Post by footy on May 18, 2020 22:54:05 GMT -8
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllooooooooooo all,
Welcome to the first edition of Power Polls for Season 2001.
As always, this poll is collated based upon the votes and thoughts of GM's around the league. In this edition we received votes from 15 GM's which means half the league are pieces of shit.
Anyways, onto the rankings:
1. Utah Jazz (141 votes, 9 First Place votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 2
Hot on the heels of a Championship, the Utah Jazz begin Season 2001 as the league's expected favourites. The addition of EuroLeague legend Sarunas Jasikevicius has only strengthen this squad. Despite a mediocre first sim, the Jazz boast the league’s leading offense led by the reigning Finals MVP- Allan Houston. Houston has torched the league in the first 10 days posting a ridiculous 33.5ppg on insane shooting efficiencies. Houston's running mate, Glenn Robinson, has also started on fire and complemented by the ageing, yet talented, David Robinson, the Jazz will be the most difficult team to overcome in the West. The only concerns emanating from the league's executives is how will the Jazz keep these older bodies healthy for another 82 game stretch...
2. New Jersey Nets (133 votes, 4 FPV)
Reg Season: 6-2
Last Ranking: 3
Last year's Eastern Conference Champion and league runner up only added the greatest player of all time during the offseason. Incredible scenes. Michael Jordan has started his career with the Nets with a BANG! Averaging 29ppg, 8.5rpg & 6apg out of the gate, there appears very little that will slow this 38 year old legend down. Partnering MJ on the wings is an underrated 3pt threat in Mike Miller. Providing unbelievable efficiencies and on great volume, Miller is the perfect complement to Jordan's do it all mentality. Heading the front court of this team is the Block Party of Dikembe Mutombo & Ben Wallace. These two vet's will box out, swat & put back all night long. The Nets are on a mission to win this season and it could just be their year.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (105 votes)
Reg Season: 5-2
Last Ranking: 6
Led by the league's undisputed best player, the LA Clippers occupy the 3rd spot in our rankings and a crazy 12ppg net differential. Duncan's work ethic & dedication over the offseason has paid off tremendously in the early going of this season. Averaging 35ppg & 15rpg, TD looks determined to carry this team as far as he can. This squad could do with an upgrade at both Centre & Point Guard if they wish to truly contend however Duncan's sheer dominance alone has made this team an early season favourite for success this year.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (91 votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 7
The Cavalier's made a great trade during the offseason for Gary Payton- an experienced, well rounded point guard who sets the table for the scoring prowess of Grant Hill, Keith Van Horn & Kevin Garnett. This team is almost the complete package but is aching a competent Centre. Unless Svedda is willing to move Garnett up the line-up, they will be on the hunt for the missing piece to truly complete this team. Garnett has struggled early this season and questions are beginning to mount as to his true value. Overrated or Underrated? This will be an interesting story line to follow during Season 2001.
5. Miami Heat (84 votes, 1 FPV)
Reg Season: 2-2
Last Ranking: N/A
A little bit of self love has never hurt anyone (unless you trip over your dick while running from an unsuspecting neighbour) however Kobe's confidence in his team cannot be questioned after he gave his Miami Heat top billing his Power Poll. The rest of the GM's polled see the Heat as a threat but not a contender…yet. The expectations for Heat’s franchise player Tracy McGrady increased following an impressive Training Camp however his production will need to match his scouted attributes if this team is to make a serious run at the East title. Expect a few moves soon from the Heat as they strive for respect in this league.
6. Denver Nuggets (51 votes)
Reg Season: 4-1
Last Ranking: 9
The Nuggets GM, Covid, did not blink over the offseason when it looked like a rebuild was necessary and it is proving to be a wise decision. Currently the only team in the West with a solitary loss, the Nuggets possess the most dangerous asset in the league, Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal has flaws and so does this team however Shaq’s sheer brilliance can be enough to overcome any squad in the league. This could be the last chance for the Nuggets as their starting five has an average age of 34.
7. Sacramento Kings (36 votes, 1 FPV)
Reg Season: 3-2
Last Ranking: 10
A flurry of offseason moves, including a strategic salary dump, resulted in the landing of a big fish in Sacramento- Steve Nash. Arguably the league’s top point guard, the Kings have potentially the most damaging back court in the league. Nash’s off guard Kobe Bryant looks set for a break out season and this could be the beginning of a perennial contender in Northern California should they be able to improve their front court. The Kings are lacking tradeable assets outside of Nash & Bryant so reaching the next tier of league will require the development of some talented, yet flawed, youngsters. Regardless, expect this team to be playoff bound in 2001.
8. New York Knicks (35 votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 1
No team lost more talent between seasons than the Knicks. The controversial trade of Steve Nash to the Kings was bemoaned by the Knickerbocker faithful however Jamal Crawford has gone some way to alleviate the long term concerns with a blistering first two weeks in New York. The reigning rookie of the year is a weapon from deep and this team has just enough ammunition to ensure a playoff appearance. They are not a contender by any stretch but they are a team that could cause an upset or two throughout the season.
9. New Orleans Hornets (34 votes)
Reg Season: 1 - 3
Last Ranking: 5
The first team in our rankings with a losing record, the Hornets significantly underachieved in their first 10 days of season 2001. This resulted in the quick removal of Antony Mason and the addition of Sam Cassell to upgrade the Point Guard position. Without their pick this season, this team will be fighting mightily to secure a playoff berth this season. However, they may need to surround Jerry Stackhouse & Alonzo Mourning with more talent to do so in a competitive East. The next 20 days could make or break the Hornet’s season.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (30 votes)
Reg Season: 3 -1
Last Ranking: 8
A team of contributors rounds out our top 10. The Grizzlies do not possess a superstar but they do have several quality players up & down their roster. This is another dangerous team that can exploit matchups where the opposition are just not as well rounded as they are. Jalen Rose leads this team and his 27ppg is not to be underestimated. Expect this team be amongst it throughout the course of 2001.
Others Receiving Votes:
Dallas Mavericks (26 votes)
Chicago Bulls (25)
Detroit Pistons (24)
Toronto Raptors (5)
Boston Celtics (4)
LA Lakers (1)
Voters:
Pistons, Pacers, Heat, Kings, Rockets, Jazz, Bulls, Grizzlies, Clippers, Spurs, 76ers, Knicks, Magic, Wizards, Cavaliers, Celtics
Welcome to the first edition of Power Polls for Season 2001.
As always, this poll is collated based upon the votes and thoughts of GM's around the league. In this edition we received votes from 15 GM's which means half the league are pieces of shit.
Anyways, onto the rankings:
1. Utah Jazz (141 votes, 9 First Place votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 2
Hot on the heels of a Championship, the Utah Jazz begin Season 2001 as the league's expected favourites. The addition of EuroLeague legend Sarunas Jasikevicius has only strengthen this squad. Despite a mediocre first sim, the Jazz boast the league’s leading offense led by the reigning Finals MVP- Allan Houston. Houston has torched the league in the first 10 days posting a ridiculous 33.5ppg on insane shooting efficiencies. Houston's running mate, Glenn Robinson, has also started on fire and complemented by the ageing, yet talented, David Robinson, the Jazz will be the most difficult team to overcome in the West. The only concerns emanating from the league's executives is how will the Jazz keep these older bodies healthy for another 82 game stretch...
2. New Jersey Nets (133 votes, 4 FPV)
Reg Season: 6-2
Last Ranking: 3
Last year's Eastern Conference Champion and league runner up only added the greatest player of all time during the offseason. Incredible scenes. Michael Jordan has started his career with the Nets with a BANG! Averaging 29ppg, 8.5rpg & 6apg out of the gate, there appears very little that will slow this 38 year old legend down. Partnering MJ on the wings is an underrated 3pt threat in Mike Miller. Providing unbelievable efficiencies and on great volume, Miller is the perfect complement to Jordan's do it all mentality. Heading the front court of this team is the Block Party of Dikembe Mutombo & Ben Wallace. These two vet's will box out, swat & put back all night long. The Nets are on a mission to win this season and it could just be their year.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (105 votes)
Reg Season: 5-2
Last Ranking: 6
Led by the league's undisputed best player, the LA Clippers occupy the 3rd spot in our rankings and a crazy 12ppg net differential. Duncan's work ethic & dedication over the offseason has paid off tremendously in the early going of this season. Averaging 35ppg & 15rpg, TD looks determined to carry this team as far as he can. This squad could do with an upgrade at both Centre & Point Guard if they wish to truly contend however Duncan's sheer dominance alone has made this team an early season favourite for success this year.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (91 votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 7
The Cavalier's made a great trade during the offseason for Gary Payton- an experienced, well rounded point guard who sets the table for the scoring prowess of Grant Hill, Keith Van Horn & Kevin Garnett. This team is almost the complete package but is aching a competent Centre. Unless Svedda is willing to move Garnett up the line-up, they will be on the hunt for the missing piece to truly complete this team. Garnett has struggled early this season and questions are beginning to mount as to his true value. Overrated or Underrated? This will be an interesting story line to follow during Season 2001.
5. Miami Heat (84 votes, 1 FPV)
Reg Season: 2-2
Last Ranking: N/A
A little bit of self love has never hurt anyone (unless you trip over your dick while running from an unsuspecting neighbour) however Kobe's confidence in his team cannot be questioned after he gave his Miami Heat top billing his Power Poll. The rest of the GM's polled see the Heat as a threat but not a contender…yet. The expectations for Heat’s franchise player Tracy McGrady increased following an impressive Training Camp however his production will need to match his scouted attributes if this team is to make a serious run at the East title. Expect a few moves soon from the Heat as they strive for respect in this league.
6. Denver Nuggets (51 votes)
Reg Season: 4-1
Last Ranking: 9
The Nuggets GM, Covid, did not blink over the offseason when it looked like a rebuild was necessary and it is proving to be a wise decision. Currently the only team in the West with a solitary loss, the Nuggets possess the most dangerous asset in the league, Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal has flaws and so does this team however Shaq’s sheer brilliance can be enough to overcome any squad in the league. This could be the last chance for the Nuggets as their starting five has an average age of 34.
7. Sacramento Kings (36 votes, 1 FPV)
Reg Season: 3-2
Last Ranking: 10
A flurry of offseason moves, including a strategic salary dump, resulted in the landing of a big fish in Sacramento- Steve Nash. Arguably the league’s top point guard, the Kings have potentially the most damaging back court in the league. Nash’s off guard Kobe Bryant looks set for a break out season and this could be the beginning of a perennial contender in Northern California should they be able to improve their front court. The Kings are lacking tradeable assets outside of Nash & Bryant so reaching the next tier of league will require the development of some talented, yet flawed, youngsters. Regardless, expect this team to be playoff bound in 2001.
8. New York Knicks (35 votes)
Reg Season: 5-3
Last Ranking: 1
No team lost more talent between seasons than the Knicks. The controversial trade of Steve Nash to the Kings was bemoaned by the Knickerbocker faithful however Jamal Crawford has gone some way to alleviate the long term concerns with a blistering first two weeks in New York. The reigning rookie of the year is a weapon from deep and this team has just enough ammunition to ensure a playoff appearance. They are not a contender by any stretch but they are a team that could cause an upset or two throughout the season.
9. New Orleans Hornets (34 votes)
Reg Season: 1 - 3
Last Ranking: 5
The first team in our rankings with a losing record, the Hornets significantly underachieved in their first 10 days of season 2001. This resulted in the quick removal of Antony Mason and the addition of Sam Cassell to upgrade the Point Guard position. Without their pick this season, this team will be fighting mightily to secure a playoff berth this season. However, they may need to surround Jerry Stackhouse & Alonzo Mourning with more talent to do so in a competitive East. The next 20 days could make or break the Hornet’s season.
10. Memphis Grizzlies (30 votes)
Reg Season: 3 -1
Last Ranking: 8
A team of contributors rounds out our top 10. The Grizzlies do not possess a superstar but they do have several quality players up & down their roster. This is another dangerous team that can exploit matchups where the opposition are just not as well rounded as they are. Jalen Rose leads this team and his 27ppg is not to be underestimated. Expect this team be amongst it throughout the course of 2001.
Others Receiving Votes:
Dallas Mavericks (26 votes)
Chicago Bulls (25)
Detroit Pistons (24)
Toronto Raptors (5)
Boston Celtics (4)
LA Lakers (1)
Voters:
Pistons, Pacers, Heat, Kings, Rockets, Jazz, Bulls, Grizzlies, Clippers, Spurs, 76ers, Knicks, Magic, Wizards, Cavaliers, Celtics