Post by James on Mar 29, 2007 3:40:36 GMT -5
Power Rankings
1: Phoenix Suns
Key Player: Steve Nash
X-Factor: Boris Diaw
Comment: Phoenix are by far the most talented team in the league this year; which is no surprise considering they feature two of the leagues top 10 players within it. With Steve Nash at the helm along with Brazilian Leandro Barbosa and Frenchmen Borias Diaw, Phoenix's strong starting lineup which also includes All-Stars Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire will be incredibly hard to stop this year in the UOSL. Look for Phoenix to drive deep into the playoffs and to seriously compete for the title.
2: Dallas Mavericks
Key Player: Dirk Nowitzki
X-Factor: Devin Harris
Comment: Along with Phoenix and fellow Texans, San Antonio, the Dallas Mavericks are sure fire title contenders. They hold with them possibly the leagues most talented and versatile players in Dirk Nowitzki, sharp shooting and ever improving point guard Jason Terry, the young and often surprising Josh Howard and a plethora of other talented players that will assist their quest for the first UOSL championship. Team chemistry will be pivotal in this teams success for a title.
3: San Antonio Spurs
Key Player: Tim Duncan
X-Factor: Tony Parker
Comment: Rounding out the top 3 are the Tim Duncan led San Antonio Spurs. Featuring international now-turned superstars Tony Parker and Emmanuel Ginobili, the Spurs are once more, for their 10th straight season, title contenders. Featuring Michael Finley and Luis Scola off the bench, San Antonio will without a doubt be a force to reckon with in this years UOSL season.
4: Houston Rockets
Key Player: Tracy McGrady
X-Factor: Yao Ming
Comment: If Yao Ming can stay healthy, and if Houston’s supporting cast can backup the play of Tracy McGrady, the Rockets look deadly. The 4th team from the West (and in fact, the Mid West Division), the team that also features Shane Battier, Rafer Alston and Stromile Swift most definitely have the talent to compete with the leagues best teams in order to win the championship. Team tactics including offensive focus will be instrumental in this teams success this season.
5: Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Player: LeBron James
X-Factor: Larry Hughes
Comment: LeBron James now has the supporting cast he needs to carry his Cleveland Cavaliers through the playoffs and compete for the championship. Together with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and an un-injured Larry Hughes, Cleveland have the utensils to top the East and to put up a fight against the best in the West. With Eric Snow, Drew Gooden, Aleksander Pavlovic and Anderson Varajeo playing key roles within the Cavaliers system, look out for LeBron to put this team on his shoulders and take them all the way.
6: Miami Heat
Key Player: Dwyane Wade
X-Factor: Shaquille O'Neal
Comment: After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in last years final series to capture the NBA Championship, Dwyane Wade and an ageing Shaquille O'Neal are back to repeat and bring yet another trophy back to Florida. With Jason Williams, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker and co still around, Miami look as good as ever. Depending how how well Shaq copes with injuries and the obvious road block of age, Miami are certain to be atop of the standings come season end.
7: Denver Nuggets
Key Player: Carmelo Anthony
X-Factor: Kenyon Martin
Comment: Denver will begin the 06/07 season with one new addition from last years squad; Allen Iverson. AI will step right into Denver’s starting rotation, taking the place of Andre Miller. Iverson will provide the Nuggets with an additional 25+ppg and 8+apg per night if given the opportunity. The Answer also brings with him veteran leadership and experience, something young superstar Carmelo Anthony can learn from. Alongside Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin, AI, C-Melo and the rest of the Nuggets team most definitely have what it takes to put up a fight and contest for the championship.
8: Detroit
Key Player: Chauncey Billups
X-Factor: Tayshaun Prince
Comment: With the departure of Ben Wallace to Chicago via free agency and the acquisition of former All-Star Chris Webber, the Pistons are now focused and ready to take the UOSL's first every championship. With sharp shooting Richard Hamilton, a fiery Rasheed Wallace and the always-improving Tayshaun Prince, Detroit; one of the leagues finest defensive teams will be aiming at competing in the Eastern Conference and regaining their title as an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
9: Utah Jazz
Key Player: Carlos Boozer
X-Factor: Deron Williams
Comment: Although not strong enough in their current state to really be perceived as title contenders, the Jazz, led by Carlos Boozer and Andrie Kirilenko are easily identifiable as title hopefuls. With some minor adjustments, this Jazz team will take it right up to the best of them from both the East and West. Controlled by second year point guard Deron Williams, the Jazz are a tight knit and well grouped team who together, should be a force to be reckoned with this year in the UOSL.
10: Chicago Bulls
Key Player: Kirk Hinrich
X-Factor: Ben Gordon
Comment: With the addition of Ben Wallace, Chicago became automatic playoff material and in turn; championship caliber. With Kirk Hinrich improving with every game and Ben Gordon establishing himself as a clutch player, the Bulls have what it takes to go deep into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Having Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and rookie Tyrus Thomas also at their disposal, the team from the Windy City are talented enough to make some serious noise this season.
11: Washington Wizards
Key Player: Gilbert Arenas
X-Factor: Caron Butler
Comment: Now heralded as one of the leagues best scorers, Gilbert Arenas has a tough job on his hands this season as he attempts to take his Washington Wizards past the first round of the playoffs. With a deadly 1-2-3 combination that includes the aforementioned Arenas, Caron Butler and former UNC Tar heel Antawn Jamison, the Wizards lack true power down low which may be and lead to their downfall come playoff time.
12: LA Lakers
Key Player: Kobe Bryant
X-Factor: Lamar Odom
Comment: Los Angeles posses the leagues best player, most prolific scorer and deadliest defender yet the teams supporting cast (excluding Lamar Odom) aren't talented enough to push the Lakers any further than the second round of the playoffs. KB24 will go for almost 35 a night guaranteed, however unless he can get the rest of the team involves, creating any serious noise in the playoffs is unlikely.
13: LA Clippers
Key Player: Elton Brand
X-Factor: Shaun Livingston
Comment: Following the Los Angeles Lakers in this weeks power rankings are city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. After an entertaining 05/06 season, Elton Brand, Tim Thomas, Corey Maggette and Sam Cassell will be in search of more playoff experience in the 06/07 season. The Clippers have been mediocre at best over the last decade, so pushing further into the playoffs this season will be a welcoming change. Changes and adjustments will be needed
14: New Jersey Nets
Key Player: Vince Carter
X-Factor: Jason Kidd
Comment: As they have had for the past two seasons, the Nets back court of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson has been up their with the best of them, however their front court can only be described as woeful. If NJ can bring in a solid scoring and good defensive big man at the 5 and a rebounding/shot blocking 4 man, they will be serious competitors. Until then, don't expect them to travel very far.
15: Golden State Warriors
Key Player: Baron Davis
X-Factor: Al Harrington
Comment: After bringing in Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson from Indiana, the Golden State Warriors have put themselves in a position to win more games than lose this year. Headed by Baron Davis and former Michigan Spartan Jason Richardson, the Warriors will be a team that more talented ones look out for. Expect them to sneak into the playoffs and upset a team or two, although don't put your money on it as this team could go either way in my opinion.
16: New Orleans Hornets
Key Player: Chris Paul
X-Factor: Tyson Chandler
Comment: Chris Paul has cemented himself as one of the leagues best point guards in only his third year, so don't be surprised to see him carry his Hornets which features Tyson Chandler and more notably, Peja Stojakovic past the first round of the playoffs. If David West can get into a grove, if Tyson Chandler can put some points on the board and if Peja Stojakovic can revert back to his old Sacramento days, New Orleans could be a team to look out for in the Western Conference this season.
17: New York Knicks
Key Player: Stephon Marbury
X-Factor: Eddy Curry
Comment: Although the Knicks are in the worst financial situation in the UOSL today, they have plenty of items and tools to a) get themselves into a manageable fiscal position after year, b) get themselves more young, exciting players to entertain the people of New York and/or c) construct a winning team that will challenge the Cleveland’s and Detroit’s in the East. They have the likes of Marbury/Francis/Richardson/Crawford/Curry to keep, and the likes of Robinson/Collins/Balkman/Frye/Lee/Picks to move if they decide to compete right away. They are in an exciting position and will create some noise in the league if their GM decides to make some moves.
18: Indiana Pacers
Key Player: Jermaine O'Neal
X-Factor: Danny Granger
Comment: Jermaine O'Neal should be good enough this year, with a little bit of help to scrape his Pacers into the Eastern Conference playoffs. After trading away 2 star small forwards in successive years (Peja Stojakovic and Ron Artest), the Pacers who recently acquired Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and Ike Diogu will be aiming to finish in the top 8 and upset a big name team to make it into the second round.
19: Sacramento Kings
Key Player: Mike Bibby
X-Factor: Ron Artest
Comment: If Ron Artest can keep himself out of trouble, if Mike Bibby can lift his game to where it was last season, if Kevin Martin can put up 15+ppg consistently and if Brad Miller can stay fit, the Kings will go places this year. In saying that, I just used the term 'if' four times in one sentence.
20: Toronto Raptors
Key Player: Chris Bosh
X-Factor: TJ Ford
Comment: I feel as if I've put the Raptors too low placing them at #19, although I can't see them making the Eastern Conference playoffs right now. They have a dominant power forward who is establishing himself as both a team leader and perennial all-star, a pass first point guard in TJ Ford and #1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani to play with, but thats all. If the team chooses and pursues a direction, the Raps may annoy a few top Eastern Conference teams, but anything past the 1st round of the playoffs will be an absolutely massive bonus for the team from Canada.
21: Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Player: Kevin Garnett
X-Factor: Ricky Davis
Comment: KG has no real supporting cast to speak of besides from Ricky Davis, so cracking the Western Conferences top 8 will be a difficult task. Don't be surprised to see number 21 traded this year to make way for a franchise direction. In saying
22: Orlando Magic
Key Player: Dwight Howard
X-Factor: Darko Millicic
Comment: Orlando are youg and exciting and really have the makings of a good team. If their GM can focus on building for the future aroud their young core of Dwight Howard, Darko Millicic and Jameer Nelson, the Magic should be a team with championship hopes in a few short years.
23: Seattle Supersonics
Key Player: Ray Allen
X-Factor: Luke Ridnour
Comment: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are to great players, however they aren't good enough (with their current team) to elevate the Sonics any higher than where they currently are at. Ridnour is at the point position in Seattle for yet another season, however isn't consistent enough to really give the Sonics anything outside their big two.
24: Milwaukee Bucks
Key Player: Michael Redd
X-Factor: Andrew Bogut
Comment: I hate to sound biased here (due to my love for fellow countrymen, Andrew Bogut), however this teams success really does rely upon the production and improvement of the big Aussie. The Bucks have Michael Redd who will give you 25+ppg night and in night out, an inconsistent point guard in Mo Williams and a rather unknown (in terms of consistent outcomes per game) small forward in Charlie Villanueva who performs well above his talent level in some games, however well below in others. If Bogut can increase his production to 16-20ppg and 7-11rpg over 2 seasons, the Bucks could be a team with direction.
26: Boston
Key Player: Paul Pierce
X-Factor: Delonte West
Comment: Boston have Paul Pierce surrounded by young kids. In terms of players, the Celtics have two capable point guards in Sebastian Telfair (recently aquired from Portland) and Rajan Rondo (just drafted), two very young shooting guards in Gerald Green and Delonte West and a young power forward in Al Jefferson. That doesn't soud too bad, however none of them (including Big Al) would start on any NBA team above them in the power rankings.
27: Atlanta
Key Player: Joe Johnson
X-Factor: Marvin Williams
Comment: Atlanta have many tools to create a fun team to GM, and a winning one much like New York. They have the likes of Joe Johnson, Josh Childress, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, all incredibly talented however they all play the same position. If the Hawks can move two of the abovementioned for players in positions that they need, I really wouldn't be surprised to see Atlanta make the playoffs this year.
28: Memphis
Key Player: Pau Gasol
X-Factor: Rudy Gay
Comment: The Grizzlies have Pau Gasol, and that’s it. Mike Miller and Damon Stoudemire are decent role players however won't draw too much of a crowd from GM's looking to upgrade their teams due to salary reasons. Rudy Gay and to an extent, Hakim Warrick are probably the only bright sparks in Memphis at the moment. If Gay can develop into a 20-24ppg player which he honestly can, the Grizzlies will improve. If not, they may be stuck down here for a while.
29: Philadelphia
Key Player: Andre Iguodala
X-Factor: Samuel Dalembert
Comment: The Sixers are the worst team in the league by far in my opinion; although that doesn't mean they will remain so. Andre Iguodala is the Sixers most valuable asset at the moment, so pairing him with a top draft pick and surrounding the two with current Sixers Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver and a free agent could make for a pretty tasty future; only if all goes to plan.
1: Phoenix Suns
Key Player: Steve Nash
X-Factor: Boris Diaw
Comment: Phoenix are by far the most talented team in the league this year; which is no surprise considering they feature two of the leagues top 10 players within it. With Steve Nash at the helm along with Brazilian Leandro Barbosa and Frenchmen Borias Diaw, Phoenix's strong starting lineup which also includes All-Stars Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire will be incredibly hard to stop this year in the UOSL. Look for Phoenix to drive deep into the playoffs and to seriously compete for the title.
2: Dallas Mavericks
Key Player: Dirk Nowitzki
X-Factor: Devin Harris
Comment: Along with Phoenix and fellow Texans, San Antonio, the Dallas Mavericks are sure fire title contenders. They hold with them possibly the leagues most talented and versatile players in Dirk Nowitzki, sharp shooting and ever improving point guard Jason Terry, the young and often surprising Josh Howard and a plethora of other talented players that will assist their quest for the first UOSL championship. Team chemistry will be pivotal in this teams success for a title.
3: San Antonio Spurs
Key Player: Tim Duncan
X-Factor: Tony Parker
Comment: Rounding out the top 3 are the Tim Duncan led San Antonio Spurs. Featuring international now-turned superstars Tony Parker and Emmanuel Ginobili, the Spurs are once more, for their 10th straight season, title contenders. Featuring Michael Finley and Luis Scola off the bench, San Antonio will without a doubt be a force to reckon with in this years UOSL season.
4: Houston Rockets
Key Player: Tracy McGrady
X-Factor: Yao Ming
Comment: If Yao Ming can stay healthy, and if Houston’s supporting cast can backup the play of Tracy McGrady, the Rockets look deadly. The 4th team from the West (and in fact, the Mid West Division), the team that also features Shane Battier, Rafer Alston and Stromile Swift most definitely have the talent to compete with the leagues best teams in order to win the championship. Team tactics including offensive focus will be instrumental in this teams success this season.
5: Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Player: LeBron James
X-Factor: Larry Hughes
Comment: LeBron James now has the supporting cast he needs to carry his Cleveland Cavaliers through the playoffs and compete for the championship. Together with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and an un-injured Larry Hughes, Cleveland have the utensils to top the East and to put up a fight against the best in the West. With Eric Snow, Drew Gooden, Aleksander Pavlovic and Anderson Varajeo playing key roles within the Cavaliers system, look out for LeBron to put this team on his shoulders and take them all the way.
6: Miami Heat
Key Player: Dwyane Wade
X-Factor: Shaquille O'Neal
Comment: After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in last years final series to capture the NBA Championship, Dwyane Wade and an ageing Shaquille O'Neal are back to repeat and bring yet another trophy back to Florida. With Jason Williams, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker and co still around, Miami look as good as ever. Depending how how well Shaq copes with injuries and the obvious road block of age, Miami are certain to be atop of the standings come season end.
7: Denver Nuggets
Key Player: Carmelo Anthony
X-Factor: Kenyon Martin
Comment: Denver will begin the 06/07 season with one new addition from last years squad; Allen Iverson. AI will step right into Denver’s starting rotation, taking the place of Andre Miller. Iverson will provide the Nuggets with an additional 25+ppg and 8+apg per night if given the opportunity. The Answer also brings with him veteran leadership and experience, something young superstar Carmelo Anthony can learn from. Alongside Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin, AI, C-Melo and the rest of the Nuggets team most definitely have what it takes to put up a fight and contest for the championship.
8: Detroit
Key Player: Chauncey Billups
X-Factor: Tayshaun Prince
Comment: With the departure of Ben Wallace to Chicago via free agency and the acquisition of former All-Star Chris Webber, the Pistons are now focused and ready to take the UOSL's first every championship. With sharp shooting Richard Hamilton, a fiery Rasheed Wallace and the always-improving Tayshaun Prince, Detroit; one of the leagues finest defensive teams will be aiming at competing in the Eastern Conference and regaining their title as an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
9: Utah Jazz
Key Player: Carlos Boozer
X-Factor: Deron Williams
Comment: Although not strong enough in their current state to really be perceived as title contenders, the Jazz, led by Carlos Boozer and Andrie Kirilenko are easily identifiable as title hopefuls. With some minor adjustments, this Jazz team will take it right up to the best of them from both the East and West. Controlled by second year point guard Deron Williams, the Jazz are a tight knit and well grouped team who together, should be a force to be reckoned with this year in the UOSL.
10: Chicago Bulls
Key Player: Kirk Hinrich
X-Factor: Ben Gordon
Comment: With the addition of Ben Wallace, Chicago became automatic playoff material and in turn; championship caliber. With Kirk Hinrich improving with every game and Ben Gordon establishing himself as a clutch player, the Bulls have what it takes to go deep into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Having Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and rookie Tyrus Thomas also at their disposal, the team from the Windy City are talented enough to make some serious noise this season.
11: Washington Wizards
Key Player: Gilbert Arenas
X-Factor: Caron Butler
Comment: Now heralded as one of the leagues best scorers, Gilbert Arenas has a tough job on his hands this season as he attempts to take his Washington Wizards past the first round of the playoffs. With a deadly 1-2-3 combination that includes the aforementioned Arenas, Caron Butler and former UNC Tar heel Antawn Jamison, the Wizards lack true power down low which may be and lead to their downfall come playoff time.
12: LA Lakers
Key Player: Kobe Bryant
X-Factor: Lamar Odom
Comment: Los Angeles posses the leagues best player, most prolific scorer and deadliest defender yet the teams supporting cast (excluding Lamar Odom) aren't talented enough to push the Lakers any further than the second round of the playoffs. KB24 will go for almost 35 a night guaranteed, however unless he can get the rest of the team involves, creating any serious noise in the playoffs is unlikely.
13: LA Clippers
Key Player: Elton Brand
X-Factor: Shaun Livingston
Comment: Following the Los Angeles Lakers in this weeks power rankings are city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. After an entertaining 05/06 season, Elton Brand, Tim Thomas, Corey Maggette and Sam Cassell will be in search of more playoff experience in the 06/07 season. The Clippers have been mediocre at best over the last decade, so pushing further into the playoffs this season will be a welcoming change. Changes and adjustments will be needed
14: New Jersey Nets
Key Player: Vince Carter
X-Factor: Jason Kidd
Comment: As they have had for the past two seasons, the Nets back court of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson has been up their with the best of them, however their front court can only be described as woeful. If NJ can bring in a solid scoring and good defensive big man at the 5 and a rebounding/shot blocking 4 man, they will be serious competitors. Until then, don't expect them to travel very far.
15: Golden State Warriors
Key Player: Baron Davis
X-Factor: Al Harrington
Comment: After bringing in Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson from Indiana, the Golden State Warriors have put themselves in a position to win more games than lose this year. Headed by Baron Davis and former Michigan Spartan Jason Richardson, the Warriors will be a team that more talented ones look out for. Expect them to sneak into the playoffs and upset a team or two, although don't put your money on it as this team could go either way in my opinion.
16: New Orleans Hornets
Key Player: Chris Paul
X-Factor: Tyson Chandler
Comment: Chris Paul has cemented himself as one of the leagues best point guards in only his third year, so don't be surprised to see him carry his Hornets which features Tyson Chandler and more notably, Peja Stojakovic past the first round of the playoffs. If David West can get into a grove, if Tyson Chandler can put some points on the board and if Peja Stojakovic can revert back to his old Sacramento days, New Orleans could be a team to look out for in the Western Conference this season.
17: New York Knicks
Key Player: Stephon Marbury
X-Factor: Eddy Curry
Comment: Although the Knicks are in the worst financial situation in the UOSL today, they have plenty of items and tools to a) get themselves into a manageable fiscal position after year, b) get themselves more young, exciting players to entertain the people of New York and/or c) construct a winning team that will challenge the Cleveland’s and Detroit’s in the East. They have the likes of Marbury/Francis/Richardson/Crawford/Curry to keep, and the likes of Robinson/Collins/Balkman/Frye/Lee/Picks to move if they decide to compete right away. They are in an exciting position and will create some noise in the league if their GM decides to make some moves.
18: Indiana Pacers
Key Player: Jermaine O'Neal
X-Factor: Danny Granger
Comment: Jermaine O'Neal should be good enough this year, with a little bit of help to scrape his Pacers into the Eastern Conference playoffs. After trading away 2 star small forwards in successive years (Peja Stojakovic and Ron Artest), the Pacers who recently acquired Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and Ike Diogu will be aiming to finish in the top 8 and upset a big name team to make it into the second round.
19: Sacramento Kings
Key Player: Mike Bibby
X-Factor: Ron Artest
Comment: If Ron Artest can keep himself out of trouble, if Mike Bibby can lift his game to where it was last season, if Kevin Martin can put up 15+ppg consistently and if Brad Miller can stay fit, the Kings will go places this year. In saying that, I just used the term 'if' four times in one sentence.
20: Toronto Raptors
Key Player: Chris Bosh
X-Factor: TJ Ford
Comment: I feel as if I've put the Raptors too low placing them at #19, although I can't see them making the Eastern Conference playoffs right now. They have a dominant power forward who is establishing himself as both a team leader and perennial all-star, a pass first point guard in TJ Ford and #1 draft pick Andrea Bargnani to play with, but thats all. If the team chooses and pursues a direction, the Raps may annoy a few top Eastern Conference teams, but anything past the 1st round of the playoffs will be an absolutely massive bonus for the team from Canada.
21: Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Player: Kevin Garnett
X-Factor: Ricky Davis
Comment: KG has no real supporting cast to speak of besides from Ricky Davis, so cracking the Western Conferences top 8 will be a difficult task. Don't be surprised to see number 21 traded this year to make way for a franchise direction. In saying
22: Orlando Magic
Key Player: Dwight Howard
X-Factor: Darko Millicic
Comment: Orlando are youg and exciting and really have the makings of a good team. If their GM can focus on building for the future aroud their young core of Dwight Howard, Darko Millicic and Jameer Nelson, the Magic should be a team with championship hopes in a few short years.
23: Seattle Supersonics
Key Player: Ray Allen
X-Factor: Luke Ridnour
Comment: Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are to great players, however they aren't good enough (with their current team) to elevate the Sonics any higher than where they currently are at. Ridnour is at the point position in Seattle for yet another season, however isn't consistent enough to really give the Sonics anything outside their big two.
24: Milwaukee Bucks
Key Player: Michael Redd
X-Factor: Andrew Bogut
Comment: I hate to sound biased here (due to my love for fellow countrymen, Andrew Bogut), however this teams success really does rely upon the production and improvement of the big Aussie. The Bucks have Michael Redd who will give you 25+ppg night and in night out, an inconsistent point guard in Mo Williams and a rather unknown (in terms of consistent outcomes per game) small forward in Charlie Villanueva who performs well above his talent level in some games, however well below in others. If Bogut can increase his production to 16-20ppg and 7-11rpg over 2 seasons, the Bucks could be a team with direction.
26: Boston
Key Player: Paul Pierce
X-Factor: Delonte West
Comment: Boston have Paul Pierce surrounded by young kids. In terms of players, the Celtics have two capable point guards in Sebastian Telfair (recently aquired from Portland) and Rajan Rondo (just drafted), two very young shooting guards in Gerald Green and Delonte West and a young power forward in Al Jefferson. That doesn't soud too bad, however none of them (including Big Al) would start on any NBA team above them in the power rankings.
27: Atlanta
Key Player: Joe Johnson
X-Factor: Marvin Williams
Comment: Atlanta have many tools to create a fun team to GM, and a winning one much like New York. They have the likes of Joe Johnson, Josh Childress, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams, all incredibly talented however they all play the same position. If the Hawks can move two of the abovementioned for players in positions that they need, I really wouldn't be surprised to see Atlanta make the playoffs this year.
28: Memphis
Key Player: Pau Gasol
X-Factor: Rudy Gay
Comment: The Grizzlies have Pau Gasol, and that’s it. Mike Miller and Damon Stoudemire are decent role players however won't draw too much of a crowd from GM's looking to upgrade their teams due to salary reasons. Rudy Gay and to an extent, Hakim Warrick are probably the only bright sparks in Memphis at the moment. If Gay can develop into a 20-24ppg player which he honestly can, the Grizzlies will improve. If not, they may be stuck down here for a while.
29: Philadelphia
Key Player: Andre Iguodala
X-Factor: Samuel Dalembert
Comment: The Sixers are the worst team in the league by far in my opinion; although that doesn't mean they will remain so. Andre Iguodala is the Sixers most valuable asset at the moment, so pairing him with a top draft pick and surrounding the two with current Sixers Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver and a free agent could make for a pretty tasty future; only if all goes to plan.
