Power Rankings (30 games into the Season)

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Wed Dec 29, 2004 4:11 pm

Well, the Spurs finally reach the top of the Power Rankings for the first time this season. While one hot streak ends, Miami is still rolling with 12 straight wins. Jermaine O'Neal won his appeal against the league and is back to playing for Indiana. Vince now plays in NJ and everyone is trying to figure out what is going on in Houston? Anyways, here goes: 
 
1 - San Antonio Spurs (23-6)- The Spurs embarrased and ended the Suns 11 game winning streak. The Spurs are an outstanding 14 -1 at home and are ranked #1 in defense. 
 
2 - Miami Heat (23-7) - The Heat are rolling with 12 consecutive wins; however, Miami has allowed their last 6 opponents to score 100 points or more. 
 
3 - Phoenix Suns (24-4) - Phoenix is coming off a tough loss to the number one defensive team. Yet, the Suns still own the best record on the road at 11-2. 
 
4 - Seattle SuperSonics (20-6) - Are Seattle’s shooters coming back down to reality? The past 6 games the Sonics have gone 3-3. Nonetheless, their record is still good. 
 
5 - Dallas Mavericks (19-10) - Stackhouse finally returned after being out 4 games with a sore hand and Daniels has been sitting out with a bad ankle. Injuries disrupt records. 
 
6 - Cleveland Cavaliers (17-11) - Cleveland leads the Central. Although, not every Cavs player is enjoying Cleveland...just ask Eric Snow who might be traded. 
 
7 - Washington Wizards (15-11)- Larry Hughes and Gilbert Arenas seem to be having the chemistry rolling. The Wiz are still above .500 26 games into their season...Impressive. 
 
8 - Minnesota Timberwolves (16-10) - Out of the last 13 games the Wolves faced 10 non-playoff teams from last year. The Wolves went 8-5 during that stretch. 
 
9 - Sacramento Kings (17-9) - Arco Arena seems to not be so tough anymore. The Kings went 2-3 on their five game homestand and Bobby Jackson is once again injured. Ouch! 
 
10 - Detroit Pistons (14-12) - The Pistons are above .500 again and are on a 2 game winning streak. They are the best defensive team in the East and appear to be back on track. 
 
11 - Orlando Magic (15-11) - The Magic are averaging 102 ppg; unfortunately, Orlando is giving up 101ppg on the D-side. However, they do have a good home record at 9-3. 
 
12 - Los Angeles Lakers (15-12)- Lakers suffered a tough loss to Miami on Saturday. Kobe is averaging 27ppg, but we all know one-man shows do not go too far into the playoffs 
 
13- New York Knicks (15-13) - The Knicks lose Jamal Crawford for about 3 weeks, but they insert Allan Houston into the starting lineup. But, they are 6-9 on the road. 
 
14- Indiana Pacers (13-13) - Jermaine is back but he is a little rusty due to the 15 game suspension. Indiana is .500, which is not bad when considering the suspensions. 
 
15- Portland Trailblazers (13-13) - The Bad Boys appear to be controlling themselves for now. Portalnd just signed their 2nd round draft choice Ha-Seung-Jin if anyone cares. 
 
16- Philadelphia 76ers (13-14) - Philadelphia could make a plea to be a little higher on the rankings. Philly is on a 3 game winning streak and just beat Seattle in Seattle. 
 
17- Los Angeles Clippers (12-14) - The hoopla in Clipper land has calmed a bit. Clips are 3-8 for the month of December and Jaric missed the last game with a bad foot. 
 
18– Memphis Grizzlies (13-17) – The Grizzlies started off slow and then Hubie retired. Fratello comes in and its time to go back to the drawing board. I’ll give the Grizz a break. 
 
19 - Boston Celtics (12-15) – Doc is trying to get the most out of Gary, Davis, and Pierce, but as the trade deadline approaches people will start looking out for themselves. 
 
20 – New Jersey Nets (10-17) – The Nets are 1-1 in the Vince Carter era. Carter had back-to-back 20-point games. Will JKidd have enough faith in Vince to stay in NJ? 
 
21 – Houston Rockets (13-15) – Bad Trades. Dead Weight Contracts. No Bench. JVG in the hot seat. Was Houston not supposed to be an elite team out West this year? 
 
22 – Utah Jazz (11-17) – AK-47 is out for at least another 3 weeks. Carlos Arroyo who use to be Utah’s starting pg has seen minutes vanish for fighting with Jerry Sloan. 
 
23 – Chicago Bulls (9-17) – Chicago has hit a 2 game skid; however, Skiles has the Bulls believing and teams should no longer take them lightly. Their effort gains my respect. 
 
24 – Denver Nuggets (13-15) –The Nuggets just fired their head coach and are on a 6 game losing streak. They need a SG desperately and better point guard play. 
 
25- Golden State Warriors (10-18) – Golden State is on a 3 game win streak and drew a season-high crowd of 16,819 against the Nuggs the other night. The only positives I see. 
 
26– Charlotte Bobcats (7-17) – Okafor is going to take the ROY this year. Emeka has more double doubles than any other rookie and appears to be an emerging star. 
 
27– Toronto Raptors (10-20) – I know the Raptors really wanted to get rid of Vince, but they could of gotten a player with potential in return! It’s time for Chris Bosh to shine. 
 
28– Milwaukee Bucks (8-16) – Looks like the Bucks are going to move Redd before the trade deadline. The Bucks have no desire to pay Redd a Max Contract. Nene for Redd? 
 
29 - Atlanta Hawks (5-22) – The Hawks are 0-5 in the division, 3-12 at home, and 2-10 on the road. The crowd at Philips Arena resembles a crowd at JV High School game. 
 
30– New Orleans Hornets (2-25) – Eh, another 6 game losing streak, which is becoming routine. The Hornets should be proud that they pulled one over Houston in the JJ trade.

by **Ginofan** on Wed Dec 29, 2004 6:08 pm

Right now the only thing sticking out at me is the Wizards being above the Wolves and Kings...whoa! <div style="text-align:center"> <a href="http://www.nba.com/allstar2005/asb/eng/ballot.html" target="top">VOTE GINOBILI 4 ALL-STAR 2005</a> 
 <a href="http://www.supergino.com" target="top">SuperGino.com - My Ginobili Fansite</a> 
<img src="http://img57.exs.cx/img57/9647/g19.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
</div>

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Wed Dec 29, 2004 6:46 pm

Yeah, I can understand the surprise Ginofan. However, the Wizards are .500 or better in their division, on the road, and at home. In previous years, the Wizards would have already given up and would have been lottery bound by this time. However, Arenas is healthy and Larry Hughes along with Antwan Jamison have blended well with one another. The Wizards right now are the third best team out East. 
 
On the other hand, the Wolves are a mess. It was reported earlier today that Troy Hudsons agent has made it clear that his client would like to be traded. So, that makes 3 Wolves players that want to be traded....Sam, Latrell, and now Troy. Troy has lost his back up role to Anthony Carter of all people and the Wolves have just been too inconsistent for my taste. Sam and Latrell should be focusing on winning a championshiip instead of "contract extensions" because they are not getting any younger. If the playoffs started today...the Wolves would be a 6th seed. 
 
Now, Sacramento is another team that is struggling. We were so accustomed to seeing Sacramento with such deep benches in the past; however, Bobby Jackson who is the offensive sparkplug off the bench is now injured. Thus the Kings are relying on Darius Songaila who is averaging about 6ppg and Maurice Evans, who was signed from Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)and is averaging 4ppg. Finally, Arco just does not seem that intimadating anymore...last year the Kings only lost 7 games there all season...so far into this season they have lost 4 and we have not even reached All-Star Week.

tphuey · by **tphuey** on Wed Dec 29, 2004 7:54 pm

Nice job, once again. Sick, you are the man.

missmyzte · by **missmyzte** on Wed Dec 29, 2004 9:59 pm

You are the man! There is a lot of research in there and a lot of little things you really had to be paying attention to the rest of the league to know. Good job! 
 
I agree, Wizards about Kings and T-pups was a shocker. I hadn't heard about Troy Hudson, what a mess they are. <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.mistilynn.com/temp/banner.jpg" style="border:0;"/></div> 
"I haven't hit the big shots like Robert has. He's obviously been in the Finals and hit the big-game shots. There's never going to be another Robert Horry. I'm just trying to make my own footpath." Brian Cook, 11/30/04

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:36 am

Thanks guys. I guess I must of jinxed the Wiz because they lost against Detriot on a buzzer beater shot by Billups. However, the young and inexperienced Wiz had a 15 point lead and blew it.

Blondie · by **Blondie** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:53 am

In that case can you jinx Seattle while you are at it? <img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/winksmile.gif ALT=":wink"> <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.sahoops.net/jackie/blondie4spursbanner.jpg" style="border:0;"/></div>

Creation88 · by **Creation88** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 3:19 am

i agree w/ the first four. that's all that matters. <img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/tongue.gif ALT=":P">

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 3:22 am

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Wow, I got to admit I am surprised, where is all of this scoring coming from. We all knew Shaq and Wade (isn't about time this guy got a nickname?, didn't Shaq give him one?) could put points on the board, but its guys like Damon Jones who knock down an incredible amount of threes that make this possible.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Shaq kept his word and is making Dwayne Wade a Super Star. Shaq has given Wade a nickname and I believe its "Flash." Indeed, Jones is playing great and I believe he's leading the league in 3 point shooting. However, it seems like night in and night out some player off that Heat roster has a big night. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I know these are ranked on how the teams are playing to this date but I was wondering Sick, how do you feel about strength of schedule I noticed several of your top teams including the Spurs, Suns and Wizards haven't exactly had the most difficult schedule, to date.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Ryno, when I began doing these rankings I would take strength of schedule into consideration. However, now I realize that the league is full of decent teams and for the exception of a few....Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte...any team can beat another on any given night. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Can this team hang onto a home court spot in the playoffs? if not they will be quickly disposed of.<hr></blockquote> 
 
I see Seattle ending up as the third seed because the winner of the North West automatically gets the third or anything above. Seattles only real competition record wise out in the North West is Minnesota and they are not rolling chemisty wise yet. They just lost to the Knicks by thirteen. Anyways, I do believe Seattle will need home court if they plan to advance to the second round. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>The best is yet to come from this team. Clearly they are missing Nash but they will put together an impressive run before the season ends.<hr></blockquote> 
 
I agree. I think this team will be more dangerous than Phoenix or Seattle in the playoffs. Especially if they can get the 4th slot with the home court advantage. They have had some injuries, but it's always better for teams to endure the injury bug now than in the playoffs. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Lebron has put this team on his back and they are riding high, expect much more of this in the next 15 years. Although he is not the only talent on this team. In fact they are one of the deeper teams in the east, as Spurs fans we know how this helps win games. To me Trading Snow would be a mistake, unless of course they get a steal. Eric Snow is a class act and a valuable player, his services to the team go beyond the box scores. Paul Silas knows this and won't let the media dictate the direction of this team.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Lebron has blown Carmelo Anthony out of the water. Carmelo will live in Lebrons shadow forever. I really believe the Cavs have a legit shot at making it to the ECF this year. Ryno, I've been hearing that the hatchet between Snow and Silas has not been buried. Eric Snow is a good player, but he has seen his minutes reduced and he does have trade value at the moment. It will be interesting to see what happens. 
 
Ryno, thanks for the Power Rankings praise and I plan to bring my best again next time I do another ranking. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p204.ezboard.com/bsanantoniospurs62937.showUserPublicProfile?gid=thesick1>TheSick1</A> at: 12/30/04 2:27 am

ryno · by **ryno** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 3:42 am

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>The Spurs are an outstanding 14 -1 at home and are ranked #1 in defense.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Here we are on top taking care of business. Teams around the league are clearly afraid of this very potent team. That is what a #1 defense will do. When your not confident that you can put the rock in the hole, its tough to win games. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>The Heat are rolling with 12 consecutive wins; however, Miami has allowed their last 6 opponents to score 100 points or more. <hr></blockquote> 
 
Wow, I got to admit I am surprised, where is all of this scoring coming from. We all knew Shaq and Wade (isn't about time this guy got a nickname?, didn't Shaq give him one?) could put points on the board, but its guys like Damon Jones who knock down an incredible amount of threes that make this possible. This just goes to prove any team with Shaq Daddy is a contender. Paging Dr. Buss. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Phoenix is coming off a tough loss to the number one defensive team. Yet, the Suns still own the best record on the road at 11-2.<hr></blockquote> 
 
I know these are ranked on how the teams are playing to this date but I was wondering Sick, how do you feel about strength of schedule I noticed several of your top teams including the Spurs, Suns and Wizards haven't exactly had the most difficult schedule, to date. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr> Are Seattle’s shooters coming back down to reality? The past 6 games the Sonics have gone 3-3. Nonetheless, their record is still good.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Can this team hang onto a home court spot in the playoffs? if not they will be quickly disposed of. 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Stackhouse finally returned after being out 4 games with a sore hand and Daniels has been sitting out with a bad ankle. Injuries disrupt records.<hr></blockquote> 
 
The best is yet to come from this team. Clearly they are missing Nash but they will put together an impressive run before the season ends. 
 
 
<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Cleveland leads the Central. Although, not every Cavs player is enjoying Cleveland...just ask Eric Snow who might be traded.<hr></blockquote> 
 
Lebron has put this team on his back and they are riding high, expect much more of this in the next 15 years. Although he is not the only talent on this team. In fact they are one of the deeper teams in the east, as Spurs fans we know how this helps win games. To me Trading Snow would be a mistake, unless of course they get a steal. Eric Snow is a class act and a valuable player, his services to the team go beyond the box scores. Paul Silas knows this and won't let the media dictate the direction of this team. <div style="text-align:center">Silver and Black Baby</div><div style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.nba.com/news/ballot_041118.html" target="top">Have you voted for your Spurs today?</a></div> 
<div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/allstarlead_041118.jpg"/></div>

ryno · by **ryno** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 3:49 am

Almost forgot, guess I'm starting to take these for granted, great job Sick1 this is one of my favorite pieces of this site. 
 
<img src="http://www.nba.com/media/pistons/wallace_200_030430.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Big Ben may not be thrilled with 
Sick1's power rankings, but Spurs 
fans are loving it.

by **SAmikeyp** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:38 am

<img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/thumbsup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"> <img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/thumbsup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"> <img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/thumbsup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"> 
 
Carmelo isn't even the second best soph. Lebron and Wade are wayyyyyy better. We few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.

ryno · by **ryno** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:12 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Lebron has blown Carmelo Anthony out of the water.<hr></blockquote> 
 
This kind of reminds me of the Shaq and Zo comparisons and we all know how that turned out. <div style="text-align:center">Silver and Black Baby</div><div style="text-align:center"><a href="http://www.nba.com/news/ballot_041118.html" target="top">Have you voted for your Spurs today?</a></div> 
<div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.nba.com/media/spurs/allstarlead_041118.jpg"/></div>

TheSick1 · by **TheSick1** on Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:34 pm

Yeah, it's never going to be "Larry vs Magic" just like the league was hoping it would become.

alamo50 · by **alamo50** on Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:10 am

Remember when I told you I would change Denver and Phoenix on your rankings at the beginning of the season Sick? 
 
<img src=http://www.sahoops.net/smilies/winksmile.gif ALT=":wink"> <div style="text-align:center"><img src="http://nl.msnusers.com/_Secure/0OwD7d!kUbmI41zzLQ6DPI*FYQ3ceK!EAGHsn7Ds1fk822dJP8FoQFBq5*nMDTPoFUQzLb73iIzUWLmz5RhMQODGBigU7lIPm/alamo50.jpg"/></div>

Power Rankings (30 games into the Season)