Post by footy on Jun 8, 2020 18:48:43 GMT -8
DJ Footy is dropping another one,
In this edition we collected the thoughts of 11 executives from around the league to give us their top 10 teams at the halfway point of the 2003 regular season.
Onto the rankings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (105 votes, 7 First Place Votes)
Current Record: 43-9
Last Ranking: 4
The league leading Cavaliers have been phenomenal in the third instalment of BBS. Kevin Garnett has morphed into arguably one of the most valuable assets in the league while Keith Van Horn’s recent 72 point outing has solidified the credentials of this team as a legitimate contender. GM Svedd’s tactics have also improved which has benefited Gary Payton immensely, now taking better control of the ball, Payton has re-established himself as a premier point guard in the league. This team is deep on the wings but could use a little more big men help. Expect this team to push all their chips into the middle of the table as they look to capitalise on a fantastic season to date.
2. Sacramento Kings (102 votes, 4 FPV)
Current Record: 40-13
Last Ranking: 5
The pacesetters in the West, the Kings have undergone yet another transformation with the addition of Ben Wallace in exchange for highly touted youngster, Joe Johnson. Not only does Wallace brings championship winning experience from his time with the Nets but he also brings a defensive awareness that is unmatched throughout the league. The Kings have a nice mixture of youth and experience and could be a perennial contender for seasons to come if they can keep their core together through this upcoming offseason. This year might be their best chance to strike.
3. New York Knicks (81 votes)
Current Record: 27-15
Last Ranking: 10
After a flurry of trades the Knicks have reimagined themselves as title contenders. However, the initial performance of this new squad has been less than ideal. This team has talent up and down the roster & tremendous versatility however doubts remain over Dirk Nowitzki’s ability to be the number 1 player on a contender. The addition of David Robinson, Theo Ratliff & Chucky Atkins are a terrific support to Nowitzki & Jason Kidd but this team’s success will be dependent upon their playoff matchups.
4. LA Clippers (69 votes)
Current Record: 33-16
Last Ranking: 1
Not much has changed in Clipperland over the past couple of seasons and it is starting to show as they are starting to be overwhelmed by the rapidly improving franchises around them. Its clear Tim Duncan needs help and although the addition of Bobby Jackson has been a step in the right direction there is still a lot more that needs to be done. At 26 years old, Duncan is in his prime and the Clippers run the risk of being unable to provide Duncan an adequate supporting cast for the next few seasons if they are not smart with their next few moves. The Clippers will remain a playoff team for as long as they possess Duncan but their days as a contender could be coming to an end.
5. Denver Nuggets (56 votes)
Current Record: 27-16
Last Ranking: 9
Another squad that recently underwent a facelift, the Nuggets have added Michael Jordan & Alonzo Mourning to their roster in their quest for a prized BBS ring. Jordan is still an elite player at 39 years old while Mourning is still arguably the league’s number 1 centre. On the their day this team can beat anyone but could also be unstuck by exploitative matchups. With very little in the reserves of youth & picks, the Nuggets look to be running full steam ahead with the squad they have and will be hoping their two living legends will be enough to carry them to playoff glory.
6. Boston Celtics (55 votes)
Current Record: 31-18
Last Ranking: 8
The Celtics of Boston have been arguably the surprise packet of season 2003. The Celtics have remained talented since the commencement of BBS20 however they have reached another gear this season and will be looking to make a dedicated run at being the East’s representative in the BBS Finals. Allen Iverson has continued to be a scoring machine and defensive nightmare as he sets the tone for the league leaders in steals & opponent turnovers. The Celtics are good, very good but can they be great? They will need to add further talent to their front court but they are close.
7. Dallas Mavericks (42 votes)
Current Record: 27-20
Last Ranking: N/A
The Mavericks by name, the Mavericks by nature- this squad out of Dallas is intriguing to the eye but mind boggling to the brain. Possessing 3 of the league’s best shooters, the Mavericks have decided to roll the dice on an all-out blitz from 3 point range. The Mavericks have no big men of note and will be hoping the scoring ability of their lethal trio will be enough to overcome the man mountains of the league. It’s an experiment worth taking but who knows what the consequences will be. Will the Mavericks catch fire or will they flame out? Regardless, GM Habes has the league paying attention.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (25 votes)
Current Record: 30-20
Last Ranking: 7
The antithesis to Dallas, the Memphis Grizzlies possess a plethora of big men who can do big things. The cheap acquisition of Joe Smith intensified their reliance on their front court who are expected to do it all for this squad. If serious about contending the Grizzlies should be looking to move one of their large man for a smaller man with large talents. This seems unlikely given GM Erbes moves to date but it could be the key that unlocks this team’s potential.
9. Indiana Pacers (30 votes)
Current Record: 29-20
Last Ranking: N/A
A new addition to the power polls, the Indiana Pacers have constructed their team with rim protection the forefront. The masterful move of trading Rashard Lewis for Eddie Griffin has allowed the Pacers to ensure there is always at least two shot blockers on the floor at all times. Vince Carter and Correy Maggette are the scoring power that drives this engine however, it is the performance of Khalid El-Amin who has proven the most eye catching. The one shame about this team is watching Stephon Marbury waste away his years on the bench unfortunately there is no place in this league for a turnover prone, defensive turnstile in today’s BBS.
10. Washington Wizards (11 votes)
Current Record: 27-21
Last Ranking: N/A
The silent assassins of BBS20, GM Jahallstar has been quietly acquiring talent over the past couple of years and it has resulted in well rounded, deep, talented team with no superstars however this egalitarian construction provides the Wizards a solid foundation to add a superstar or two in the offseason. The Wizards will have almost $40mil in cap room- enough for 3 Max contracts- and this could be the last point the time that the Wizards are this underrated.
Others Receiving Votes:
LA Lakers (7 votes)
Miami Heat (6)
San Antonio Spurs (2)
Chicago Bulls (2)
New Jersey Nets (1)
Voters:
76ers, Grizzlies, Rockets, Clippers, Wizards, Pistons, Cavaliers, Pacers, Celtics, Lakers & Magic
76ers, Rockets, Clippers, Wizards, Pistons, Celtics Lakers, Pacers
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