Post by footy on May 14, 2020 14:33:19 GMT -8
Morning, Afternoon & Evening all,
It is with great pleasure I bring you the very first Power Poll of BBS2020.
We received votes from 12 GM's from around the league who have provided their opinion on the 10 best teams in the league.
Without further ado, here are the results.
1. New York Knicks (115 votes, 8 First Place votes)
Reg Season: 59-23
Playoffs: 4-0
The favored team of the majority polled. The Knicks lethal trio of Michael Jordan, Steve Nash, and Jamal Mashburn has propelled the Knicks to the league's best net rating. Supported by two additional Hall of Famers in Arvdas Sabonis & Hakeem Olajuwon, the Knicks solidified their credentials as a championship winning team with a clean sweep of the Heat in Round 1 of the Playoffs. The experience & talent of the Knicks are clear to all however they do need to keep their creaky bodies healthy throughout the playoffs. Continuing to sweep their opponents will help!
2. Utah Jazz (102 votes, 3 FPV)
Reg Season: 61-21
Playoffs: 4-0
The clear favorite in the West, the Utah Jazz are the only team in the league (other than the Knicks) who possess a point differential of greater than 10. They are doing this whilst also holding their opponents to a tick over 98ppg. David Robinson is built for playoff success and his defensive prowess alongside Glenn Robinson & Bobby Jackson offensive firepower will make eliminating the Jazz a difficult proposition in a weak Western Conference.
3. New Jersey Nets (100 votes, 1 FPV)
Reg Season: 56-26
Playoffs: 4-1
Reg Season: 56-26
Playoffs: 4-1
Sitting 3rd in our Power Polls are the might of New Jersey. The overwhelming consensus from the voters was that Greeme's abilities as a GM should be feared in the playoffs. Greeme has built his team specifically for the playoffs and has prioritized defense & rebounding as the tools to dismantle their opponents. Greeme's ability with Depth Charts was also identified as a key competitive advantage. It will be interesting to see if Greeme's ability as a GM can overwhelm some more talented rosters.
4. Chicago Bulls (66 votes)
Reg Season: 58-24
Playoffs: 2- 4 (eliminated)
Another Eastern Bloc power in the top 4, the Bulls dual GM's should be proud of their achievements this season despite a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. League GM's are split on their long term viability as a contender however a trio of Marcus Camby, Juwan Howard & Michael Finley should be more than enough to ensure regular playoff appearances in the short term.
5. New Orleans Hornets (62 votes)
Reg Season: 55-27
Playoffs: 4-1
The Hornets have certaintly extracted some exciting results from the ageing bodies of Alonzo Mourning, Karl Malone & Anthony Mason. Given the swirling rumors of potential retirements having a significant impact upon this team, this could be the year that the Hornets make their run. Although fighting it out the competitive East, the Hornets have enough talent to beat any team on any given day. Jerry Stackhouse has yet to be unleashed but his scoring abilities may be the wildcard the Hornets utilise to make it out of the conference.
6. LA Clippers (58 votes)
Reg Season: 55-27
Playoffs: 4-0
Led by the leagues MVP, Tim Duncan, the Clippers are a dangerous proposition for any opponent. Ably assisted by one of the league's preeminent point guards in Gary Payton, the Clippers have a deadly duo at their hands. It will be interesting to see how they compete in the coming seasons. Duncan will win a championship, it may not be this year (and it may not be with the Clippers) but watch this space. Timmy Duncan is on a Ringzzzz-quest.
7. Memphis Grizzlies (48 votes)
Reg Season: 54-28
Playoffs: 3-4 (eliminated)
An outstanding defensive team, the Grizzlies just did not have enough elite talent to overcome the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Interestingly, this was a point made by a few GMs prior to the playoffs. The feeling is that this is a nice team but not a contending team. If they can add an all-star caliber player (preferably at PG) this will be a team that will duke it out for the West Crown in 2001.
Reg Season: 54-28
Playoffs: 3-4 (eliminated)
An outstanding defensive team, the Grizzlies just did not have enough elite talent to overcome the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Interestingly, this was a point made by a few GMs prior to the playoffs. The feeling is that this is a nice team but not a contending team. If they can add an all-star caliber player (preferably at PG) this will be a team that will duke it out for the West Crown in 2001.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (44 votes)
Reg Season: 50-32
Playoffs: 1- 4 (eliminated)
Eliminated from the playoffs by a more experienced team, the Hornets, the Cav's should reflect on their season with great pride. In a difficult conference they acquitted themselves remarkably and have enough flexibility to improve their team. Kevin Garnett, Grant Hill & Keith Van Horn provide one of the strongest foundations from which they can build. However, they are lacking in the league's most desolate positions- Center & Point Guard. They will need to get creative to find the missing pieces that will push them to the upper echelon of the league's teams.
9. Denver Nuggets (35 votes)
Reg Season: 48-34
Playoffs: 4-0
Shaq, Scottie & Stockton. The Nuggets have been strong after their deadline dealing and Shaquille O'Neal's strength's have been evident in the playoffs. Many around the league consider Shaq a difficult player to build around however paired alongside Pippen & Stockton, the Nuggets are most definitely a dark horse in a wide open Western Conference. If you could put a bet on a team to win the conference this is the team I would be picking. Spencer, give us some odds!
10. Sacramento Kings (10 votes)
Reg Season: 38-44
Playoffs: 0-4
A youthful, talented team that was exposed brutally in the playoffs. A team for the future but not for this year.
Others Receiving Votes:
Miami Heat (7 votes)
Detroit Pistons (5)
Indiana Pacers (3)
Portland Trailblazers (3)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2)
Voters:
Grizzilies, Jazz, Clippers, Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Kings, 76ers, Knicks, Pacers, Wizards, Magic
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