Post by WillC on Oct 12, 2006 4:25:19 GMT -5
#1 - Cleveland Cavaliers (.653)
L. James - L. Hughes - P. Pierce - M. Camby - Z. Ilgauskas
The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers just got even stronger with the addition of Paul Pierce (18.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.7apg). The Cavs have world class players at every position - each one capable of playing excellent defense. Of course the real reason this team is the bookies favourite for the championship is because of the reigning MVP, LeBron James (26.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 9.1apg). This team is going to be tough to stop.
#2 - San Antonio Spurs (.577)
T. Parker - E. Ginobili - P. Stojakovic - C. Boozer - T. Duncan
Aigatdula is my choice for GM of the Year (did I really just say those words?). He's been able to add the likes of Stojakovic, Boozer and Drew Gooden to his team while retaining the "Big Three" of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, while also maintaining his youth in the form of young bigs Roy Hibbert and Jackie Butler. Despite the improved support cast, the real star of the show is still Tim Duncan (20.8ppg, 12.0rpg, 3.2apg, 3.2bpg).
#3 - Dallas Mavericks (.579)
A. Johnson - J. Terry - K. Garnett - D. Nowitzki - E. Dampier
While it's difficult to imagine a better duo than Garnett and Nowitzki, the Mavs haven't set the league on fire like some imagined they would. The main reason for that is the poor support cast, particularly in the backcourt, and the lack of depth. Still, there might not be a team in the league who can contain Garnett (22.9ppg, 10.8rpg, 3.6apg) and Nowitzki (28.8ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg) come playoff time.
#4 - Golden State Warriors (.444)
S. Claxton - J. Richardson - C. Butler - B. Wallace - S. O'Neal
Despite a sub-500 winning percentage and a team lacking chemistry, the Warriors are still a force to be contended with. Spencer's recent trade flurry has resulted in Wallace (6.5ppg, 12.2rpg, 2.8bpg) joining Shaq (20.4ppg, 10.4rpg) in one of the most intimidating frontlines in the league, albeit one of the worst at the free throw line. Butler (18.0ppg) and Richardson (21.1ppg) will combine to score in bunches from the wing, but the real pressure is on Claxton to prove he can step up to replace the departed Baron Davis.
#5 - Houston Rockets (.627)
R. Alston - L. Head - T. McGrady - S. Battier - Y. Ming
One of the most surprising teams this season. The Rockets made little noise in the off-season but currently sit atop the Western Conference due to the awesome duo of TMac (25.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 4.8apg) and Ming (26.4ppg, 11.7rpg), the latter of whom has stepped up to become one of the league's truly elite players. What's so surprising about the Rockets' success is that Battier is playing out of position at power forward. However, I'd be surprised if this team takes home the championship.
Honorable Mention:
Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns
Washington Wizards
Sacramento Kings
L. James - L. Hughes - P. Pierce - M. Camby - Z. Ilgauskas
The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers just got even stronger with the addition of Paul Pierce (18.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.7apg). The Cavs have world class players at every position - each one capable of playing excellent defense. Of course the real reason this team is the bookies favourite for the championship is because of the reigning MVP, LeBron James (26.6ppg, 7.8rpg, 9.1apg). This team is going to be tough to stop.
#2 - San Antonio Spurs (.577)
T. Parker - E. Ginobili - P. Stojakovic - C. Boozer - T. Duncan
Aigatdula is my choice for GM of the Year (did I really just say those words?). He's been able to add the likes of Stojakovic, Boozer and Drew Gooden to his team while retaining the "Big Three" of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, while also maintaining his youth in the form of young bigs Roy Hibbert and Jackie Butler. Despite the improved support cast, the real star of the show is still Tim Duncan (20.8ppg, 12.0rpg, 3.2apg, 3.2bpg).
#3 - Dallas Mavericks (.579)
A. Johnson - J. Terry - K. Garnett - D. Nowitzki - E. Dampier
While it's difficult to imagine a better duo than Garnett and Nowitzki, the Mavs haven't set the league on fire like some imagined they would. The main reason for that is the poor support cast, particularly in the backcourt, and the lack of depth. Still, there might not be a team in the league who can contain Garnett (22.9ppg, 10.8rpg, 3.6apg) and Nowitzki (28.8ppg, 9.6rpg, 3.2apg) come playoff time.
#4 - Golden State Warriors (.444)
S. Claxton - J. Richardson - C. Butler - B. Wallace - S. O'Neal
Despite a sub-500 winning percentage and a team lacking chemistry, the Warriors are still a force to be contended with. Spencer's recent trade flurry has resulted in Wallace (6.5ppg, 12.2rpg, 2.8bpg) joining Shaq (20.4ppg, 10.4rpg) in one of the most intimidating frontlines in the league, albeit one of the worst at the free throw line. Butler (18.0ppg) and Richardson (21.1ppg) will combine to score in bunches from the wing, but the real pressure is on Claxton to prove he can step up to replace the departed Baron Davis.
#5 - Houston Rockets (.627)
R. Alston - L. Head - T. McGrady - S. Battier - Y. Ming
One of the most surprising teams this season. The Rockets made little noise in the off-season but currently sit atop the Western Conference due to the awesome duo of TMac (25.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 4.8apg) and Ming (26.4ppg, 11.7rpg), the latter of whom has stepped up to become one of the league's truly elite players. What's so surprising about the Rockets' success is that Battier is playing out of position at power forward. However, I'd be surprised if this team takes home the championship.
Honorable Mention:
Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns
Washington Wizards
Sacramento Kings
