Post by ib4 on Jun 19, 2010 10:58:01 GMT -5
a banner that i made for UOSL1 that Ducky never approved of...
POWER RANKINGS
+/- based off of dbw’s early season rankings
1.
Indiana Pacers (48-8)
+0 (prev: #1)
The Pacers are running away with the East and remain on top of the Power Rankings. Still 2nd in the league in scoring with 114.3 and 2nd in FG% (an efficient 47%), the Pacers have surely adapted to switching between back and forth between a Balanced and an Inside focus to better accommodate the newest Pacer David Lee, who is doing everything right for the Pacers. Darko remains to be a force with 3.6 BPG and 12.2 RPG to go along with Lee’s 12.4 RPG for the Pacers, the top Rebounding team in the League. Melo is contributing with a quiet 16/9 as a non option, and Marion & Zbo are certainly providing quality play as their 6th and 7th men. Oh yeah, and they don’t lose at home.
2.
Los Angeles Clippers (45-14)
+0 (prev: #2)
The champion LA Clippers don’t miss Allen Iverson at all…Gilbert and Yao have elevated their games crazy good, and the team is getting great production from a bunch of players Mike signed to minimum deals in the offseason…Kevin Martin stepped right in to play SG and is shooting the ball really well. David West is playing great for a backup forward. You would think with AI retiring they’d miss his defense...well the Clippers are still #2 in the League in SPG and #1 in the League in forcing opponents’ turnovers. Plus Mike has the $10 mil expiring contract of Glen “Uno Uno” Davis (who doesn’t actually even wear 11 anymore cuz of Yao) to dangle around as trade bait for another piece to add to this already-productive contender out West.
3.
Golden State Warriors (39-17)
+1 (prev: #4)
Best 3pt shooting team in the League: the Golden State Warriors. Somewhat an odd statistic considering they run an INSIDE focus and have three A- IN guys. Either way, LeBron is averaging a commanding 30/9/5 with 2.5 SPG and shooting the ball crazy good. Vince Carter still has game and is averaging a familiar 22 PPG and has been a great early-season acquisition for the Warriors. Nene was definitely a good signing for them too, providing double digit points and rebounds night-in-night out to go along with nearly 3.0 BPG. The only concern, if any, would be the experimentation at PG as aar has recently shifted Hinrich into the s/l to replace Rondo who has been a career backup until signing with GS this year. But now, with LeBron out for 18 days, some of these guys will need to step up while James takes care of that Broken Jaw. Aar is now shopping the Big Man Big Money Nene Hilario for some help.
4.
Houston Rockets (39-18)
-1 (prev: #3)
Kevin Durant is having a Monster scoring season for the best scoring team in the League. The Rockets are also still getting great scoring from Ray “Grandpa” Allen, who decided to NOT retire last offseason, but instead decided to BEAST instead. That’s two players on the same team averaging nearly 30 PPG, pretty beast. The signing of Chuck Hayes and the efficient PG play of Mike Bibby have certainly helped the Rockets win some games. Can’t forget about DJ stepping up defensively this year. But attribute a majority of the Rockets’ success to the high scoring of KD and Jesus plus limiting their turnovers.
5.
Miami Heat (38-18)
+0 (prev: #5)
Since acquiring AK47 two years ago, he has provided iflip with quality production an all-around play. Acquiring Webster last year was also a great move and the Heat now have a great balance of Defense from AK+Artest+Griffin and Offense (5 players averaging double figures). Hedo Turkoglu is beasting as their sixth man, though he started earlier in the year. Even though iflip is also trying to figure out his PG situation, he’s at least figured out that he’s built his once questionable team into a winner in the East.
6.
Atlanta Hawks 38-22)
+0 (prev: #6)
Wow the same top 6 as the last Power rankings…well the Hawks’ team statistics compared to last PRs dipped a bit, but not their position in the rankings. All I have to say are 5 letters, and you know what I’m talking about: DSS & KA. Stevenson has been putting up DSS numbers and Azubuike has been maintaining a high scoring average as he has done over the past 3 seasons. JRich was a lucky sim-1 FA signing because J has some iLL posting skills to nab him before even some admins could. However, JRich is out 18 days with a knee injury. J shifting his offense focus to Outside could very well increase their win total by the end of the year to accommodate for the offensive fire power they have from deep considering there isn’t much post-scoring up front. Not to mention he is actively looking for a “starting PF”
7.
Milwaukee Bucks (30-20)
+11 (prev: #18)
The Bucks have made the biggest jump from DBW’s Early Season Power Rankings. That Dwayne Wade guy might be the reason. The Bucks are a top 5 team in FG% , 3P%, and few TOPG. With Oden gone in the Wade trade, there was a temporary hole at C that Kru filled with Ty Chandler, not bad. The Bucks are cruising right now…Wade averaging MVP numbers, plus potential-filled youth in T-WiLL, Monroe, and Leslie…so the Present AND the future of the Bucks looks bright. Only question I have is…is Marvin Williams really a center?
8.
Chicago Bulls (34-23)
-1 (prev: #7)
The Bulls slip one spot only because of the Bucks’ big jump. The Bulls are a top 5 team in PPG, FG%, and FT%. EP’s second round about with the franchise that he made his own has proved to be a good acquisition for Tiger. Now playing the Luol Deng role of super 6th man, EP is providing quality minutes backing any position his un-human heart desires to. Al Jefferson continues to prove that he is a, if not, the, top Center in the league with a beastly 24/13/4 BPG. Diawara and Deng continue to provide good scoring numbers. Murray has filled in as a good PG for the Bulls this year too. It’ll be hard to write off the Bulls this year in the Playoff Prediction bracket at the end of the season.
9.
Seattle Supersonics (34-24)
-1 (prev: #8)
The Sonics are rolling without Dwight Howard even being an option...due in part because they have three great shooters in Williams, Evans, and Wright in the backcourt. Seattle leads the lead in Blocks per game as well as Rebounds per game...and to no surprise with Howard and Diop doing all the dirty work while the backcourt does all the...other dirty work. Chipper has been experimenting both Tyreke and Mo at the point, and both have been doing pretty decent, but I think he likes what he sees when Mo is at the 1 rather than Tyreke. They too, would have stayed in the same spot in the rankings but dropped just one spot due to Milwaukee’s jump.
10.
Vancouver Grizzlies (35-24)
+5 (prev: #15)
It’s odd that the departure of Wade has actually turned into a positive thing for Vancouver as Biggie is proving to everybody in this league that he’s not some tweener GM. The success was mostly due to Duncan and DerMarr’s production...but with Duncan leaving town in exchange for an injured Jermaine O’Neal, expect the Grizzlies’ ranking to drop slightly in the next Power Rankings...esp as he continues to shop DerMarr for expirings and 1sts....things are looking good for Vancouver though, on the verge of making the playoffs while possessing a pretty high lotto pick, thanks to the Celtics GM being busy with work, going out of state occasionally, going to parties, and actually having a life.
11.
Philadelphia 76ers (35-25)
+5 (prev: #16)
The Sixers acquired the Big Fundamental from the #10 Grizzlies and it has been paying off since he arrived. The self proclaimed “2013 UOSLR Champs” are yet another team that has deadly shooters at the 1, 2, and 3 positions and running an outside focus. Deron is trying to show everyone that he is one of the league’s best PGs even though tmac has been saying that all along. Hughes and Green continue to shoot 3’s when called upon. And even though TD is 36, he is a big improvement over the injured JO and the Sixers are actually a team that could surprise everyone in the playoffs this year.
12.
New Jersey Nets (32-23)
-2 (prev: #10)
Acquiring Brewer was a great move for the Nets, however they have slipped two spots in the rankings. Broph has been mixing things up in the DC...shifting Kobe and Henry in and out of the starting lineup with Brewer aboard. They have the right idea loading up with A- or better defenders at every position. They are a Top 5 team in SPG and Ronnie Brewer helps that stat. With more consistent play from the wings and Favors continuing to develop in his 4th year in his contract year on the team, the Nets could and should rise in the rankings. But while he is in the middle pack of the rankings, Broph is now shopping Kobe Bryant while he still has value.
13.
Denver Nuggets (32-25)
-1 (prev: #12)
The Nuggets pretty much stay where they are in the rankings. Brandon Roy leads the way with 22/5/4 and Wall is emerging as a future star with 17/5/10. I don’t really know what to highlight in this edition of the rankings except the same thing DBW asked: what’s up with the Joe Johnson contract? I guess it should be known that he is trying to make moves and is in the hunt for a PF, though he hasn’t struck a deal yet.
14.
Portland Trailblazers (30-24)
-3 (prev: #11)
Blazers slip a bit here and I’m not entirely sure how. Parker has really elevated his game to the next level with 27/5/11 as their go-to scorer. They have some great shooters too so maybe an outside focus would work too. Regardless of what I recommend, the Blazers are still top 3 in PPG, APG, and 1st in the league in SPG thanks to great defense by Tony Parker and Josh Howard. Blazers should be in good shape but even if things don’t go their way, at least they can build around Nic Batum for the future.
15.
Minnesota Timberwolves (33-27)
-6 (prev: #9)
As previously mentioned in DBW’s PRs, losing SJax for the season sucks, and the Twolves slipped in the rankings and really miss his production. This has led Trunks to juggle around his lineup and even play people out of position, such as Amare at SF...4th year player James Harden should step up his game to fill in for the injured All Star Stephen Jackson because I dunno how the Twolves will fair with Amare playing out of position at the 3. But Trunks really wishes 2nd year man LaceDarius Dunn would step up too.
16.
Cleveland Cavaliers (29-25)
+4 (prev: #20)
The Cavs are hovering around the .500 mark and I have a feeling Styro realizes this and is trying to prepare for the future. Rudy Gay and Brooke Lopez remain as the franchise cornerpieces to build around, and they recently traded away big man Martynas for some young pieces in Ed Davis and Scottie Hopson. They could use a pure PG as Ronnie Fields has manned the Point all year. Hopefully OJ Mayo can get his shit together and learn how to play some PG.
17.
Orlando Magic (29-27)
-3 (prev: #14)
The Magic are slipping in the rankings...Iggy with a Fractured Arm injury has something to do with it. Still, Nelson and Smith are scoring the ball, but shaun wishes that Bynum would play some better defense. However, the Magic are a top 5 team in SPG, with Iguodala, Nelson, Smith, and Lopez all hovering around 2.0 SPG (wow). Also, the Magic are 2nd in BPG thanks to Smith and Cosic. However, Bynum and Cosic need to pick it up on the boards though if the Magic want to make it into the playoffs.
Update: The Magic sent Nelson and the Suns 1st back to PHX for Lamar Odom, their super 6yth man...Shaun was tired of playing small ball and hopefully Odom can continue his strong play as their SF
18.
Toronto Raptors (28-30)
-5 (prev: #13)
The Raptors are another team underachieving although they have some good talent aboard. Saga has been changing around the depth chart in an attempt to figure out who plays best where. Even if things go array, the Raptors still have their pick this year. However, Toronto has seen some production from youngster Gordon Hayward and veterans Manu Ginoibili and Monta Ellis. Recently, Steph Curry has been demoted to the bench due to his poor production. We’ll see what other changes Saga has in store for this Raptors team.
19.
Phoenix Suns (24-30)
-2 (prev: #17)
The Suns slip two spots...losing Chandler probably has something to do with it. Paul hasn’t lived up to the hype and Planinic has shifted to the SG. If the Suns decide to shift into rebuilding mode, maybe finding a suitor for Odom would be ideal, giving Boynton an opportunity to showcase his skills as a starter.
Update: Right on cue, jah found Odom a new home. He has his protected 1st back, and this should give Boynton some minutes, though now the Suns have three PGs that can all start: Nelson, Paul, Planinic...
20.
Sacramento Kings (23-33)
+3 (prev: #23)
Marty actually posted a DC, still Ducky had to edit it. I guess completing the extra-difficult task of posting a DC worked because the Kings jumped 3 spots to get the #20 ranking, though still being a lotto team doesn’t say much about the jump. The Kings have their pick this year, but good scoring form Outlaw and decent production from Wagner and Bosh wont help the lotto chances of the pick to make it higher...maybe Bosh and Wagner need to find new homes. This should be Ricky Rubio’s team for the future anyway.
21.
Utah Jazz (22-36)
+4 (prev: #25)
Law and Tmac and Khryapa are having good seasons scoring and Oriakhi is making a name for himself as the Utah PF, but being playoff hopes are slim at this point in the schedule...prince could get something in return for tmac, or Brezec opening some playing time for DeRozan maybe. Still, no changes made to his DC...at least he has his pick.
22.
New York Knicks (20-37)
+2 (prev: #24)
Let’s talk about the obvious: Perry Jones is a freak. Check out those ratings! Check out those numbers! Well, there isn’t much to work with alongside Jones, as DB is even shopping Blake Griffin around the league for some young pieces.
23.
Washington Bullets (20-39)
-4 (prev: #19)
Gilchrist is having an okay Rookie year, but he’s not going to help the Bullets make the playoffs this year anymore at this point. They run an outside focus...which works I guess...for the guys not named Gilchrist.
24.
San Antonio Spurs (18-43)
-2 (prev: #22)
Play is letting his young guys play...no changes to the DC all year, he’s due for the lotto this year again. Leslie is having a solid rookie year. Could challenge Gilchrist for ROY. Love is doing his Lovely thing at Center. Aminu...he bustin? I guess too early to tell, but I remember posting somewhere that Aminu usually turns into busts in sim leagues...to which Ducky replied that it was too early to tell here.
25.
Detroit Pistons (17-44)
-4 (prev: #21)
The Pistons are due for the lotto...trading away VC and Manu mid-season helps this cause. No changes to the DC though, as Ducky has asked Insane to update his DC about 4 days ago but still no edits post trade...
26.
Dallas Mavericks (13-42)
+0 (prev: #26)
Mavericks have some great young pieces. Barton and Udoh are improving. Westbrook is having a great season and not even playing PG...they want to develop Irving as the PG of the future.
27.
Charlotte Hornets (13-44)
+0 (prev: #27)
Why is Caron Butler the most untradable guy in UOSLR? Well the Hornets haven’t made many changes this year. Turner is blossoming and the Hornets look to re-sign him this offseason. I wonder how he sims at PG?
28.
Los Angeles Lakers (13-45)
+1 (prev: #29)
A lower Win % than Boston, but a better future ahead with Sullinger, Bradley, and a handful of picks this year including their own, hopefully will be the #1 pick.
29.
Boston Celtics (16-44)
-1 (prev: #28)
I guess I shouldn’t get out more and stay in more to do make trades...I wish bustness on whomever Biggie picks with my pick
POWER RANKINGS
+/- based off of dbw’s early season rankings
1.
Indiana Pacers (48-8)+0 (prev: #1)
The Pacers are running away with the East and remain on top of the Power Rankings. Still 2nd in the league in scoring with 114.3 and 2nd in FG% (an efficient 47%), the Pacers have surely adapted to switching between back and forth between a Balanced and an Inside focus to better accommodate the newest Pacer David Lee, who is doing everything right for the Pacers. Darko remains to be a force with 3.6 BPG and 12.2 RPG to go along with Lee’s 12.4 RPG for the Pacers, the top Rebounding team in the League. Melo is contributing with a quiet 16/9 as a non option, and Marion & Zbo are certainly providing quality play as their 6th and 7th men. Oh yeah, and they don’t lose at home.
2.
Los Angeles Clippers (45-14)+0 (prev: #2)
The champion LA Clippers don’t miss Allen Iverson at all…Gilbert and Yao have elevated their games crazy good, and the team is getting great production from a bunch of players Mike signed to minimum deals in the offseason…Kevin Martin stepped right in to play SG and is shooting the ball really well. David West is playing great for a backup forward. You would think with AI retiring they’d miss his defense...well the Clippers are still #2 in the League in SPG and #1 in the League in forcing opponents’ turnovers. Plus Mike has the $10 mil expiring contract of Glen “Uno Uno” Davis (who doesn’t actually even wear 11 anymore cuz of Yao) to dangle around as trade bait for another piece to add to this already-productive contender out West.
3.
Golden State Warriors (39-17)+1 (prev: #4)
Best 3pt shooting team in the League: the Golden State Warriors. Somewhat an odd statistic considering they run an INSIDE focus and have three A- IN guys. Either way, LeBron is averaging a commanding 30/9/5 with 2.5 SPG and shooting the ball crazy good. Vince Carter still has game and is averaging a familiar 22 PPG and has been a great early-season acquisition for the Warriors. Nene was definitely a good signing for them too, providing double digit points and rebounds night-in-night out to go along with nearly 3.0 BPG. The only concern, if any, would be the experimentation at PG as aar has recently shifted Hinrich into the s/l to replace Rondo who has been a career backup until signing with GS this year. But now, with LeBron out for 18 days, some of these guys will need to step up while James takes care of that Broken Jaw. Aar is now shopping the Big Man Big Money Nene Hilario for some help.
4.
Houston Rockets (39-18)-1 (prev: #3)
Kevin Durant is having a Monster scoring season for the best scoring team in the League. The Rockets are also still getting great scoring from Ray “Grandpa” Allen, who decided to NOT retire last offseason, but instead decided to BEAST instead. That’s two players on the same team averaging nearly 30 PPG, pretty beast. The signing of Chuck Hayes and the efficient PG play of Mike Bibby have certainly helped the Rockets win some games. Can’t forget about DJ stepping up defensively this year. But attribute a majority of the Rockets’ success to the high scoring of KD and Jesus plus limiting their turnovers.
5.
Miami Heat (38-18)+0 (prev: #5)
Since acquiring AK47 two years ago, he has provided iflip with quality production an all-around play. Acquiring Webster last year was also a great move and the Heat now have a great balance of Defense from AK+Artest+Griffin and Offense (5 players averaging double figures). Hedo Turkoglu is beasting as their sixth man, though he started earlier in the year. Even though iflip is also trying to figure out his PG situation, he’s at least figured out that he’s built his once questionable team into a winner in the East.
6.
Atlanta Hawks 38-22)+0 (prev: #6)
Wow the same top 6 as the last Power rankings…well the Hawks’ team statistics compared to last PRs dipped a bit, but not their position in the rankings. All I have to say are 5 letters, and you know what I’m talking about: DSS & KA. Stevenson has been putting up DSS numbers and Azubuike has been maintaining a high scoring average as he has done over the past 3 seasons. JRich was a lucky sim-1 FA signing because J has some iLL posting skills to nab him before even some admins could. However, JRich is out 18 days with a knee injury. J shifting his offense focus to Outside could very well increase their win total by the end of the year to accommodate for the offensive fire power they have from deep considering there isn’t much post-scoring up front. Not to mention he is actively looking for a “starting PF”
7.
Milwaukee Bucks (30-20)+11 (prev: #18)
The Bucks have made the biggest jump from DBW’s Early Season Power Rankings. That Dwayne Wade guy might be the reason. The Bucks are a top 5 team in FG% , 3P%, and few TOPG. With Oden gone in the Wade trade, there was a temporary hole at C that Kru filled with Ty Chandler, not bad. The Bucks are cruising right now…Wade averaging MVP numbers, plus potential-filled youth in T-WiLL, Monroe, and Leslie…so the Present AND the future of the Bucks looks bright. Only question I have is…is Marvin Williams really a center?
8.
Chicago Bulls (34-23)-1 (prev: #7)
The Bulls slip one spot only because of the Bucks’ big jump. The Bulls are a top 5 team in PPG, FG%, and FT%. EP’s second round about with the franchise that he made his own has proved to be a good acquisition for Tiger. Now playing the Luol Deng role of super 6th man, EP is providing quality minutes backing any position his un-human heart desires to. Al Jefferson continues to prove that he is a, if not, the, top Center in the league with a beastly 24/13/4 BPG. Diawara and Deng continue to provide good scoring numbers. Murray has filled in as a good PG for the Bulls this year too. It’ll be hard to write off the Bulls this year in the Playoff Prediction bracket at the end of the season.
9.
Seattle Supersonics (34-24)-1 (prev: #8)
The Sonics are rolling without Dwight Howard even being an option...due in part because they have three great shooters in Williams, Evans, and Wright in the backcourt. Seattle leads the lead in Blocks per game as well as Rebounds per game...and to no surprise with Howard and Diop doing all the dirty work while the backcourt does all the...other dirty work. Chipper has been experimenting both Tyreke and Mo at the point, and both have been doing pretty decent, but I think he likes what he sees when Mo is at the 1 rather than Tyreke. They too, would have stayed in the same spot in the rankings but dropped just one spot due to Milwaukee’s jump.
10.
Vancouver Grizzlies (35-24)+5 (prev: #15)
It’s odd that the departure of Wade has actually turned into a positive thing for Vancouver as Biggie is proving to everybody in this league that he’s not some tweener GM. The success was mostly due to Duncan and DerMarr’s production...but with Duncan leaving town in exchange for an injured Jermaine O’Neal, expect the Grizzlies’ ranking to drop slightly in the next Power Rankings...esp as he continues to shop DerMarr for expirings and 1sts....things are looking good for Vancouver though, on the verge of making the playoffs while possessing a pretty high lotto pick, thanks to the Celtics GM being busy with work, going out of state occasionally, going to parties, and actually having a life.
11.
Philadelphia 76ers (35-25)+5 (prev: #16)
The Sixers acquired the Big Fundamental from the #10 Grizzlies and it has been paying off since he arrived. The self proclaimed “2013 UOSLR Champs” are yet another team that has deadly shooters at the 1, 2, and 3 positions and running an outside focus. Deron is trying to show everyone that he is one of the league’s best PGs even though tmac has been saying that all along. Hughes and Green continue to shoot 3’s when called upon. And even though TD is 36, he is a big improvement over the injured JO and the Sixers are actually a team that could surprise everyone in the playoffs this year.
12.
New Jersey Nets (32-23)-2 (prev: #10)
Acquiring Brewer was a great move for the Nets, however they have slipped two spots in the rankings. Broph has been mixing things up in the DC...shifting Kobe and Henry in and out of the starting lineup with Brewer aboard. They have the right idea loading up with A- or better defenders at every position. They are a Top 5 team in SPG and Ronnie Brewer helps that stat. With more consistent play from the wings and Favors continuing to develop in his 4th year in his contract year on the team, the Nets could and should rise in the rankings. But while he is in the middle pack of the rankings, Broph is now shopping Kobe Bryant while he still has value.
13.
Denver Nuggets (32-25)-1 (prev: #12)
The Nuggets pretty much stay where they are in the rankings. Brandon Roy leads the way with 22/5/4 and Wall is emerging as a future star with 17/5/10. I don’t really know what to highlight in this edition of the rankings except the same thing DBW asked: what’s up with the Joe Johnson contract? I guess it should be known that he is trying to make moves and is in the hunt for a PF, though he hasn’t struck a deal yet.
14.
Portland Trailblazers (30-24)-3 (prev: #11)
Blazers slip a bit here and I’m not entirely sure how. Parker has really elevated his game to the next level with 27/5/11 as their go-to scorer. They have some great shooters too so maybe an outside focus would work too. Regardless of what I recommend, the Blazers are still top 3 in PPG, APG, and 1st in the league in SPG thanks to great defense by Tony Parker and Josh Howard. Blazers should be in good shape but even if things don’t go their way, at least they can build around Nic Batum for the future.
15.
Minnesota Timberwolves (33-27)-6 (prev: #9)
As previously mentioned in DBW’s PRs, losing SJax for the season sucks, and the Twolves slipped in the rankings and really miss his production. This has led Trunks to juggle around his lineup and even play people out of position, such as Amare at SF...4th year player James Harden should step up his game to fill in for the injured All Star Stephen Jackson because I dunno how the Twolves will fair with Amare playing out of position at the 3. But Trunks really wishes 2nd year man LaceDarius Dunn would step up too.
16.
Cleveland Cavaliers (29-25)+4 (prev: #20)
The Cavs are hovering around the .500 mark and I have a feeling Styro realizes this and is trying to prepare for the future. Rudy Gay and Brooke Lopez remain as the franchise cornerpieces to build around, and they recently traded away big man Martynas for some young pieces in Ed Davis and Scottie Hopson. They could use a pure PG as Ronnie Fields has manned the Point all year. Hopefully OJ Mayo can get his shit together and learn how to play some PG.
17.
Orlando Magic (29-27)-3 (prev: #14)
The Magic are slipping in the rankings...Iggy with a Fractured Arm injury has something to do with it. Still, Nelson and Smith are scoring the ball, but shaun wishes that Bynum would play some better defense. However, the Magic are a top 5 team in SPG, with Iguodala, Nelson, Smith, and Lopez all hovering around 2.0 SPG (wow). Also, the Magic are 2nd in BPG thanks to Smith and Cosic. However, Bynum and Cosic need to pick it up on the boards though if the Magic want to make it into the playoffs.
Update: The Magic sent Nelson and the Suns 1st back to PHX for Lamar Odom, their super 6yth man...Shaun was tired of playing small ball and hopefully Odom can continue his strong play as their SF
18.
Toronto Raptors (28-30)-5 (prev: #13)
The Raptors are another team underachieving although they have some good talent aboard. Saga has been changing around the depth chart in an attempt to figure out who plays best where. Even if things go array, the Raptors still have their pick this year. However, Toronto has seen some production from youngster Gordon Hayward and veterans Manu Ginoibili and Monta Ellis. Recently, Steph Curry has been demoted to the bench due to his poor production. We’ll see what other changes Saga has in store for this Raptors team.
19.
Phoenix Suns (24-30)-2 (prev: #17)
The Suns slip two spots...losing Chandler probably has something to do with it. Paul hasn’t lived up to the hype and Planinic has shifted to the SG. If the Suns decide to shift into rebuilding mode, maybe finding a suitor for Odom would be ideal, giving Boynton an opportunity to showcase his skills as a starter.
Update: Right on cue, jah found Odom a new home. He has his protected 1st back, and this should give Boynton some minutes, though now the Suns have three PGs that can all start: Nelson, Paul, Planinic...
20.
Sacramento Kings (23-33)+3 (prev: #23)
Marty actually posted a DC, still Ducky had to edit it. I guess completing the extra-difficult task of posting a DC worked because the Kings jumped 3 spots to get the #20 ranking, though still being a lotto team doesn’t say much about the jump. The Kings have their pick this year, but good scoring form Outlaw and decent production from Wagner and Bosh wont help the lotto chances of the pick to make it higher...maybe Bosh and Wagner need to find new homes. This should be Ricky Rubio’s team for the future anyway.
21.
Utah Jazz (22-36)+4 (prev: #25)
Law and Tmac and Khryapa are having good seasons scoring and Oriakhi is making a name for himself as the Utah PF, but being playoff hopes are slim at this point in the schedule...prince could get something in return for tmac, or Brezec opening some playing time for DeRozan maybe. Still, no changes made to his DC...at least he has his pick.
22.
New York Knicks (20-37)+2 (prev: #24)
Let’s talk about the obvious: Perry Jones is a freak. Check out those ratings! Check out those numbers! Well, there isn’t much to work with alongside Jones, as DB is even shopping Blake Griffin around the league for some young pieces.
23.
Washington Bullets (20-39)-4 (prev: #19)
Gilchrist is having an okay Rookie year, but he’s not going to help the Bullets make the playoffs this year anymore at this point. They run an outside focus...which works I guess...for the guys not named Gilchrist.
24.
San Antonio Spurs (18-43)-2 (prev: #22)
Play is letting his young guys play...no changes to the DC all year, he’s due for the lotto this year again. Leslie is having a solid rookie year. Could challenge Gilchrist for ROY. Love is doing his Lovely thing at Center. Aminu...he bustin? I guess too early to tell, but I remember posting somewhere that Aminu usually turns into busts in sim leagues...to which Ducky replied that it was too early to tell here.
25.
Detroit Pistons (17-44)-4 (prev: #21)
The Pistons are due for the lotto...trading away VC and Manu mid-season helps this cause. No changes to the DC though, as Ducky has asked Insane to update his DC about 4 days ago but still no edits post trade...
26.
Dallas Mavericks (13-42)+0 (prev: #26)
Mavericks have some great young pieces. Barton and Udoh are improving. Westbrook is having a great season and not even playing PG...they want to develop Irving as the PG of the future.
27.
Charlotte Hornets (13-44)+0 (prev: #27)
Why is Caron Butler the most untradable guy in UOSLR? Well the Hornets haven’t made many changes this year. Turner is blossoming and the Hornets look to re-sign him this offseason. I wonder how he sims at PG?
28.
Los Angeles Lakers (13-45)+1 (prev: #29)
A lower Win % than Boston, but a better future ahead with Sullinger, Bradley, and a handful of picks this year including their own, hopefully will be the #1 pick.
29.
Boston Celtics (16-44)-1 (prev: #28)
I guess I shouldn’t get out more and stay in more to do make trades...I wish bustness on whomever Biggie picks with my pick
