Post by Haberino on Mar 19, 2011 12:37:12 GMT -5
1. Phoenix Suns
After an only above-average start to the season, the Suns erupted for a 17 game win streak. That was recently snapped, but the Suns have now won 21 of 22, and they've left few questions asked during their streak. They've twice dominated Memphis, beaten the Bulls by 17 even on an off night for Favors, and they got some early revenge for last season's playoff loss by beating OKC on the road. The Suns get a massive leg up on the competition by averaging an absurdly low 8.9 turnovers a night. They're loaded with scoring options, shotblockers,and rebounders, too. But one underrated area of improvement for the Suns is their addition of supersub Terrence Williams. Williams is a high volume shooter, and that's not necessarily a great quality matched up against starters. But on bench guys, it means he tears it up. It's not going to be so easy for guys like Kevin Durant and Harrison Barnes to expose Webster and feast off bench players.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
The competition for the second spot is pretty intense, but the Sixers win for now thanks to their recent play. They've won 11 of 12, and while they don't have the most impressive wins, they do have excellent stats. They're nearly in the Bulls' company as far as shutdown defenses go, allowing just 102 PPG and blocking more than 11 shots a night. The 76ers score 113 points a night on an excellent 47.7% FG, and they've got five guys averaging more than 18 points a night. I'll say this: Lumley needs to tinker with his DC, because when you have a team this efficient, and you have such a glaringly obvious change you can make that will make your team much better, you need to make that change. I'm talking about Jordan Sibert. He sucks a lot. The Sixers would get a lot better if they dropped him from the rotation, as he doesn't nothing particularly well and accounts fro 2.6 of their 10.7 turnovers a night. And he can't defend at all. That's not good depth. That's a really bad player. The Sixers also need to sort out their options, because while a balanced scoring load is really fun and dangerous, you need a dominant scorer to go far in the playoffs.
3. Chicago Bulls
A nightmare matchup for any team, the Bulls still have a very good chance to repeat. They'll need to find a way to improve their offense a bit and neutralize opposing PGs, and if they do, they'll dominate. They've gotten exposed by guys like Rose and McCallum and still been good enough to escape with wins, and it's to their advantage that the top East teams aren't built around superstar PGs, but the Bulls have an unimpressive point differential and if even one of their great defenders gets exposed, the Bulls could be outclassed offensively. 102.7 PPG, 45% FG, and 13 turnovers a night aren't usual contender numbers, but the Bulls also aren't a usual contender. They allow an insanely low 96.5 PPG thanks to lockdown defenders and shotblockers at the 2-5. So they're below average on one end and all-time good at another. Can't really say how that will work out in the playoffs, but I wouldn't want to face them.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
What happened? It looked like Insane had a team he could cruise to 60+ wins with. Early results could be a bit deceiving -- five of Memphis' losses have come to Phoenix, Chicago and Milwaukee. But that could also be offered up as evidence Memphis is no longer the best team in BBS. The Grizz still rebound incredibly, and they still score very well. But they don't force many turnovers and they're turnovers are on the high side among contenders. The defense is still great, and they still have three excellent scorers. I wouldn't be surprised if Memphis ran off a big win steak to challenge Phoenix for the top record in the West, but Phoenix has dominated Memphis this year and I don't see that changing in the playoffs.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
I'm not willing to overrate Milwaukee based on their record through 42 games. They're really good, but they have nowhere near their firepower of the four teams above them on this list, and I give them no chance of getting by Philadelphia or Chicago. They don't have anywhere near the defensive prowess (including shotblocking) of those two teams, and while their offense fills the stat sheet, Philly's is more efficient and deeper. Milwaukee has excellent rebounding and balanced scoring. They're not amazing at forcing turnovers, but they're alright, and they control the ball well. I don't think they're ready to contend, but they're a really good regular season team, and that counts for a lot.
6. Boston Celtics
The Celtics were nearly unstoppable before DJ Richardson's injury, so they're hard to rank. They've been mediocre without him, losing a bit of rebounding, and a lot off ballhandling and distributing. Richardson's passing and low turnovers were shockingly good, and it took Boston from a team with really good scoring and interior play to a team without studs throughout their lineup. It'll be exciting to see just how good Boston can be once Richardson returns. Roe's emergence as a top five scorer in the league has been fun to watch, and their bigs are still very good.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder got a good TC out of Trey Thompkins and thanks to that, they haven't missed Andrew Bynum that much. Obviously the shotblocking has taken a hit, and Jarvis Varnado as a backup 4/5 really hurts their rebounding, but the Thunder are still elite in those departments. And they still score brilliantly, pass well, and limit turnovers. So what's the problem? They can't defend for shit, that's the problem. Let's talk more about what I like about my team. Ray McCallum has become the most well-rounded PG in the league. He's generally dominant. Kevin Durant is the coolest outside SG. Josh Smith's the best. Greivis Vasquez is probably the most underrated dude out there. Anyway, my defense is pathetic so I'm definitely not going anywhere.
8. Denver Nuggets
Um, I guess? Lolz. Damn this team isn't very good. Their margin of victory is less than 2 PPG. They turn it over a lot and don't block shots. Mediocre rebounding, scoring, defending. They have a bunch of solid players, and two guys who are borderline superstars. I think the right DC could squeeze 50 wins out of this team, but they aren't very good at all. Rick Pitino's son's name is Rich Pitino. LOL. You know that H and K are different phonemes because of the minimal pairs test. The meaning changes when you switch those sounds. Obviously it's a name so that doesn't apply, but it's close enough. Thank God I don't have this roster. Boooooring.
8. New Jersey Nets
Nets have a great offense and a really horrendous defense. I think Jeff does have enough valuable pieces to make some interesting trades and have a better designed team. Until then, they're a lightweight who can sneak in a few offensive explosions to make you believe they can beat the best teams, but ultimately won't go anywhere. Harrow and Avery both look like excellent, top option SGs. Wonder if Jeff can get a nice big for either of them. It'd make the Nets a lot better.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
You know the league's deep when the best team in the last ten seasons is ranked ninth. LOLz. Great joke, Air! Fucking putrid defense, Cleveland! You'd never believe Reese and Derozan would get absolutely lit up on the perimeter. Or that having a shit bench would hurt a team. Simkin should probably make a few trades to take his team from being a bunch of really good pieces who don't add up to scare anybody to a better designed team with a better bench. He won't though. I still wouldn't wanna play Cleveland in the playoffs, because they have a lot of firepower, but they definitely aren't a contender, and they're worse than anyone expected, I'm guessing.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Dan has a fun team, but here's his team in a nutshell: I beat him by 47 on the road. LOLz damn that was a good win by me. No but here's what I was gonna say. He had a home game against me where LeBron dropped 52 and the team shot 50%, and I still stole the win. That's because Portland has a really awesome duo (not going to include Gordon because he has regressed), but little else. Their frontcourt smells and they have no depth. Dan's a good guy though. I wonder if he'll rebuild. We went to a really awesome buffet last night. It was expensive as shit but damn it was great. A fantastic time with fantastic friends. And what more can a guy ask for? #getthatpussychecked
After an only above-average start to the season, the Suns erupted for a 17 game win streak. That was recently snapped, but the Suns have now won 21 of 22, and they've left few questions asked during their streak. They've twice dominated Memphis, beaten the Bulls by 17 even on an off night for Favors, and they got some early revenge for last season's playoff loss by beating OKC on the road. The Suns get a massive leg up on the competition by averaging an absurdly low 8.9 turnovers a night. They're loaded with scoring options, shotblockers,and rebounders, too. But one underrated area of improvement for the Suns is their addition of supersub Terrence Williams. Williams is a high volume shooter, and that's not necessarily a great quality matched up against starters. But on bench guys, it means he tears it up. It's not going to be so easy for guys like Kevin Durant and Harrison Barnes to expose Webster and feast off bench players.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
The competition for the second spot is pretty intense, but the Sixers win for now thanks to their recent play. They've won 11 of 12, and while they don't have the most impressive wins, they do have excellent stats. They're nearly in the Bulls' company as far as shutdown defenses go, allowing just 102 PPG and blocking more than 11 shots a night. The 76ers score 113 points a night on an excellent 47.7% FG, and they've got five guys averaging more than 18 points a night. I'll say this: Lumley needs to tinker with his DC, because when you have a team this efficient, and you have such a glaringly obvious change you can make that will make your team much better, you need to make that change. I'm talking about Jordan Sibert. He sucks a lot. The Sixers would get a lot better if they dropped him from the rotation, as he doesn't nothing particularly well and accounts fro 2.6 of their 10.7 turnovers a night. And he can't defend at all. That's not good depth. That's a really bad player. The Sixers also need to sort out their options, because while a balanced scoring load is really fun and dangerous, you need a dominant scorer to go far in the playoffs.
3. Chicago Bulls
A nightmare matchup for any team, the Bulls still have a very good chance to repeat. They'll need to find a way to improve their offense a bit and neutralize opposing PGs, and if they do, they'll dominate. They've gotten exposed by guys like Rose and McCallum and still been good enough to escape with wins, and it's to their advantage that the top East teams aren't built around superstar PGs, but the Bulls have an unimpressive point differential and if even one of their great defenders gets exposed, the Bulls could be outclassed offensively. 102.7 PPG, 45% FG, and 13 turnovers a night aren't usual contender numbers, but the Bulls also aren't a usual contender. They allow an insanely low 96.5 PPG thanks to lockdown defenders and shotblockers at the 2-5. So they're below average on one end and all-time good at another. Can't really say how that will work out in the playoffs, but I wouldn't want to face them.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
What happened? It looked like Insane had a team he could cruise to 60+ wins with. Early results could be a bit deceiving -- five of Memphis' losses have come to Phoenix, Chicago and Milwaukee. But that could also be offered up as evidence Memphis is no longer the best team in BBS. The Grizz still rebound incredibly, and they still score very well. But they don't force many turnovers and they're turnovers are on the high side among contenders. The defense is still great, and they still have three excellent scorers. I wouldn't be surprised if Memphis ran off a big win steak to challenge Phoenix for the top record in the West, but Phoenix has dominated Memphis this year and I don't see that changing in the playoffs.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
I'm not willing to overrate Milwaukee based on their record through 42 games. They're really good, but they have nowhere near their firepower of the four teams above them on this list, and I give them no chance of getting by Philadelphia or Chicago. They don't have anywhere near the defensive prowess (including shotblocking) of those two teams, and while their offense fills the stat sheet, Philly's is more efficient and deeper. Milwaukee has excellent rebounding and balanced scoring. They're not amazing at forcing turnovers, but they're alright, and they control the ball well. I don't think they're ready to contend, but they're a really good regular season team, and that counts for a lot.
6. Boston Celtics
The Celtics were nearly unstoppable before DJ Richardson's injury, so they're hard to rank. They've been mediocre without him, losing a bit of rebounding, and a lot off ballhandling and distributing. Richardson's passing and low turnovers were shockingly good, and it took Boston from a team with really good scoring and interior play to a team without studs throughout their lineup. It'll be exciting to see just how good Boston can be once Richardson returns. Roe's emergence as a top five scorer in the league has been fun to watch, and their bigs are still very good.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder got a good TC out of Trey Thompkins and thanks to that, they haven't missed Andrew Bynum that much. Obviously the shotblocking has taken a hit, and Jarvis Varnado as a backup 4/5 really hurts their rebounding, but the Thunder are still elite in those departments. And they still score brilliantly, pass well, and limit turnovers. So what's the problem? They can't defend for shit, that's the problem. Let's talk more about what I like about my team. Ray McCallum has become the most well-rounded PG in the league. He's generally dominant. Kevin Durant is the coolest outside SG. Josh Smith's the best. Greivis Vasquez is probably the most underrated dude out there. Anyway, my defense is pathetic so I'm definitely not going anywhere.
8. Denver Nuggets
Um, I guess? Lolz. Damn this team isn't very good. Their margin of victory is less than 2 PPG. They turn it over a lot and don't block shots. Mediocre rebounding, scoring, defending. They have a bunch of solid players, and two guys who are borderline superstars. I think the right DC could squeeze 50 wins out of this team, but they aren't very good at all. Rick Pitino's son's name is Rich Pitino. LOL. You know that H and K are different phonemes because of the minimal pairs test. The meaning changes when you switch those sounds. Obviously it's a name so that doesn't apply, but it's close enough. Thank God I don't have this roster. Boooooring.
8. New Jersey Nets
Nets have a great offense and a really horrendous defense. I think Jeff does have enough valuable pieces to make some interesting trades and have a better designed team. Until then, they're a lightweight who can sneak in a few offensive explosions to make you believe they can beat the best teams, but ultimately won't go anywhere. Harrow and Avery both look like excellent, top option SGs. Wonder if Jeff can get a nice big for either of them. It'd make the Nets a lot better.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
You know the league's deep when the best team in the last ten seasons is ranked ninth. LOLz. Great joke, Air! Fucking putrid defense, Cleveland! You'd never believe Reese and Derozan would get absolutely lit up on the perimeter. Or that having a shit bench would hurt a team. Simkin should probably make a few trades to take his team from being a bunch of really good pieces who don't add up to scare anybody to a better designed team with a better bench. He won't though. I still wouldn't wanna play Cleveland in the playoffs, because they have a lot of firepower, but they definitely aren't a contender, and they're worse than anyone expected, I'm guessing.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Dan has a fun team, but here's his team in a nutshell: I beat him by 47 on the road. LOLz damn that was a good win by me. No but here's what I was gonna say. He had a home game against me where LeBron dropped 52 and the team shot 50%, and I still stole the win. That's because Portland has a really awesome duo (not going to include Gordon because he has regressed), but little else. Their frontcourt smells and they have no depth. Dan's a good guy though. I wonder if he'll rebuild. We went to a really awesome buffet last night. It was expensive as shit but damn it was great. A fantastic time with fantastic friends. And what more can a guy ask for? #getthatpussychecked