Post by martinez on Jul 15, 2010 10:52:23 GMT -5
Detailed Top 16 and Best of the Rest.
1. Indiana Pacers - Record 18-5
The Pacers dominated the Regular Season and dominated the Pre-season they're looking to gain vengeance on New Jersey for their playoff knock-out. Milic, Redd, Anthony, and company all have something to prove this year.
2. New Jersey Nets - Record 11-7
The Nets, last year's champs, had a mediocre pre-season but many expect these top two teams to be title contenders come next season. Favors looks to improve on last season and veterans Nowitzki and Billups really want to win one more ring before both look to retire. After this season, this New Jersey franchise could be in complete rebuild mode.
3. Portland Trail Blazers - Record 14-8
The Blazers need to be excited about Tim Duncan's early pre-season form he is going to be the key to Portland's title chances this season. If Duncan can stay healthy and produce for most of the season we may have a Western conference champ this year thanks to the Blazers. Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum look to lead the charge for the Blazers.
4. Sacramento Kings - Record 8-12
The Kings finished with the second best record last season and were knocked out by the Trail Blazers in a controversial playoff series. The Kings lose key-defender Hasan Whiteside to a ridiculous contract offer made by the Golden State Warriors but still have returning players Ricky Rubio, Chris Bosh, Dajuan Wagner, and Travis Outlaw whom all seem to have made significant improvements in the off-season.
5. San Antonio Spurs - Record 14-6
The Spurs had a tremendous pre-season led by veterans Ray Allen and Deron Williams. Their biggest question is can they find scoring from other players if not I don't think they can really on 37 year old Ray Allen and 30 year old Deron Williams to do the scoring all season.
6. Seattle Supersonic - Record 14-8
The Sonics look to improve on last year's great season hoping Tyreke Evans can continue with his MVP-caliber form. Dwight Howard has made strides in improving his offensive game and will certainly be a tremendous presence in the inside post. Wouldn't be surprised if they came out of the West this season.
7. Milwaukee Bucks - Record 8-5
The Bucks had a mediocre pre-season but no one can deny they are undoubtedly a team to be feared come the regular season led by Greg Monroe, Dwayne Wade, Travis Leslie, and Tyson Chandler the Bucks have the defensive and offensive tools to win it all the question is can they finally make it work?
8. Los Angeles Lakers - Record 12-7
A mediocre pre-season I fully expect the Lakers to be in the top 5 and even top 3 discussion sometime next season. Yao Ming and Troy Muprhy are an extremely solid frontline and the duo of Avery Bradley and Gilbert Arenas in the back will cause all types of headaches. The question with the Lakers always is can they keep up the pace or will they once again fizzle out when it counts?
9. Philadelphia 76ers - Record 13-5
No one expected the 76ers to make a top 10 list after a disastrous last season filled with mediocrity but thanks to an incredibly lucky and controversy marred free agency the 76ers become instant contenders. The signings of Al Jefferson and Jared Sullinger immediately catapult them to the fifth spot. Their biggest question is can the duo of Rose and Nelson perform consistently.
10. New York Knicks - Record 12-8
The New York Knicks made noise this pre-season thanks to all-word player Perry Jones who is coming up on the end of his contract. Jones paired along with Blake Griffin will dominate teams both inside and outside all day long. They lack a ton of depth and don't have a few holes but a player of Perry Jones caliber can easily win you games by himself.
11. Denver Nuggets - Record 13-6
Could this be the year the Denver Nuggets finally become a relevant franchise? John Wall has arguably groomed into the best PG in the league and he has the perfect partner in Brandon Roy to lead the charge. THeir biggest hole is a lack of a legitimate presence up front. Udoh and Thabeet are one dimensional defensive players, they need both Wall and Roy to put up 25ppg both if they expect to go anywhere in the playoffs.
12. Orlando Magic - Record 11-10
A worrisome pre-season nonetheless I fully expect the Magic to jump into the top 10 sometime this season. Bynum showed some signs of promise in the preseason and superstars Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala look to cause all types of headaches on the offensive and defensive end now the only question is can they find a point guard via trades or will they have to rely on the unproven Raul Lopez to lead the charge?
13. Dallas Mavericks - Record 9-9
Jonas Valanciunas. He is the main reason why Dallas fans have a reason to celebrate. The promising second year player has dominated all through pre-season and has partner Emeka Okafor alongside with him to help him out. Arguably the scariest frontcourt duo in the league at the moment. Dallas still lack a prominent backcourt but if they find a few role players they could be a dangerous team.
14. Atlanta Hawks - Record 10-11
A pretty dissapointing pre-season the Hawks are really looking for playoffs this season. A bit of a log jam in the backcourt shouldn't be a problem for the Hawks but at this point is. With Deshawn Stevenson, Donte Greene,Azubuike and Brandon Knight all there one of the four needs to move so they can find some desperately needed front court help.
15. Toronto Raptors - Record 11-7
For me the surprise team in pre-season the signing of Monta Ellis and the incredible progression of Gordon Heyward has really gotten fans hopes up in Toronto. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raptors just miss out on playoffs next season but I'd be even less surprised if they made it.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Record 9-7
The Wolves do not look very impressive but in the weak Western Conference they just may sneak in. Led by Veteran power forward Amare Stoudemire and veteran PG Sebastian Telfair the Wolves will just sneak in to the playoffs.
Best of the rest
17. Detroit Pistons - Record 7-7
Chance of Playoffs: 75%
18. Houston Rockets - Record 10-15
Chance of Playoffs: 60%
19. Washington Bullets - Record 10-8
Chance of Playoffs: 65%
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Record 10-12
Chance of Playoffs: 50%
21. Charlotte Hornets - Record 7-10
Chance of Playoffs: 50%
22. Memphis Grizzlies - Record 8-14
Chance of Playoffs: 30%
23. Boston Celtics - Record 6-10
Chance of Playoffs: 35%
24. Chicago Bulls - Record 10-12
Chance of Playoffs: 30%
25. Utah Jazz - Record 6-13
Chance of Playoffs: 10%
26. Miami Heat - Record 6-13
Chance of Playoffs: 10%
27. Phoenix Suns - Record 8-16
Chance of Playoffs: 5%
28. Los Angeles Clippers - Record 4-13
Chance of Playoffs: 1%
29. Golden State Warriors - Record 2-17
Chance of Playoffs: 0%
1. Indiana Pacers - Record 18-5
The Pacers dominated the Regular Season and dominated the Pre-season they're looking to gain vengeance on New Jersey for their playoff knock-out. Milic, Redd, Anthony, and company all have something to prove this year.
2. New Jersey Nets - Record 11-7
The Nets, last year's champs, had a mediocre pre-season but many expect these top two teams to be title contenders come next season. Favors looks to improve on last season and veterans Nowitzki and Billups really want to win one more ring before both look to retire. After this season, this New Jersey franchise could be in complete rebuild mode.
3. Portland Trail Blazers - Record 14-8
The Blazers need to be excited about Tim Duncan's early pre-season form he is going to be the key to Portland's title chances this season. If Duncan can stay healthy and produce for most of the season we may have a Western conference champ this year thanks to the Blazers. Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum look to lead the charge for the Blazers.
4. Sacramento Kings - Record 8-12
The Kings finished with the second best record last season and were knocked out by the Trail Blazers in a controversial playoff series. The Kings lose key-defender Hasan Whiteside to a ridiculous contract offer made by the Golden State Warriors but still have returning players Ricky Rubio, Chris Bosh, Dajuan Wagner, and Travis Outlaw whom all seem to have made significant improvements in the off-season.
5. San Antonio Spurs - Record 14-6
The Spurs had a tremendous pre-season led by veterans Ray Allen and Deron Williams. Their biggest question is can they find scoring from other players if not I don't think they can really on 37 year old Ray Allen and 30 year old Deron Williams to do the scoring all season.
6. Seattle Supersonic - Record 14-8
The Sonics look to improve on last year's great season hoping Tyreke Evans can continue with his MVP-caliber form. Dwight Howard has made strides in improving his offensive game and will certainly be a tremendous presence in the inside post. Wouldn't be surprised if they came out of the West this season.
7. Milwaukee Bucks - Record 8-5
The Bucks had a mediocre pre-season but no one can deny they are undoubtedly a team to be feared come the regular season led by Greg Monroe, Dwayne Wade, Travis Leslie, and Tyson Chandler the Bucks have the defensive and offensive tools to win it all the question is can they finally make it work?
8. Los Angeles Lakers - Record 12-7
A mediocre pre-season I fully expect the Lakers to be in the top 5 and even top 3 discussion sometime next season. Yao Ming and Troy Muprhy are an extremely solid frontline and the duo of Avery Bradley and Gilbert Arenas in the back will cause all types of headaches. The question with the Lakers always is can they keep up the pace or will they once again fizzle out when it counts?
9. Philadelphia 76ers - Record 13-5
No one expected the 76ers to make a top 10 list after a disastrous last season filled with mediocrity but thanks to an incredibly lucky and controversy marred free agency the 76ers become instant contenders. The signings of Al Jefferson and Jared Sullinger immediately catapult them to the fifth spot. Their biggest question is can the duo of Rose and Nelson perform consistently.
10. New York Knicks - Record 12-8
The New York Knicks made noise this pre-season thanks to all-word player Perry Jones who is coming up on the end of his contract. Jones paired along with Blake Griffin will dominate teams both inside and outside all day long. They lack a ton of depth and don't have a few holes but a player of Perry Jones caliber can easily win you games by himself.
11. Denver Nuggets - Record 13-6
Could this be the year the Denver Nuggets finally become a relevant franchise? John Wall has arguably groomed into the best PG in the league and he has the perfect partner in Brandon Roy to lead the charge. THeir biggest hole is a lack of a legitimate presence up front. Udoh and Thabeet are one dimensional defensive players, they need both Wall and Roy to put up 25ppg both if they expect to go anywhere in the playoffs.
12. Orlando Magic - Record 11-10
A worrisome pre-season nonetheless I fully expect the Magic to jump into the top 10 sometime this season. Bynum showed some signs of promise in the preseason and superstars Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala look to cause all types of headaches on the offensive and defensive end now the only question is can they find a point guard via trades or will they have to rely on the unproven Raul Lopez to lead the charge?
13. Dallas Mavericks - Record 9-9
Jonas Valanciunas. He is the main reason why Dallas fans have a reason to celebrate. The promising second year player has dominated all through pre-season and has partner Emeka Okafor alongside with him to help him out. Arguably the scariest frontcourt duo in the league at the moment. Dallas still lack a prominent backcourt but if they find a few role players they could be a dangerous team.
14. Atlanta Hawks - Record 10-11
A pretty dissapointing pre-season the Hawks are really looking for playoffs this season. A bit of a log jam in the backcourt shouldn't be a problem for the Hawks but at this point is. With Deshawn Stevenson, Donte Greene,Azubuike and Brandon Knight all there one of the four needs to move so they can find some desperately needed front court help.
15. Toronto Raptors - Record 11-7
For me the surprise team in pre-season the signing of Monta Ellis and the incredible progression of Gordon Heyward has really gotten fans hopes up in Toronto. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raptors just miss out on playoffs next season but I'd be even less surprised if they made it.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Record 9-7
The Wolves do not look very impressive but in the weak Western Conference they just may sneak in. Led by Veteran power forward Amare Stoudemire and veteran PG Sebastian Telfair the Wolves will just sneak in to the playoffs.
Best of the rest
17. Detroit Pistons - Record 7-7
Chance of Playoffs: 75%
18. Houston Rockets - Record 10-15
Chance of Playoffs: 60%
19. Washington Bullets - Record 10-8
Chance of Playoffs: 65%
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Record 10-12
Chance of Playoffs: 50%
21. Charlotte Hornets - Record 7-10
Chance of Playoffs: 50%
22. Memphis Grizzlies - Record 8-14
Chance of Playoffs: 30%
23. Boston Celtics - Record 6-10
Chance of Playoffs: 35%
24. Chicago Bulls - Record 10-12
Chance of Playoffs: 30%
25. Utah Jazz - Record 6-13
Chance of Playoffs: 10%
26. Miami Heat - Record 6-13
Chance of Playoffs: 10%
27. Phoenix Suns - Record 8-16
Chance of Playoffs: 5%
28. Los Angeles Clippers - Record 4-13
Chance of Playoffs: 1%
29. Golden State Warriors - Record 2-17
Chance of Playoffs: 0%
