Offseason Power Rankings

[Axel]

I think the Spurs will be 5th or so. They haven't really improved that much, and their age was obviously a detriment in the playoffs.

I think these power rankings are a bit conservative. I would have put Charlotte, Portland, and Toronto much higher than they are now. Philly, Minnesota, and Seattle should all be moved down.

Denver is nothing more than a .500 team this year. They should be aroud 18th or 19th. I'd also move Memphis down as well. They overachieved last year, and 11th seems too giving of a ranking.

[Silas]

The Sonics have had just as good an off season, perhaps slightly less productive than the Wolves. They've got Sene and Gelebale, two Lottery caliber players, and that only solidifies their solid two-deep rotation, and they're most likely signing Wilcox to a one year deal which means he'll play at contract-year caliber.

I've said this before, I'll say it again. The only position the wolves have the upper hand at is PF. The sonics are stronger at every other position.

[Axel]

I've said this before, I'll say it again.

That doesn't make your opinion valid.

The Sonics defense is horrid. At the center position, there is a lot of talent, but it is all undeveloped. To make matters worse, the team cant seem to pick one center over another. Will it be the newly drafted Sene? What about Petro? Swift? Pick one of them, and put him out there everyday.

The sonics are stronger at every other position.

You're forgetting about defense again. Lewis, Allen, and Ridnour aren't good on defense, making them mediocre players at best (with Allen standing out a bit above the others).

If the Sonics were so much better at every other position they would have finished with a better record than 35 - 47.

[Mayerhendrix]

Am I the only one who thinks Miami won't be #1 this year? Yeah, Wade is like Jesus but Shaq's health is still the key.

Cough Suns #4 BS Cough

Miami's going to keep slipping as Shaq's ability declines. Mourning and Payton only have another year or two of capability left.

[DatYellowGuy]

Meh, they just killed their credibility by calling T.J. Ford a "pass-first" point guard.

[Riot]

The Sonics have had just as good an off season, perhaps slightly less productive than the Wolves.

I disagree with you there, buddy. Wolves have added Mike James and Randy Foye while losing nobody notable (Banks has a long ways to go). I haven't been following the Sonics off-season so far but I know they took another young center who needs time to develop. Petro and Swift along with the new draft pick, Sene, can't really contribute right way. The interrior defense is very soft right now for the Sonics. In fact, their entire defense is soft.

They've got Sene and Gelebale, two Lottery caliber players, and that only solidifies their solid two-deep rotation, and they're most likely signing Wilcox to a one year deal which means he'll play at contract-year caliber.

But both of those guys appear to be non-NBA ready at this point, correct? Neither of those guys will make the impact that Randy Foye will this year for the Timberwolves. If you think those guy have been impressive in the summer league then you should be looking at Randy Foye who was the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League. On top of that you add Mike James who can take, and make, big shots? Those are nice additions to the backcourt that the Timberwolves made.

I've said this before, I'll say it again. The only position the wolves have the upper hand at is PF. The sonics are stronger at every other position.

First off, that gap between Garnett and the Sonics power forwards is a huge gap. Secondly, I think the Timberwolves have some more talent and depth than the Seattle Sonics do. If you look at the Timberwolves backcourt, they have a lot of talent back there. Mike James, Randy Foye, Trenton Hassell and Marko Jaric are all solid contributors. Troy Hudson might be returning this year and you have Ricky Davis who can play small forward or shooting guard. Justin Reed, who is a hard worker and great defensive player, is back and Mark Blount lacks defense but plays well with Garnett offensively. The only thing the Timberwolves seem to be lacking now is bulk up front and they are trying to improve that by signing Reggie Evans and maybe trading for Al Harrington.

In the end, you'll see that the Timberwolves had a much better off-season that the Sonics. This Timberwolves team will be much improved.

[Silas]

If the T-Wolves get Al Harrington I wouldn't be suprised if they had a better season, but at this point I dont think they will. The Sonics lacked a lot of defense all season until they brought in Wilcox, Watson (one of the best PG defenders in the Western Conference), and now Sene. I think Swift will likely play as the third center to the sonics this year. Petro is a good defender and after playing pro two season, one in France and one in Belgium, and then also playing for the French National Team, I think he'll prove he's ready to start in the NBA.

I also think they have plenty of depth. Gelebale is very versatile and more athletic than Ricky Davis, he just hasnt developed his Jump shot as much, but with guys like Ray, Rashard, and Luke around him that's less of an issue. He won the Euro dunk contest as well. They also have two proven PF's in Collison and Wilcox, plus a third guy in Swift/Sene (whoever it is) to back up either position. On top of that they have three SF's (Rashard, Damien Wilkins, and Noel Felix, and Wilkins would likely be a starter on many NBA teams), plus three PG's (Ridnour, Watson, and Yotam Halperin, and Watson showed he was as good as Ridnour at times, which means they have a great backup in him, plus he can play SG very well).

Also, the gap between Garnett and Wilcox is huge, yes, but the Gap between Ray and Trenton Hassell is huge, and so is the gap between Rashard and Ricky Davis.

Last year the Sonics were lacking the things that sent them deep into the second round playoff series verses the spurs. A solid Center who can play good defense, a strong power foward who fit into the system, and a versatile combo card who can hit good shots. Now they have all of these things plus more. They finished the season strong, especially when Watson and Wilcox were both playing together. They have nowhere to go but up.

[Mayerhendrix]

If the T-Wolves get Al Harrington I wouldn't be suprised if they had a better season, but at this point I dont think they will. The Sonics lacked a lot of defense all season until they brought in Wilcox, Watson (one of the best PG defenders in the Western Conference), and now Sene. I think Swift will likely play as the third center to the sonics this year. Petro is a good defender and after playing pro two season, one in France and one in Belgium, and then also playing for the French National Team, I think he'll prove he's ready to start in the NBA.

I also think they have plenty of depth. Gelebale is very versatile and more athletic than Ricky Davis, he just hasnt developed his Jump shot as much, but with guys like Ray, Rashard, and Luke around him that's less of an issue. He won the Euro dunk contest as well. They also have two proven PF's in Collison and Wilcox, plus a third guy in Swift/Sene (whoever it is) to back up either position. On top of that they have three SF's (Rashard, Damien Wilkins, and Noel Felix, and Wilkins would likely be a starter on many NBA teams), plus three PG's (Ridnour, Watson, and Yotam Halperin, and Watson showed he was as good as Ridnour at times, which means they have a great backup in him, plus he can play SG very well).

Also, the gap between Garnett and Wilcox is huge, yes, but the Gap between Ray and Trenton Hassell is huge, and so is the gap between Rashard and Ricky Davis.

Last year the Sonics were lacking the things that sent them deep into the second round playoff series verses the spurs. A solid Center who can play good defense, a strong power foward who fit into the system, and a versatile combo card who can hit good shots. Now they have all of these things plus more. They finished the season strong, especially when Watson and Wilcox were both playing together. They have nowhere to go but up.

Al Harrington's a Pacer.

[Amphatoast]

Al Harrington's a Pacer.

No he is not; nothing is offical.

[Riot]

If the T-Wolves get Al Harrington I wouldn't be suprised if they had a better season, but at this point I dont think they will. The Sonics lacked a lot of defense all season until they brought in Wilcox, Watson (one of the best PG defenders in the Western Conference), and now Sene. I think Swift will likely play as the third center to the sonics this year. Petro is a good defender and after playing pro two season, one in France and one in Belgium, and then also playing for the French National Team, I think he'll prove he's ready to start in the NBA.

I also think they have plenty of depth. Gelebale is very versatile and more athletic than Ricky Davis, he just hasnt developed his Jump shot as much, but with guys like Ray, Rashard, and Luke around him that's less of an issue. He won the Euro dunk contest as well. They also have two proven PF's in Collison and Wilcox, plus a third guy in Swift/Sene (whoever it is) to back up either position. On top of that they have three SF's (Rashard, Damien Wilkins, and Noel Felix, and Wilkins would likely be a starter on many NBA teams), plus three PG's (Ridnour, Watson, and Yotam Halperin, and Watson showed he was as good as Ridnour at times, which means they have a great backup in him, plus he can play SG very well).

Also, the gap between Garnett and Wilcox is huge, yes, but the Gap between Ray and Trenton Hassell is huge, and so is the gap between Rashard and Ricky Davis.

Last year the Sonics were lacking the things that sent them deep into the second round playoff series verses the spurs. A solid Center who can play good defense, a strong power foward who fit into the system, and a versatile combo card who can hit good shots. Now they have all of these things plus more. They finished the season strong, especially when Watson and Wilcox were both playing together. They have nowhere to go but up.

You obviously overrate your Sonic players and underrate the Timberwolves players. You act as if Ricky Davis is a scrub, when in fact he is a very good player. The Timberwolves have assembled a roster that will fit well together. Mike James, Ricky Davis, Randy Foye and Kevin Garnett will be the primary scorers for this team. Trenton Hassell, Mike James, Justin Reed and Eddie Griffin along with Garnett will provide the defense.

Dwane Casey will be a better coach now that he has a year under his belt. Last year the team did bad after the Celtics team because they really didn't know each other or the system. Garnett said that spending a training camp with the guys will make this team much tighter and get better chemistry. The team has added more talent to surround Garnett and the team appears to have all the pieces to be a playoff team. The only noticable weakness is the lack of bulk and size but that can be changed if the team adds Reggie Evans. Garnett has that ability to make players better and Marko Jaric will be a better player next year because Casey knows how to use him better this year.

The team has more talent, a better coaching staff with a year under their belt together and a training camp to grow together. This team will be better than the Seattle Supersonics, who I think will be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference.

[Matt]

Lewis, Allen, and Ridnour aren't good on defense, making them mediocre players at best

that's like saying LeBron is mediocre because he can't play defense.

[Silas]

Very good point, Ray Allen is one of the best players in the game, and highly underrated, there are very few players around that are more consistent than he is, and nobody shoots better.

Of course the same goes for KG, who is a better player, but I think the sonics have more tools around them and their strong finish at the end of the season seemed to show more hope than the wolve's weak finish.

Either way Riot, we're bound to argue for some reason, so we can agree to disagree. I'll say now that I think the Sonics will have a better season than the wolves, but if they dont I'll admit I was wrong naturally.

[Indy]

Al Harrington is a Pacer. Trust me. He will be a Pacer.

[ThaLiveKing]

^^ Of Course

[funk99]

I think the Spurs will be 5th or so. They haven't really improved that much, and their age was obviously a detriment in the playoffs.

I think these power rankings are a bit conservative. I would have put Charlotte, Portland, and Toronto much higher than they are now. Philly, Minnesota, and Seattle should all be moved down.

Denver is nothing more than a .500 team this year. They should be aroud 18th or 19th. I'd also move Memphis down as well. They overachieved last year, and 11th seems too giving of a ranking.

about the spurs. they havent improved? last season they had the 2nd best record by 1 game and tim duncan wasnt in full health.

[Axel]

Lewis, Allen, and Ridnour aren't good on defense, making them mediocre players at best

that's like saying LeBron is mediocre because he can't play defense.

Lebron is a much more dynamic offensive player. He's also a great passer, rebounder and a good help defender.

[Axel]

I think the Spurs will be 5th or so. They haven't really improved that much, and their age was obviously a detriment in the playoffs.

I think these power rankings are a bit conservative. I would have put Charlotte, Portland, and Toronto much higher than they are now. Philly, Minnesota, and Seattle should all be moved down.

Denver is nothing more than a .500 team this year. They should be aroud 18th or 19th. I'd also move Memphis down as well. They overachieved last year, and 11th seems too giving of a ranking.

about the spurs. they havent improved? last season they had the 2nd best record by 1 game and tim duncan wasnt in full health.

Francisco Elson and Matt Bonner are not improvements.

[kinokong]

getting td healthy is a big ass improvement.... a 20% health improvement in duncan's health is like adding 2 francisco elsons...

[soilworker]

top 5 should be;
-phoenix
-dallas
-miami
-detroit
-san antonio

[Metsis]

I do think that next season is going to be all berserk... Just randomness all around. What can you say about the Raptors??? I think they will be fighting for a play-off spot... And I say the same for the Timberwolves. They got a younger pair of Cassell and Sprewell in Foye and Mike James.

And to you Spur lovers out there... The window is closing fast... The team is getting ridiculously old and adding mediocre younger guys that will more than likely spend time on the bench for Pop isn't helping the matter. Duncan is good, but he isn't that incredible... Parker and Ginobili are going to be great, but the rest of the team is ancient, putting it lightly... If they don't win it this year, they will have to re-tool the roster. It just isn't working with the three guys (TD, Parker, Manu) and a bunch of ancient and often injured players. The window of opportunity is closing fast...

Knicks... Well, if Isaiah can get them to play along, who knows how good they could be... The roster surely is loaded with talent. Thomas was one of the "bad boys" of Detroit, so if he can instill that mentality to the team, they might provide some eye-poppers next season. If they start playing that "written off", "malcontent problem children" style of play...

Seattle hasn't done anything this off-season and same goes for my favorite Suns. Although with Amare returning, hopefully to his former glory, they already made the biggest splash of the off-season... Getting some more role and bench players will also help, if they can give the starters a bit more down time during games. The boys played a lot last spring in the play-offs. Can't wait to see Amare and Shawn slam them down...

The race is on... Who knows how it will play out... I'm predicting surprises all over the league...

[---]

trail blazers could be another suprise

[hova-]

Why do you all think the Spurs wont be that good this season ?
The health improvement of Tim Duncan is really the best that can happen to them. TD is a two time regular season MVP and a three time Finals MVP.
And with 30 years he is in the last two or three years of his prime, but still in it if his stays healthy.
And he showed he can even bring his A-game being slightly hurt. (Conference Semi-Finals vs Mavs, 32 PPG, 11 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.5 BPG <--amazing stats)

With Elson they just add a player who can replace Mohammed, and if he gets enough minutes he should be able to solve that problem.
For sure they are an old team, but only the role players, while the stars like Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are not above 30.
Elder roleplayers like Michael Finley and Robert Horry or Brent Barry are more an advantage than a problem.
The only thing I do not like about their roster is a lack of athleticism, but if they get it done with their half-court offense they do not need any swingman necessarily, and on the defense they have Bruce Bowen who is able to guard most, if not all forwards of the league.
I think a healthy Duncan and a Ginobili in a better shape, together with a well developed Tony Parker and some role veterans will do it for the Spurs and they will be a title contender.

And I am no Spurs lover, just my opinion

[Metsis]

Why do you all think the Spurs wont be that good this season ?
The health improvement of Tim Duncan is really the best that can happen to them. TD is a two time regular season MVP and a three time Finals MVP.
And with 30 years he is in the last two or three years of his prime, but still in it if his stays healthy.
And he showed he can even bring his A-game being slightly hurt. (Conference Semi-Finals vs Mavs, 32 PPG, 11 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.5 BPG <--amazing stats)

With Elson they just add a player who can replace Mohammed, and if he gets enough minutes he should be able to solve that problem.
For sure they are an old team, but only the role players, while the stars like Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are not above 30.
Elder roleplayers like Michael Finley and Robert Horry or Brent Barry are more an advantage than a problem.
The only thing I do not like about their roster is a lack of athleticism, but if they get it done with their half-court offense they do not need any swingman necessarily, and on the defense they have Bruce Bowen who is able to guard most, if not all forwards of the league.
I think a healthy Duncan and a Ginobili in a better shape, together with a well developed Tony Parker and some role veterans will do it for the Spurs and they will be a title contender.

And I am no Spurs lover, just my opinion

I'm not saying that the Spurs will not be near the top of the league next season, I'm just saying that if they don't get it done this season, the next season will be even tougher with the current roster. It's not like the roleplayers are getting any better after 35 years of age or even more precicely more HEALTHIER. Duncan himself has already battled a leg injury that disrupted his game last season. He really needs to be at 100% if the Spurs hope to win another title in the next 2-3 years. So does Parker and Ginobili. It's just that the roster is pretty "fragile"... Any of those older guys could easily sustain an injury that will remove them from the lineup for a long time and that doesn't make Duncan and Manu and Tony play any less minutes to keep them more healthy and rested for the play-offs.

And as we have seen Phoenix and Dallas are right at their door step... So if Spurs flounder even a little bit, they won't win the west... Two teams with more youth, more health and more athleticism are waiting for the Spurs to fall and fall they will, if the injury bug bites.

Don't get me wrong, they are one of the top teams... When the three key players are healthy and relatively rested and energized. And all of those depend on their substitute players and their health.

--------

On a another matter... I don't see Portland doing anything too major next season. They will more than likely be better than last season, but not by much. Too many new pieces to fit into place during a single season. Also I think they will try to make youth movement and play the young guns more so that they will develop their games and thus I don't think they are realistically aiming for play-offs... Unless the kids get it going surprisingly well.

[hova-]

Yes, their players are old and may easily sustain injuries, but I think that can happen to almost every team, like imagine Detroit without Sheed or Billups or the Suns without Nash.
So as you said they are still on of the topteams, health is the base.

I think the same about Portland, maybe even more censorious.
I dont like the way the Blazers rebuild their team.
On the one hand it reminds me a bit of the way the Bulls did, trusting in the young players, which was a good idea and worked out, even more now when Big Ben enters United Center and is a really good complement.

But a way to rebuild I like more is like The Suns did. They gave away Penny and Starbury (Ok, it is hard to do those things with any other GM than Isaiah ) and had a plan to sign Nash and that was one of the best moves in the past years.
But I do not exactly now the contract situation and if it had been possible to pull some moves and get some cap space, so maybe it is just the right idea what they are doin in Portland.
But that does not change anything, the Blazers will be one of the, if not the worst team of the NBA.

[Dan's Brain]

Orlando is maybe slightly too high. Dwight Howard needs to average at least 20+ per night if this team is to make the playoffs. Which he can do if Jameer Nelson is healthy and Grant Hill is able to contribute.