Post by Miami Heat on May 28, 2008 18:18:02 GMT -5
*Note* Because Standings were no updated, The last 4 days of November were not used in these rankings to decide the order. We did say things about certain teams and if it was close we kind of looked but it's going off the last standings.
1. Phoenix: The Phoenix Suns started off on one of the greatest starts in league history with their impressive 13 and 0 start. However, they've cooled as of late with three consecutive losses. They still have the best big 4 in the league, bar none.
2. Boston: After the trading of Jason Kidd and Paul Pierce in the offseason, everyone thought the Celtics were not a top tier team anymore. There four new young starters (TJ Ford, Rashard Lewis, Udonis Haslem, and Mike Dunleavy) have come up big for the C's as well as the deepest and best bench in the league. Put all of that with KG anchoring and you have a very good regular season team. The question is can KG lead them in the playoffs?
3. Houston: The Battle for the West could potentially run through Houston if they can manage to catch the Suns, they're not far off and got some help from their division rivals, Dallas, in catching these guys.
4. San Antonio: We talked about the Kidd trade earlier, well Kidd has made Dirk into a winner and "3 Star Player of the Week" more times than anyone else. Pair Kidd and Dirk with Mike Miller, Danny Granger, and Rookie center Brook Lopez and this team could potentially win the West.[/color]
5. Atlanta: Amare, Amare, Amare! One of the greatest tandems in the league is set up in this city with Amare and AK47. They'll look to shut down teams via the defense and have done so with Kobe in their lineup, but not that Kobe's gone in a blockbuster what will lay ahead for this team.[/color]
6. Denver: The combination of Steve Nash and Tim Duncan has not disappointed. You have teams making huge trades, the Nuggets have kept quiet and outside of the Carmelo Anthony/Steve Nash deal have not made any big trades. Denver is just another team that could win the West, and you know Nash and Duncan will set it up in the playoffs.
7. Miami: LeBron James throws it down with no regard for human life! That's the story that Miami GM Charles Boen wants to here with Pau Gasol chipping in. The Heat got off to a slow start but then picked it up to take over the division lead. [/color]
8. Dallas: A lot of teams are trying to copy the Dwight Howard/Chris Bosh combo but I'm not sure why? It hasn't really worked and Dallas (mostly Dwight Howard) has struggled since getting Bosh from the Hawks. They did beat Miami in the "big man battles" of Paul Gasol and Amare Stoudemire vs. Bosh and Howard but you saw Miami trade Amare recently. It's interesting but I don't think 2 offensive bigman can work and get the max out of your guys, it would help though if MANUUUUUUUU would help out a little.
9. Chicago: The Chicago Bulls are a truly special team if they can get a center to back that team. They've got Peja running that position right now, and it's working?! We here at ESPN want to know how. The core around him is a spectacular core with Agent and Melo combining for a sick offense.
10. Detroit: This team since the Black Mamba was fired has not been the same, that simple. There new GM hasn't been seen from in weeks and Richard Jefferson is coming off the bench. Get them a decent GM and look out this team could win be right back in the championship hunt yet again.
11. Golden State: One of the pleasant surprises in the league. They're led by a strong front court with Yao Ming, who's currently injured, and Antonio McDyess. This team could be dangerous whenever their star gets back. They're playing well without him and managing to do the right things.
12. Philadelphia: What do say about Philly? It's basically the real NBA 76ers just add in Eric Gordon, Craigh Smith, and Ryan Gomes. There doing something right because there not in the draft lottery where most said they would be. Ziggy has stepped up his game and you can tell by just looking at this teams record.
13. Orlando: The third best team in the Southeast? Is that really that impressive? I'd say so. This team has enough talent to win a few divisions in this league with Tony Parker, Hedo Turkoglo and Ben Gordon. They have run into some small misfortunes with injuries but have been playing relatively well.
14. Oklahoma City: That's right folk, forget Seattle IT'S OKLAHOMA CITY SONICS BABY!!! Even though Lebron didn't come into town like he was suppose to, this team is still good. If the Diesel has anything left this team could be a dark horse in the playoffs. Durant can only good better and Pierce is a stud while Calderon has been solid. Charlie V. hasn't even played much this year, leaving the PF spot to Rhaim who is shakey at best at this point his career.
15. Utah: We're surprised by this team as well here at ESPN. This team is struggling to have a GM to realize that he's alive. We haven't seen much from the team but he's got his team in position to make the playoffs as of right now. Boozer has been a great performer and allowed them to stay in the hunt.
16. New Orleans: If the Hornets had a center they would be a very good team. Billups, Jrich, and Brand is big 3 and Marvin is young and will only get better. Maxiell is the cog in this team keeping them from being a top 10 team. Still this team may make the playoffs in the West.
17. Washington: After ripping the Cavs anal hole out, The Wizards are much improved with a now starting 5 of Devin Harris, Michael Redd, Stephen Jackson, Kevin Love, and Ziggy I. The Wizards GM just made the SE the strongest divison 1 through 5 in the league.
18. Indiana: This team has struggled a little bit after the big off season signing of Josh Smith. The expectations have been there but this team has not managed to perform up to it's level and get to the top of the conference that was some what expected by this team. The Pacers have a true SG at PG and that could be one of the reasons they're struggling.
19. Charlotte: A true disappointment here, Charlotte is one of the best teams in the league and have struggled out of the blocks. CP3 went down with an injury and this has caused the team to rely upon Delonte West, but hey it worked in a big time win over the division rival and division leading Miami Heat.
20. Memphis: There new GM hasn't made any deals yet, and until he decides whither this team is ready to win now or is rebuilding they will be in the worst spot in the league. Not good enough to make the playoffs but not bad enough to have a legit chance at a stud. I would expect a big trade in Memphis soon.[/color]
21. Sacramento: The Kings have been one of the biggest mysteries in the league, how are they as good as their record indicates? They have rookie Derrick Rose, Tayshaun Prince and Kevin Martin, but have very little up front and can't seem to get the consistency down low that they need. Hiring the old Raptors GM always brings up Steroids as a possibility.
22. Minnestoa: YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII better get to playing. This team has been the most disappointing to me personally. I thought they were an easy playoff team, now I'm not so sure. Maybe a chance is needed to get the KG curse off of the T-wolves.
23.Milwaukee: After a strong preseason, The Bucks have struggled out of the gate and have had to rely upon making moves that included sending young PG Devin Harris out of Milwaukee for a PG in Boobie Gibsson while sending Tyson Chandler to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor. Hopefully this helps his team out and sends Milwaukee into the playoffs as they are one of ESPN's top rated preaseason teams.
24. Cleveland: What is this team doing? They let Washington rape there anal hole out, almost sent Battier to Golden State for nothing, and appeared to be making a rebuilding move to get Durant in a trade with the Sonics. That deal got rejected so what do they do? They go out and get Brad Miller and Kobe Bryant for Lebron James and Shane Battier. Hate to tell you Cavs but you just got a lot older, this team is slipping fast/
25. Toronto: The Raptors have struggled heavily out of the gates as well as dealing with some salary cap situations that are arising in the big city. Will Allen Iverson remain in Toronto beyond this season? Nobody knows as of right now but all signs look as Allen Iverson boycotting the city and running off to a place where the money is nice but so are the standings.
26. New York: Nothing really has changed in New York, tons of cap space and in the running for the 1st pick. Though there were rumors earlier this week that the Knicks would deal there pick for a player. I don't see it happening personally but I guess we will watch it play out.
27. New Jersey: Nicolas Batum is the only reason this team is not in the cellar of the league. The future rookie of the year has managed to average over 20 points a game while averaging a high assist and rebound total for a rookie. He's played far better than the other rookies and has won Rookie of the Month for November.
28. LA Lakers: Another team in the hunt for the 1st pick in the draft, I think the big question with this team is how long will T-mac be a Laker? The rebuilding process has to be coming, feel sorry for the city of LA because they are the 3rd worst team in the league but yet the best team in LA.
29: Portland: The Trailblazers are still waiting for their young guns to develop, but without a little help this team will remain in the cellar for quite some time. We. at ESPN, would like to see the Trailblazers go out and make a deal for a strong SF and a true PG so things can get going there.
30. LA Clippers: I don't get how this team is so bad, they have some decent talent I mean at least respectable. Instead they are getting ran out of the gym, drugs or something is going on. The GM next year will have fun with this team with the talent they have and a top 5 pick.
1. Phoenix: The Phoenix Suns started off on one of the greatest starts in league history with their impressive 13 and 0 start. However, they've cooled as of late with three consecutive losses. They still have the best big 4 in the league, bar none.
2. Boston: After the trading of Jason Kidd and Paul Pierce in the offseason, everyone thought the Celtics were not a top tier team anymore. There four new young starters (TJ Ford, Rashard Lewis, Udonis Haslem, and Mike Dunleavy) have come up big for the C's as well as the deepest and best bench in the league. Put all of that with KG anchoring and you have a very good regular season team. The question is can KG lead them in the playoffs?
3. Houston: The Battle for the West could potentially run through Houston if they can manage to catch the Suns, they're not far off and got some help from their division rivals, Dallas, in catching these guys.
4. San Antonio: We talked about the Kidd trade earlier, well Kidd has made Dirk into a winner and "3 Star Player of the Week" more times than anyone else. Pair Kidd and Dirk with Mike Miller, Danny Granger, and Rookie center Brook Lopez and this team could potentially win the West.[/color]
5. Atlanta: Amare, Amare, Amare! One of the greatest tandems in the league is set up in this city with Amare and AK47. They'll look to shut down teams via the defense and have done so with Kobe in their lineup, but not that Kobe's gone in a blockbuster what will lay ahead for this team.[/color]
6. Denver: The combination of Steve Nash and Tim Duncan has not disappointed. You have teams making huge trades, the Nuggets have kept quiet and outside of the Carmelo Anthony/Steve Nash deal have not made any big trades. Denver is just another team that could win the West, and you know Nash and Duncan will set it up in the playoffs.
7. Miami: LeBron James throws it down with no regard for human life! That's the story that Miami GM Charles Boen wants to here with Pau Gasol chipping in. The Heat got off to a slow start but then picked it up to take over the division lead. [/color]
8. Dallas: A lot of teams are trying to copy the Dwight Howard/Chris Bosh combo but I'm not sure why? It hasn't really worked and Dallas (mostly Dwight Howard) has struggled since getting Bosh from the Hawks. They did beat Miami in the "big man battles" of Paul Gasol and Amare Stoudemire vs. Bosh and Howard but you saw Miami trade Amare recently. It's interesting but I don't think 2 offensive bigman can work and get the max out of your guys, it would help though if MANUUUUUUUU would help out a little.
9. Chicago: The Chicago Bulls are a truly special team if they can get a center to back that team. They've got Peja running that position right now, and it's working?! We here at ESPN want to know how. The core around him is a spectacular core with Agent and Melo combining for a sick offense.
10. Detroit: This team since the Black Mamba was fired has not been the same, that simple. There new GM hasn't been seen from in weeks and Richard Jefferson is coming off the bench. Get them a decent GM and look out this team could win be right back in the championship hunt yet again.
11. Golden State: One of the pleasant surprises in the league. They're led by a strong front court with Yao Ming, who's currently injured, and Antonio McDyess. This team could be dangerous whenever their star gets back. They're playing well without him and managing to do the right things.
12. Philadelphia: What do say about Philly? It's basically the real NBA 76ers just add in Eric Gordon, Craigh Smith, and Ryan Gomes. There doing something right because there not in the draft lottery where most said they would be. Ziggy has stepped up his game and you can tell by just looking at this teams record.
13. Orlando: The third best team in the Southeast? Is that really that impressive? I'd say so. This team has enough talent to win a few divisions in this league with Tony Parker, Hedo Turkoglo and Ben Gordon. They have run into some small misfortunes with injuries but have been playing relatively well.
14. Oklahoma City: That's right folk, forget Seattle IT'S OKLAHOMA CITY SONICS BABY!!! Even though Lebron didn't come into town like he was suppose to, this team is still good. If the Diesel has anything left this team could be a dark horse in the playoffs. Durant can only good better and Pierce is a stud while Calderon has been solid. Charlie V. hasn't even played much this year, leaving the PF spot to Rhaim who is shakey at best at this point his career.
15. Utah: We're surprised by this team as well here at ESPN. This team is struggling to have a GM to realize that he's alive. We haven't seen much from the team but he's got his team in position to make the playoffs as of right now. Boozer has been a great performer and allowed them to stay in the hunt.
16. New Orleans: If the Hornets had a center they would be a very good team. Billups, Jrich, and Brand is big 3 and Marvin is young and will only get better. Maxiell is the cog in this team keeping them from being a top 10 team. Still this team may make the playoffs in the West.
17. Washington: After ripping the Cavs anal hole out, The Wizards are much improved with a now starting 5 of Devin Harris, Michael Redd, Stephen Jackson, Kevin Love, and Ziggy I. The Wizards GM just made the SE the strongest divison 1 through 5 in the league.
18. Indiana: This team has struggled a little bit after the big off season signing of Josh Smith. The expectations have been there but this team has not managed to perform up to it's level and get to the top of the conference that was some what expected by this team. The Pacers have a true SG at PG and that could be one of the reasons they're struggling.
19. Charlotte: A true disappointment here, Charlotte is one of the best teams in the league and have struggled out of the blocks. CP3 went down with an injury and this has caused the team to rely upon Delonte West, but hey it worked in a big time win over the division rival and division leading Miami Heat.
20. Memphis: There new GM hasn't made any deals yet, and until he decides whither this team is ready to win now or is rebuilding they will be in the worst spot in the league. Not good enough to make the playoffs but not bad enough to have a legit chance at a stud. I would expect a big trade in Memphis soon.[/color]
21. Sacramento: The Kings have been one of the biggest mysteries in the league, how are they as good as their record indicates? They have rookie Derrick Rose, Tayshaun Prince and Kevin Martin, but have very little up front and can't seem to get the consistency down low that they need. Hiring the old Raptors GM always brings up Steroids as a possibility.
22. Minnestoa: YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII better get to playing. This team has been the most disappointing to me personally. I thought they were an easy playoff team, now I'm not so sure. Maybe a chance is needed to get the KG curse off of the T-wolves.
23.Milwaukee: After a strong preseason, The Bucks have struggled out of the gate and have had to rely upon making moves that included sending young PG Devin Harris out of Milwaukee for a PG in Boobie Gibsson while sending Tyson Chandler to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor. Hopefully this helps his team out and sends Milwaukee into the playoffs as they are one of ESPN's top rated preaseason teams.
24. Cleveland: What is this team doing? They let Washington rape there anal hole out, almost sent Battier to Golden State for nothing, and appeared to be making a rebuilding move to get Durant in a trade with the Sonics. That deal got rejected so what do they do? They go out and get Brad Miller and Kobe Bryant for Lebron James and Shane Battier. Hate to tell you Cavs but you just got a lot older, this team is slipping fast/
25. Toronto: The Raptors have struggled heavily out of the gates as well as dealing with some salary cap situations that are arising in the big city. Will Allen Iverson remain in Toronto beyond this season? Nobody knows as of right now but all signs look as Allen Iverson boycotting the city and running off to a place where the money is nice but so are the standings.
26. New York: Nothing really has changed in New York, tons of cap space and in the running for the 1st pick. Though there were rumors earlier this week that the Knicks would deal there pick for a player. I don't see it happening personally but I guess we will watch it play out.
27. New Jersey: Nicolas Batum is the only reason this team is not in the cellar of the league. The future rookie of the year has managed to average over 20 points a game while averaging a high assist and rebound total for a rookie. He's played far better than the other rookies and has won Rookie of the Month for November.
28. LA Lakers: Another team in the hunt for the 1st pick in the draft, I think the big question with this team is how long will T-mac be a Laker? The rebuilding process has to be coming, feel sorry for the city of LA because they are the 3rd worst team in the league but yet the best team in LA.
29: Portland: The Trailblazers are still waiting for their young guns to develop, but without a little help this team will remain in the cellar for quite some time. We. at ESPN, would like to see the Trailblazers go out and make a deal for a strong SF and a true PG so things can get going there.
30. LA Clippers: I don't get how this team is so bad, they have some decent talent I mean at least respectable. Instead they are getting ran out of the gym, drugs or something is going on. The GM next year will have fun with this team with the talent they have and a top 5 pick.