Post by sagapolutele50 on May 15, 2009 6:32:32 GMT -5
ITS THAT TIME AGAIN, POWER RANKINGS TAKE A LOOK, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!!! I DECIDED TO BREAK IT INTO A WEST AND EAST POWER RANKINGS... BEST IN THE EAST AND BEST OF WEST..
1ST UP THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!!!
1. Charlotte Hornets
Record - 20-0
Team MVP - Karl Malone , 34 mins, 30 pts, 12.4 rebs, 3.3 assts, 1.9 blks on 54% shooting
Best Result - Hornets 123- 88 Pacers, Karl Malone - 29 pts, 17 rebs, 4 blks, 7 assts
Worst Defeat - NA
Well well well, the defending champions have shot out of the gates and have amassed a 20-0 start to the season. Still on fire from their title run a year ago, the Hornets have showed any signs of wear and tear from last season, shooting 50% from the field as a team and beating teams by an average of 16 pts a game. Their big three in Alonzo, LJ and team MVP Karl Malone have the Hornets firing on all cylinders and they dont look like slowing down. Alonzo has had the biggest improvement this season with improvements in nearly all the statistical categories, especially his scoring which has shot up from 14 pts a game to 22 pts. He has truly developed into a dominating center and with Malone and Johnson, one of the best ( if not the best) front courts in the league. Their back court is made up of Darrell Armstrong and Kevin Gamble who play hard def and know their roles, play good support and score when the others slow down. They have a big game next sim with a match up against the West big guns, the Vancouver Grizzlies at home. This should be a colossal encounter.
2. Toronto Raptors
Record - 17-4
Team MVP - Michael Jordan - 38 mins, 33 pts, 7 rebs, 4 assts, 1.9 stls on 48% shooting
Best result - Raptors - 130-80 Clippers - Jordan, 48 pts, 13 rebs and 6 assts. Team shooting 54% from the field
Worst result - Cavaliers - 103-85 - Raptors , Brian Grant, 9 mins, 6 fouls , 0 points. Raptors held to 7 pts in the 4th quarter
2nd in the East are the Toronto Raptors with their 17-4 record. Very nice start for the Raptors considering the roster restructuring. The Raptors one constant from last season is the stellar play from MJ who gives this team a chance everytime they are in a game. They start the season without Horace Grant who is plying his trade in Miami and have Brian Grant with Damon Stoudamire in his place. Vin Baker is playing well and Chuck Person has been a pleasean surprise with his offense and new defensive skills. They have been a force at home going 11-1 and 6-3 on the road. The real test came against the Grizzlies which they failed miserably and look to rebound. With the Hornets playing as well as they are, look for the Raptors to be fighting for that 3rd seed in the East.
3. New Jersey Nets
Record - 13-10
Team MVP = Nick Van Exel - 39 mins, 23 pts, 5 rebs, 9 assts on 48% shooting
Best Result - Nets 108-74-Bucks, Nick Van Exel, 19 pts, 11 asst, 7 rebs and 4 stls, team shoots 52 % and holds Bucks to 39% shooting
Worst Result - 76ers 102-83 Nets, Eddie JOnes 39 mins and 4 pts David Robinson goes for 50 pts on Luc Longley
The New Jersey Nets have been on fire as of late going 7-3 in their last 10 games. They got off to a slow start going 2-5 but have found their strategy and have gone 11-5 since with some very good wins over Bullets, Cavs and Bucks. On the road they have been very good, their 5-5 home record needs work, but if they can turn their home court into a fortress and keep stealing wins on the road, they could be very tough down the road. Nock Van Exel is this teams leader and his lieutenant Luc Longley has been very good in the post, averaging a 20 and 10 for the season. If they can get more support from Eddie Jones Rookie David Vaughn, this team could be dangerous. If you look at this teams losses, they werent blown out in any of them ( exeept the 76ers) including the match vs the Hornets...
4. Atlanta Hawks
Team Record = 13-11
Team MVP = Sam Cassell, 39 mins, 25 pts, 4 rebs, 10 assts, 1.6 tos on 45% shooting
Best Result -Hawks 129 - 95 - Twolves, Sam Cassell, 16 pts, 20 assts, 3 stls with Hawks on 59% shooting and only 6 turnovers
Worst Result - Hornets 109 - 89 Hawks, Tim Legler 37 mins, 3 pts , 3 fouls 3 stls, lost the 2nd quarter 31-18
The Atlanta Hawks started the season with a 6-1 sim but have since cooled off a bit and have gone 7-10 since. In the offseason they traded Antonio Mcdyess away for PJ Brown and picks.. They proceeded to draft Big Z and Shawn Respert with the 27th pick, both of whom have had very promising starts to their UOSLR career. Big Z is averaging 29 mins a game with 14 pts, 9 rebs and 1 blk to show for. Respert has been in very good form averaging 17 pts, 4 rebs and 2 assts for the season. Chris Mullin has been on fire and PJ Brown has been averaging a double double on the season, both are injured and could see the Hawks lose a few more games before they return. If they can at least go .500 whilst Mullin is out, then they should be ok, they do have Joe Dumars in the squad who can help straight away, their thin front court could be a problem though.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Team Record - 10-9
Team MVP- Mitch Richmond 40 mins, 21 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assts, 1.5 blks
Best Result - Bucks 122-95 Celtics Grant Hill 18 pts, 11 assts, 10 rebs and 51% from the field and 37 pt 4th quarter
Worst result - Nets 108 - 74 Bucks Henry James , 34 mins 2 pts, 4 tos, 1-6 shooting and a 10 pt 4th quarter
The Bucks have had a terrible start to the UOSLR tenure, but the arrival of Arroyo has seen this franchis jump into the playoff race for the 1st time. With his arrival he has made a series of trade and has seen the roster move to a starting lineup of Gary Grant / Mitch Richmond / Grant Hill / Antonio Mcdyess / Wayman Tisdale which has gotten off to a nice start. The Bucks scoring is not a problem but their def needs a little work along with their turnovers. Shooting the ball at 45% is still very solid and their reb is near the top of the league. Given time, this team looks like a very good team for the future. If the Bucks can acquire DRob within the next few weeks ( assuming the trade talks are still alive) then their team would be very scary indeed.
6. Indiana Pacers
Team Record - 9-9
Team MVP - Latrell Spreewell - 38 mins, 22 pts 4 rebs, 4 assts on 48% shooting and 47% shooting from 3 pt
Best Result - Pacers - 115- 84 Bullets Stanley Roberts - 35 pts , 11 rebs, 4 blks 51% shooting and 60 rebs
Worst resilt - Hornets 123 - 88 Pacers Juwon Howard 1-9 shooting, 4 pts and 6 rebs. 14 pt 4th quarter and 37% shooting.
The Indiana Pacers have a porblem here. They are good enough to make the playoffs but are a season or two away from actually becoming contenders. They have a young team and have a chance of big things in the coming season. Spreewell, Mashburn. Walker, Roberts, Howard and Armstrong are a great young core and have been pretty tough to beat at home. Like all young teams they have had their trouble on the road. If Juwon can improve quickly, this team is set to make alot of noise in the next few seasons. Ya never know, Antoine Walker could spend time at the PF spot and take Juwons place.
7. Washington Bullets
Team Record = 8-10
Team MVP - Chris Webber 34 mins, 25 pts, 12 rebs, 4 assts, 1stl and blk on 51% shooting
Best Result - Bullets 105 - 71 Clippers , Chris Webber 27 pts , 10 rebs, 7 blks. 52 % shooting and held the Clippers to 6 pts in the 4th quarter
Worst result - Pacers - 115- 84 Bullets, Chris Webber , 22 mins 16 pts, 4 fouls, 5 rebs and 29 pts in the 1st half
The Washington Bullets are pewered by their star PF Chris Webber who leads the team in points, rebs and field goal %. He is paired together with Dale Davis down low who is holding his own, averaging a double double and a pair of blocks a game. They are struggling at a bit but with everyone tryna get into the lottery, they are in the playoff hunt and could very well make the playoffs. Jimmy Jackson rounds out the dynamite trio with 21 pts, 5 rebs and 50% from behind the arc. The back court is manned by Avery Johnson and Anthony Peeler who have been solid if not spectacular. If they can get help from the backcourt in scoring, this team could very well move up the ladder.
8. Orlando Magic
Team Record - 11-13
Team MVP - Dikembe Mutumbo 10 pts, 11 rebs, 1.3 stls 4.2 blks
Best Result - Magic 117 - 69 Warriors, Mutumbo 17 pts, 22 rebs, 6 blks and scoring 44 pts in the 1st quarter
Worst Result - Warriors 121 - 70 Magic Dikembe 16 mins , 6 fouls, 1 pt, 0-3 shooting, shooting 34% from the field and 19 TOs
The Western Conference finalists have had a tough run with injuires this season namely with their star Center Dikembe Mutombo. Shaunkol pointed it out in a sim discussion, when Dikembe is in the lineup, they are near unstoppable, when he is out of the lineup, they are ordinary to say the least. Alejandro Camby and Scottie Pippern are the teams other big contributors, as with many other teams, they are needing another scorer to help out Alejandro and Pippen with the scoring load. Billy Owens and Haywoode Workman are nice players, but cant be called upon to take on scoring duties night in and night out. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and only 4-6 at home but a respectable 7-7 on the road. Chances are, they keep moving up the playoff ladder.
9. Miami Heat
Team Record - 7-10
Team MVP - hU wEIDONG 35 mins, 18 pts, 3 rebs, 2.8 assts, 1.9 stls on 49% shooting
Best Result - Heat 121-104 Knicks - Horace Geant 20 pts, 20 rebs, 6 assts 0 turnovers with 42 pt 4th quarter, 63 rebs and only 9 assts
Worst result - Grizzlies 113 - 60 Heat Horace Grant 29 mins, 2-13 shooting, 4 pts, 4 rebs and 4 fouls
The Miami Heat had a tough opening sim with 9 games on the trot but went 5-4. Since then it hasnt been so easy for the Heat. They have been under the pump and went 3-5 since. They are out of the playoffs so far but could still make it back in. They are led by Hu Weidong and veteran forwards Horace Grant and Armen Gilliam. Both have had stellar careers and are looking at taking Miami to the playoffs after playing with different teams last season. Horace is averaging 14 pts and 10 rebs whilst Armen is putting up 15 pts, 7rebs on 49% shooting. Hu Weidong and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf both average in the high teens in scoring and give opposng back court combinations fits. The Heat are actively looking for a C, and if they find one , will be in very good shape if they are to make a run at the playoffs.
10. Chicago Bulls
Team Record - 10-14
Team MVP - Etienne Preira - 34 mins, 24 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assts and 1.9 stls a game
Best Result - Bulls 125 - 97 76ERS, Etienne Preira 39 pts, 9 assts, 8 rebs.. 51 FGs made, only 7 turnovers
Worst Result - Suns 131 - 100 Bulls Rasheed Wallace 10 mins, 6 fouls , 2 turnovers
The Chicago Bulls come in at 10 with their 10-14 record behind their star PG Etienne Preira who is averaging 25 pts, 5 rebs and 7 assts. Along with Eric Montross ( 13 pts a game and 6 rebs), they are the only 2 on the roster scoring in double digits. They have the top pick in Rasheed Wallace in at PF who has shown glimpses of what he could become, but is a season or two away from realising his potential. They rebound the ball very well but are shooting a lowly 42% from the field which will not amount to very many wins. They are 8-8 at home and 2 -6 on the road, this looks like a long season for the Bulls, but one that promises a bright future with if they secure a top pick and the further development of Wallace, Preira and Montross.
11. Boston Celtics
Team Record - 10-14
Team MVP - Jeff Hornacek 40 mins, 22 pts, 9 assts, 5 rebs, 1.8 stls
Best Result - Celtics 105 - 88 Nets, Jeff Hornacek 33 pts, 6 assts and 8 rebs, 36 pt 4th quarter, 8 TOs,
Worst Result - Bucks - 122 - 95 Celtics, Rony Seikaly, 6 fouls, 6 turnovers, 6 pts, 7 rebs and 2-6 shooting. Celtics 16 TOs and 18 pt 4th quarter
The Jeff Hornacek led Celtics are 1 game out of the playoffs, but no doubt they will find themselves back in the playoffs. The have their core nucleus back for another season with Seikaly (13 pts, 12 rebs) , Vernon Maxwell ( 26 pts, 5 rebs, 2.7 assts and 2 stls a game) and Derek Harper (15 pts, 3 rebs, 3 assts) but time is slowly running out for the Celtics. Dee Brown is there ( however injured) and they are actively looking at trading him for help up front for Rony Seikaly. Its hard to win in the league if you cant win at home and the Celtics are finding it tough going 6-8 at home and 4 - 6 on the road. I suspect they wont be out of the playoffs for long and will be back up there later on in the season. They dont have their pick this season so they need to win..
12. Philadelphia 76ers
Team Record - 8-12
Team MVP - David Robinson 35 mins, 32 pts, 12 rebs, 2.4 assts, 4 blks on 51% shooting
Best Result - 76ers 103 - 79 Lakers Reggie Williams 14 pts, 9 rebs, 2stls and 1 blk. Outscored the Lakers 65-42 in the 2nd half.
Worst Result - Grizzlies 128 - 83 76ERS Benoit Benjamin 8 pts, 4 fouls, 2 TOs, 12 mins
The David Robinson led 76ers have been trying to deal the all star center most of the season , but havent found a suitor for him. This is prob a reason why they arent doing too well this season, or maybe its because outside of the Admiral and Benoit Benjamin, there isnt much else. Muggsy Bogues is in support but its tough when you cant get much out of your SG and SF positions. The 76ers twin towers are nothing short of awesome, but without another go to guy, its easy to just collapse on these two and force the outsides to come up with something. The def is letting in 107 ppg and they are turning the ball over 15 times, all this equals a 4-7 home record and 4-5 road run. Without their pick this year, they are in desperate need to win and could be looking at getting their pick back and dealing DRob or Benjamin to do so, they have won 6 of their last 10 games so things look to be picking up. Watch this space for more developments on the DRob saga!!!
13. New York Knicks
Team Record - 8 -13
Team MVP- Reggie Miller - 38 mins 27 pts, 5 rebs, 2.5 assts 46% shooting from field and 3pt
Best result - Knicks 111 - 79 Twolves Michael Adams, 24 pts, 7 rebs, 7 assts, 11-19 shooting .. Out rebounded the Twolves 60 - 46 and only 9 personal fouls
Worst result - Warriors 123-103 Knicks Dennis Rodman 33 mins, 10 pts 9 rebounds. Out rebounded 54 -39 and let the Warriors shoot 58% from the field!!
After last season the Knicks have gotten off to a slow start this year and have DB stumped in terms of finding a strategy for this team to play. On paper, this team is prob one of the better defensive lineups in the league, yet they are giving up 106 pts a game. Reggie Miller has been placed on the trade block and DB is looking to see what he can get for the sharpshooter. The Knicks have been actively looking for a center to help out Dennis Rodman down low. They recently acquired Sharone Wright who has been solid for them and has been a good help for Dennis Rodman down low. Michael Adams has been awesome and could have made a good case for team MVP. Harper and Miller have been strong on the wings for the Knicks and the city of NYK are hoping the Knicks can make a run up the ladder.
14. Detroit Pistons
Team Record - 8-15
Team MVP - Glen Rice - 40 mins, 29 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 51% from field and 50% from 3pt land
Best result - Pistons 120 - 99 Bucks John Stockton 24 pts, 9 assts, 7 stls. 10 3pters made and and only 8 turnovers.
Worst result - Nuggets 133- 97 Pistons, John Stockton 6-22 shooting, 13 pts, 6 assts. Allowed Warriors to shoot 57% from the field
The Pistons have really struggled this season and have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games. MTG has been quoted as saying "my team sucks" and they way they have been playing, you dont disagree with him. When you look at the team you wonder how this team could be so far off the pace. Rick Smits, Glen Rice, Tony Dumas, John Stockton and Magic are all quality players and have shown they know how to win. The piece they are missing is a solid PF who can can help Smits out. Horry is there, but is showing he is having trouble playing at the PF position and may be better suited at SF. They just havent been able to string a few wins together and get some consistancy going. Maybe even playing Magic Johnson at PF could work, anything is possible in basketball!!!
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
Team Record - 8-18
Team MVP - Shawn Kemp - 35 MINS, 19 pts, 12 rebs, 2.6 assts, 1.3 stls. 1.8 blks
Best Result - Cavaliers 103 - 85 Raptors Laphonso Ellis 17 pts, 15 rebs out rebounding the Raptors 70 - 52 and holding the Raptors to 7 pts in the 4th quarter
Worst Result - Warriors 121 - 87 Cavaliers Shawn Kemp 6-21 shooting, 13 pts, 6 turnovers, 13 pts , 10 rebs.
Rounding out the Eastern Conference are the Cleveland Cavaliers who are led by Shawn Kemp and Knick Anderson. Days 20-30 have seen the Cavs go 1-9 in their last 10 games and 15 games out of 1st place in the east and 4 games out of 8th. Kemp has been playing at Center for the Cavs with Laphonso Ellis at PF. They havent been doing anything well lately, scoring a paltry 95 pts a game and letting in 101 pts a game. Their shooting has been sub par at 42% from the field and turning the ball over 15 times a game. They are still a young team and could do well with another season in the lottery , but without their pick this year, someone is licking their lips hoping they lose even more!!!
Thats the East, Ill be doing the West pretty soon, watch this space!!!
1ST UP THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!!!
1. Charlotte Hornets
Record - 20-0
Team MVP - Karl Malone , 34 mins, 30 pts, 12.4 rebs, 3.3 assts, 1.9 blks on 54% shooting
Best Result - Hornets 123- 88 Pacers, Karl Malone - 29 pts, 17 rebs, 4 blks, 7 assts
Worst Defeat - NA
Well well well, the defending champions have shot out of the gates and have amassed a 20-0 start to the season. Still on fire from their title run a year ago, the Hornets have showed any signs of wear and tear from last season, shooting 50% from the field as a team and beating teams by an average of 16 pts a game. Their big three in Alonzo, LJ and team MVP Karl Malone have the Hornets firing on all cylinders and they dont look like slowing down. Alonzo has had the biggest improvement this season with improvements in nearly all the statistical categories, especially his scoring which has shot up from 14 pts a game to 22 pts. He has truly developed into a dominating center and with Malone and Johnson, one of the best ( if not the best) front courts in the league. Their back court is made up of Darrell Armstrong and Kevin Gamble who play hard def and know their roles, play good support and score when the others slow down. They have a big game next sim with a match up against the West big guns, the Vancouver Grizzlies at home. This should be a colossal encounter.
2. Toronto Raptors
Record - 17-4
Team MVP - Michael Jordan - 38 mins, 33 pts, 7 rebs, 4 assts, 1.9 stls on 48% shooting
Best result - Raptors - 130-80 Clippers - Jordan, 48 pts, 13 rebs and 6 assts. Team shooting 54% from the field
Worst result - Cavaliers - 103-85 - Raptors , Brian Grant, 9 mins, 6 fouls , 0 points. Raptors held to 7 pts in the 4th quarter
2nd in the East are the Toronto Raptors with their 17-4 record. Very nice start for the Raptors considering the roster restructuring. The Raptors one constant from last season is the stellar play from MJ who gives this team a chance everytime they are in a game. They start the season without Horace Grant who is plying his trade in Miami and have Brian Grant with Damon Stoudamire in his place. Vin Baker is playing well and Chuck Person has been a pleasean surprise with his offense and new defensive skills. They have been a force at home going 11-1 and 6-3 on the road. The real test came against the Grizzlies which they failed miserably and look to rebound. With the Hornets playing as well as they are, look for the Raptors to be fighting for that 3rd seed in the East.
3. New Jersey Nets
Record - 13-10
Team MVP = Nick Van Exel - 39 mins, 23 pts, 5 rebs, 9 assts on 48% shooting
Best Result - Nets 108-74-Bucks, Nick Van Exel, 19 pts, 11 asst, 7 rebs and 4 stls, team shoots 52 % and holds Bucks to 39% shooting
Worst Result - 76ers 102-83 Nets, Eddie JOnes 39 mins and 4 pts David Robinson goes for 50 pts on Luc Longley
The New Jersey Nets have been on fire as of late going 7-3 in their last 10 games. They got off to a slow start going 2-5 but have found their strategy and have gone 11-5 since with some very good wins over Bullets, Cavs and Bucks. On the road they have been very good, their 5-5 home record needs work, but if they can turn their home court into a fortress and keep stealing wins on the road, they could be very tough down the road. Nock Van Exel is this teams leader and his lieutenant Luc Longley has been very good in the post, averaging a 20 and 10 for the season. If they can get more support from Eddie Jones Rookie David Vaughn, this team could be dangerous. If you look at this teams losses, they werent blown out in any of them ( exeept the 76ers) including the match vs the Hornets...
4. Atlanta Hawks
Team Record = 13-11
Team MVP = Sam Cassell, 39 mins, 25 pts, 4 rebs, 10 assts, 1.6 tos on 45% shooting
Best Result -Hawks 129 - 95 - Twolves, Sam Cassell, 16 pts, 20 assts, 3 stls with Hawks on 59% shooting and only 6 turnovers
Worst Result - Hornets 109 - 89 Hawks, Tim Legler 37 mins, 3 pts , 3 fouls 3 stls, lost the 2nd quarter 31-18
The Atlanta Hawks started the season with a 6-1 sim but have since cooled off a bit and have gone 7-10 since. In the offseason they traded Antonio Mcdyess away for PJ Brown and picks.. They proceeded to draft Big Z and Shawn Respert with the 27th pick, both of whom have had very promising starts to their UOSLR career. Big Z is averaging 29 mins a game with 14 pts, 9 rebs and 1 blk to show for. Respert has been in very good form averaging 17 pts, 4 rebs and 2 assts for the season. Chris Mullin has been on fire and PJ Brown has been averaging a double double on the season, both are injured and could see the Hawks lose a few more games before they return. If they can at least go .500 whilst Mullin is out, then they should be ok, they do have Joe Dumars in the squad who can help straight away, their thin front court could be a problem though.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Team Record - 10-9
Team MVP- Mitch Richmond 40 mins, 21 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assts, 1.5 blks
Best Result - Bucks 122-95 Celtics Grant Hill 18 pts, 11 assts, 10 rebs and 51% from the field and 37 pt 4th quarter
Worst result - Nets 108 - 74 Bucks Henry James , 34 mins 2 pts, 4 tos, 1-6 shooting and a 10 pt 4th quarter
The Bucks have had a terrible start to the UOSLR tenure, but the arrival of Arroyo has seen this franchis jump into the playoff race for the 1st time. With his arrival he has made a series of trade and has seen the roster move to a starting lineup of Gary Grant / Mitch Richmond / Grant Hill / Antonio Mcdyess / Wayman Tisdale which has gotten off to a nice start. The Bucks scoring is not a problem but their def needs a little work along with their turnovers. Shooting the ball at 45% is still very solid and their reb is near the top of the league. Given time, this team looks like a very good team for the future. If the Bucks can acquire DRob within the next few weeks ( assuming the trade talks are still alive) then their team would be very scary indeed.
6. Indiana Pacers
Team Record - 9-9
Team MVP - Latrell Spreewell - 38 mins, 22 pts 4 rebs, 4 assts on 48% shooting and 47% shooting from 3 pt
Best Result - Pacers - 115- 84 Bullets Stanley Roberts - 35 pts , 11 rebs, 4 blks 51% shooting and 60 rebs
Worst resilt - Hornets 123 - 88 Pacers Juwon Howard 1-9 shooting, 4 pts and 6 rebs. 14 pt 4th quarter and 37% shooting.
The Indiana Pacers have a porblem here. They are good enough to make the playoffs but are a season or two away from actually becoming contenders. They have a young team and have a chance of big things in the coming season. Spreewell, Mashburn. Walker, Roberts, Howard and Armstrong are a great young core and have been pretty tough to beat at home. Like all young teams they have had their trouble on the road. If Juwon can improve quickly, this team is set to make alot of noise in the next few seasons. Ya never know, Antoine Walker could spend time at the PF spot and take Juwons place.
7. Washington Bullets
Team Record = 8-10
Team MVP - Chris Webber 34 mins, 25 pts, 12 rebs, 4 assts, 1stl and blk on 51% shooting
Best Result - Bullets 105 - 71 Clippers , Chris Webber 27 pts , 10 rebs, 7 blks. 52 % shooting and held the Clippers to 6 pts in the 4th quarter
Worst result - Pacers - 115- 84 Bullets, Chris Webber , 22 mins 16 pts, 4 fouls, 5 rebs and 29 pts in the 1st half
The Washington Bullets are pewered by their star PF Chris Webber who leads the team in points, rebs and field goal %. He is paired together with Dale Davis down low who is holding his own, averaging a double double and a pair of blocks a game. They are struggling at a bit but with everyone tryna get into the lottery, they are in the playoff hunt and could very well make the playoffs. Jimmy Jackson rounds out the dynamite trio with 21 pts, 5 rebs and 50% from behind the arc. The back court is manned by Avery Johnson and Anthony Peeler who have been solid if not spectacular. If they can get help from the backcourt in scoring, this team could very well move up the ladder.
8. Orlando Magic
Team Record - 11-13
Team MVP - Dikembe Mutumbo 10 pts, 11 rebs, 1.3 stls 4.2 blks
Best Result - Magic 117 - 69 Warriors, Mutumbo 17 pts, 22 rebs, 6 blks and scoring 44 pts in the 1st quarter
Worst Result - Warriors 121 - 70 Magic Dikembe 16 mins , 6 fouls, 1 pt, 0-3 shooting, shooting 34% from the field and 19 TOs
The Western Conference finalists have had a tough run with injuires this season namely with their star Center Dikembe Mutombo. Shaunkol pointed it out in a sim discussion, when Dikembe is in the lineup, they are near unstoppable, when he is out of the lineup, they are ordinary to say the least. Alejandro Camby and Scottie Pippern are the teams other big contributors, as with many other teams, they are needing another scorer to help out Alejandro and Pippen with the scoring load. Billy Owens and Haywoode Workman are nice players, but cant be called upon to take on scoring duties night in and night out. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and only 4-6 at home but a respectable 7-7 on the road. Chances are, they keep moving up the playoff ladder.
9. Miami Heat
Team Record - 7-10
Team MVP - hU wEIDONG 35 mins, 18 pts, 3 rebs, 2.8 assts, 1.9 stls on 49% shooting
Best Result - Heat 121-104 Knicks - Horace Geant 20 pts, 20 rebs, 6 assts 0 turnovers with 42 pt 4th quarter, 63 rebs and only 9 assts
Worst result - Grizzlies 113 - 60 Heat Horace Grant 29 mins, 2-13 shooting, 4 pts, 4 rebs and 4 fouls
The Miami Heat had a tough opening sim with 9 games on the trot but went 5-4. Since then it hasnt been so easy for the Heat. They have been under the pump and went 3-5 since. They are out of the playoffs so far but could still make it back in. They are led by Hu Weidong and veteran forwards Horace Grant and Armen Gilliam. Both have had stellar careers and are looking at taking Miami to the playoffs after playing with different teams last season. Horace is averaging 14 pts and 10 rebs whilst Armen is putting up 15 pts, 7rebs on 49% shooting. Hu Weidong and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf both average in the high teens in scoring and give opposng back court combinations fits. The Heat are actively looking for a C, and if they find one , will be in very good shape if they are to make a run at the playoffs.
10. Chicago Bulls
Team Record - 10-14
Team MVP - Etienne Preira - 34 mins, 24 pts, 5 rebs, 7 assts and 1.9 stls a game
Best Result - Bulls 125 - 97 76ERS, Etienne Preira 39 pts, 9 assts, 8 rebs.. 51 FGs made, only 7 turnovers
Worst Result - Suns 131 - 100 Bulls Rasheed Wallace 10 mins, 6 fouls , 2 turnovers
The Chicago Bulls come in at 10 with their 10-14 record behind their star PG Etienne Preira who is averaging 25 pts, 5 rebs and 7 assts. Along with Eric Montross ( 13 pts a game and 6 rebs), they are the only 2 on the roster scoring in double digits. They have the top pick in Rasheed Wallace in at PF who has shown glimpses of what he could become, but is a season or two away from realising his potential. They rebound the ball very well but are shooting a lowly 42% from the field which will not amount to very many wins. They are 8-8 at home and 2 -6 on the road, this looks like a long season for the Bulls, but one that promises a bright future with if they secure a top pick and the further development of Wallace, Preira and Montross.
11. Boston Celtics
Team Record - 10-14
Team MVP - Jeff Hornacek 40 mins, 22 pts, 9 assts, 5 rebs, 1.8 stls
Best Result - Celtics 105 - 88 Nets, Jeff Hornacek 33 pts, 6 assts and 8 rebs, 36 pt 4th quarter, 8 TOs,
Worst Result - Bucks - 122 - 95 Celtics, Rony Seikaly, 6 fouls, 6 turnovers, 6 pts, 7 rebs and 2-6 shooting. Celtics 16 TOs and 18 pt 4th quarter
The Jeff Hornacek led Celtics are 1 game out of the playoffs, but no doubt they will find themselves back in the playoffs. The have their core nucleus back for another season with Seikaly (13 pts, 12 rebs) , Vernon Maxwell ( 26 pts, 5 rebs, 2.7 assts and 2 stls a game) and Derek Harper (15 pts, 3 rebs, 3 assts) but time is slowly running out for the Celtics. Dee Brown is there ( however injured) and they are actively looking at trading him for help up front for Rony Seikaly. Its hard to win in the league if you cant win at home and the Celtics are finding it tough going 6-8 at home and 4 - 6 on the road. I suspect they wont be out of the playoffs for long and will be back up there later on in the season. They dont have their pick this season so they need to win..
12. Philadelphia 76ers
Team Record - 8-12
Team MVP - David Robinson 35 mins, 32 pts, 12 rebs, 2.4 assts, 4 blks on 51% shooting
Best Result - 76ers 103 - 79 Lakers Reggie Williams 14 pts, 9 rebs, 2stls and 1 blk. Outscored the Lakers 65-42 in the 2nd half.
Worst Result - Grizzlies 128 - 83 76ERS Benoit Benjamin 8 pts, 4 fouls, 2 TOs, 12 mins
The David Robinson led 76ers have been trying to deal the all star center most of the season , but havent found a suitor for him. This is prob a reason why they arent doing too well this season, or maybe its because outside of the Admiral and Benoit Benjamin, there isnt much else. Muggsy Bogues is in support but its tough when you cant get much out of your SG and SF positions. The 76ers twin towers are nothing short of awesome, but without another go to guy, its easy to just collapse on these two and force the outsides to come up with something. The def is letting in 107 ppg and they are turning the ball over 15 times, all this equals a 4-7 home record and 4-5 road run. Without their pick this year, they are in desperate need to win and could be looking at getting their pick back and dealing DRob or Benjamin to do so, they have won 6 of their last 10 games so things look to be picking up. Watch this space for more developments on the DRob saga!!!
13. New York Knicks
Team Record - 8 -13
Team MVP- Reggie Miller - 38 mins 27 pts, 5 rebs, 2.5 assts 46% shooting from field and 3pt
Best result - Knicks 111 - 79 Twolves Michael Adams, 24 pts, 7 rebs, 7 assts, 11-19 shooting .. Out rebounded the Twolves 60 - 46 and only 9 personal fouls
Worst result - Warriors 123-103 Knicks Dennis Rodman 33 mins, 10 pts 9 rebounds. Out rebounded 54 -39 and let the Warriors shoot 58% from the field!!
After last season the Knicks have gotten off to a slow start this year and have DB stumped in terms of finding a strategy for this team to play. On paper, this team is prob one of the better defensive lineups in the league, yet they are giving up 106 pts a game. Reggie Miller has been placed on the trade block and DB is looking to see what he can get for the sharpshooter. The Knicks have been actively looking for a center to help out Dennis Rodman down low. They recently acquired Sharone Wright who has been solid for them and has been a good help for Dennis Rodman down low. Michael Adams has been awesome and could have made a good case for team MVP. Harper and Miller have been strong on the wings for the Knicks and the city of NYK are hoping the Knicks can make a run up the ladder.
14. Detroit Pistons
Team Record - 8-15
Team MVP - Glen Rice - 40 mins, 29 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 51% from field and 50% from 3pt land
Best result - Pistons 120 - 99 Bucks John Stockton 24 pts, 9 assts, 7 stls. 10 3pters made and and only 8 turnovers.
Worst result - Nuggets 133- 97 Pistons, John Stockton 6-22 shooting, 13 pts, 6 assts. Allowed Warriors to shoot 57% from the field
The Pistons have really struggled this season and have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games. MTG has been quoted as saying "my team sucks" and they way they have been playing, you dont disagree with him. When you look at the team you wonder how this team could be so far off the pace. Rick Smits, Glen Rice, Tony Dumas, John Stockton and Magic are all quality players and have shown they know how to win. The piece they are missing is a solid PF who can can help Smits out. Horry is there, but is showing he is having trouble playing at the PF position and may be better suited at SF. They just havent been able to string a few wins together and get some consistancy going. Maybe even playing Magic Johnson at PF could work, anything is possible in basketball!!!
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
Team Record - 8-18
Team MVP - Shawn Kemp - 35 MINS, 19 pts, 12 rebs, 2.6 assts, 1.3 stls. 1.8 blks
Best Result - Cavaliers 103 - 85 Raptors Laphonso Ellis 17 pts, 15 rebs out rebounding the Raptors 70 - 52 and holding the Raptors to 7 pts in the 4th quarter
Worst Result - Warriors 121 - 87 Cavaliers Shawn Kemp 6-21 shooting, 13 pts, 6 turnovers, 13 pts , 10 rebs.
Rounding out the Eastern Conference are the Cleveland Cavaliers who are led by Shawn Kemp and Knick Anderson. Days 20-30 have seen the Cavs go 1-9 in their last 10 games and 15 games out of 1st place in the east and 4 games out of 8th. Kemp has been playing at Center for the Cavs with Laphonso Ellis at PF. They havent been doing anything well lately, scoring a paltry 95 pts a game and letting in 101 pts a game. Their shooting has been sub par at 42% from the field and turning the ball over 15 times a game. They are still a young team and could do well with another season in the lottery , but without their pick this year, someone is licking their lips hoping they lose even more!!!
Thats the East, Ill be doing the West pretty soon, watch this space!!!
