded this season.
# 26 Chicago Bulls (5-7)
One year after winning an unexpected title, the Chicago Bulls have decided to tear it all down. While the team has a ton of pieces, none will contribute soon enough to make the Bulls a competitive team this year. 2005 is all about the development of Kirk Hinrich and Monta Ellis for Chicago.
# 25 Los Angeles Lakers (6-7)
Despite signing Mehmet Okur in the off-season, it doesn’t look like the Lakers want to compete this year. They have started pretty well behind the excellent play of Eddy Curry, but should slow down as the year goes on thanks to poor guard play and minimal depth.
# 24 Atlanta Hawks (5-11)
The Hawks are looking to grab another top pick this off-season, but it’s unlikely because the team already carries too much depth on its roster. While Atlanta lacks a tier one prospect, GM Jiggy hopes that Amir Johnson and J.R. Smith can join Caron Butler as part of the teams future core.
# 23 Memphis Grizlies (3-6)
Even though he has sexy ratings, it is clear that Dwight Howard isn’t quite ready for the role the Grizzlies had in mind. With Dwight playing like an average center, it’s very unlikely that the Grizz will have a lot of success. While Andre Miller is an excellent point guard, the team has shotty wing defense and mediocre production up front.
# 22 Golden State Warriors (7-7)
It’s hard to place the Warriors right now because it’s difficult to determine how many games a one-man team can win. While CC has made it clear that he wants to lose, Amar’e Stoudemire might have different things on his mind. He is a legitimate top 5 player at this point, and might cost the Warriors a top 10 pick.
# 21 Miami Heat (6-7)
The Heat are also somewhat hard to peg. In the midst of a retool/rebuild, Miami has a bonofied star in Richard Hamilton and a strong supporting cast of big men. However, with no wing play to speak of, it is hard to imagine the Heat being better than a .500 team.
# 20 Charlotte Bobcats (7-8)
Even though the Bobcats still have Ray Allen, Steve Nash and Marcus Camby on its roster, it is very likely that the three studs will be there for long. Hype recently decided to rebuild, which is where this low ranking comes from. It should be interesting to see what his 3 expiring studs net him.
# 19 Detroit Pistons (4-12)
Even though they are 4-12, I have to rank the Pistons this high because they are actually TRYING to win and they are in the East. Despite the team’s slow start, they do have some talent and at least have an identity with an outside focus. If Jamal Crawford gets his act together, the Pistons should compete for a playoff spot.
# 18 Toronto Raptors (10-9)
The Raptors just decided to trade away one of the best players in league history so it’s difficult to make sense of that team. While DJ has said he is rebuilding, it’s hard to see the Raptors losing too many games with Dwyane Wade still on the roster. Definitely a team to follow.
# 17 Philadelphia 76ers (8-4)
The 76ers, despite a hot start, may be preparing for a rebuild. After shipping of Stephen Jackson and Rashard Lewis, it is hard to think of a way for Philly to win. Which is for the better, considering the team just got its first round pick back.
# 16 Portland Traiblazers (8-7)
The Blazers are too good to lose and not quite good enough to compete. While they won’t make much damage in a playoff series even if they do get there, Dan has no need to worry. Darko Milicic has emerged as one of the leagues top low post defenders and Sebastian Telfair has turned some heads at point guard. The team has a great future.
With so many trades altering the BBS landscape, it is time for an early edition of the BBS power rankings. Even though it is early, one thing has already been made extremely clear: the West is significantly better than the East. Also, early records are misleading and played little role in these rankings.
# 29 Houston Rockets (3-9)
Despite the additions of Deron Williams and Danny Granger, the Rockets still don’t have much talent other than their two star rookies. The team doesn’t have enough quality big men or depth to win games, which is good considering the Rockets want to add another top 5 pick to the core.
# 28 New Jersey Nets (4-10)
Chris Paul is really, really, really good already but that’s the only player that the Nets have. Expect another top 3 pick from New Jersey this season and 20 wins or less.
# 27 Dallas Mavericks (3-8)
The Mavericks, a team that seems to win no more than 45 games and no less than 35 games each season, has spiraled into mediocrity over the past few seasons. Greg has been unusually idle with trades, likely due to former superstar Dirk Nowitzki’s production plunge. The Mavericks really should be focused on doing a total rebuild and tanking. Dirk should be traded this season.
# 26 Chicago Bulls (5-7)
One year after winning an unexpected title, the Chicago Bulls have decided to tear it all down. While the team has a ton of pieces, none will contribute soon enough to make the Bulls a competitive team this year. 2005 is all about the development of Kirk Hinrich and Monta Ellis for Chicago.
# 25 Los Angeles Lakers (6-7)
Despite signing Mehmet Okur in the off-season, it doesn’t look like the Lakers want to compete this year. They have started pretty well behind the excellent play of Eddy Curry, but should slow down as the year goes on thanks to poor guard play and minimal depth.
# 24 Atlanta Hawks (5-11)
The Hawks are looking to grab another top pick this off-season, but it’s unlikely because the team already carries too much depth on its roster. While Atlanta lacks a tier one prospect, GM Jiggy hopes that Amir Johnson and J.R. Smith can join Caron Butler as part of the teams future core.
# 23 Memphis Grizlies (3-6)
Even though he has sexy ratings, it is clear that Dwight Howard isn’t quite ready for the role the Grizzlies had in mind. With Dwight playing like an average center, it’s very unlikely that the Grizz will have a lot of success. While Andre Miller is an excellent point guard, the team has shotty wing defense and mediocre production up front.
# 22 Golden State Warriors (7-7)
It’s hard to place the Warriors right now because it’s difficult to determine how many games a one-man team can win. While CC has made it clear that he wants to lose, Amar’e Stoudemire might have different things on his mind. He is a legitimate top 5 player at this point, and might cost the Warriors a top 10 pick.
# 21 Miami Heat (6-7)
The Heat are also somewhat hard to peg. In the midst of a retool/rebuild, Miami has a bonofied star in Richard Hamilton and a strong supporting cast of big men. However, with no wing play to speak of, it is hard to imagine the Heat being better than a .500 team.
# 20 Charlotte Bobcats (7-8)
Even though the Bobcats still have Ray Allen, Steve Nash and Marcus Camby on its roster, it is very likely that the three studs will be there for long. Hype recently decided to rebuild, which is where this low ranking comes from. It should be interesting to see what his 3 expiring studs net him.
# 19 Detroit Pistons (4-12)
Even though they are 4-12, I have to rank the Pistons this high because they are actually TRYING to win and they are in the East. Despite the team’s slow start, they do have some talent and at least have an identity with an outside focus. If Jamal Crawford gets his act together, the Pistons should compete for a playoff spot.
# 18 Toronto Raptors (10-9)
The Raptors just decided to trade away one of the best players in league history so it’s difficult to make sense of that team. While DJ has said he is rebuilding, it’s hard to see the Raptors losing too many games with Dwyane Wade still on the roster. Definitely a team to follow.
# 17 Philadelphia 76ers (8-4)
The 76ers, despite a hot start, may be preparing for a rebuild. After shipping of Stephen Jackson and Rashard Lewis, it is hard to think of a way for Philly to win. Which is for the better, considering the team just got its first round pick back.
# 16 Portland Traiblazers (8-7)
The Blazers are too good to lose and not quite good enough to compete. While they won’t make much damage in a playoff series even if they do get there, Dan has no need to worry. Darko Milicic has emerged as one of the leagues top low post defenders and Sebastian Telfair has turned some heads at point guard. The team has a great future.
