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Ramblings #1
10/6/01
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by Nigel Chiwaya
The NBA season is about to begin. As I am typing this right now, all 29 teams are getting
ready for what is sure to be a decent season. My Knicks are out in North Carolina, the two
time defending NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers are out in Hawaii.
Led by Shaq, the Los Angeles rolled over the competition last year, going 15-1 in the
playoffs.
But that was last year. This year, there is a slew of teams that have improved. And they all
have the Lakers in the sights.
And let's not forget the return of Micheal Jordan...
So, now comes the power rankings..
Nigel's 2001-02 power rankings
Eastern Confrence
Atlantic Division
1- Atlantic Division Champions- Orlando Magic
They improved so much over the off-season, it crazy. Patrick Ewing and Horace Grant bring
more rebounds and a better defense. The return of Grant Hill could make some teams worry.
And let's not forget that Tracy Mcgrady runs the show. I think they will win about 50 games.
2- Philadelphia 76ers
They are still the eastern confrence champions, and they do still have the league MVP, Allen
Iverson, but I don't think they got much better. Trading Hill was a big mistake, and
the new zone defense rules will hurt them, as teams are going to crowd Iverson.
I think they will win about 45-50 games.
3- New York Knicks
What the hell is wrong with the front office? The Knicks were ousted in the first round last
year because they could not get a rebound when they needed it the most. They should have
gone out and signed a center, but all they got was another 6-7 power forward in Clarence
Weatherspoon. Throw in Shandon Anderson and Howard Eisley, and the Knicks have log jams at
3 out of the 5 positions. With Luc Longley gone, injury prone Marcus Camby's backup is
Travis Knight. Things don't look good. I think they will win between 40-45 games and get
knocked out in the first round again.
4- Miami Heat
I don't really know what to say about this team. They lost their starting point gaurd in
Tim Hardaway, so now Anthony Carter is running the show. If they lose All-Star Anthony
Mason, then they are in trouble. I think they will win between 35-40 games and struggle to
make the playoffs.
5- Boston Celtics
They were inspired last year. I think they will be decent again this year. In Antoine Walker
and Paul Pierce they have two of the most dangerous players in the leauge. If they can
wake up this year, they could make some noise. They could win anywhere from 35-45 games.
6- New Jersey Nets.
Jason Kidd is the NBA's best point guard, but he is going to find it's hard to get assists
if your teamates can't put the ball in the hoop. They will win about 30-35 games and miss
they playoffs.
7- Washington Wizards
Micheal Jordan this, Micheal Jordan that. Basketball is a team game, and the Wizards don't
have much of a team. They could win about 25 games. Hey, it's still more then 19.
Central Division
1- Central Division Champions- Toronto Raptors
They look good. They look really good. Dale Davis and the dream are a monstrous front court.
Vince looks like he is on a mission, and point gaurds Chris Childs and Alvin Williams were
amazing last year against the Knicks. I see them winning 45-54 games and winnning the east.
2- Milwaukee Bucks
I don't really see them going back the the ECF. They didn't change much over the offseason.
However, that could all change if they sign Anthony Mason....
Look for them to win 45 games.
3- Charlotte Hornets
I like how they play, but they don't really impress me. Mashburn is going to have to step
up this year. Picture 40 wins
4- Detroit Pistons
Stackhouse is the man in Mo-town. They have a deep bench. Maybe those new unis might bring
good luck. I see them winning about 35-39 games.
5- Atlanta Hawks
They are in 5th place, but they don't really suck. Toni and Shareef are gonna be good,
and Theo Ratliff is a great center. Picture 35-39 games.
6- Indiana Pacers
No. Chance. At. All. Picture 30 wins.
7- Cleveland Cavs
They are seventh cause the Bulls are the only team left.
Picture 25-27 games.
8 Chicago Bulls
Chicago, while they aren't bad, they aren't good either. I feel they will really miss
Elton Brand. picture 20-25 wins.
Midwest divison
1- Midwest division Champions- San Antonio Spurs.
The Twin Towers have a few more years left together. The newly added Steve Smith gives the
an outside threat. They could challenge the Lakers and Kings, but don't expec them in the
WCF or finals.
2- Utah Jazz
They are always in it year after year. Still they are getting old.
3 Dallas Mavericks
They should really be the number 2 team here. Finley, Howard, Nowitzki are deadly when they
are on. Plus their bench is just so deep.
4 Minnesota Timberwolves
KG will lead the wolves the playoffs, but expect them to get swept.
5 Houston Rockets
They have a gaping hole at center. Steve Francis will get the ball often, and this might
not site too well with Glen Rice. Call this another "rebuilding year."
6 Denver Nuggets
All hope they had of making the playoffs died when they signed Rider. That leech is going to
hog the ball. Besides that, they don't look that good anyway.
7 Memphis Grizzlies
They got a flashy pg in Jason Williams, and that will attract the crowds to the Pryamid.
They have a decent bench, and might be in playoff contention next year.
Pacific Division
1- Pacific Division Champion Los Angeles Lakers
I really don't like this team personally, but you can't deny their talent. They have the
best center in the game, and one of the best SG, but the pg position might be their
achillies heel. They are good, but Sacramento is just as good, and if Shaq and Kobe don't
get along, look for the Kings to eat them alive. I see 55-67 wins for them.
2- Sacramento Kings
Oh, they are good. Chris Webber got a great pg who sticks to the basics, and they really
added life to their bench. Picture 55-65 wins. Either LA or Sacramento will be the NBA
Champions this year.
3- Portland Trailblazers
Can't we all just get along. Rookie coach, hothead star, fat man (Kemp). They have so much
talent, but they just can't mesh. The basketball version of the Washington Redskins.
45 wins and see them get crushed in the first round.
4 Phoenix Suns
They look good. Marbury and a healthy Hardaway can do damage, and Shawn Marion can keep the
defenses honest.
5 Los Angeles Clippers
I like this team alot. They have an impressive starting 5, but that's about it. I think they
might make the playoffs this year.
6 Seattle Supersonics
wow they suck. oh g*d they suck. Payton is gonna bail after this season is done, watch.
7 Golden State Warriors
They might be better then Seattle, but I can't be sure. They are in the basement now, but
who knows? They might get better soon.