Post by sniper on Aug 27, 2010 13:16:46 GMT -5
NBA 360 TOP 10 POWER RANKINGS 
1. Atlanta Hawks - This is obviously the number 1 team in the league. Not only are they tied for top in the league, but they also have the highest rated squad. The GM drafted this team with one thing in mind, NBA Championship. This is a veteran lead team, having little to none young prospects on their team. Their youngest starter is Emeka Okafor with an age of 27. They have no standout superstar, but work together as a team to get the job done. Tyrus Thomas is a solid 6th man and following him are a few players on the bench that can rack up points. Watch this team stay in the top spot in the East for if not all then most of the season.
2. Los Angeles Clippers[/color] - Coming in at number 2 is the other team in LA. This team just like the Hawks, have a very stacked and high rated roster. They have a young back court with point guard Aaron Brooks who is leading in steals per game and JR Smith at the 2. Amare is definitely the star and leader of this team with help from older players who are on the decline such as Rasheed, Howard and Prince. This team could very well not only make a push for the Championship, and also have the pieces to possibly bring another star to play alongside Amare.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves[/color] - When you think of this team you think of LeBron James. He is the star of this team and has so far done a good job of making the Wolves a respectable team in the NBA. There are pieces around him on this team to have him succeed and try to get this team deep into the playoffs. They have an aging Jason Kidd starting at the point but he can still play and dish the ball out to the team. Other then Kidd, Wallace and Foster though they are still a pretty young team and could possibly choke in the playoffs with their little experience.
4. Miami Heat[/color] - People may be surprised to see the Heat in the top 5, since they originally had the last pick in the Fantasy Draft at the start. Of course they ended up trading with the Knicks and have since then made a solid team for the playoffs. Yet another aging team like the Hawks and Clippers, this team is lead by Kevin Garnett, Baron Davis and Vince Carter. Speaking of Garnett, he's playing like it's 2003 and putting himself into MVP contention. They also have a very strong supporting cast on the bench. This being a very good defensive team, could make it far this season.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder - The Thunder round off the top 5, this is a very exciting team to watch by far. The youngsters Danny Granger and Russell Westbrook have combined to make a dynamic duo in Oklahoma City. With a veteran front court and a very strong bench that is comparable with Miami's, this is another talented team that will be competing in the West. Ilgauskas is really trying to get that ring, at the ripe old age of 35 he is putting up close to 10 rebounds per game.
6. Boston Celtics[/color] - It surprises me that this team is doing this good, maybe because on paper this team looks like they should be a team in the mid teens. Possibly one of the youngest teams in the league, Durant has taken it upon himself to get this team into the playoffs. Brook Lopez, Serge Ibaka and Thaddeus Young alongside Kevin Durant is a team that everyone would want for now and the future. No Championship for them this year, but expect a big free agent to land in Boston this off-season.
7. Detroit Pistons[/color] - I'm a bit disappointed with how this team is playing. I mean they are doing very well, but looking at their roster they are stacked. Just like some of the other teams they are a very old team and are looking for that title shot, but with their talent you would think would be in the top 3. With Kobe leading this team, look for this team to hopefully improve and try to make a run for Atlanta's money.
8. San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs have a good thing going with Tyreke and crew. Ray Allen and Shawn Marion are getting older each day but they still have the talent to play, Ray Ray's shot is still as sweet as ever. They have Scola playing out of position at center but he seems to be doing pretty good there. This team will be seeing almost half the team expire after the season is through and will have over 40 million dollars in cap space. After they resign Allen and Scola they will be targeting LeBron, Wade and Bosh so that they don't all sign with Miami.
9. Utah Jazz - Another team that is surprisingly in the top 10. Yes, they do have the best back court in the league with Chris Paul and Joe Johnson. That back court could possibly be the starting blackout for the West All-Star team. It's surprising because they have such a bad front court. Robin Lopez and JJ Hickson? Throw Fransisco Garcia in there too and you have to wonder how they are doing so well. It seems like so far CP3 and JJ are getting it done, I'm not sure if they can keep it up all season long though. It will be fun to watch.
10. Los Angeles Lakers - This final spot came down to the Lakers and Hornets. The Lakers have a lot of depth and a lot of promise. They are young and could make it far depending on how well the young front court of LaMarcus Aldridge and Joakim Noah play. They have been hit with a few injuries so far but their strong bench have helped them earn wins against some of the top teams in the league.
