Post by ib4 on Jul 1, 2010 11:27:29 GMT -5
A variation of a banner that I made for UOSL1 that Ducky never approved of...
POWER RANKINGS
Based on standings for the most part with some analysis
1. Sacramento Kings (22-5)
Wow, the last time I did rankings last season, the Kings had just as many wins, except 33 losses to go with it. Sacramento has really turned it around this year, as the core of Bosh-Wagner-Outlaw-Rubio-Whiteside from last year is still intact. They also added Planninic to their bench which was a good move. They don’t rank Top 5 in any major category except APG (thanks to RR and Wagner), but the team’s solid all-around play has them on top of the mountain that is the UOSLR Power Rankings. If they stay healthy, they could stay on top for some time.
2. Indiana Pacers (21-6)
The Champs are yet again on top of the East standings and only one spot below the surging Kings. They rank 3rd in scoring and 1st in rebounding, no surprise since their starting front court averages 9.7, 9.8 and 9.1 respectively. They are also 1st in FT’s attempted and made. 2012 Finals MVP David “I don’t need to play D” Lee continues his strong play and 8-time All Star PG Michael Redd continues to lead this contender as a favorite in the East for yet another year.
3. Portland Trailblazers (16-5)
The high-scoring Trail Blazers rank 3rd in this edition of the UOSLR PRs and CC is making moves to keep his team a contender. Dirk is out but Duncan is in. Batum has really stepped up this season also. Josh Howard continues to provide some underrated production. And Tony Parker (former Celtic, smh) is having an MVP year averaging 29/4/10. The Blazers rank Top 5 in PPG, RPG, SPG, few TOPG, FG%, and oTOPG…wow. Oh yeah, and good luck trying to beat the Blazers at home, since they are 11-1 playing at the Rose Garden. CC is making hot moves because he has that #1 spot in the West in his sight.
4. Seattle Supersonics (18-9)
Seattle is another team that kept its core and it is paying off. Maintaining their outside focus, Mo, Evans, and Wright are really benefiting from the fast-pace high-octane scoring, as the Sonics trail only the Blazers (hehe, trail) in PPG and 2nd in the league in 3PFG%. Dwight continues his dominance in the paint as a non-option. Mo Williams could be challenging Tony Parker for MVP (or at least, title as best PG in the league)
5. New Jersey Nets (17-9)
As Broph already pointed out, the Nets have 7 players scoring double figures…nice. Acquiring Nelson really helped their scoring output, not to mention his expiring contract, along with Millsap’s, will help NJ dish out some money to retain Henry this upcoming offseason. Favors and Henry are still the corner pieces to build around, but the team is already a contender out East. The Nets are also really good with the ball, ranking 1st in forcing turnovers and 5th in limiting their own turnovers. Thank grandpa Chauncey for that efficiency right there.
6. Orlando Magic (18-10)
The Magic are another team walking the hard cap tight rope of being around 79~80 Mil in salary. The team has the same starters as last season, with Iggy leading the show with an impressive 28/6/3 with a couple of steals too. Shaun would have liked Bynum to explode, but he is still contributing well as their Center. The Magic rank 1sts in APG, BPG, and FG%, they really know how to move the ball and get it in the hoop. Thank JSmoove for the blocks and Odom for his all-around play.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (16-9)
The Bucks lost Terrance Williams in FA, but MVP candidate is making people forget about the past and focus on the now. Leslie and Monroe are emerging young stars. And Luke Ridnour is timeless and efficient. Speaking of efficient, Bucks rank 1st in few TOPG, and also rank top 5 in the league in BPG thanks to Ty Chandler and…wait a minute…6’4” Travis Leslie gets 1.9 BPG?? Must have some serious hops.
8. Houston Rockets (12-7)
The Rockets are pretty much the same team as last year and around the same ranking position as last rankings as well. Well except Flynn has now taken over the PG spot as Bibby is no longer around. But it’s all about Kevin Durant anyway. Dude is averaging 30/9/3 and has a really high FG% and FT%. Ray Allen is 15 years older than KD but still complimenting the Durantula. Ray Ray still giving his all averaging 25/8/4. Another bright spot is the strong play of DeAndre Jordan, whom I am sure everyone is inquiring about in trade talks with Houston.
9. Miami Heat (14-10)
The Heat have 6 players scoring double digits a night…along with their great front defense, iflip is continuing to make moves to keep this Miami team a winner. Acquiring DerMarr has added some scoring, thought I’m not 100% sold that he was really worth a 1st (even though it is expected to be a shitty 1st anyway). Regardless, they still have AK and Webster, and have also added Calderon for PG depth. Iflip has continued to shuffle around the DC however, as he is still trying to figure out the most effective lineup to keep the Heat in the top 10.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (18-13)
Rounding out the top 10 are the Timberwolves who kept their same starters from last year. This time, SJax is healthy, though he isn’t the same player as he used to be. Amare is still dominating inside, but Trunks is now shopping Sean Williams, probably looking for some more defense to compliment the scoring he already gets from every other position. The consistent Sebastian Telfair has taken a step back in terms of scoring, but his efficient play has helped the Twolves become a top 5 team in APG and limiting their own turnovers.
11. Atlanta Hawks (15-12)
The Hawks are on top of the 2nd tier teams in the power rankings due to strong play from the one-two punch of DSS and KA. These two guys are pretty much carrying the load, though every other position in the SL could use an upgrade. I’d say Hump, Powell, and Greene are decent players but role players at best. J has been tweaking his “Championship Depth Chart” to figure out the best lineup right now, though he is still actively looking for help as DSS and Knight have been put on the trading block.
12. Chicago Bulls (11-9)
Many tears were shed in Chicago when Etienne Preira retired. Now the Bulls are playing with the same lineup, except the Great One is nowhere in the depth chart. This has provided an opportunity for guys like Jefferson, Deng, and Diawara to seriously step up their game, however the Bulls’ production so far has gotten them in the middle-pack of these Power Rankings only. The guys are averaging just about the same numbers as last year, minus EP’s production…..AJ used to score a lot more PPG, what’s going on? At least he’s still grabbing a shit ton of boards and blocking a shit ton of shots. Deng and Diawara are still getting their numbers, but like I said, should step it up now that EP is sitting at home. But never count out Chicago…you should never count out Tiger’s team.
13. Golden State Warriors (10-9)
Some changes in Golden State this year. The King of Cali is no longer with the team as aar shipped him out for some younger pieces. Very interesting move as the Warriors now enter rebuild mode. Rose is now the starting SG, but I’m not going to comment on Rose or Aldridge too much because we all know how I feel about them. Losing LBJ is a big hit and we should expect to see the Warriors ranking drop in a few sims…
14. New York Knicks (12-11)
Dan is bored and wants to trade. Perry Jones is a freak of nature, averaging an impressive 27/10 in his third year in the league. But the stage under the bright lights of MSG should be shared with some other pieces. Word has it that DB really wants to trade Blake Griffin away asap. Jrich was MLE but is the 2nd scoring option. What direction are the Knicks headed toward?
15. Los Angeles Lakers (13-12)
Ok, the Lakers were one of the worst teams in the league last season, but “Africa Must Wake Up” has been making HOT moves to improve the team. The Lakers made some bold moves with the Clippers and Celtics and now boast a starting five of Arenas, Bradley, VK, Marty, and Yao…not to mention Sullinger, their future big man, off the bench. The moves have since paid off, as the Lakers went 9-1 in their last 10 games and should be rising in the rankings for the next few sims.
16. Denver Nuggets (13-13)
Who the hell is the GM? I guess its Royale. Okay now that’s settled, so let’s see how they are fairing so far…Well they are now a .500 team and still have the same team as last year. Roy continues to average good numbers (25/5/4 and Jimmy Wall has improved his PG play with 19/6/11. Meka is holding it down at the PF spot, and Brand is an old man at C but still rebounding and blocking. But some adjustments need to be made. Damn, Joe Johnson looks to be unmovable at this point. Let’s see if the new GM can help guide this team in the right direction.
17. San Antonio Spurs (11-12)
The Spurs are now below .500 and frustration is building since they can’t seem to strike a deal. Stealing T-Will from the Bucks in FA was a nice signing, however he is now a backup in SA. 2nd year big man Leslie too has been demoted to the bench after Kevin Love put his large white foot down and said to the coach “uh-uh, no you dih-int”. The Spurs, though, rank in the Top 3 in forcing Turnovers and Top 5 in steals, so you know the defensive effort is there.
18. Dallas Mavericks (12-14)
Losing Westbrook in FA SUCKED since he has having a terrific year in Utah, but now ROY candidate Jonas Valanciunas is the cornerstone for this Mavericks team. Pairing him up with Udoh makes the front court very solid. Barton is still scoring the ball well, but someone tell Irving to stop turning the ball over.
19. Boston Celtics (11-13)
Uh, I’m 19th in win%, and I’m hoping my recent trades will pay off…..
20. Philadelphia 76ers (10-12)
Tmac dealt away TD for Dirk and picks and is now looking to get younger to commence the rebuilding process. He wants to rebuild as Dirk and Deron have been placed on the block in hopes of landing a rebuilding package.
21. Los Angeles Clippers (11-15)
The champs from two years ago have finally cleaned house. Mike made some big moves dealing away their stars Yao and Arenas for Jordan Price and a butt-load of 1st round picks. LA sees a lot of potential in the teenager Price, as the Clippers prepare to enter rebuild mode to build around him. Mike now needs to deal away his wing players, but moving Granger and his long deal may be a bit difficult.
22. Toronto Raptors (8-11)
The Raptors are underachieving although they have some good young talent aboard. Saga continues to change around the depth chart in an attempt to figure out who plays best where. The bright spots are Thompkins, Pittman, and Hayward. Ellis continues to be an average-at best player, and Saga has been unable to find a new home for Ginobili, which is disappointing because Manu is still a good player despite his age.
23. Phoenix Suns (11-17)
The ZP days are over, and it’s all about Boynton and Taylor. Although, aside from those guys, there isn’t really much help. Quincy Miller is still raw and needs to play some defense to last long in this league. Hibbert is averaging a nice 12/10/3, but Jah is trying to figure out the best DC as he has not lost hope in Chris Paul, even though I already have.
24. Washington Bullets (11-19)
The Bullets were all about Gilchrist, but it is rookie DJ Richardson who is showing off the guns up to this point in the season. The Gilchrist/DJR combo along with lotto pick Rodney Wililams is a great trio to build the team around. Plus, Don has, and will have, a lot of cap space to work with now and next offseason.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-20)
Rudy Gay’s numbers look sexy… 25/8/7…leading Styro to give Gay some time at PG too. However, they need a pure PG and for Brook and Davis to step up their game! At least they have their pick…
26. Utah Jazz (5-18)
The Westbrook signing was great! But the team isn’t doing so great…Law and Westbrook are a great PG-PG combo. But Kobe isn’t simming very well anymore. What’s going on Black Mamba? At least Oriakhi is improving.
27. Charlotte Hornets (6-22)
Was the trade for LeBron a long-term move? He is expiring, and to keep him around next season, he’ll want to win some games in Charlotte, right? The LBJ/Turner pairing is nice, but it’s not producing into wins…
28. Vancouver Grizzlies (4-17)
Oh hey look the Grizz won the lotto win my pick turning into #1, awesome. Melo has already shown signs of brilliance, and the pairing with Greg Oden provides a “twin towers” kind of paint-presence. However there isn’t much scoring to help out, so the Grizz are headed to the lotto.
29. Detroit Pistons (4-20)
Abdul Gaddy is averaging 17/4/6?? I would say Prince has the right idea developing Tomas, who was selected #5 overall, but playing Lou who is their best ball handler and still a very capable PG, at SG and not PG raises my brow a bit
POWER RANKINGS
Based on standings for the most part with some analysis
1. Sacramento Kings (22-5)
Wow, the last time I did rankings last season, the Kings had just as many wins, except 33 losses to go with it. Sacramento has really turned it around this year, as the core of Bosh-Wagner-Outlaw-Rubio-Whiteside from last year is still intact. They also added Planninic to their bench which was a good move. They don’t rank Top 5 in any major category except APG (thanks to RR and Wagner), but the team’s solid all-around play has them on top of the mountain that is the UOSLR Power Rankings. If they stay healthy, they could stay on top for some time.
2. Indiana Pacers (21-6)
The Champs are yet again on top of the East standings and only one spot below the surging Kings. They rank 3rd in scoring and 1st in rebounding, no surprise since their starting front court averages 9.7, 9.8 and 9.1 respectively. They are also 1st in FT’s attempted and made. 2012 Finals MVP David “I don’t need to play D” Lee continues his strong play and 8-time All Star PG Michael Redd continues to lead this contender as a favorite in the East for yet another year.
3. Portland Trailblazers (16-5)
The high-scoring Trail Blazers rank 3rd in this edition of the UOSLR PRs and CC is making moves to keep his team a contender. Dirk is out but Duncan is in. Batum has really stepped up this season also. Josh Howard continues to provide some underrated production. And Tony Parker (former Celtic, smh) is having an MVP year averaging 29/4/10. The Blazers rank Top 5 in PPG, RPG, SPG, few TOPG, FG%, and oTOPG…wow. Oh yeah, and good luck trying to beat the Blazers at home, since they are 11-1 playing at the Rose Garden. CC is making hot moves because he has that #1 spot in the West in his sight.
4. Seattle Supersonics (18-9)
Seattle is another team that kept its core and it is paying off. Maintaining their outside focus, Mo, Evans, and Wright are really benefiting from the fast-pace high-octane scoring, as the Sonics trail only the Blazers (hehe, trail) in PPG and 2nd in the league in 3PFG%. Dwight continues his dominance in the paint as a non-option. Mo Williams could be challenging Tony Parker for MVP (or at least, title as best PG in the league)
5. New Jersey Nets (17-9)
As Broph already pointed out, the Nets have 7 players scoring double figures…nice. Acquiring Nelson really helped their scoring output, not to mention his expiring contract, along with Millsap’s, will help NJ dish out some money to retain Henry this upcoming offseason. Favors and Henry are still the corner pieces to build around, but the team is already a contender out East. The Nets are also really good with the ball, ranking 1st in forcing turnovers and 5th in limiting their own turnovers. Thank grandpa Chauncey for that efficiency right there.
6. Orlando Magic (18-10)
The Magic are another team walking the hard cap tight rope of being around 79~80 Mil in salary. The team has the same starters as last season, with Iggy leading the show with an impressive 28/6/3 with a couple of steals too. Shaun would have liked Bynum to explode, but he is still contributing well as their Center. The Magic rank 1sts in APG, BPG, and FG%, they really know how to move the ball and get it in the hoop. Thank JSmoove for the blocks and Odom for his all-around play.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (16-9)
The Bucks lost Terrance Williams in FA, but MVP candidate is making people forget about the past and focus on the now. Leslie and Monroe are emerging young stars. And Luke Ridnour is timeless and efficient. Speaking of efficient, Bucks rank 1st in few TOPG, and also rank top 5 in the league in BPG thanks to Ty Chandler and…wait a minute…6’4” Travis Leslie gets 1.9 BPG?? Must have some serious hops.
8. Houston Rockets (12-7)
The Rockets are pretty much the same team as last year and around the same ranking position as last rankings as well. Well except Flynn has now taken over the PG spot as Bibby is no longer around. But it’s all about Kevin Durant anyway. Dude is averaging 30/9/3 and has a really high FG% and FT%. Ray Allen is 15 years older than KD but still complimenting the Durantula. Ray Ray still giving his all averaging 25/8/4. Another bright spot is the strong play of DeAndre Jordan, whom I am sure everyone is inquiring about in trade talks with Houston.
9. Miami Heat (14-10)
The Heat have 6 players scoring double digits a night…along with their great front defense, iflip is continuing to make moves to keep this Miami team a winner. Acquiring DerMarr has added some scoring, thought I’m not 100% sold that he was really worth a 1st (even though it is expected to be a shitty 1st anyway). Regardless, they still have AK and Webster, and have also added Calderon for PG depth. Iflip has continued to shuffle around the DC however, as he is still trying to figure out the most effective lineup to keep the Heat in the top 10.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (18-13)
Rounding out the top 10 are the Timberwolves who kept their same starters from last year. This time, SJax is healthy, though he isn’t the same player as he used to be. Amare is still dominating inside, but Trunks is now shopping Sean Williams, probably looking for some more defense to compliment the scoring he already gets from every other position. The consistent Sebastian Telfair has taken a step back in terms of scoring, but his efficient play has helped the Twolves become a top 5 team in APG and limiting their own turnovers.
11. Atlanta Hawks (15-12)
The Hawks are on top of the 2nd tier teams in the power rankings due to strong play from the one-two punch of DSS and KA. These two guys are pretty much carrying the load, though every other position in the SL could use an upgrade. I’d say Hump, Powell, and Greene are decent players but role players at best. J has been tweaking his “Championship Depth Chart” to figure out the best lineup right now, though he is still actively looking for help as DSS and Knight have been put on the trading block.
12. Chicago Bulls (11-9)
Many tears were shed in Chicago when Etienne Preira retired. Now the Bulls are playing with the same lineup, except the Great One is nowhere in the depth chart. This has provided an opportunity for guys like Jefferson, Deng, and Diawara to seriously step up their game, however the Bulls’ production so far has gotten them in the middle-pack of these Power Rankings only. The guys are averaging just about the same numbers as last year, minus EP’s production…..AJ used to score a lot more PPG, what’s going on? At least he’s still grabbing a shit ton of boards and blocking a shit ton of shots. Deng and Diawara are still getting their numbers, but like I said, should step it up now that EP is sitting at home. But never count out Chicago…you should never count out Tiger’s team.
13. Golden State Warriors (10-9)
Some changes in Golden State this year. The King of Cali is no longer with the team as aar shipped him out for some younger pieces. Very interesting move as the Warriors now enter rebuild mode. Rose is now the starting SG, but I’m not going to comment on Rose or Aldridge too much because we all know how I feel about them. Losing LBJ is a big hit and we should expect to see the Warriors ranking drop in a few sims…
14. New York Knicks (12-11)
Dan is bored and wants to trade. Perry Jones is a freak of nature, averaging an impressive 27/10 in his third year in the league. But the stage under the bright lights of MSG should be shared with some other pieces. Word has it that DB really wants to trade Blake Griffin away asap. Jrich was MLE but is the 2nd scoring option. What direction are the Knicks headed toward?
15. Los Angeles Lakers (13-12)
Ok, the Lakers were one of the worst teams in the league last season, but “Africa Must Wake Up” has been making HOT moves to improve the team. The Lakers made some bold moves with the Clippers and Celtics and now boast a starting five of Arenas, Bradley, VK, Marty, and Yao…not to mention Sullinger, their future big man, off the bench. The moves have since paid off, as the Lakers went 9-1 in their last 10 games and should be rising in the rankings for the next few sims.
16. Denver Nuggets (13-13)
Who the hell is the GM? I guess its Royale. Okay now that’s settled, so let’s see how they are fairing so far…Well they are now a .500 team and still have the same team as last year. Roy continues to average good numbers (25/5/4 and Jimmy Wall has improved his PG play with 19/6/11. Meka is holding it down at the PF spot, and Brand is an old man at C but still rebounding and blocking. But some adjustments need to be made. Damn, Joe Johnson looks to be unmovable at this point. Let’s see if the new GM can help guide this team in the right direction.
17. San Antonio Spurs (11-12)
The Spurs are now below .500 and frustration is building since they can’t seem to strike a deal. Stealing T-Will from the Bucks in FA was a nice signing, however he is now a backup in SA. 2nd year big man Leslie too has been demoted to the bench after Kevin Love put his large white foot down and said to the coach “uh-uh, no you dih-int”. The Spurs, though, rank in the Top 3 in forcing Turnovers and Top 5 in steals, so you know the defensive effort is there.
18. Dallas Mavericks (12-14)
Losing Westbrook in FA SUCKED since he has having a terrific year in Utah, but now ROY candidate Jonas Valanciunas is the cornerstone for this Mavericks team. Pairing him up with Udoh makes the front court very solid. Barton is still scoring the ball well, but someone tell Irving to stop turning the ball over.
19. Boston Celtics (11-13)
Uh, I’m 19th in win%, and I’m hoping my recent trades will pay off…..
20. Philadelphia 76ers (10-12)
Tmac dealt away TD for Dirk and picks and is now looking to get younger to commence the rebuilding process. He wants to rebuild as Dirk and Deron have been placed on the block in hopes of landing a rebuilding package.
21. Los Angeles Clippers (11-15)
The champs from two years ago have finally cleaned house. Mike made some big moves dealing away their stars Yao and Arenas for Jordan Price and a butt-load of 1st round picks. LA sees a lot of potential in the teenager Price, as the Clippers prepare to enter rebuild mode to build around him. Mike now needs to deal away his wing players, but moving Granger and his long deal may be a bit difficult.
22. Toronto Raptors (8-11)
The Raptors are underachieving although they have some good young talent aboard. Saga continues to change around the depth chart in an attempt to figure out who plays best where. The bright spots are Thompkins, Pittman, and Hayward. Ellis continues to be an average-at best player, and Saga has been unable to find a new home for Ginobili, which is disappointing because Manu is still a good player despite his age.
23. Phoenix Suns (11-17)
The ZP days are over, and it’s all about Boynton and Taylor. Although, aside from those guys, there isn’t really much help. Quincy Miller is still raw and needs to play some defense to last long in this league. Hibbert is averaging a nice 12/10/3, but Jah is trying to figure out the best DC as he has not lost hope in Chris Paul, even though I already have.
24. Washington Bullets (11-19)
The Bullets were all about Gilchrist, but it is rookie DJ Richardson who is showing off the guns up to this point in the season. The Gilchrist/DJR combo along with lotto pick Rodney Wililams is a great trio to build the team around. Plus, Don has, and will have, a lot of cap space to work with now and next offseason.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-20)
Rudy Gay’s numbers look sexy… 25/8/7…leading Styro to give Gay some time at PG too. However, they need a pure PG and for Brook and Davis to step up their game! At least they have their pick…
26. Utah Jazz (5-18)
The Westbrook signing was great! But the team isn’t doing so great…Law and Westbrook are a great PG-PG combo. But Kobe isn’t simming very well anymore. What’s going on Black Mamba? At least Oriakhi is improving.
27. Charlotte Hornets (6-22)
Was the trade for LeBron a long-term move? He is expiring, and to keep him around next season, he’ll want to win some games in Charlotte, right? The LBJ/Turner pairing is nice, but it’s not producing into wins…
28. Vancouver Grizzlies (4-17)
Oh hey look the Grizz won the lotto win my pick turning into #1, awesome. Melo has already shown signs of brilliance, and the pairing with Greg Oden provides a “twin towers” kind of paint-presence. However there isn’t much scoring to help out, so the Grizz are headed to the lotto.
29. Detroit Pistons (4-20)
Abdul Gaddy is averaging 17/4/6?? I would say Prince has the right idea developing Tomas, who was selected #5 overall, but playing Lou who is their best ball handler and still a very capable PG, at SG and not PG raises my brow a bit