Post by Skillz on Apr 30, 2020 14:22:40 GMT -8
Article: First Impression Power Rankings
The relevant part of the draft is over. Where does this inaugural season stand as we look at
rosters right now?
Tier 1: Title Contenders
1. Nets
Greeme does not have the most talented team, but he has one that is ready to exploit the deficiencies of other teams and is ready-made to succeed in FBB. The Nets will lead the league in rebounding and have great depth. Greeme’s squad does not have a lot of offensive firepower, which could undermine this team in the playoffs
2. Clippers
Tim Duncan might be the best player in BBS from day one and the Clippers are one of the few teams with a competent Point Guard in Gary Payton. If the Clipps keep adding pieces to this bench, this will be a dominant team in the West.
3. Knicks
Hesitant to rank my own team, but I gotta put us somewhere. This might be the most talented team in the league for this year – with scorers at every position and a lot of positional versatility throughout the roster – but this is an nontraditional squad. Can a team win a title without a rim-protector?
4. Hornets
The Hornets are deep, well-balanced and strong throughout the roster. Alonzo Mourning was the best pick in the draft and nabbing Karl Malone in the 3rd round was a smart play for a franchise in win-now mode.
Tier 2: Competitive Teams
5. Cavs
Garnett-Webber-Van Horn is as good as it gets in the frontcourt. And the Cavs made a smart move by nabbing Raef LaFrentz in the 3rd round. However, Point Guard play is extremely important in FBB and the Cavs will have trouble in the playoffs without a competent floor general.
6. Pacers
Steve Nash may not have the prettiest ratings, but his strengths as a shooter and playmaker will stand-out once sims begin. Elton Brand is a good player, but I’m not sure how much help these two stars will have. Divac’s Test sim was underwhelming and Maggette seems to be a few years away.
EDIT: The Pacers just acquired Hakeem for nothing. Big win for them!
7. Grizzlies
The Grizz boast a solid starting lineup with Big Z – Ratliff – Briant Grant – Jalen Rose – Eric Snow. That’s what 4 second round picks will do for you, eh? Erbes made a few bad moves but his entire team is under-30 so I don’t think he will be giving up any guaranteed lottery selections. I like Rose.
8. Bulls
The Bulls don’t have a lot of star power, but this is a solid team from top to bottom. Play and Insane kept the squad relatively young, so this is a team that should grow organically and win 45-50 games this season.
9. Pistons
This is a solid team from top to bottom. I love the Hardaway/Hill duo at the wings. They should generate a bunch of points. And those two are bookended with solid Center play in PJ Brown and a competent PG in Sam Cassell.
10. Jazz
This is a veteran squad with a lot of scoring power in Allan Houston and Toni Kukoc. With David Robinson covering for those poor defenders in the frontcourt, this squad should be OK.
11. 76ers
I like this draft. Nothing spectacular, but Steve and his AGM got solid players at each draft slot – all of whom are in their respective primes and should get better.
12. Raptors
Toronto has gradually been building a solid team. Not sure there is much value on this roster besides for Ray Allen, but in a deflated league, this team will finish with a record above .500. Uninspiring but fine!
Playing the Long Game, but Decent
13. Bucks
I am not in love with this draft. I hope the Bucks got some future picks. I like Rasheed Wallace but there isn’t a ton of value on this roster.
14. Rockets
I like Shawn Marion and Bo Outlaw. Not much else is on this roster. Houston might want to lose, but it is going to be difficult to tank with two “A” defenders.
15. Heat
I disagree with people criticizing Kobe over the Marbury pick. He’ll be good. Point Guard is a scarce commodity right now and Marbury has an excellent foundation. Mike Miller was a good pick. I’m not a big fan of Ricky Davis or Kenny Thomas, though.
16. Nuggets
Not sure what the Nuggets saw in Rasual Butler (?) to hand-over Hakeem Olajuwon for him straight up. I thought this team could have been decent but now I just see Shaq and Scraps. That sounds like a good rap album.
17. Sonics
Should probably be ranked # 1 since they drafted The Professor. How didn’t Andre get picked # 1?
Playing the Longer Game:
18. Kings
Kobe Bryant is awesome! I don’t see much else here, though.
19. Celtics
Allen Iverson is awesome! I don’t see much else here, though.
20. Timberwolves
Vince Carter is awesome! I don’t see much else here, though.
21. Mavericks
T-Mac is awesome! I don’t see much else here, though?
Side note: why did GMs that had 5 of the 12 best players in the league all decide to tank?
22. Wizards
I like JAH’s strategy. Not sure I loved all of his individual picks, but building a fun team with a bunch of young dudes always gets my stamp of approval. Peja and Redd could be building blocks. Swift and Miller look like poopie.
23. Warriors
Dirk and Billups is a nice duo with which to start. I don’t think Darius Miles or Nazr Mohammed have much hope, however.
24. Spurs
Yikes. I love Lamar Odom, but he looks like a borderline-gimmick player in the 1st round based on his Test Sim. Kenyon Martin can’t rebound. Eddie House is a fun risk at PG because of his low handles. Jamal Magloire is eh.
25. Hawks
Yeah, this team is absolute garbage. Who is Dalibor Bagaric?
26. Suns
Baron Davis is fun! He’s the only dude on the roster right now.
27. Blazers
Yeah, I mean. It’s a teenage wasteland.
28. Magic
This is a dream. Antoine Walker is the team’s only player. He gets to take one million shots. Only four-pointers allowed!
29. Lakers
Larry Hughes and Hedo Turkoglu. Two of my favorite players in the early 00s! That’s the extent of this squad!
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