Post by cllaatsch on Apr 29, 2009 14:09:46 GMT -5
1. Charlotte Hornets
Team MVP—SF Larry Johnson
They are at it again and they look to be stronger than ever. When analyzing their squad I was considering four of the starters for team MVP. Adams, Johnson, Malone, and Mourning could play 4 on 5 and would still win 60 percent of their games. GM Spencer’s decision to play Adams at his true position (PG) was the decision that put this team over the top. Michael has returned to his form that he produced while with the Lakers and this has only made the Hornets stronger. This team is head and shoulders above the rest of the East and will prove a formidable force in this year’s playoffs. They are the team to beat.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Team MVP—SG Reggie Lewis
The Spurs are quietly putting together a strong season behind Lewis and Ewing. I expected them to be strong again this season, however I did not foresee them leading the west this late in the year. They do have decent depth and boast a lineup full of past and present all stars. I see them advancing to the conference finals at best.
3. Houston Rockets
Team MVP—C Hakeem Olajuwon
While Hakeem was recently acquired by the Rockets he is now their most valuable player. If the Rockets wish to challenge for the title this year they will need Dream to play at the high level of the previous couple of seasons. He will compete for this year’s league MVP and will most likely lead the Rockets to the UOSLR finals where they will be expected to meet the Hornets. In an obvious move to win now the Rockets shipped out young star PF Chris Webber for Dream. GM Ducky has done a good job putting this team together and I expect more good things to come out of Houston in the future.
4. Orlando Magic
Team MVP—SG Scottie Pippen
Pippen has led this Magic squad to an outstanding record this season and I am impressed with how the GM has brought this team into contention over the past couple of seasons. The frontcourt is one of the best in the league and I expect the Magic to continue to impress throughout the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Team MVP—C Shaquille O’neal
GM Csdude is once again in a good position with this Grizzlies squad and he even made a move to bolster his frontcourt in acquiring Pervis Ellison from the Lakers. Unfortunately I do not think Never Nervous Pervis will be enough to put this current Vancouver squad over the top. It will be interesting to see how they perform in the playoffs.
6. Seattle Supersonics
Team MVP—PF Roy Tarpley
The sonics may be overrated in this sixth position. While they do have Tarpley and Payton, I have been unimpressed by Drazen Petrovic’s contribution this season. I do not see the sonics doing anything in the playoffs and they will most likely be looking to make some moves in the upcoming offseason.
7. Golden State Warriors
Team MVP—C Brad Daugherty
While many may see the Warriors as being overrated in this seven position I like three things about this team. They shoot the ball extremely well, their assist + steal to turnover ratio is outstanding, and they boast an entire starting five that shoots over .450 from the field. GM CC has to be inspired by these numbers and I believe that the Warriors will be tough to beat in the first couple of rounds in the playoffs.
8. Boston Celtics
Team MVP—PG Jeff Hornacek
The Celtics continue to produce year in and year out. Same old story with Hornacek at the helm. They seem to be a piece or two away from truly contending for a title.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Team MVP—PG Tim Hardaway
The T-wolves have a solid starting five and they seem to be in a decent position for the stretch run. I do not see enough firepower from them in order to advance in this year’s playoffs and therefore I would not be surprised to see a first round exit from Minnesota.
10. Washington Bullets
Team MVP—PF Chris Webber
Webber has become the future of the franchise and I don’t see the Bullets contending at all this season. I will be interested to see what Donatello does with this team in the offseason as far as signing FA and drafting goes. Look for the Bullets to be legitimate contenders in a couple of years.
11. Toronto Raptors
Team MVP—SG Michael Jordan
Tough to tell if the Raptors mean business this season or if they are simply along for the ride in MJ’s bid for another league MVP. I do not know what to expect from this team. They will have trouble beating a team with a superior frontcourt once the playoffs get underway.
12. New York Knicks
Team MVP—SG Reggie Miller
GM Basone claimed he was going to let this team ride and see how they do. Well, “Let it ride” has helped ease some of the pressure on the Knicks in the Big Apple. They have been playing very well as of late and it looks as if Harper, Miller, and co. are headed for a return trip to the eastern playoffs.
13. Detroit Pistons
Team MVP—SF Glen Rice
Led by the best scorer in UOSLR the Pistons are looking at a playoff series against either the Magic or Hornets. That alone may be some incentive to attempt to move up the playoff ladder in order to avoid a first round exit. Although, once Rice is in the playoffs I would not want to face the smooth shooter from Auburn Hills.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Team MVP—SG Nick Anderson
One of the quieter success stories is the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are led by SG Nick Anderson and PF Shawn Kemp. They, like many other fringe teams, lack the consistency and depth to be major contenders this year.
15. Dallas Mavericks
Team MVP—SG Brent Barry
The entire starting five puts up similar numbers which made the team MVP selection tough. I do not see the Mavericks being a serious contender this season, but then again at least they are in a position to make the playoffs. GM Idle has done a great job with this team and I will be interested to see where they are three seasons from now.
16. Denver Nuggets
Team MVP—PG Terrell Brandon
I do not know what to say about the Nuggets. They have tons of upside with Brandon and Jackson, but they lack a true third option to put them over the top. Another team that will be interesting to see in three years.
17. Utah Jazz
Team MVP—PF Danny Manning
I can see the Jazz overtaking the Nuggets and Mavericks to jump into the seven spot in the west down the stretch. They have a great frontcourt and if their guard play improves they are capable of making that move.
18. New Jersey Nets
Team MVP—PG Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel versus Terrell Brandon. The ongoing debate about who has become the better PG continues as Van Exel has put up similar numbers to Brandon this season. The Nets have struggled to put together any consistent stretches this season.
19. Phoenix Suns
Team MVP—SG Hersey Hawkins
The Suns are another team that has the opportunity to jump into the playoffs over the Mavs or Nuggets. They are somewhat similar to the Jazz and I could definitely see the Mavs and Nuggets being replaced by the Jazz and Suns.
20. Philadelphia 76ers
Team MVP—C David Robinson
Robinson and Benjamin can only do so much. The 76ers need more help from their guards or otherwise they will miss the playoffs and render one of the best players in the game “title less” for another season.
21. Sacramento Kings
Team MVP—SG Terry Porter
Murmurs around the league have proclaimed GM Martinez as the most disappointing GM and the recent roundtable also brought his disappointing performance/activity to light.
22. Miami Heat
Team MVP—PG Mahmo Abdul-Rauf
Abdul Rauf has blossomed into one of the better PGs in the league and I am very impressed by what the Heat have done with him. Give this team a couple of years and I expect to see them in the eastern playoff picture a season or two from now.
23. Portland Trailblazers
Team MVP—PG Sherman Douglas
The Trailblazers can only be looking towards the future at this point.
24. Indiana Pacers
Team MVP—PG B.J. Armstrong
A strong young squad that will be in the playoff picture a couple seasons from now. They acquired Mashburn and Sprewell via trade and I see them becoming important pieces in the state capital for the foreseeable future.
25. Atlanta Hawks
Team MVP—PG Sam Cassell
Cassell is right up there with Brandon and Van Exel, however his team is not.
26. Los Angeles Lakers
Team MVP—SG Harold Miner
We are struggling and I will be looking to make some moves in the offseason.
27. Milwaukee Bucks
Team MVP—SF Grant Hill
28. Chicago Bulls
Team MVP—SG J.R. Rider
29. Los Angeles Clippers
Team MVP—PG Charlie Ward
I will just sum up the outlooks for the final three in one small paragraph. Each of these teams are obviously looking to the future. The Bulls have been lackluster for most of recent memory and their GM must look to turn them around. I am not quite sure what to say about the Bucks. The Clippers have been decent over the years and I will expect to see them in the playoffs in three-five years.
Team MVP—SF Larry Johnson
They are at it again and they look to be stronger than ever. When analyzing their squad I was considering four of the starters for team MVP. Adams, Johnson, Malone, and Mourning could play 4 on 5 and would still win 60 percent of their games. GM Spencer’s decision to play Adams at his true position (PG) was the decision that put this team over the top. Michael has returned to his form that he produced while with the Lakers and this has only made the Hornets stronger. This team is head and shoulders above the rest of the East and will prove a formidable force in this year’s playoffs. They are the team to beat.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Team MVP—SG Reggie Lewis
The Spurs are quietly putting together a strong season behind Lewis and Ewing. I expected them to be strong again this season, however I did not foresee them leading the west this late in the year. They do have decent depth and boast a lineup full of past and present all stars. I see them advancing to the conference finals at best.
3. Houston Rockets
Team MVP—C Hakeem Olajuwon
While Hakeem was recently acquired by the Rockets he is now their most valuable player. If the Rockets wish to challenge for the title this year they will need Dream to play at the high level of the previous couple of seasons. He will compete for this year’s league MVP and will most likely lead the Rockets to the UOSLR finals where they will be expected to meet the Hornets. In an obvious move to win now the Rockets shipped out young star PF Chris Webber for Dream. GM Ducky has done a good job putting this team together and I expect more good things to come out of Houston in the future.
4. Orlando Magic
Team MVP—SG Scottie Pippen
Pippen has led this Magic squad to an outstanding record this season and I am impressed with how the GM has brought this team into contention over the past couple of seasons. The frontcourt is one of the best in the league and I expect the Magic to continue to impress throughout the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Team MVP—C Shaquille O’neal
GM Csdude is once again in a good position with this Grizzlies squad and he even made a move to bolster his frontcourt in acquiring Pervis Ellison from the Lakers. Unfortunately I do not think Never Nervous Pervis will be enough to put this current Vancouver squad over the top. It will be interesting to see how they perform in the playoffs.
6. Seattle Supersonics
Team MVP—PF Roy Tarpley
The sonics may be overrated in this sixth position. While they do have Tarpley and Payton, I have been unimpressed by Drazen Petrovic’s contribution this season. I do not see the sonics doing anything in the playoffs and they will most likely be looking to make some moves in the upcoming offseason.
7. Golden State Warriors
Team MVP—C Brad Daugherty
While many may see the Warriors as being overrated in this seven position I like three things about this team. They shoot the ball extremely well, their assist + steal to turnover ratio is outstanding, and they boast an entire starting five that shoots over .450 from the field. GM CC has to be inspired by these numbers and I believe that the Warriors will be tough to beat in the first couple of rounds in the playoffs.
8. Boston Celtics
Team MVP—PG Jeff Hornacek
The Celtics continue to produce year in and year out. Same old story with Hornacek at the helm. They seem to be a piece or two away from truly contending for a title.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Team MVP—PG Tim Hardaway
The T-wolves have a solid starting five and they seem to be in a decent position for the stretch run. I do not see enough firepower from them in order to advance in this year’s playoffs and therefore I would not be surprised to see a first round exit from Minnesota.
10. Washington Bullets
Team MVP—PF Chris Webber
Webber has become the future of the franchise and I don’t see the Bullets contending at all this season. I will be interested to see what Donatello does with this team in the offseason as far as signing FA and drafting goes. Look for the Bullets to be legitimate contenders in a couple of years.
11. Toronto Raptors
Team MVP—SG Michael Jordan
Tough to tell if the Raptors mean business this season or if they are simply along for the ride in MJ’s bid for another league MVP. I do not know what to expect from this team. They will have trouble beating a team with a superior frontcourt once the playoffs get underway.
12. New York Knicks
Team MVP—SG Reggie Miller
GM Basone claimed he was going to let this team ride and see how they do. Well, “Let it ride” has helped ease some of the pressure on the Knicks in the Big Apple. They have been playing very well as of late and it looks as if Harper, Miller, and co. are headed for a return trip to the eastern playoffs.
13. Detroit Pistons
Team MVP—SF Glen Rice
Led by the best scorer in UOSLR the Pistons are looking at a playoff series against either the Magic or Hornets. That alone may be some incentive to attempt to move up the playoff ladder in order to avoid a first round exit. Although, once Rice is in the playoffs I would not want to face the smooth shooter from Auburn Hills.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Team MVP—SG Nick Anderson
One of the quieter success stories is the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are led by SG Nick Anderson and PF Shawn Kemp. They, like many other fringe teams, lack the consistency and depth to be major contenders this year.
15. Dallas Mavericks
Team MVP—SG Brent Barry
The entire starting five puts up similar numbers which made the team MVP selection tough. I do not see the Mavericks being a serious contender this season, but then again at least they are in a position to make the playoffs. GM Idle has done a great job with this team and I will be interested to see where they are three seasons from now.
16. Denver Nuggets
Team MVP—PG Terrell Brandon
I do not know what to say about the Nuggets. They have tons of upside with Brandon and Jackson, but they lack a true third option to put them over the top. Another team that will be interesting to see in three years.
17. Utah Jazz
Team MVP—PF Danny Manning
I can see the Jazz overtaking the Nuggets and Mavericks to jump into the seven spot in the west down the stretch. They have a great frontcourt and if their guard play improves they are capable of making that move.
18. New Jersey Nets
Team MVP—PG Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel versus Terrell Brandon. The ongoing debate about who has become the better PG continues as Van Exel has put up similar numbers to Brandon this season. The Nets have struggled to put together any consistent stretches this season.
19. Phoenix Suns
Team MVP—SG Hersey Hawkins
The Suns are another team that has the opportunity to jump into the playoffs over the Mavs or Nuggets. They are somewhat similar to the Jazz and I could definitely see the Mavs and Nuggets being replaced by the Jazz and Suns.
20. Philadelphia 76ers
Team MVP—C David Robinson
Robinson and Benjamin can only do so much. The 76ers need more help from their guards or otherwise they will miss the playoffs and render one of the best players in the game “title less” for another season.
21. Sacramento Kings
Team MVP—SG Terry Porter
Murmurs around the league have proclaimed GM Martinez as the most disappointing GM and the recent roundtable also brought his disappointing performance/activity to light.
22. Miami Heat
Team MVP—PG Mahmo Abdul-Rauf
Abdul Rauf has blossomed into one of the better PGs in the league and I am very impressed by what the Heat have done with him. Give this team a couple of years and I expect to see them in the eastern playoff picture a season or two from now.
23. Portland Trailblazers
Team MVP—PG Sherman Douglas
The Trailblazers can only be looking towards the future at this point.
24. Indiana Pacers
Team MVP—PG B.J. Armstrong
A strong young squad that will be in the playoff picture a couple seasons from now. They acquired Mashburn and Sprewell via trade and I see them becoming important pieces in the state capital for the foreseeable future.
25. Atlanta Hawks
Team MVP—PG Sam Cassell
Cassell is right up there with Brandon and Van Exel, however his team is not.
26. Los Angeles Lakers
Team MVP—SG Harold Miner
We are struggling and I will be looking to make some moves in the offseason.
27. Milwaukee Bucks
Team MVP—SF Grant Hill
28. Chicago Bulls
Team MVP—SG J.R. Rider
29. Los Angeles Clippers
Team MVP—PG Charlie Ward
I will just sum up the outlooks for the final three in one small paragraph. Each of these teams are obviously looking to the future. The Bulls have been lackluster for most of recent memory and their GM must look to turn them around. I am not quite sure what to say about the Bucks. The Clippers have been decent over the years and I will expect to see them in the playoffs in three-five years.
