Post by heel7tiger on Sept 27, 2010 18:15:55 GMT -5
Ok to explain my ratings they are weighted based on letter grade, + or - have no atfect on the scale therefore a good bit of teams were really close to a D or really close to a B. All of my projected starting lineups are from what I had in front of me at the time. Projected standings and such were done before any sims as I havent had a chance to look at what happened yet. My superlatives were based merely off of the regular season and what I think happens in the playoffs have no bearing or Id give matt gm of the year for navigating through this unbearable conference.
* Id like to go agead and apologize for any errors as finishing most of this and all proofreading on a phone isnt exactly the best*
Enjoy!
Dallas Mavericks
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Dalembert
PF- Araujo
SF- Abdur-Rahim
SG- Terry
PG- Nelson
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C D B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- I really like Jameer Nelson and Terry as well as Marshall of the bench as the sixth man.
Weakness- Scorers
Quick Thoughts- I’m not sure they have enough in terms of scorers, sure they have some scoring options but almost every other team in the west has a superstar to rely on, some multiple. I do think this team could be a playoff team depending on how everything plays out. The Mavs have slowly gotten better as an organization and I think it will start to payoff for GM Dumptime.
Denver Nuggets
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Shaq
PF- Griffin
SF- Stackhouse
SG- Crawford
PG- Jackson
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- Shaq, Griffin, Stack will compliment each other very well.
Weakness- Guards
Quick Thoughts- When I say the guards are a weakness its because I feel Jackson could be slightly overrated and in a conference full of great PG’s where exactly does he stand. The plus there is that all GM Skrouse needs him to do is play D and dish the rock. If Jackson can do that they’ll be fine. Crawford is another worry of mine as I don’t think he will produce as Skrouse hopes. If I was the nuggets Id start Granger at SF and move Stackhouse to SG. This team as arguably the most talent in the conference but I still feel they aren’t quite the best.
Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Diop
PF- Kemp
SF- TMac
SG- Wagner
PG- Ford
Starters Ratings- C C C B C B
Bench Rating- C C D C C B
Team Rating- C C C C C B
Strength- The wing with McGrady and Wagner
Weakness- Youth
Quick Thoughts- The Grizzlies are a talented team, but talented enough to make the playoffs is what I’m not sure about. They are a dark horse though and I do feel they will be in the battle for the 6-8 seed. I like what they have and I believe they are set up more for the future then present. Id like to watch Diop and Kemp go up against some of the better F/C combos in the conference.
Houston Rockets
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Ilgauskas
PF- Haston
SF- Battier
SG- Carter
PG- Stoudamire
Starters Ratings- B B C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Guards
Weakness- PF
Quick Thoughts- The Rockets are my favorite in the West. I know a lot of people will feel that with all the talent the Nuggets have they have to be the best. I just don’t agree looking at the Rockets balanced scoring attack inside and out as well as excellent defense they look too good not to take. I will say the Rockets will have to worry about Haston and Wilcox’s defense down low against the brutal front courts of the WC.
Minnesota Fighting Kahns
Projected Starting Lineup
C- ZO
PF- Wallace
SF- Bowen
SG- Jones
PG- Armstrong
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench Rating- C B C B D C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Defense
Weakness- SF
Quick Thoughts- The T-Wolves are one of those teams that when you look at their starting five your not immediately overwhelmed, then you start to look closer and realize that they have what it takes to be an excellent team. They have the star in ZO, they have the distributor PG in Armstrong, they have the SG who can score and the PF who does nothing but rebounds and says nah you are not scoring on me. They have the total package and I’d look for them to make a run this year. In my ratings the T-Wolves were one of two teams(Kings) almost having an A rated defense, both teams were exactly .2 away from being rated an A. Another tidbit is that I feel the T-Wolves have the best bench in the league in terms of being able to come off the bench and produce as well as bring something new.
San Antonio Spurs
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Garnett
PF- Maxiell
SF- Dunleavy
SG- Rose
PG- Cssell
Starters Ratings- B C C C C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- PG and C
Weakness- PF
Quick Thoughts- The Spurs are another sleeper team and could fall anywhere from the playoffs to the bottom third, the key in that is the bottom third isn’t exactly horrible in the WC and in fact is nothing but a crap shoot. I worry about the PF spot with the youth but also feel having KG and Cassel plus a veteran Jalen Rose makes up for any worries I might have. They have some talent I’m just not sure they have enough this year but in the future and even as soon as next this could be a team to watch.
Utah Jazz
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bogut
PF- Ely
SF- Randolph
SG- Robinson
PG- Telfair
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- F/C
Weakness- SG
Quick Thoughts- The only reason I am not a huge fan of the 2 guard spot here is because its comprised of guys who should have done more than they have in TMBSL but I also feel it’s a weakness that I expect a change from this year. I really like Bogut and Ely down low and Randolph to compliment them. Today I feel the Jazz are probably a playoff team and probably the last team in but it wouldn’t shock me to see them be one of the last few out.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Murphy
PF- Gasol
SF- Van Horn
SG- Garcia
PG- Harris
Starters Ratings- B C C B C B
Bench rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Murphy and Gasol
Weakness- Rookie SG
Quick Thoughts- I like the Warriors this year, and I like them a lot. The only negative is this conference is so tough which might keep them out of the playoffs. Murphy and Gasol down low compliment each other really well and I feel will be an underrated duo all year. They don’t have the same household name as ZO/Wallace or JO/Bosh but I feel they are just as important. Im not a fan of the rookie SG because they tend to underperform from what you expect unless his name is Dwayne Wade but I feel that if Harris plays well with a solid Van Horn that weakness can be overlooked.
Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Olowokandi
PF- Haslem
SF- Posey
SG- Hodge
PG- Davis
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench rating- C C C B C B
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- PG
Weakness- SF
Quick Thoughts- I love Baron Davis and feel he is one of the best PG’s not only in the conference but the league. I also love the draft pick of Hodge and giving the rookie a chance to shine. The Clippers arent a playoff team this year in my eyes but I still think the future is bright and they will be shortly.
Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bynum
PF- Humphrey
SF- Davis
SG- Wright
PG- Fisher
Starters Ratings- C C C B C B
Bench Rating- C D C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- PF and PG
Weakness- Youth
Quick thoughts- The Lakers are still a really young team sans Fisher at Point. I like Bynum but hes only 17 and asking him to go against the beasts of the west is tough. Humphrey has been a pleasent surprise since drafted and has progressed really well. Fisher is an excellent pg and will do his part hut who else will? I dont see the Lakers being a playoff team just yet but in time they will be.
Phoenix Suns
Projected Starting Lineup
C- curry
PF- Stoudemire
SF- Walker
SG- Johnson
PG- Francis
Starters Ratings- B C C B C B
Bench Rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Defense
Weakness- N/A
Quick Thoughts- The Suns are one of my favorites in the WC they have so much talent an a strong at literally ever position. Each starter compliments each other well and should equate to one awesome team. Ill be interested in watching the scoring battle in the team with the whole starting five being capable.
Portland Trailblazers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bradley
PF- Smith
SF- Hamilton
SG- Wells
PG- Parker
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- balanced
Weakness- Front court
Quick Thoughts- The blazers have some talent but Im still unsure if they have what it takes to be a playoff team this year. In. Conference of front court heavy weights they will be relying Bradley and Smith with respective C+ rebounding. That will be something for the Blazers to keep an eye on. Theu should be capable of getting points out of Wells and Rip and this could be the year Parker becomes the PG we all know an expect. At this point I do have them competing for a playoff spot but mainly because I feel GM duc will make the deals to get them there.
Seattle Supersonics
Projected Starting Lineups
C- Dirk
PF- Wright
SF- Mashburn
SG- Webster
PG- Billups
Starters Ratings- C B C B C C
Bench Rating- C D C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Best Pg in conference
Weakness- Young Sg
Quick Thoughts- I love this sonics team, for some reason they give me a european feel that will cause problems for ever other team in the conference. Billups is the best PG in the conference in most eyes and Dirk is so good and so hard to stop. I definately feel the Sonics will be a playoff team ajd I think they will end up a high seed.
Sacramento Kings
Projected Starting Lineup
C- JO
PF- Bosh
SF- Prince
SG- Sprewell
PG- Bibby
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Front court
Weakneas- wing
Quick Thoughts- The defending champs are essentially the same team except for an upgrade at the 2 guard. Sprewell was a nice pick up for the Kings. The Kings strength is to pound the ball down low to arguably the leagues best front court duo. Bibby returns with a monster contract and pressure to produce from fans and front office. I believe the kings will be a playoff team but a middle of the pack seed due to the difficulty of this conference.
Midwest Predicted Standings
1. Rockets
2. Nuggets
3. T-Wolves
4. Jazz
5. Mavericks
6. Grizzlies
7. Spurs
Pacific Predicted Standings
1. Sonics
2. Suns
3. Warriors
4. Kings
5. Blazers
6. Lakers
7. Clippers
Projected Playoff Matchups
1. Rockets vs 8. Mavs
2. Sonics vs 7. Jazz
3. Nuggets vs 6. Kings
4. Suns vs 5. T-Wolves
1. Rockets vs 4. Suns
2. Sonics vs 3. Nuggets
4. Suns vs 2. Sonics
4. Suns win the WC
First Team All-Conference
PG- Billups
SG- Carter
SF- Stackhouse
PF- Amare
C- Jo
Second Team All-Conference
PG- Davis
SG- Jones
SF- TMac
PF- Bosh
C- Zo
Third Team All-Conference
PG- Stoudamire
SG- Rose
SF- Van Horn
PF- Gasol
C- Shaq
Conference Player of the year
Chauncey Billups
Conference Rookie of the year
Julius Hodge
Conference GM of the year
Dumptime for finally not doing anything to stupid and really turning his team around the past two years and reaching the playoffs.
Final Thoughts- Man what a conference! Top to bottom any team can beat another one I expect nothing but a crazy year and extremely close as it has been. I feel the 8 that do make the playoffs whether they're my predictions or different are gonna be 8 gm's who made the changes necessary and made the deals they had to. Biggest noticeable is that this conference is full of great big men and point guards and every team has put an emphasis on defense.
Good luck to everyone this year and happy simming.
* Id like to go agead and apologize for any errors as finishing most of this and all proofreading on a phone isnt exactly the best*
Enjoy!
Dallas Mavericks
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Dalembert
PF- Araujo
SF- Abdur-Rahim
SG- Terry
PG- Nelson
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C D B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- I really like Jameer Nelson and Terry as well as Marshall of the bench as the sixth man.
Weakness- Scorers
Quick Thoughts- I’m not sure they have enough in terms of scorers, sure they have some scoring options but almost every other team in the west has a superstar to rely on, some multiple. I do think this team could be a playoff team depending on how everything plays out. The Mavs have slowly gotten better as an organization and I think it will start to payoff for GM Dumptime.
Denver Nuggets
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Shaq
PF- Griffin
SF- Stackhouse
SG- Crawford
PG- Jackson
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- Shaq, Griffin, Stack will compliment each other very well.
Weakness- Guards
Quick Thoughts- When I say the guards are a weakness its because I feel Jackson could be slightly overrated and in a conference full of great PG’s where exactly does he stand. The plus there is that all GM Skrouse needs him to do is play D and dish the rock. If Jackson can do that they’ll be fine. Crawford is another worry of mine as I don’t think he will produce as Skrouse hopes. If I was the nuggets Id start Granger at SF and move Stackhouse to SG. This team as arguably the most talent in the conference but I still feel they aren’t quite the best.
Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Diop
PF- Kemp
SF- TMac
SG- Wagner
PG- Ford
Starters Ratings- C C C B C B
Bench Rating- C C D C C B
Team Rating- C C C C C B
Strength- The wing with McGrady and Wagner
Weakness- Youth
Quick Thoughts- The Grizzlies are a talented team, but talented enough to make the playoffs is what I’m not sure about. They are a dark horse though and I do feel they will be in the battle for the 6-8 seed. I like what they have and I believe they are set up more for the future then present. Id like to watch Diop and Kemp go up against some of the better F/C combos in the conference.
Houston Rockets
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Ilgauskas
PF- Haston
SF- Battier
SG- Carter
PG- Stoudamire
Starters Ratings- B B C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Guards
Weakness- PF
Quick Thoughts- The Rockets are my favorite in the West. I know a lot of people will feel that with all the talent the Nuggets have they have to be the best. I just don’t agree looking at the Rockets balanced scoring attack inside and out as well as excellent defense they look too good not to take. I will say the Rockets will have to worry about Haston and Wilcox’s defense down low against the brutal front courts of the WC.
Minnesota Fighting Kahns
Projected Starting Lineup
C- ZO
PF- Wallace
SF- Bowen
SG- Jones
PG- Armstrong
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench Rating- C B C B D C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Defense
Weakness- SF
Quick Thoughts- The T-Wolves are one of those teams that when you look at their starting five your not immediately overwhelmed, then you start to look closer and realize that they have what it takes to be an excellent team. They have the star in ZO, they have the distributor PG in Armstrong, they have the SG who can score and the PF who does nothing but rebounds and says nah you are not scoring on me. They have the total package and I’d look for them to make a run this year. In my ratings the T-Wolves were one of two teams(Kings) almost having an A rated defense, both teams were exactly .2 away from being rated an A. Another tidbit is that I feel the T-Wolves have the best bench in the league in terms of being able to come off the bench and produce as well as bring something new.
San Antonio Spurs
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Garnett
PF- Maxiell
SF- Dunleavy
SG- Rose
PG- Cssell
Starters Ratings- B C C C C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- PG and C
Weakness- PF
Quick Thoughts- The Spurs are another sleeper team and could fall anywhere from the playoffs to the bottom third, the key in that is the bottom third isn’t exactly horrible in the WC and in fact is nothing but a crap shoot. I worry about the PF spot with the youth but also feel having KG and Cassel plus a veteran Jalen Rose makes up for any worries I might have. They have some talent I’m just not sure they have enough this year but in the future and even as soon as next this could be a team to watch.
Utah Jazz
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bogut
PF- Ely
SF- Randolph
SG- Robinson
PG- Telfair
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- F/C
Weakness- SG
Quick Thoughts- The only reason I am not a huge fan of the 2 guard spot here is because its comprised of guys who should have done more than they have in TMBSL but I also feel it’s a weakness that I expect a change from this year. I really like Bogut and Ely down low and Randolph to compliment them. Today I feel the Jazz are probably a playoff team and probably the last team in but it wouldn’t shock me to see them be one of the last few out.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Murphy
PF- Gasol
SF- Van Horn
SG- Garcia
PG- Harris
Starters Ratings- B C C B C B
Bench rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Murphy and Gasol
Weakness- Rookie SG
Quick Thoughts- I like the Warriors this year, and I like them a lot. The only negative is this conference is so tough which might keep them out of the playoffs. Murphy and Gasol down low compliment each other really well and I feel will be an underrated duo all year. They don’t have the same household name as ZO/Wallace or JO/Bosh but I feel they are just as important. Im not a fan of the rookie SG because they tend to underperform from what you expect unless his name is Dwayne Wade but I feel that if Harris plays well with a solid Van Horn that weakness can be overlooked.
Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Olowokandi
PF- Haslem
SF- Posey
SG- Hodge
PG- Davis
Starters Ratings- C C C B C C
Bench rating- C C C B C B
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- PG
Weakness- SF
Quick Thoughts- I love Baron Davis and feel he is one of the best PG’s not only in the conference but the league. I also love the draft pick of Hodge and giving the rookie a chance to shine. The Clippers arent a playoff team this year in my eyes but I still think the future is bright and they will be shortly.
Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bynum
PF- Humphrey
SF- Davis
SG- Wright
PG- Fisher
Starters Ratings- C C C B C B
Bench Rating- C D C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- PF and PG
Weakness- Youth
Quick thoughts- The Lakers are still a really young team sans Fisher at Point. I like Bynum but hes only 17 and asking him to go against the beasts of the west is tough. Humphrey has been a pleasent surprise since drafted and has progressed really well. Fisher is an excellent pg and will do his part hut who else will? I dont see the Lakers being a playoff team just yet but in time they will be.
Phoenix Suns
Projected Starting Lineup
C- curry
PF- Stoudemire
SF- Walker
SG- Johnson
PG- Francis
Starters Ratings- B C C B C B
Bench Rating- C C C B C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Defense
Weakness- N/A
Quick Thoughts- The Suns are one of my favorites in the WC they have so much talent an a strong at literally ever position. Each starter compliments each other well and should equate to one awesome team. Ill be interested in watching the scoring battle in the team with the whole starting five being capable.
Portland Trailblazers
Projected Starting Lineup
C- Bradley
PF- Smith
SF- Hamilton
SG- Wells
PG- Parker
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C C C C
Strength- balanced
Weakness- Front court
Quick Thoughts- The blazers have some talent but Im still unsure if they have what it takes to be a playoff team this year. In. Conference of front court heavy weights they will be relying Bradley and Smith with respective C+ rebounding. That will be something for the Blazers to keep an eye on. Theu should be capable of getting points out of Wells and Rip and this could be the year Parker becomes the PG we all know an expect. At this point I do have them competing for a playoff spot but mainly because I feel GM duc will make the deals to get them there.
Seattle Supersonics
Projected Starting Lineups
C- Dirk
PF- Wright
SF- Mashburn
SG- Webster
PG- Billups
Starters Ratings- C B C B C C
Bench Rating- C D C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Best Pg in conference
Weakness- Young Sg
Quick Thoughts- I love this sonics team, for some reason they give me a european feel that will cause problems for ever other team in the conference. Billups is the best PG in the conference in most eyes and Dirk is so good and so hard to stop. I definately feel the Sonics will be a playoff team ajd I think they will end up a high seed.
Sacramento Kings
Projected Starting Lineup
C- JO
PF- Bosh
SF- Prince
SG- Sprewell
PG- Bibby
Starters Ratings- B C C B C C
Bench Rating- C C C C C C
Team Rating- C C C B C C
Strength- Front court
Weakneas- wing
Quick Thoughts- The defending champs are essentially the same team except for an upgrade at the 2 guard. Sprewell was a nice pick up for the Kings. The Kings strength is to pound the ball down low to arguably the leagues best front court duo. Bibby returns with a monster contract and pressure to produce from fans and front office. I believe the kings will be a playoff team but a middle of the pack seed due to the difficulty of this conference.
Midwest Predicted Standings
1. Rockets
2. Nuggets
3. T-Wolves
4. Jazz
5. Mavericks
6. Grizzlies
7. Spurs
Pacific Predicted Standings
1. Sonics
2. Suns
3. Warriors
4. Kings
5. Blazers
6. Lakers
7. Clippers
Projected Playoff Matchups
1. Rockets vs 8. Mavs
2. Sonics vs 7. Jazz
3. Nuggets vs 6. Kings
4. Suns vs 5. T-Wolves
1. Rockets vs 4. Suns
2. Sonics vs 3. Nuggets
4. Suns vs 2. Sonics
4. Suns win the WC
First Team All-Conference
PG- Billups
SG- Carter
SF- Stackhouse
PF- Amare
C- Jo
Second Team All-Conference
PG- Davis
SG- Jones
SF- TMac
PF- Bosh
C- Zo
Third Team All-Conference
PG- Stoudamire
SG- Rose
SF- Van Horn
PF- Gasol
C- Shaq
Conference Player of the year
Chauncey Billups
Conference Rookie of the year
Julius Hodge
Conference GM of the year
Dumptime for finally not doing anything to stupid and really turning his team around the past two years and reaching the playoffs.
Final Thoughts- Man what a conference! Top to bottom any team can beat another one I expect nothing but a crazy year and extremely close as it has been. I feel the 8 that do make the playoffs whether they're my predictions or different are gonna be 8 gm's who made the changes necessary and made the deals they had to. Biggest noticeable is that this conference is full of great big men and point guards and every team has put an emphasis on defense.
Good luck to everyone this year and happy simming.
