UOSLR All-Star Break Rankings

[martinez]

UOSLR All-Star Break Rankings with detailed analysis of the top 16 teams.

1. Chicago Bulls - Record: 28-8 (Best Record in the League)
Team MVP: Etienne Preira 28.7 ppg 7.7 rpg 2.3SPG 2.9SPG 47%FG
Team PPG/OPG: 108.7 / 100

The Chicago Bulls continue their dynasty run with strong play from reigning MVP Etienne Preira. Sitting with the best record in the league the Bulls are 5th in the league in scoring and 9th in points allowed. It is no secret that the depth and balance of the team is what makes the Bulls so good. Preira continues to put up all world numbers on offense and defense and has really established himself as "the next Jordan." The Bulls are currently riding a 10 game winning streak at the break and look to continue the hot streak until the end of the season.

2. New York Knicks - Record: 26-10 (2nd in Eastern Conference, 1st in the Atlantic Divsion)
Team MVP: Wang Zhi-Zhi 27ppg 10rpg 1.3BPG
Team PPG/OPG: 103.9 / 95.2

After the Bulls you can make a case for any of the next 3 or 4 teams as the second best team in the league, though the Knicks take the edge as they are currently the second hottest team in the league winning 9 out of their last 10 games. What makes the Knicks so amazing is that they are led by a group of young guys. With the exception of Marcus Camby and Travis Best key-players Shawn Marion, Wang Zhi-Zhi, and Richard Jefferson are all under the age of 25. Rookie phenom Amare Stoudemire is waiting on the wings and the Knicks could be even more dominant then they already are. New York could soon replace the aging dynasty of the Bulls as soon as next season, as the best team in the league.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Record: 30-15 (4th in Eastern Conference, 2nd Central division)
Team MVP- Tim Duncan - 25ppg 14rpg 2.4 BPG
Team PPG / OPG: 99.4 ppg / 93.9ppg

I have the best defense team in the league ranked third. There rank is just as surprising as New York's but for other reasons. With incumbent former coach and manager Jason "All-Star" Bengal dealing with bouts of alcoholism and depression and being replaced mid-season by a no-name manager by the name of simply "thickduck", many people thought Cavaliers were destined for turmoil. Here we are though mid-season and low and behold the Cavaliers have won 8 of their last 10 games and are the best defensive team in the league. Led by Tim Duncan and Nick Anderson, the superb defensive play of Ben Wallace and the depth of Joe Smith and Laphonso Ellis the Cavaliers could be the surprising team in the East come playoff time.

4. Atlanta Hawks - Record: 27-13(5th in Eastern Conference, 3rd in Central Division)
Team MVP - Steve Nash - 26ppg 10.3 APG 2SPG
Team PPG / OPG: 112.7ppg /105.6ppg

It's nice to see Mr. Chipper "Band Camp Councilor" Stein finally leading this Atlanta Hawks in the right direction. The Hawks have been one of the worst franchises in UOSLR and after a few stellar drafts and great trades it looks like the Hawks can finally rise among the elite. They landed the "steal of the century" when they acquired Steve Nash in a deal with the Seattle Supersonics. Nash has replaced Jason Kidd as arguably "the best PG" in the league putting up superb numbers. The Nets have great back court depth and have future sensation Dajuan Wagner waiting in the wings. They are a bit weak upfront and that will hurt them come playoff time but there is no denying they can pull a few upsets when the time comes.

5. Orlando Magic - Record: 25-10(3rd in Eastern Conference, 2nd in Division)
Team MVP - Allan Houston - 30ppg, 6.3 RPG, 50 FG% 47 3pt%
Team PPG / OPG: 116.5 / 107.5

I am surprised to see the Magic as #5 on this list but the recent poor play is what has the Magic dropping down on this list. The fact that I think this is the team that could possibly take down the Chicago Bulls in an upset if the time comes would speak for itself. Young phenom Elton Brand seems to be getting better and better game by game and Allan Houston at 31 years of age is still arguably the best offensive player in the league. The Magic are solid at ever position and have great depth. Anthony Parker, Sam Cassell, Rasheed Wallace and Donyell Marshall have all played magnificently well so it's surprising that they've hit a bump as of late. I expect coach Shaun Kol to get this ship on tract soon.

6. Houston Rockets - Record: 26-11 (1st in Western Conference, 1st in Division)
Team MVP - Predrag Danilovic - 23.6ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.4SPG
Team PPG / OPG: 113.5 / 104.4

Finally we see a Western Conference team on the list and it's the Houston Rockets who are on top of the Western Conference as of All-Star break. I expect the Rockets to rise on this list by the end of the year with recent acquisition Ronnie Fields who will bolster and already crowded and talented backcourt lead by Vince Carter and Predrag Danilovic. The two players are averaging over 20ppg and have been playing phenomenally so far this season. What hurts the Rockets is that their frontcourt is mediocre at best led by Lorenzen Wright, Joel Pryzbilla, and Brad Miller. I think the Rockets will rise in this list, but fall quickly out of the playoffs. A 1st round exit would not be surprising to see.

7. Golden State Warriors - Record: 26- 12 (2nd in Western Conference, 1st in Pacific Division)
Team MVP - Chris Webber - 23ppg 12rpg 1spg 2bpg
Team PPG / OPG: 104.8 / 97.8 ppg

The Warriors are one of the suprise teams this year though the lack of competitiveness in the West helps, there is no doubt this team wins with defense allowing a very solid 97.8ppg good enough for 4th best in the league. It's no secret that Chris Webber is the main reason the Warriors are playing so well. Chris is having a career year. Gilbert Arenas looks to finally have settled in and is playing to the level many people expected him too. While like the Rockets, I do not think the Warriors have a shot at the championship but they, like the Cavaliers in the East could be the surprise team in the West.

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Record: 25- 13 (7th in Eastern Conference, 4th in Central division)
Team MVP - Grant Hill 22pg 8rpg 4apg
Team PPG / OPG: 104.5 PPG / 97.7 pgg

When you're the 7th seed in your own conference most would not expect that team to be ranked 8th best in the league but that is where Milwaukee falls on this list. They are a team filled with talent at every position led by Grant Hill and Antonio McDyess these Bucks have been a disappointment so far this season. The Bucks have great depth all over, Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Vin Baker, and Duane Causwell add to one of the deepest line-ups in the league rivaled only perhaps to the Bulls whom ironically knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs last season. Milwaukee always seems to be one piece away from a perennial championship team but David "I raped a 14 year old girl at a Blink 182 concert" Krupinski is notorious for low-balling in trade attempts and most teams have been reluctant to trade with the GM. A move for a true 1 to replace Allen Iverson who would be better suited as a combo guard at the 2 would make sense or trying to move Baron Davis for a proven veteran and the Bucks could be seeing championship gold.

9. San Antonio Spurs - Record: 28-16 (3rd in Western Conference, 2nd in Midwest Division)
Team MVP - Shaquille O'Neal 27ppg 15rpg 5apg 2.2bpg
Team PPG / OPG: 104.4 / 97.9

The acquisition of argueably the most dominant player in the league Shaquille O'Neal during the off season has vaulted the Spurs into UOSLR relevance. Shaq continues to dominate game in and game out and has carried this otherwise average team on his shoulders. There is no doubt that Shaq is one of those rare players who makes his teammates better as his incredible vision and passing ability as a big man allows him to find his open teammates as Shaq sees constant double-teams and even triple-teams day in and day out. If the Spurs could find another all-star to play along side Shaq the Spurs could be a legitimate contender. Like many of the Western teams, playing in such a bad conference has helped as well.

10. New Jersey Nets- Record: 23-11 (6th in Eastern Conference, 3rd in Atlantic Division)
Team MVP - Chauncey Billups 20ppg 6rpg 10apg
Team PPG / OPG: 111.7ppg / 103.2ppg

When Billups missed most of last season it was not surprising how disastrous the Nets season turned out to be. Billups is the prototypical floor general. When he's out on the court everyone plays at a different level. In such a stacked conference, the Nets drop down to 10th on this list but there is no denying their talent. Offensively, they are tops in the league led by Billups, Rose, and Ilgauskas it's hard to find a better scoring trio in the league. Though, it seems that the Nets are to focused on the offense and do not pay much attention on defense as the frontcourt tandem of Juwan Howard and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are arguably the worst defending tandem in the league.

11. Portland TrailBlazers - Record: 22-16 (4th in Western Conference, 2nd in Pacific Division)
Team MVP: Alonzo Mourning 20ppg 13rpg 2.5BPG
Team PPG / OPG: 104.9 ppg / 100.4 ppg

Much like Milwaukee, on paper, the TrailBlazers always seem to be better then they have performed and this season is no different. Many people had the Blazers billed this pre-season like every season, as the number one team in the Western conference and again they have disappointed so far. Rookie GM Joe "inane" Schmuck almost destroyed this team last season being vetoed by the league that would have sent Kevin Garnett packing he has since changed his ways and has since built a very capable team. Larry Johnson, Kevin Garnett and Alonzo Mourning make up the best frontcourt in the league. They still need some depth in the backcourt and if they find a legitimate starting 1, look out.

12. Sacramento Kings - Record: 23 - 25 (7th in Western Conference, 4th in Pacific Division)
Team MVP: Dirk Nowitzki 22ppg 12rpg 45FG%
Team PPG / OPG: 102ppg / 103.5ppg

The Sacramento Kings have seen more time in the trainer's office then they have on the court as starters Shawn Kemp, Chris Mullin and Jason Kidd have all missed significant time this season. The team finally looks to be healthy but the chemistry is obviously still not there. The team has recently acquired Ricky Davis and Keith Van Horn for the under performing Robert Horry from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Kings look to have found the depth and scoring punch they needed with Ricky Davis. Jason Kidd continues to perform at an All-Star level and there are few big man with the skill set of Dirk Nowitzki who can beat you from the inside and outside. I expect the Kings to rise in this list by the end of the season.

13. Detroit Pistons - Record: 23-15 (8th in Eastern Conference, 5th in Central Division)
Team MVP: Michael Jordan 24ppg 5.1rpg 4apg
Team PPG / OPG: 107.1ppg / 103.2ppg

Facing the contract year GM "I don't even know your name" had his back up against the wall. Being in the toughest conference also didn't help but so far they are accomplishing the task of getting 40 wins or making the playoffs. Led by 39 year old Michael Jordan who is still playing superbly, the Pistons are getting the job done. I do not expect this team to make any noise come playoff time as they would more than likely be facing the Chicago Bulls in the 1st round and they do not stand a chance.

14. Phoenix Suns - Record 24-18 (5th in Western Conference, 3rd in Pacific Division)
Team MVP: Jamal Mashburn 20ppg 8rpg 2spg
Team PPG / OPG: 102.1ppg / 99.8ppg

Another of the many teams in the Western Conference who would not be seeing playoffs had they been playing in the Eastern Conference. They are a surprising team to see sitting as 5th in the Western Conference led by veteran swing man Jamal Mashburn. Eddy Curry at just 19 years of age, has been showing flashes of a brilliant offensive game but his defense is extremely lacking at this point. The Suns are a young and in experienced team as seen with Curry, lamar Odom and Andre Miller. They will be solid in a few years but right now they are simply benefiting from a horrificly terrible conference.

15. Dallas Mavericks - Record 25-23 (6th in Western Conference, 3rd in Midwest Division)
Team MVP: Damon Stoudamire 19.2 ppg 6.1 RPG 8 APG
Team PPG / OPG: 101.6 / 101.8

The same analysis as above fits here with Dallas. When Stoudamire is your MVP we have trouble. I would rank the Miami Heat ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks but being that both teams and the next team I am going to mention are currently in playoff contention they take the higher ranks by default.

16. Seattle Supersonics - Record: 20-23 (8th in Western Conference, 5th in Pacific Division)
Team MVP: Brent Barry 20ppg 5.4 RPG 8.4 APG 2.5 SPG
Team PPG / OPG: 100.2 ppg / 101.5ppg

It's no surprise here that after dealing Steve Nash to the Atlanta Hawks the Supersonics took a tumble down the standings. Antwan Jamison acquired in the Steve Nash has not played to what his 70mill contract would expect shooting a horrendous 41% from the field and only average 9.5ppg. The Sonics franchise seems to be heading for disaster and their GM is taking them there quite quickly.

Rounding out the rankings:

17. Miami Heat
18. Philadelphia 76ers
19. Washington Bullets
20. Boston Celtics
21. Utah Jazz
22. Los Angeles Clippers
23. Minnesota Timberwolves
24. Indiana Pacers
25. Toronto Raptors
26. Los Angeles Lakers
27. Denver Nuggets
28. Charlotte Hornets
29. Vancouver Grizzlies

[martinez]

god that took forever... now to do some real work at my job lol

[martinez]

lol at getting a 4.

[mtg]

good read

[Contract Year]

With Mercer coming back soon, things aren't looking good for the Pistons

[martinez]

Pretty lame that I spent two hours on this and I'm getting 4s.

[iflip]

Heat will be on the rise.

[House]

Gave a 5, but you should correct the slip in my paragraph calling me "the Nets".

[martinez]

11 +5 votes

3 +4 Votes

Thanks guys I dunno why the results are blocked from people viewing need 1 more.

[martinez]

Nov 12, 2009 15:29:18 GMT -5 House said:

Gave a 5, but you should correct the slip in my paragraph calling me "the Nets".

you should stfu

[House]

Nov 12, 2009 15:29:43 GMT -5 @martinez said:

11 +5 votes

3 +4 Votes

Thanks guys I dunno why the results are blocked from people viewing need 1 more.

It makes it better, IMO. Makes people read the article.

[martinez]

Got the 15.

Thanks guys.

[martinez]

Nov 12, 2009 15:33:14 GMT -5 House said:

Nov 12, 2009 15:29:43 GMT -5 @martinez said:

11 +5 votes

3 +4 Votes

Thanks guys I dunno why the results are blocked from people viewing need 1 more.

It makes it better, IMO. Makes people read the article.

yeah good point, I wish there was an option to view who voted other than just the admins.

[DB]

nice job marty. I am 2nd in the league, so this is great! I am surprised at how well the bulls are playing, they're still nasty because of EP.

We need to knock them off though.

[Spurs GM]

David "I raped a 14 year old girl at a Blink 182 concert" Krupinski

LMAO, HAHAHAAHA