Now that teams have completed 1/4 of their schedule it is time to reassess where the teams really stand.
Candidates to be Contracted:
30. Oklahoma - This team will win fewer games than their college team. Heck they are probably not capable of winning the big 12. Durant and Jeff Green deserve a lot better support here.
29. Washington Wizzards - I'm not going to use injuries as an excuse here. They are flat out terrible without Agent 0. Guess what! They will stink with him.
28. Charlotte Bobcats - The third best team in NC. I like Okafor but the rest of the roster is simply a joke especially now when Jason Richardson was shipped out to Phoenix for Raja Bell (a has been) and Boris Diaw (a never was). Larry Brown needs to retire.
27. LA Clippers - I give them credit for winning in Portland driven by a determined Zach Randolph. Too bad Zachary only shows up for about 12 games a year to play. Bad career move by Baron Davis. Maybe in two years he will get bought out and join Club Celtic. I like Kaman but Al Thorton appears lost.
26. Minnesota - Boston Celtics farm team worked beautifully by Kevin McHale. Enough said here.
25. Sacremento - Honestly, how can this California cowtown in the middle of the Central valley support an NBA basketball team? My apologies to my friends out there but there ain't no talent on this team and the sellouts have given way to empty seats.
OK we have filtered out the 6 worst franchises that should be contracted lets review the rest of the teams.
No chance to compete for anything significant this year or next:
24. Memphis - I like the young talent on this team and their coach Mike Iavoroni. Chris Wallace has a better basketball mind than most people give him credit for. However, he has to stop working for cheap owners. I could have flopped Sacremento with this team for candidates for contraction.
23. Golden State - Just in a terrible spot with all the strength in this conference. Not having Monta Ellis available hurts.
22. Miami - DWade, Beasley are 2 nice pieces. Can they get anything for Marion?
21. Indiana - Have had a rough early schedule but Obie coached teams as we know have limitations. I like that Granger kid though.
20. New Jersey - has surprised me a little bit with wins in Utah and Phx recently. Nice guard combo in VC and Devon Harris. Lately they have comeback to earth.
19. Philadelphia - a disappointing team and an apparent one year wonder.
Up and Comers:
18. New York Knicks - I respect what Donnie Walsh and M Datoni have done. They are finally getting their house in order.
17. Milwaukee - Tough to beat at home - well coached - Redd, RJ, and Bogut are all good players.
16. Chicago Bulls - Derek Rose is now the face of the franchise. The Bulls are lucky to have him.
15. Atlanta Hawks - The young athletic Hawks are inconsistent but I believe this team will be a tough out in the playoffs like last year.
14. Toronto Raptors - Disappointing start but they are a young solid club. Keep Bosh north of the border please.
13. Portland Trailblazers - Great young team with a fantastic future. Blazermania is back in full force.
Good 2nd Tier Teams -
12. Denver Nuggets - Good trade with Detriot. Chauncey Billups gives them the PG play they need and makes everyone better.
11. Detriot Pistons - AI, the Question Mark, is trying his best to play team ball but age at key positions could catch up with this team. This is a transition year for them.
10. Dallas Mavericks - So that is Gerald Greeen went to. Dallas is still solid but is Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, and Dirk Nowitzki going to lead them to the promised land? I don't think so.
9. Utah Jazz - Some home losses this year are puzzling. Still a tough W for opponents.
Glories last shot:
7. Phoenix Suns - A bit of a disappointment but they made a nice trade to get Jason Richardson. They have all their Poker Chips in the middle of the table for Glory's last shot.
6. San Antonio - Duncan, Gnobli, and Parker are the leagues venerable big 3 of the 2000's. But I compare them to the 1990 Boston Celtics with role players changing. Well you get the picture. I'd be surprised to be spending June 2009 on the riverwalk.
Contenders to the Throne -
5. New Orleans - Addition of James Posey gives this team the capability to step and beat the Lakers. Now beating the defending champs is another story. The Q could be found on Bourbon street in 6 months.
4. Houston - Ron Ron, Yao, and T-Mac - I like the role players on this team and I would not be surprised at a rematch of the 1981 and 1986 finals.
3. Cleveland - This team has it together and is taken very seriously now. Is it enough?
2. LA Lakers - Our anctient rivals are up to their old tricks. Will Bynum get them over the top?
The Defending Champion:
1. Boston Celtics - Well, I don't know if we will repeat. I know we are a lot better than last year. The bench production hasn't suffered with the loss of Posey. This team could go down as the greatest Celtic team ever. That is absolutely saying a lot. It is a priviledge and a blessing to watch this team work.
Topic: Q's power rankings at the Qtr Pole (Read 1865 times)