Post by Orlando Magic Johnson on Jul 26, 2022 7:40:11 GMT -8
DB's Opening Night Power Rankings
1. Orlando Magic (7-0)
GM Galo has built a fine squad over there in Orlando. The defending champs finally had a successful postseason run and look to repeat last year's success. Starting off the season 7-0 is never a bad thing. Galo's squad looks poised for another 60 plus win season and a deep playoff run. Led by veteran Devereux St. Cloud at the spry age 37-years-old and vet Frank Ramsey, I think they won't have a problem repeating last year's successes. This team has a lot of key contributors up and down the roster. From Dolph Schayes to Bob Reiter, Phil Jordan and 25-year-old Jim McClellan they get plenty of STOCKS. +10 point differential, high stocks, high percentages and low turnovers. Hard team to beat.
2. Chicago Bulls (7-0)
If the Magic didn't win it all last year, I would have given the first spot to the Bulls. They have started off the season very very well and here I thought GM Play wanted to retool his history? WEIRD! They have an impressive 23 ppg differential. Holy shit. They're allowing a league-low 103 oppg. That's crazy. It's only 7 games but man what a defense. The Bulls are second in the league as a team in blocks and first in steals. They're scary dominate with stocks. This guy Buzz Bennett is pretty nasty, eh? If someone is going to give the Magic a run for it's money it's definitely the Bulls. Love the squad Play as put together. Hard to see either of these teams losing. Maurice Stokes is doing 17.4 rebounds per game. lol HUH!
3. Los Angeles Clippers (5-1)
Hello, Greeme. I thought the Bulls had a crazy point differential. The Clippers is at 26.8. Damn boyyyyy. The Clippers lead the league is scoring and FG%. Third in rebounds per game and do a great job of holding onto the rock. Greeme has consistently built a nice squad over there in LA. This guy Sam Jones has turned out to be an absolute STUD MUFFIN. Sam Jones SG 6 38.8 36.0 6.7 5.8 1.8 3.5 1.5 .506 .973 .375?? In 6 games but still. What are these blocks and stocks? 3.5 per game? HUH. I don't know man. I know it's early and things are inflated but thats some crazy numbers. This guy will carry the Clippers for many years. The first Western Conference team on the list but not the last. A very good squad in the West that should definitely make a deep run barring any injuries this playoff season.
4. Sacremento Kings (6-2)
My man Steve over here is still running strong. Consistently having winning seasons similar to the Clippers. Sac Town has a fierce front court anchored by Zeke Zawoluk, Worm Namdor, Ed Macauley and Chad Slanters. They're averagein 13.6 blocks per game right now which is a league best. Fierce indeed. Sometimes you regret things...I probably should never have traded Zeke and Worm. But oh well! Wheres the fun in that! Kings have had a dominant, successful run as of late but have never won it all. Steve is looking to do just that before some of these guys times run out. Now is the time to strike! Ed and Worm aren't getting any younger. Can we talk about Cliff Hagen for a second? Very nice player. Love that guy. Nice start to the season Steve!
5. New Jersey Nets (5-2)
Reluctant to put Marty's shitty squad on here but here we are! JUST KIDDING! Relax! Don't cry about it. Nice, solid squad anchored by two great bigs. Clyde Lovellette and Rudy LaRusso. Haven't really paid much attention to Rudy's game but he has taken a nice jump this season. His ppg has basically doubled. Real fine centerpiece to build around and have on the Nets for years to come. Well, see how long that lasts though. Nets have a very old backcourt that probably has 1 season or so left in them. Marty better get the most out of this magical run but I think he will have a very hard time trying to beat some of the elite squads on the top of this list. Side note: Alex Groza is still in the league and George Kaftan is still doing his damn thang. Props.
6. Golden State Warriors (5-2)
I was a tempted to put the Warriors at the 5th spot but here we are. What can you say about this squad? They have the best player in the league. Wilt Chamberlain C 7 39.6 39.6 11.6 3.0 1.4 1.4 2.4 .535 .969 .000 What the hell are you supposed to do with this? Cry about it to Spencer? Probably. I might. I can't win in these conditions. Couldn't win before but imagine? Anyway....Wilt is NICE! Dukes is NICE! Always liked the Monk man. Hell of a player, fun. Always wanted him on the Blazers. Besides that this team is lacking talent and some players in the backcourt. They need help. Wilt can carry you to the playoffs but carry you to a ring? Maybe? But i don't think. this squad has it in them...YET to win it all. They need to make a move or two. I can't believe this guy Gene Rhodes turned out to be such a fun player. Nice pick Donald.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (6-3)
Bob Pettit. K.C. Jones. This Bucks roster is basically a two-man show surrounded by some solid depth. The Bucks are a good squad, no doubt about it. Besides those two fellas, they don't seem to have championship level talent to take them all the way. I feel like they need one more piece and they can do some damage in the playoffs. Maybe it's in there frontcourt or maybe they need another scorer. They're almost there but I have a hard time seeing them win it all with what they have right now. No hate but the truth. Just need something to get over the HUMPPPP. Having said that, they will definitely make the playoffs and anything can happen. Barney Cable turned out to be a pretty solid player huh? Nice stocks on the purple dinosaur.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)
Svedda's squad is legit but didn't get off to an amazing start. Only +2 point differential but they will be a top 10 team all season because of Elgin Baylor. Very nice player. Very smooth, very classy player. Would love to have one. Red Rocha is 35 years old but still putting up major stocks. Impressive. Kinda interesting going around the league and seeing how many vet big man are still in the league, still getting stocks. You also don't see too many young bigs doing this. Going to be interesting when a lot of these guys start retiring. Vince Cohen is very nice. Lennie fucking Rosenbluth turned out to be a nice solid contributor. Good piece to have on a roster with star talent. Fucking guy. I gave this guy away thinking it was nothing but he shoots well, doesn't turn it over and has some stocks. FUCK ME! Ok, that's all for now. Oh wait when Red retires Jackie will replace him and Green is nice. Cavs gonna be good for awhile. Fun!
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-4)
My man HF is second in the West but 9th in the Power Rankings. His squad is very good, young and talented. They have some real cornerstone pieces that will be future all 1st team players. Jerry West, of course, is the main draw in Minnesota followed by young forward Bailey Howell. They also have Jerry Mullen, Dick Garmaker, and Mel Hutchins along with several other key depth pieces that round out this roster. I think if HF can find another young big for his squad he is going to have a nice big-3 over there in Minnesota. Possibly trade Jerry Mullen for that piece if it's out there. Gotta be someone. Minnesota has a real nice squad that's probably going to be the future dominant team in the West. The young guys mentioned above are true, true superstars. Minnesota also has a sneaky squad that could make a run once in the playoffs. Definitely could see that happening with the talent on here.
10. Seattle Super Sonics (6-4)
Matt's Sonics surprisingly round out the top 10 Power Rankings. I'm not sure what to make of this squad but he did have a winning sim. I could also have put another team in this spot but I'm going to throw the kid a bone. He has a negative point differential and 4 bigs on the roster. One is playable and the other is 37-years-old. Matt once had a really nice young squad with a lot of nice young talent. He traded it all away to tank again! It was strange at the time and still strange! But do you man! He has tons of picks and right now is trying to get that 42 wins to reset his CY. It's possible! The West isn't that loaded as usual so anytime could potentially make it that gives a little effort. Or so you would think. I'm not really sure what to make of this Sonics roster. I had some of these pieces. They definitely have scorers. They need rebounding help. Stocks. They need some bigs and defense. They might make 42 though.
1. Orlando Magic (7-0)
GM Galo has built a fine squad over there in Orlando. The defending champs finally had a successful postseason run and look to repeat last year's success. Starting off the season 7-0 is never a bad thing. Galo's squad looks poised for another 60 plus win season and a deep playoff run. Led by veteran Devereux St. Cloud at the spry age 37-years-old and vet Frank Ramsey, I think they won't have a problem repeating last year's successes. This team has a lot of key contributors up and down the roster. From Dolph Schayes to Bob Reiter, Phil Jordan and 25-year-old Jim McClellan they get plenty of STOCKS. +10 point differential, high stocks, high percentages and low turnovers. Hard team to beat.
2. Chicago Bulls (7-0)
If the Magic didn't win it all last year, I would have given the first spot to the Bulls. They have started off the season very very well and here I thought GM Play wanted to retool his history? WEIRD! They have an impressive 23 ppg differential. Holy shit. They're allowing a league-low 103 oppg. That's crazy. It's only 7 games but man what a defense. The Bulls are second in the league as a team in blocks and first in steals. They're scary dominate with stocks. This guy Buzz Bennett is pretty nasty, eh? If someone is going to give the Magic a run for it's money it's definitely the Bulls. Love the squad Play as put together. Hard to see either of these teams losing. Maurice Stokes is doing 17.4 rebounds per game. lol HUH!
3. Los Angeles Clippers (5-1)
Hello, Greeme. I thought the Bulls had a crazy point differential. The Clippers is at 26.8. Damn boyyyyy. The Clippers lead the league is scoring and FG%. Third in rebounds per game and do a great job of holding onto the rock. Greeme has consistently built a nice squad over there in LA. This guy Sam Jones has turned out to be an absolute STUD MUFFIN. Sam Jones SG 6 38.8 36.0 6.7 5.8 1.8 3.5 1.5 .506 .973 .375?? In 6 games but still. What are these blocks and stocks? 3.5 per game? HUH. I don't know man. I know it's early and things are inflated but thats some crazy numbers. This guy will carry the Clippers for many years. The first Western Conference team on the list but not the last. A very good squad in the West that should definitely make a deep run barring any injuries this playoff season.
4. Sacremento Kings (6-2)
My man Steve over here is still running strong. Consistently having winning seasons similar to the Clippers. Sac Town has a fierce front court anchored by Zeke Zawoluk, Worm Namdor, Ed Macauley and Chad Slanters. They're averagein 13.6 blocks per game right now which is a league best. Fierce indeed. Sometimes you regret things...I probably should never have traded Zeke and Worm. But oh well! Wheres the fun in that! Kings have had a dominant, successful run as of late but have never won it all. Steve is looking to do just that before some of these guys times run out. Now is the time to strike! Ed and Worm aren't getting any younger. Can we talk about Cliff Hagen for a second? Very nice player. Love that guy. Nice start to the season Steve!
5. New Jersey Nets (5-2)
Reluctant to put Marty's shitty squad on here but here we are! JUST KIDDING! Relax! Don't cry about it. Nice, solid squad anchored by two great bigs. Clyde Lovellette and Rudy LaRusso. Haven't really paid much attention to Rudy's game but he has taken a nice jump this season. His ppg has basically doubled. Real fine centerpiece to build around and have on the Nets for years to come. Well, see how long that lasts though. Nets have a very old backcourt that probably has 1 season or so left in them. Marty better get the most out of this magical run but I think he will have a very hard time trying to beat some of the elite squads on the top of this list. Side note: Alex Groza is still in the league and George Kaftan is still doing his damn thang. Props.
6. Golden State Warriors (5-2)
I was a tempted to put the Warriors at the 5th spot but here we are. What can you say about this squad? They have the best player in the league. Wilt Chamberlain C 7 39.6 39.6 11.6 3.0 1.4 1.4 2.4 .535 .969 .000 What the hell are you supposed to do with this? Cry about it to Spencer? Probably. I might. I can't win in these conditions. Couldn't win before but imagine? Anyway....Wilt is NICE! Dukes is NICE! Always liked the Monk man. Hell of a player, fun. Always wanted him on the Blazers. Besides that this team is lacking talent and some players in the backcourt. They need help. Wilt can carry you to the playoffs but carry you to a ring? Maybe? But i don't think. this squad has it in them...YET to win it all. They need to make a move or two. I can't believe this guy Gene Rhodes turned out to be such a fun player. Nice pick Donald.
7. Milwaukee Bucks (6-3)
Bob Pettit. K.C. Jones. This Bucks roster is basically a two-man show surrounded by some solid depth. The Bucks are a good squad, no doubt about it. Besides those two fellas, they don't seem to have championship level talent to take them all the way. I feel like they need one more piece and they can do some damage in the playoffs. Maybe it's in there frontcourt or maybe they need another scorer. They're almost there but I have a hard time seeing them win it all with what they have right now. No hate but the truth. Just need something to get over the HUMPPPP. Having said that, they will definitely make the playoffs and anything can happen. Barney Cable turned out to be a pretty solid player huh? Nice stocks on the purple dinosaur.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-2)
Svedda's squad is legit but didn't get off to an amazing start. Only +2 point differential but they will be a top 10 team all season because of Elgin Baylor. Very nice player. Very smooth, very classy player. Would love to have one. Red Rocha is 35 years old but still putting up major stocks. Impressive. Kinda interesting going around the league and seeing how many vet big man are still in the league, still getting stocks. You also don't see too many young bigs doing this. Going to be interesting when a lot of these guys start retiring. Vince Cohen is very nice. Lennie fucking Rosenbluth turned out to be a nice solid contributor. Good piece to have on a roster with star talent. Fucking guy. I gave this guy away thinking it was nothing but he shoots well, doesn't turn it over and has some stocks. FUCK ME! Ok, that's all for now. Oh wait when Red retires Jackie will replace him and Green is nice. Cavs gonna be good for awhile. Fun!
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-4)
My man HF is second in the West but 9th in the Power Rankings. His squad is very good, young and talented. They have some real cornerstone pieces that will be future all 1st team players. Jerry West, of course, is the main draw in Minnesota followed by young forward Bailey Howell. They also have Jerry Mullen, Dick Garmaker, and Mel Hutchins along with several other key depth pieces that round out this roster. I think if HF can find another young big for his squad he is going to have a nice big-3 over there in Minnesota. Possibly trade Jerry Mullen for that piece if it's out there. Gotta be someone. Minnesota has a real nice squad that's probably going to be the future dominant team in the West. The young guys mentioned above are true, true superstars. Minnesota also has a sneaky squad that could make a run once in the playoffs. Definitely could see that happening with the talent on here.
10. Seattle Super Sonics (6-4)
Matt's Sonics surprisingly round out the top 10 Power Rankings. I'm not sure what to make of this squad but he did have a winning sim. I could also have put another team in this spot but I'm going to throw the kid a bone. He has a negative point differential and 4 bigs on the roster. One is playable and the other is 37-years-old. Matt once had a really nice young squad with a lot of nice young talent. He traded it all away to tank again! It was strange at the time and still strange! But do you man! He has tons of picks and right now is trying to get that 42 wins to reset his CY. It's possible! The West isn't that loaded as usual so anytime could potentially make it that gives a little effort. Or so you would think. I'm not really sure what to make of this Sonics roster. I had some of these pieces. They definitely have scorers. They need rebounding help. Stocks. They need some bigs and defense. They might make 42 though.
