Power Rankings Week 1
Dec 4, 2013 23:24:24 GMT
Post by runsNgoses on Dec 4, 2013 23:24:24 GMT
Here is the first week of the Power Rankings. I'll try to do them weekly, but no promises. If someone else would like to do Power Rankings for a week, feel free to. Hope you guys enjoy the rankings.
NOTE: For this week, if teams had the same record, I went in favor for the team that was allowing fewer points, the better defensive team.
1) Boston Celtics 5-0
The Celtics, who got the steal of the dispersal draft by selecting LeBron James, went 5-0 during the first couple of sims. LeBron is on a scoring tear, that's even become contagious to Tyson Chandler, who is adding in 16 of his own. Their bench has been real sharp too. Don't sleep on Boston.
2) Brooklyn Nets 3-0
One of the favorites to win it all this year, the Nets are the other undefeated team behind Durant. With Horford even out right now, JJ Hickson and Amir Johnson are stepping up greatly in his absence...wait until they get Horford back...Watch out Boston.
3) Charlotte Hornts 3-1
The $100 mil team full of hungry veterans, have the league's best defense by a long shot, only allowing 78.5ppg while the Knicks, who have the second best defense in the league, allow only 90.8ppg...ironically, giving the Hornets their first loss of the season.
4) New Orleans Pelicans 3-1
Despite playing Derrick Rose at SG, he's still leading the team in assists, and even 7th in the league as well. The Pelicans seem to be rolling right now, with their only loss coming to Atlanta in a nail biter of a game.
5) Dallas Mavericks 3-1
The team that took Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire with back to back picks, lands in the top 5 of the Power Rankings. They're a pretty scrappy team if you ask me, none of their wins are "stand out exciting wins" where someone goes off, they just work as a team and get it done.
6) Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1
For me, I was a bit surprised to see the Wolves land so high on the Rankings, they are starting one of the purest scorers in the league in Crawford, at PG. I mean...if it's working for them, why not. I expected them to be in the top 10, but not on the verge of breaking the top 5.
7) Utah Jazz 3-1
How long will the Jazz stay hot? After blowing their season opener at home, the Jazz won their next 3 straight...2 of those being against the Clippers, and the other being against a raw raw raw Portland team. Rondo definitely has to be mentioned in MVP discussions, even if it is early. 20.5p/11.3a/6.5r is pretty damn impressive.
8) Atlanta Hawks 2-1
Perhaps their season opener against the Magic was a fluke...maybe it wasn't. Anthony looks to be on a mission, although the defense could be a bit better for this team. It's still early in the season, maybe they go up, maybe they go down...I'm not sure about this team.
9) Chicago Bulls 3-2
Now this, is a fun team to watch. I mean, really, any team with Kyrie Irving on it, is going to be fun. But just the overall way the team was built, I like it a lot. A team mixed with scoring and defense, I expect this team to go up in these rankings.
10) Golden State Warriors 3-2
This is probably the scrappiest team in the league. No true superstar player, but they have enough depth and defense, that I expect this team wont have any problems making the playoffs. Don't sleep on Iguodala though, when the team needs a big shot, he's ready for it and will shoot with confidence.
11) Philadelphia 76ers 3-2
For me, I'm not super impressed with this team, they have Wade and Bledsoe, but that's about it. Having a couple of players that are past their primes (Camby and Kirilenko) to add in veteran leadership...we'll see. I mean, Kirilenko is playing to expectations, but for how long though? That's the real question.
12) New York Knicks 2-2
With the second best defense in the league, playing in a loaded and ultra competitive Atlantic Division...Don't expect these Knicks to score a lot. If their defense can keep it up though, as long as they're winning, who cares if the score is 70something to 80something. A win is a win, and seeing what they did to Charlotte, now that's impressive.
13) Detroit Pistons 2-2
Detroit will be an interesting team to keep an eye on...they've got to try and get their star player to play at the level we all know he can play at. Having Hayward, Prince, and IBLOCKA averaging more points per game than DWill...isn't a good sign. But if he gets going though, I expect the Pistons to climb in the rankings.
14) Los Angeles Lakers 2-2
One of the first teams to experience the wrath of the injury bug, taking Chris Bosh out for a couple of months. Now they've got to rely on Ty Lawson and Andrew Bynum to carry the load...luckily for them, they've got a pretty deep bench and should be able to manage a pretty even record until Bosh gets back.
15) Miami Heat 2-2
And the team that the injury bug hates the most evidently, losing Russell Westbrook for the rest of the very early season, not to mention their backup PG Brandon Knight for another week. This could be a good time for Leonard to show us what he's made of, we know he's great on the defensive end, but let's see the scoring side of him.
16) Orlando Magic 2-2
Looking at their depth chart, and seeing who's carrying the scoring load...is kind of odd. Humphries leading the team in scoring as their center? John Wall the third leading scorer on the team? Uhm...what's going on here? Although, Humphries is looking like the second best steal of the draft (behind LeBron) at 22p/13.8r/1s/1b on 52% from the field.
17) Denver Nuggets 2-2
To me, another fun team to watch. Greg Monroe, Jeremy Lin, Evan Turner, and Rodney Stuckey? Who would have thought it they'd be fun to watch. I know I'll be paying attention to the team, plus they've got a pretty solid bench. I don't expect to see this Nuggets team this far for long. With a big wins over the Jazz and Lakers...they've got potential.
18) Houston Rockets 2-2
This is another great looking and exciting team. The leadership of Gay and Aldridge to go along with the "Shaqtin a Fool" Star, JaVale McGee, who is having a career year, I also see this team going up in the ranks as the season progresses along. Their losses came against the Celtics and Mavs, so no harm there (both close-ish games).
19) Cleveland Cavaliers 2-3
This team is in for a long season if James Harden continues to play like this. He needs to step his game up, take better shots, and stay out of foul trouble. He's averaging about 3.5 fouls a game, this team needs him. Same with Luol Deng and the raw Kemba Walker...this team can do better, they need to start playing like it though.
20) Los Angeles Clippers 2-3
Blake Griffin and Roy Hibbert are this team. In my opinion, Brandon Jennings...is too much of a liability. He's shooting 33% from the field and 22% from deep...that's not good. And I don't expect Alonzo Gee to keep scoring the way he's been either...Maybe I'll be wrong about him, and if I am, I'll admit it too. But Jennings...he's got a lot to prove.
21) Milwaukee Bucks 2-3
Their frontcourt...might be the weakest in the league outside of Paul George. I really hope this team tries experimenting with lineups and starting Monta...I think he'd be playing even better than he has been off the bench. Ronnie Brewer...just isn't starter material in my books despite him being a lockdown defender.
22) Phoenix Suns 2-3
It's still early for this team, and they wont be this far down in the rankings for long. A team of Nash, Duncan, Gasol with a solid bench, shouldn't be playing like this. Their only wins are against teams below them in these rankings...And their defense? They allow 118 points a game to be scored...uh, what?
23) Washington Wizards 1-2
It's still early, and changes can be made. If they can somehow put in Mayo or Big Baby into the starting 5...maybe it'll make a difference...It's definitely still too early to tell, I'm curious to see how this team turns out, they wont be in the bottom 10 for long but could end up stuck in the middle...
24) San Antonio Spurs 1-3
The team that passed on LeBron James and went for potential. It'll be interesting to see if and when Anthony Davis hits his full potential, because over in Boston, they're having a blast. Outside of Oden, I do like the rest of the starting five, and their bench isn't bad either. I guess I'll have to believe in the brow.
25) Toronto Raptors 1-3
Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. Factor in that Chris Paul is averaging almost 4 fouls a game...plus they're in the loaded Atlantic Division...It may be a long year for the Raptors, Chris Paul has got to get going, luckily it's still very early in the season. I predict that perhaps, all five teams will make the playoffs in the Atlantic.
26) Portland Trail Blazers 1-3
I honestly think that, the Blazers will end the season with the worst record in the league. Way too much raw talent starting right now, and it could be a 2-4 year wait until this team even comes close to making it. They snuck in a rare win over the Spurs too...If they can win the lotto, it'll be worth it.
27) Oklahoma City Thunder 1-3
This is another team that I expect will certainly rise in the rankings. Having Gallo, Booze, and Cousins as a frontcourt isn't bad at all, then adding in Tyreke Evans coming off the bench (who could start even!!) isn't bad at all either. Actually, their bench is very solid. They certainly could win the Northwest even.
28) Sacramento Kings 1-4
This team is all over, sort of a mess even. They either need to trade some pieces, or reformat their starting five, because this team could be good. Certainly better than 1-4 in my opinion.
29) Memphis Grizzlies 1-4
Another very raw team in Memphis here. I like their frontcourt of Gasol, Favors, and Barnes, but Favors and Barnes still need time to develop, and if/when they do...look out for that trio. They just need some better pieces in their backcourt, although Jeremy Lamb is having a career start, I just don't expect that to stay for long.
30) Indiana Pacers 0-4
The only team in the league that hasn't won a game yet. Honestly, that wont last...or it shouldn't. They've got three players that can all average at least 20 a game easily in Lilliard, Curry, and Klay, then you add in Udoh and Asik...not bad. The Pacers wont be the bottom dwellers for long.
NOTE: For this week, if teams had the same record, I went in favor for the team that was allowing fewer points, the better defensive team.
1) Boston Celtics 5-0
The Celtics, who got the steal of the dispersal draft by selecting LeBron James, went 5-0 during the first couple of sims. LeBron is on a scoring tear, that's even become contagious to Tyson Chandler, who is adding in 16 of his own. Their bench has been real sharp too. Don't sleep on Boston.
2) Brooklyn Nets 3-0
One of the favorites to win it all this year, the Nets are the other undefeated team behind Durant. With Horford even out right now, JJ Hickson and Amir Johnson are stepping up greatly in his absence...wait until they get Horford back...Watch out Boston.
3) Charlotte Hornts 3-1
The $100 mil team full of hungry veterans, have the league's best defense by a long shot, only allowing 78.5ppg while the Knicks, who have the second best defense in the league, allow only 90.8ppg...ironically, giving the Hornets their first loss of the season.
4) New Orleans Pelicans 3-1
Despite playing Derrick Rose at SG, he's still leading the team in assists, and even 7th in the league as well. The Pelicans seem to be rolling right now, with their only loss coming to Atlanta in a nail biter of a game.
5) Dallas Mavericks 3-1
The team that took Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire with back to back picks, lands in the top 5 of the Power Rankings. They're a pretty scrappy team if you ask me, none of their wins are "stand out exciting wins" where someone goes off, they just work as a team and get it done.
6) Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1
For me, I was a bit surprised to see the Wolves land so high on the Rankings, they are starting one of the purest scorers in the league in Crawford, at PG. I mean...if it's working for them, why not. I expected them to be in the top 10, but not on the verge of breaking the top 5.
7) Utah Jazz 3-1
How long will the Jazz stay hot? After blowing their season opener at home, the Jazz won their next 3 straight...2 of those being against the Clippers, and the other being against a raw raw raw Portland team. Rondo definitely has to be mentioned in MVP discussions, even if it is early. 20.5p/11.3a/6.5r is pretty damn impressive.
8) Atlanta Hawks 2-1
Perhaps their season opener against the Magic was a fluke...maybe it wasn't. Anthony looks to be on a mission, although the defense could be a bit better for this team. It's still early in the season, maybe they go up, maybe they go down...I'm not sure about this team.
9) Chicago Bulls 3-2
Now this, is a fun team to watch. I mean, really, any team with Kyrie Irving on it, is going to be fun. But just the overall way the team was built, I like it a lot. A team mixed with scoring and defense, I expect this team to go up in these rankings.
10) Golden State Warriors 3-2
This is probably the scrappiest team in the league. No true superstar player, but they have enough depth and defense, that I expect this team wont have any problems making the playoffs. Don't sleep on Iguodala though, when the team needs a big shot, he's ready for it and will shoot with confidence.
11) Philadelphia 76ers 3-2
For me, I'm not super impressed with this team, they have Wade and Bledsoe, but that's about it. Having a couple of players that are past their primes (Camby and Kirilenko) to add in veteran leadership...we'll see. I mean, Kirilenko is playing to expectations, but for how long though? That's the real question.
12) New York Knicks 2-2
With the second best defense in the league, playing in a loaded and ultra competitive Atlantic Division...Don't expect these Knicks to score a lot. If their defense can keep it up though, as long as they're winning, who cares if the score is 70something to 80something. A win is a win, and seeing what they did to Charlotte, now that's impressive.
13) Detroit Pistons 2-2
Detroit will be an interesting team to keep an eye on...they've got to try and get their star player to play at the level we all know he can play at. Having Hayward, Prince, and IBLOCKA averaging more points per game than DWill...isn't a good sign. But if he gets going though, I expect the Pistons to climb in the rankings.
14) Los Angeles Lakers 2-2
One of the first teams to experience the wrath of the injury bug, taking Chris Bosh out for a couple of months. Now they've got to rely on Ty Lawson and Andrew Bynum to carry the load...luckily for them, they've got a pretty deep bench and should be able to manage a pretty even record until Bosh gets back.
15) Miami Heat 2-2
And the team that the injury bug hates the most evidently, losing Russell Westbrook for the rest of the very early season, not to mention their backup PG Brandon Knight for another week. This could be a good time for Leonard to show us what he's made of, we know he's great on the defensive end, but let's see the scoring side of him.
16) Orlando Magic 2-2
Looking at their depth chart, and seeing who's carrying the scoring load...is kind of odd. Humphries leading the team in scoring as their center? John Wall the third leading scorer on the team? Uhm...what's going on here? Although, Humphries is looking like the second best steal of the draft (behind LeBron) at 22p/13.8r/1s/1b on 52% from the field.
17) Denver Nuggets 2-2
To me, another fun team to watch. Greg Monroe, Jeremy Lin, Evan Turner, and Rodney Stuckey? Who would have thought it they'd be fun to watch. I know I'll be paying attention to the team, plus they've got a pretty solid bench. I don't expect to see this Nuggets team this far for long. With a big wins over the Jazz and Lakers...they've got potential.
18) Houston Rockets 2-2
This is another great looking and exciting team. The leadership of Gay and Aldridge to go along with the "Shaqtin a Fool" Star, JaVale McGee, who is having a career year, I also see this team going up in the ranks as the season progresses along. Their losses came against the Celtics and Mavs, so no harm there (both close-ish games).
19) Cleveland Cavaliers 2-3
This team is in for a long season if James Harden continues to play like this. He needs to step his game up, take better shots, and stay out of foul trouble. He's averaging about 3.5 fouls a game, this team needs him. Same with Luol Deng and the raw Kemba Walker...this team can do better, they need to start playing like it though.
20) Los Angeles Clippers 2-3
Blake Griffin and Roy Hibbert are this team. In my opinion, Brandon Jennings...is too much of a liability. He's shooting 33% from the field and 22% from deep...that's not good. And I don't expect Alonzo Gee to keep scoring the way he's been either...Maybe I'll be wrong about him, and if I am, I'll admit it too. But Jennings...he's got a lot to prove.
21) Milwaukee Bucks 2-3
Their frontcourt...might be the weakest in the league outside of Paul George. I really hope this team tries experimenting with lineups and starting Monta...I think he'd be playing even better than he has been off the bench. Ronnie Brewer...just isn't starter material in my books despite him being a lockdown defender.
22) Phoenix Suns 2-3
It's still early for this team, and they wont be this far down in the rankings for long. A team of Nash, Duncan, Gasol with a solid bench, shouldn't be playing like this. Their only wins are against teams below them in these rankings...And their defense? They allow 118 points a game to be scored...uh, what?
23) Washington Wizards 1-2
It's still early, and changes can be made. If they can somehow put in Mayo or Big Baby into the starting 5...maybe it'll make a difference...It's definitely still too early to tell, I'm curious to see how this team turns out, they wont be in the bottom 10 for long but could end up stuck in the middle...
24) San Antonio Spurs 1-3
The team that passed on LeBron James and went for potential. It'll be interesting to see if and when Anthony Davis hits his full potential, because over in Boston, they're having a blast. Outside of Oden, I do like the rest of the starting five, and their bench isn't bad either. I guess I'll have to believe in the brow.
25) Toronto Raptors 1-3
Injuries, injuries, and more injuries. Factor in that Chris Paul is averaging almost 4 fouls a game...plus they're in the loaded Atlantic Division...It may be a long year for the Raptors, Chris Paul has got to get going, luckily it's still very early in the season. I predict that perhaps, all five teams will make the playoffs in the Atlantic.
26) Portland Trail Blazers 1-3
I honestly think that, the Blazers will end the season with the worst record in the league. Way too much raw talent starting right now, and it could be a 2-4 year wait until this team even comes close to making it. They snuck in a rare win over the Spurs too...If they can win the lotto, it'll be worth it.
27) Oklahoma City Thunder 1-3
This is another team that I expect will certainly rise in the rankings. Having Gallo, Booze, and Cousins as a frontcourt isn't bad at all, then adding in Tyreke Evans coming off the bench (who could start even!!) isn't bad at all either. Actually, their bench is very solid. They certainly could win the Northwest even.
28) Sacramento Kings 1-4
This team is all over, sort of a mess even. They either need to trade some pieces, or reformat their starting five, because this team could be good. Certainly better than 1-4 in my opinion.
29) Memphis Grizzlies 1-4
Another very raw team in Memphis here. I like their frontcourt of Gasol, Favors, and Barnes, but Favors and Barnes still need time to develop, and if/when they do...look out for that trio. They just need some better pieces in their backcourt, although Jeremy Lamb is having a career start, I just don't expect that to stay for long.
30) Indiana Pacers 0-4
The only team in the league that hasn't won a game yet. Honestly, that wont last...or it shouldn't. They've got three players that can all average at least 20 a game easily in Lilliard, Curry, and Klay, then you add in Udoh and Asik...not bad. The Pacers wont be the bottom dwellers for long.