Post by Denver on Nov 2, 2006 14:55:52 GMT -5
ABCA Power Rankings
#1 - - Miami Heat - 1st in Atlantic Division
Acquiring Bryant Reeves in the off-season certainly looks like it's paying off for the Heat, as they hold a 5 game lead over the rival Magic. Even at 35, Larry Johnson is showing the kids he still can ball. He's averaging 22 PPG and 9 RPG. Tony Parker, Rip Hamilton and Marko Jaric round out the starting 5, and give the Heat an interesting lineup.
#2 - - Houston Rockets - 1st in Midwest Division
Although they dealt Antawn Jamison to the Bucks, the Rockets remain one of the stronger teams in the ABCA. Ray Allen took in some extra workouts in the offseason, and the effort looks to be paying off. We all know he could change the game with his scoring, but he improved his defense to the point where he can shutdown his opponent with his lightning quick hands. Oh yeah, they also have Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Jermaine O'neal, Paul Pierce and Brad Miller. Ouch.
#3 - - Los Angeles Clippers - 1st in Pacific Division
After many attempts at claiming the title of top team in the Pacific division, the Clippers are well on their way to accomplishing the feat this year. Led by Elton Brand, Mike Bibby and Keith Van Horn up front, the Clippers have a very solid trio. They may lack depth in some areas, but they have a good chance of making some noise come playoff time.
#4 - - Atlanta Hawks - 1st in Central Division
Although their frontcourt took a hit by losing Alonzo Mourning, the Hawks still have a very talented squad. Michael Redd is a bonafide scorer, while Boris Diaw has developed into a great all around talent. They even managed to pick up DaJuan Wagner through the draft, and he looks like he could turn out to be a legitimite scoring threat in the ABCA.
#5 - - San Antonio Spurs - 2nd in Midwest Division
Every year it seems the Spurs try to find a capable supporting cast to Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Newcomers Antoine Walker, Bimbo Coles and Jake Shirley definitely shore up the team defense. Although their success laregly depends on TD/Kobe, the Spurs are a handful for any team in the Eastern or Western conference.
#6 - - Milwaukee Bucks - 2nd in Central Division
Going through drastic changes in the offseason, the Bucks sit 12 games above .500, and look much better then last years squad. Antawn Jamison has made the transition to PF relatively smooth, as he's averaging 17/10. Youngster Amare Stoudemire is just short of 20/10 himself, averaging 19.4 PPG and 9.9 RPG. While they lack depth in some areas, the Bucks should definitely be a playoff team this year.
#7 - - Phoenix Suns - 2nd in Pacific Division
The Suns are a solid bunch led by Dirk Nowitzki and Grant Hill, they also have a solid frontcourt rotation in Vitaly Potapenko, Todd MacCulloch and Zhi-Zhi Wang. Reggie Miller also lurks off the bench but at age 39, he isn't the player he once was. And despite playing on a perennial winner, former 6th overall pick Troy Murphy hasn't lived up to expectations. The Suns could benefit from another solid post player, but Dirk/Hill/Baron should get them in the playoffs anywhere from #3-#6.
#8 - - Chicago Bulls - 3rd in Central Division
An offseason move saw franchise point guard Stephon Marbury being dealt to Dallas for Lamar Odom and Cutino Mobley. The trade worked out very well for both teams, but Chicago definitely looks like the team that is benefitting the most from it. Odom, Abdur-Rahim and Kwame Brown form a very capable frontcourt, while rookie point guard Delonte West has done a very admirable job averaging 9.5 PPG and 6.8 APG.
#9 - - Orlando Magic - 2nd in Atlantic Division
The Magic made a flurry of trades and seem to find a different starting lineup each week. Nonethess, after getting off to a slow start, Orlando has picked up the slack and sits 5 games back of the division leading Miami Heat. Although their backcourt of Jason Terry and Steve Nash is a little on the soft side defensively, they can move the ball like no other averaging 15.5 APG.
#10 - - Dallas Mavericks - 3rd in Midwest Division
Logan Johnson came out of nowhere and is quietly averaging 18 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 3.3 APG. Stephon Marbury may also put himself in the running for Most Valueable Player. Starbury is averaging 29.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 9 APG and 1.8 SPG in a contract year for the 27 year old point guard. And after a couple of mediocre seasons, TayShaun Prince is starting to live up to the hype. He has become a solid defender and rebounder, and has developed a good inside/outside game.
#11 - Golden State Warriors - 3rd in Pacific Division
With an average age of 30.2 years in their starting lineup, the Warriors are an experienced bunch. They also allow the 9th fewest points in the league. Stackhouse, Mashburn and Webber are all at least 31 and older, but they still average about 61.7 PPG.
#12 - Cleveland Cavaliers - 4th in Central Division
Emeka Okafor is looking pretty solid for a rookie. While he may not be much of a shooter or ball handler, Okafor is a beast down low with his strength, size and rebounding ability. They also have Jamal Crawford who's looking like a younger Steve Nash. They're still a young team, and given time they could very well be challenging Atlanta and Miami for top spot in the near future.
#13 - Sacramento Kings - 4th in Pacific Division
You know your frontcourt needs help when your starting center is a 32 year old MLE pick up. Theo Ratliff is very solid defensively, but his 8.1 PPG is nowhere near what's needed in the paint scoring wise. This team has 2 solid players in Marquis Daniels and Manu Ginobli, but it isn't enough to be considered a legit playoff contendor in the West. Especially among the top teams that they'll be facing.
#14 - Minnesota Timberwolves - 4th in Midwest Division
Maybe it's just me, but trading next seasons 1st round pick for Alonzo Mourning doesn't look like it was too good of an idea. The T-Wolves are hardly a championship team, and could be hard pressed to find success next season. Tyson Chandler and Andre Iguodala are 2 nice young players to build around, but Minnesota needs some work if they don't want their 1st round pick ending up in the lotto next year.
#15 - Detroit Pistons - 6th in Central Division
Shawn Marion stumbled during training camp and his ratings took a hit, but he remains effective averaging 18.4 PPG, 9 RPG and 5 APG this season. Antonio McDyess is having a career year, scoring 22.6 PPG and grabbing 12.4 RPG, 4th most in the ABCA.
#16 - Portland Trailblazers - 5th in Pacific Division
Melo was a god send for this team. Himself and Jason Kidd have transformed the former cellar dwellars into a possible playoff team. They do have a very young frontcourt, but it is very talented. Sprewell and his 134 million dollar contract is a burden I'm sure, but he can still score and play solid defense.
#17 - Memphis Grizzlies - 5th in Pacific Division
Although they have the top 2 scorers from last season in their starting lineup, the Grizzlies have struggled this year and sit 3 games under .500. Aside from Peja and Shaq, Memphis has very little to compliment their main scorers. Factor in their lack of depth, and perhaps the Grizzlies may be involved in some big trades in the coming months.
#18 - Indiana Pacers - 5th in Central Division
Since losing Mike Bibby to free agency a few seasons ago, the Pacers haven't been able to get quite back to the form they displayed a few seasons ago. Vlade Divac and his 26 million expiring contract is a welcome cap relief, and could be used to keep Danny Fortson in Indiana as he's also in a contract year.
#19 - Seattle Sonics - 6th in Pacific Division
AI has picked up his scoring this season, and is averaging 24.2 PPG for Seattle. The Sonics dealt Joe Smith for Stromile Swift and a draft pick. Could AI be on his way out next? We'll have to wait and see. The worst team defensively in the league statistically could benefit from a solid defender in this years draft. Gerald Wallace anybody?
#20 - Denver Nuggets - 6th in Midwest Division
The Nuggets shipped off center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Orlando and picked up point guard Gilbert Arenas in the offseason. He should be a decent addition to Joe Johnson and Nene Hilario. The Nuggets are far from being a play contendor however, and will no doubt be lotto bound once again. This is a team that needs a shove in the right direction, and needs to find somebody to call a franchise player.
#21 - Philadelphia 76ers - 3rd in Atlantic Division
Although they sit 6 games under .500, the 76ers remain just 1.5 games out of 8th in the lackluster Eastern conference. Philly should definitely look into picking up some talent and upgrading their S/L. Especially since they don't hold their 1st round pick this season.
#22 - Washington Wizards - 4th in Atlantic Division
Wow, Marcus Banks must've really taken his off-season workouts seriously. The former 12th overall pick has become a tenacious defender and can ditribute the ball very well. With Yao entering a contract year, the Wizards will definitely be looking into a longterm extension with the 7'5" center this coming off-season.
#23 - New Orleans Hornets - 7th in Central Division
New Orleans made a surprise move and traded Jason Terry and Shane Battier to Orlando for Tracy McGrady. T-Mac definitely is a solid defender, but is yet another player that hasn't quite lived up to expectations when he first entered the league. Nonetheless, the Hornets are rumoured to be shopping Erick Dampier and he could very well be on his way out soon.
#24 - Boston Celtics - 5th in Midwest Division
Vince Carter has elevated his scoring to another level and leads the ABCA in scoring with an insane 35.3 PPG. VC has pretty much no supporting cast however, as the Celtics score just 91 PPG, 5th worst in the league. This is a team that could consider rebuilding, while VC still has high trade value. They're not going anywhere with Marcus Camby and Ricky Davis being their 2nd and 3rd leading scorers, that's for sure.
#25 - New Jersey Nets - 6th in Atlantic Division
Taking what appears to have been a step back in his prgress during the offseason, the Nets shipped off Shawn Marion and his max contract to the Pistons for Mikael Pietrus and draft picks. They do have Leandrinho Barbosa, and he is looking like he'll be a fine point guard for seasons to come.
#26 - Utah Jazz - 7th in Midwest Division
Despite bringing in Kevin Garnett, the Jazz sit 18 games under .500. AK-47 and Brendan Haywood form a solid frontcourt with KG, but their lack of depth and starting SG hinder their success. If they get a top pick in this years draft, they could be a very different team next season.
#27 - Toronto Raptors - 8th in Central Division
Selected 1st overall by Toronto, Dwayne Wade hasn't quite lived up to the hype. Entering his 3rd season, Wade is averaging 17.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 4.4 APG. Not bad, but his team is scoring just 89.6 PPG. This team could really use another solid draft pick this season, as their team is basically Wade and Devin Harris at this point.
#28 - New York Knicks - 7th in Atlantic Division
Dealing for Pau Gasol should definitely put the Knicks back on the road to winning. For now however, they are still a young group of players that are still adjusting to the ABCA game. Their frontcourt rotation of Chris Kaman, Rafael Araujo, Anderson Varejao, and Gasol are a good group of players, albeit still young.
Outside of T.J Ford, their backcourt is still very thin and is probably a key area for Knicks management.
#29 - Los Angeles Lakers - 7th in Pacific Division
After a few seasons of experimenting with countless starting lineups and combinations, the Lakers decided to start all over. Building around Ron Artest isn't a bad way to go, and with 8 - 1st rounders over the next 3 years, the Lakers shouldn't be in rebuild mode too long.
#1 - - Miami Heat - 1st in Atlantic Division
Acquiring Bryant Reeves in the off-season certainly looks like it's paying off for the Heat, as they hold a 5 game lead over the rival Magic. Even at 35, Larry Johnson is showing the kids he still can ball. He's averaging 22 PPG and 9 RPG. Tony Parker, Rip Hamilton and Marko Jaric round out the starting 5, and give the Heat an interesting lineup.
#2 - - Houston Rockets - 1st in Midwest Division
Although they dealt Antawn Jamison to the Bucks, the Rockets remain one of the stronger teams in the ABCA. Ray Allen took in some extra workouts in the offseason, and the effort looks to be paying off. We all know he could change the game with his scoring, but he improved his defense to the point where he can shutdown his opponent with his lightning quick hands. Oh yeah, they also have Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Jermaine O'neal, Paul Pierce and Brad Miller. Ouch.
#3 - - Los Angeles Clippers - 1st in Pacific Division
After many attempts at claiming the title of top team in the Pacific division, the Clippers are well on their way to accomplishing the feat this year. Led by Elton Brand, Mike Bibby and Keith Van Horn up front, the Clippers have a very solid trio. They may lack depth in some areas, but they have a good chance of making some noise come playoff time.
#4 - - Atlanta Hawks - 1st in Central Division
Although their frontcourt took a hit by losing Alonzo Mourning, the Hawks still have a very talented squad. Michael Redd is a bonafide scorer, while Boris Diaw has developed into a great all around talent. They even managed to pick up DaJuan Wagner through the draft, and he looks like he could turn out to be a legitimite scoring threat in the ABCA.
#5 - - San Antonio Spurs - 2nd in Midwest Division
Every year it seems the Spurs try to find a capable supporting cast to Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Newcomers Antoine Walker, Bimbo Coles and Jake Shirley definitely shore up the team defense. Although their success laregly depends on TD/Kobe, the Spurs are a handful for any team in the Eastern or Western conference.
#6 - - Milwaukee Bucks - 2nd in Central Division
Going through drastic changes in the offseason, the Bucks sit 12 games above .500, and look much better then last years squad. Antawn Jamison has made the transition to PF relatively smooth, as he's averaging 17/10. Youngster Amare Stoudemire is just short of 20/10 himself, averaging 19.4 PPG and 9.9 RPG. While they lack depth in some areas, the Bucks should definitely be a playoff team this year.
#7 - - Phoenix Suns - 2nd in Pacific Division
The Suns are a solid bunch led by Dirk Nowitzki and Grant Hill, they also have a solid frontcourt rotation in Vitaly Potapenko, Todd MacCulloch and Zhi-Zhi Wang. Reggie Miller also lurks off the bench but at age 39, he isn't the player he once was. And despite playing on a perennial winner, former 6th overall pick Troy Murphy hasn't lived up to expectations. The Suns could benefit from another solid post player, but Dirk/Hill/Baron should get them in the playoffs anywhere from #3-#6.
#8 - - Chicago Bulls - 3rd in Central Division
An offseason move saw franchise point guard Stephon Marbury being dealt to Dallas for Lamar Odom and Cutino Mobley. The trade worked out very well for both teams, but Chicago definitely looks like the team that is benefitting the most from it. Odom, Abdur-Rahim and Kwame Brown form a very capable frontcourt, while rookie point guard Delonte West has done a very admirable job averaging 9.5 PPG and 6.8 APG.
#9 - - Orlando Magic - 2nd in Atlantic Division
The Magic made a flurry of trades and seem to find a different starting lineup each week. Nonethess, after getting off to a slow start, Orlando has picked up the slack and sits 5 games back of the division leading Miami Heat. Although their backcourt of Jason Terry and Steve Nash is a little on the soft side defensively, they can move the ball like no other averaging 15.5 APG.
#10 - - Dallas Mavericks - 3rd in Midwest Division
Logan Johnson came out of nowhere and is quietly averaging 18 PPG, 5.9 RPG and 3.3 APG. Stephon Marbury may also put himself in the running for Most Valueable Player. Starbury is averaging 29.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 9 APG and 1.8 SPG in a contract year for the 27 year old point guard. And after a couple of mediocre seasons, TayShaun Prince is starting to live up to the hype. He has become a solid defender and rebounder, and has developed a good inside/outside game.
#11 - Golden State Warriors - 3rd in Pacific Division
With an average age of 30.2 years in their starting lineup, the Warriors are an experienced bunch. They also allow the 9th fewest points in the league. Stackhouse, Mashburn and Webber are all at least 31 and older, but they still average about 61.7 PPG.
#12 - Cleveland Cavaliers - 4th in Central Division
Emeka Okafor is looking pretty solid for a rookie. While he may not be much of a shooter or ball handler, Okafor is a beast down low with his strength, size and rebounding ability. They also have Jamal Crawford who's looking like a younger Steve Nash. They're still a young team, and given time they could very well be challenging Atlanta and Miami for top spot in the near future.
#13 - Sacramento Kings - 4th in Pacific Division
You know your frontcourt needs help when your starting center is a 32 year old MLE pick up. Theo Ratliff is very solid defensively, but his 8.1 PPG is nowhere near what's needed in the paint scoring wise. This team has 2 solid players in Marquis Daniels and Manu Ginobli, but it isn't enough to be considered a legit playoff contendor in the West. Especially among the top teams that they'll be facing.
#14 - Minnesota Timberwolves - 4th in Midwest Division
Maybe it's just me, but trading next seasons 1st round pick for Alonzo Mourning doesn't look like it was too good of an idea. The T-Wolves are hardly a championship team, and could be hard pressed to find success next season. Tyson Chandler and Andre Iguodala are 2 nice young players to build around, but Minnesota needs some work if they don't want their 1st round pick ending up in the lotto next year.
#15 - Detroit Pistons - 6th in Central Division
Shawn Marion stumbled during training camp and his ratings took a hit, but he remains effective averaging 18.4 PPG, 9 RPG and 5 APG this season. Antonio McDyess is having a career year, scoring 22.6 PPG and grabbing 12.4 RPG, 4th most in the ABCA.
#16 - Portland Trailblazers - 5th in Pacific Division
Melo was a god send for this team. Himself and Jason Kidd have transformed the former cellar dwellars into a possible playoff team. They do have a very young frontcourt, but it is very talented. Sprewell and his 134 million dollar contract is a burden I'm sure, but he can still score and play solid defense.
#17 - Memphis Grizzlies - 5th in Pacific Division
Although they have the top 2 scorers from last season in their starting lineup, the Grizzlies have struggled this year and sit 3 games under .500. Aside from Peja and Shaq, Memphis has very little to compliment their main scorers. Factor in their lack of depth, and perhaps the Grizzlies may be involved in some big trades in the coming months.
#18 - Indiana Pacers - 5th in Central Division
Since losing Mike Bibby to free agency a few seasons ago, the Pacers haven't been able to get quite back to the form they displayed a few seasons ago. Vlade Divac and his 26 million expiring contract is a welcome cap relief, and could be used to keep Danny Fortson in Indiana as he's also in a contract year.
#19 - Seattle Sonics - 6th in Pacific Division
AI has picked up his scoring this season, and is averaging 24.2 PPG for Seattle. The Sonics dealt Joe Smith for Stromile Swift and a draft pick. Could AI be on his way out next? We'll have to wait and see. The worst team defensively in the league statistically could benefit from a solid defender in this years draft. Gerald Wallace anybody?
#20 - Denver Nuggets - 6th in Midwest Division
The Nuggets shipped off center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Orlando and picked up point guard Gilbert Arenas in the offseason. He should be a decent addition to Joe Johnson and Nene Hilario. The Nuggets are far from being a play contendor however, and will no doubt be lotto bound once again. This is a team that needs a shove in the right direction, and needs to find somebody to call a franchise player.
#21 - Philadelphia 76ers - 3rd in Atlantic Division
Although they sit 6 games under .500, the 76ers remain just 1.5 games out of 8th in the lackluster Eastern conference. Philly should definitely look into picking up some talent and upgrading their S/L. Especially since they don't hold their 1st round pick this season.
#22 - Washington Wizards - 4th in Atlantic Division
Wow, Marcus Banks must've really taken his off-season workouts seriously. The former 12th overall pick has become a tenacious defender and can ditribute the ball very well. With Yao entering a contract year, the Wizards will definitely be looking into a longterm extension with the 7'5" center this coming off-season.
#23 - New Orleans Hornets - 7th in Central Division
New Orleans made a surprise move and traded Jason Terry and Shane Battier to Orlando for Tracy McGrady. T-Mac definitely is a solid defender, but is yet another player that hasn't quite lived up to expectations when he first entered the league. Nonetheless, the Hornets are rumoured to be shopping Erick Dampier and he could very well be on his way out soon.
#24 - Boston Celtics - 5th in Midwest Division
Vince Carter has elevated his scoring to another level and leads the ABCA in scoring with an insane 35.3 PPG. VC has pretty much no supporting cast however, as the Celtics score just 91 PPG, 5th worst in the league. This is a team that could consider rebuilding, while VC still has high trade value. They're not going anywhere with Marcus Camby and Ricky Davis being their 2nd and 3rd leading scorers, that's for sure.
#25 - New Jersey Nets - 6th in Atlantic Division
Taking what appears to have been a step back in his prgress during the offseason, the Nets shipped off Shawn Marion and his max contract to the Pistons for Mikael Pietrus and draft picks. They do have Leandrinho Barbosa, and he is looking like he'll be a fine point guard for seasons to come.
#26 - Utah Jazz - 7th in Midwest Division
Despite bringing in Kevin Garnett, the Jazz sit 18 games under .500. AK-47 and Brendan Haywood form a solid frontcourt with KG, but their lack of depth and starting SG hinder their success. If they get a top pick in this years draft, they could be a very different team next season.
#27 - Toronto Raptors - 8th in Central Division
Selected 1st overall by Toronto, Dwayne Wade hasn't quite lived up to the hype. Entering his 3rd season, Wade is averaging 17.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 4.4 APG. Not bad, but his team is scoring just 89.6 PPG. This team could really use another solid draft pick this season, as their team is basically Wade and Devin Harris at this point.
#28 - New York Knicks - 7th in Atlantic Division
Dealing for Pau Gasol should definitely put the Knicks back on the road to winning. For now however, they are still a young group of players that are still adjusting to the ABCA game. Their frontcourt rotation of Chris Kaman, Rafael Araujo, Anderson Varejao, and Gasol are a good group of players, albeit still young.
Outside of T.J Ford, their backcourt is still very thin and is probably a key area for Knicks management.
#29 - Los Angeles Lakers - 7th in Pacific Division
After a few seasons of experimenting with countless starting lineups and combinations, the Lakers decided to start all over. Building around Ron Artest isn't a bad way to go, and with 8 - 1st rounders over the next 3 years, the Lakers shouldn't be in rebuild mode too long.