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Angeles Lakers Nick

July 27th, 2011 admin No comments

Angeles Lakers Nick

NBA Rankings February 28

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls. Nice comeback win over the Heat. Derrick Rose is strong candidate for MVP. They play terrific team defense, Noah and Boozer need to play games together and it wouldn't hurt if they can pick up a two guard that can play both offense and defense.
Boston Celtics. What were they thinking? Trading their best low post defender for a younger guy who is more talented, and has more upside. But even Celtic players don't sound convinced. They bought themselves back to the pack in the east. Bulls and Heat are rejoicing.
Miami Heat. They are so talented on paper and can beat most teams on nightly basis, but there record against top teams is awful. It might help their cause to let Wade be there closer instead of LeBron. Wade is more likely to make bucket or least draw a foul. Losing a close game to the Bulls is not a bad lost. Especially when your when one of your best players Bosh makes one shot in almost twenty attempts. But losing to the Knicks who were just thrown together less than a week ago is troubling. Looking more and more like the Cavaliers of the last couple of years and we know how that turned out.
Orlando Magic. Losing to the Kings coming out of the break is terrible. Howard is the best center in the league but he is surrounded by guys who hit their prime a few years ago and who still like to jack up three's. A bonus is that the former stars think defense is a bad word.
Atlanta Hawk. It was a good move getting Kirk Heinrich who is a substantial upgrade over Mike Bibby. Hawks are very athletic in the open court, but are easy to defend in half court game because they run nothing but isolation plays.
New York Knicks. It was a good win beating the Heat but I have doubts they can play that type of defense on a consistent basis. They are so small up front with no starter over 6'9 and the players that are 6'9 aren't exactly thick. No wonder they fought so hard to keep Mozgov in the Carmelo deal.
Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers play hard and are scrappy. Younger players like Jrue Holiday are getting better by the game. They lack size and would be a lottery team out west. I'm sure they will first round road kill for the Heat, Bulls or Celtics.
Indianapolis Pacers. The Pacers have good size and lots of good young talent. But they are in NBA hell by being average. Not good enough to compete with the elite teams and not bad enough to get in the lottery and get an elite player. They will get whacked in first round of the playoffs.

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have the best record in the league and will probably end up with the best record. This is the first time in the Tim Duncan era that they won't be overwhelming favorites despite having home court throughout. It might be time for Popovich to start resting their stars before an injury occurs like last night when Tony Parker went down.
Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are rolling on all cylinders winning 15 out of 16 is some accomplishment. Nowitzke is playing at top form and is even playing some defense. The rest of his teammates have stepped up their play. But I have seen this act before and the Mavericks have flamed out come playoff time. I need to something in May.
Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are playing well since the all star break. Winning game in Portland after a game night earlier was impressive. Winning against the under manned Thunder was not so much. This may be nick picking but not playing their best low post defender Bynum in the last six minutes of games is baffling to me.
Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder losing three in row has to be concerned, but the good news is they ripped off the Celtics when they acquired Perkins. They got bigger and tougher for the play offs. There is plenty of time to move up and get a higher seeding. Possible rematch with the Lakers in the second round.
Denver Nuggets. I know this sounds silly but the Nuggets are better off without Carmelo. They are much deeper and they know they have to play hard every night and if they don't, they won't play at all. As long as the Nuggets big men stay healthy they will make the plays offs and be a tough out. Their lone concern is not having a go to guy yet. But that will come.
New Orleans Hornets. The Hornets added size up front by acquiring Landry. The Hornets have the ability to knock off a top seed in the playoffs. Other owners like Mark Cuban are not happy with that move because essentially teams are paying the Hornets salaries.
Portland Trailblazers. The Trailblazers are finally getting Brandon Roy back and it was a good move getting Gerald Wallace, but they would be better off getting Chris Kaman because the need size in the middle. Marcus Camby tries hard but is on the down side of his career and is slender.
Utah Jazz. Now that the smoke has blown over the Jazz got better getting rid of Deron Williams and getting Devin Harris and Favors. They got younger and got more size up front. They just need time to play together. Jerry Sloan could do wonders with this team now.

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