 |
| RealGM Hoop Net |
|
| Search |
|
|
|
|
| Trade Checker ID |
| Draft Sim ID |
| Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
25th March, 2008 - 11:29 pm
|
|
|
| Current Features |
|
SCOOP DU JOUR: Marbury, Pietrus, Pie, Plaxico And Leafs!
Perhaps the last of the Stephon Marbury saga, the Magic lose Mickael Pietrus, the Orioles looking at Felix Pie, Plaxico Burress shoots himself and no additions for the Leafs?
PLAYER RANKINGS: The NBA Player Rankings For The Week Of November 25th
The current top-five players in the NBA according to RealGM's FIC, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, were all on Team USA's 2008 Gold Medal team. How does the rest of the NBA rank?
LOCKER TALK: Monta: I Was Racing Baron And Elton
Monta Ellis is still at least a full month away from his return to the court for the Warriors, but he recently called RealGM with the full story behind his ankle injury.
STANDING 10: Top-10 Careers Of Players Picked 3rd
Just three installments remain in the series, with this chapter housing names like Michael Jordan, Kevin McHale, and Carmelo Anthony. It was incredibly hard to leave off a number of players, and I’m sure after reading you’ll see exactly whom I decided skip over this time around.
MOCK DRAFT: 2008 NBA Mock Draft, Version 13.0 (Draft Day Edition)
Weeks and months of waiting has finally come to an end, and Draft day is officially here.
CLASSICS: Hakeem Vs. Ewing: Who Was The Better Center?
Born within six months of each other in opposite corners of the world, two seven footers who are finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame this fall are two of the best ever to play the center position.
|
By Jason M. Williams
After traveling last week to take in some of the opening rounds of NCAA’s March Madness, I have dedicated this week’s RealGM Team Rankings to identify some players from the Tournament who could help each team become stronger come Draft Day 2008.
The biggest rise in the rankings this week goes to the rampaging Philadelphia 76ers (up from No. 14 to No. 9) while the biggest drop in the Team Rankings belongs to the now Dirk-less Dallas Mavericks (No. 7 to No. 14), who dropped seven spots this week.
Special thanks to Christopher Reina for filling in with last week’s Rankings while I was away watching some of the future stars of tomorrow’s NBA.
The format is simple. The rankings reflect each team’s current ranking, along with their ranking from the last week (LW), and their current win-loss record.
1. (1) Boston Celtics 55-15
Boston is ready to win the Finals. They demonstrated that with their Texas Sweep. Next year's Draft could see them selecting J.J. Hickson of NC State with the final pick in the first round.
2. (2) Detroit Pistons 50-20
The Pistons had a huge win over the Suns to hold onto the second slot. But they will need a lot more help at the two-guard behind Rip Hamilton if they wish to be number-one all of next season. Could Colorado's Richard Roby be their three-point bomber?
3. (5) L.A. Lakers 49-22
The Lake Show is poised for a title run. What will they need to address in the Draft? Stephen Curry could learn much from Kobe Bryant.
4. (3) Phoenix Suns 47-23
The Suns have been steaming lately now that the Big Fella is in sync. How good would Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee look on this team next year?
5. (9) New Orleans Hornets 47-21
The Hornets have been rolling all season. What could they use? Another shooter always helps when Chris Paul is penetrating the paint and what better last call on the first round than a Chris Douglas-Roberts or Sonny Weems?
6. (4) Utah Jazz 46-25
After losing their home winning streak, it's time for the Jazz to refocus and get ready for another run to the West Finals. As for Draft needs, they could look for a big man to patrol the paint - think DeVon Hardin if Robin Lopez is already off the board.
7. (6) Houston Rockets 48-23
Now that the Rockets have returned back to Earth, they can begin diagramming for another upcoming Draft. With the recent success of Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes, why not give D.J. White or Joey Dorsey a shot?
8. (10) San Antonio Spurs 47-23
The Spurs are likely in another "don't worry about them, they are finished" lulls, before the playoffs start and they rededicate themselves to the Trophy. Expect them to take yet another project in Serge Ibaka, a 6-10 power forward from the Congo.
9. (14) Philadelphia 76ers 36-35
The Sixers just ousted Boston in Beantown and are straight barrelling through the competition. They would look very nice adding Florida's Marreese Speights to this already dynamic and aggressive rotation.
10. (8) Denver Nuggets 43-28
If the Nuggets miss the playoffs, is it good? Or is it bad? Bad because they don’t want to be a 50-win team on the outside looking in, but good because they will have an opportunity to move up in the Draft to nab that point guard they have been searching for (think Russell Westbrook).
11. (11) Orlando Magic 46-26
Orlando is looking to lock up homecourt in Round 1, but also looking to upgrade their size and rebounding with Robin Lopez likely to be available at this point in the Draft.
12. (13) Golden State Warriors 43-27
Golden State is lingering in the 8th seed, ready to take down another number-1. But they should also consider taking Stephen Curry of Davidson, so he can study under Monta Ellis and become another slasher in Nellieball.
13. (16) Cleveland Cavaliers 40-31
Right now the Cavs are sitting exactly where they want to be. They are in the 4th seed in the East and are sitting with the 19th pick in the Draft. That could spell DJ Augustin or Kyle Weaver to help spell Delonte West.
14. (7) Dallas Mavericks 44-26
With the loss of Dirk Nowitzki for the next couple of weeks, Dallas could very realistically become a fifty-win team in the lottery. Mark Cuban would be quite unhappy if they failed to reach the playoffs after dealing an arm and a leg for Jason Kidd.
15. (18) Washington Wizards 36-33
The Wizards are in an interesting situation. They could be looking at the losses of both Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. If both stay, they could hope for a lost post scorer like Roy Hibbert or JaVale McGee.
16. (15) Portland Trail Blazers 37-34
Already welcoming Greg Oden next year, the Blazers could use an upgrade at the point. Could Darren Collison or D.J. Augustin be that upgrade?
17. (12) Toronto Raptors 35-35
The Raps are in need of some help at the small forward position, and LSU's Anthony Randolph or Syracuse's Donte Green would be a perfect complement to Chris Bosh and the two-headed point guard dragon.
18. (17) Atlanta Hawks 30-39
Atlanta will not have its pick in this year's first round, so it is imperative that they reach the playoffs to avoid handing the Suns a lottery selection.
19. (20) New Jersey Nets 30-41
How awesome would it be if the Nets ended up drafting O.J. Mayo to study under Vince Carter? Very awesome.
20. (21) Indiana Pacers 29-41
Indiana is in desperate need of a leader at the point. D.J. Augustin might be their future if they don't win the lottery.
21. (22) Sacramento Kings 31-39
If the Kings do not see Beno Udrih as the point guard of the future, they could be looking for Darren Collison or Ty Lawson in the upper third of the Draft.
22. (19) Chicago Bulls 27-42
Let's face it. Drew Gooden isn't enough in the paint. They need to either hope Brook Lopez or DeAndre Jordan falls into their laps, or they could reach and go with Roy Hibbert.
23. (23) Charlotte Bobcats 25-44
Already set at the point, wing, and center positions, the Bobcats could look to Kevin Love as another proven winner and excellent passer who could add to their young frontcourt.
24. (25) Milwaukee Bucks 24-45
The Bucks have a potpourri of offensive talent at nearly every position yet cannot put it all together in the win column. An intimidating force like Hasheem Thabeet could be what helps get the Bucks back on track.
25. (27) Memphis Grizzlies 18-52
The Grizzlies could be a major player at the draft. They have plenty of talent at point guard to deal and would love to add DeAndre Jordan to their weak front line.
26. (30) Minnesota Timberwolves 18-51
With a nucleus of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, and Al Jefferson, Mike Beasley would immediately make this a scary young team.
27. (24) L.A. Clippers 21-48
The Clippers should be very active at the Draft. Al Thornton has made Corey Maggette expendable, and Jerryd Bayless would fit perfectly as a combo scoring guard in Los Angeles.
28. (26) Miami Heat 13-57
Whether or not Shawn Marion remains a member of the Heat, Miami will have a difficult decision to make between Beasley and Derrick Rose if they land the top pick.
29. (28) Seattle Supersonics 17-54
Already equipped with Kevin Durant and Chris Wilcox, the Sonics would love to get their hands on Memphis’ playmaking Rose.
30. (29) New York Knicks 19-51
After getting thoroughly dismantled by the Grizzlies and Wolves on consecutive nights, it is obvious that the Knicks are the worst team in the NBA. They need help…lots.
Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments or questions. |
