Records and standings are through March 17
1. Los Angeles Lakers (53-14): Watching the Lakers play is a joy for the basketball-loving eye. Besides the loss against the Sixers the other night, they are playing so well right now, I wonder what will happen when Mountain Drew Bynum comes back. At least it’s nice to have him in there during the Finals this time (coughbarringinjurycough)
2. San Antonio Spurs (45-22): I read that Tim Duncan is still bothered by his achy right knee, which should concern some. Manu Ginobili will probably be back in two weeks, but if the Spurs are healthy come playoff time, I think they can make life for the other contenders very, very difficult.
3. Houston Rockets (44-25): Losing Tracy McGrady for the season might have been the best thing that happened to the Rockets these last couple of months. It seems like everybody’s role is more defined, and Ron Artest is probably not coincidentally shooting at a better percentage. Von Wafer has been one of the most surprising players this season. But if they would have to play the Hornets in the first round, will it be another early exit?
4. Denver Nuggets (43-25): Renaldo Balkman!
5. Portland Trail Blazers (42-25): Let’s just hope Greg Oden can return and have a strong finish to end his otherwise disappointing season. But man, wish I saw more Blazers games this season, what a fun team.
6. New Orleans Hornets (41-25): They wouldn’t be in sixth place if Tyson Chandler was playing in OKC, but I still have the feeling that this team can play better than they have shown so far. What’s wrong with the Hornets this season?
7. Utah Jazz (42-26): I think they are one of the teams you don’t want to meet in the first round. They might be in seventh place, but are more than a decent team with one of the best point guards in the League in Deron Williams.
8. Dallas Mavericks (41-27): They have a solid lead over the Suns right now, so the Mavericks have nothing to fear. Except for a first-round playoff exit next month.
9. Phoenix Suns (36-31): I root for the Suns to make the playoffs, but my mind tells me otherwise. I just don’t think they can put a nice string of wins together, which means for the first time in his career, Shaq will miss the playoffs.
10. Golden State Warriors (24-43): I wrote a piece about Don Nelson last month, and I still stand by that. There’s nothing more I can say about it.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-47): Sure, they will lose over 50 games this season, but a healthy Al Jefferson combined with Kevin Love covers the rebound department next season. It’s a start.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (19-48): Playoffs 2010?
13. Memphis Grizzlies (17-49): Great young nucleus in Mayo, the other brother Gasol, Gay, Warrick and Conley. It’s interesting to see how Mike Conley will develop if he still is in Memphis next season.
14. Los Angeles Clippers (16-51): Something needs to happen in Clipperland. The coach, the owner, several players, it just is one big mess. There are too many guys who need shots to be successful. They shouldn’t overhaul the roster just for the sake of it, but define roles for the players who are on that roster. A different coach would help too. And a different owner maybe?
15. Sacramento Kings (14-53): Are the Kings still in Sacramento within the next couple of years?
6 comments:
ACTUALLY RENTON.
if you actually did research, you'd know that Shaq missed the playoffs in his rookie season.
I'm losing my patience with you.
crap, you're right....
about Shaq, that is. I won't get into the rest.
fraud.
Fraud?
Why did you leave the boards?
Well, glad you came here anyway, thanks.
Honestly, I dont see much competition for the Lakers in the West. Most teams are really far behind them in terms of standing and the way they played. But who knows? I would love to see upsets! :)
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