Post by New Jersey Nets on Jan 21, 2009 18:05:37 GMT
Preseason Power Rankings
1. Utah Jazz--- --- Tinsley-Wade-McGrady-Brand-Horford
The Utah Jazz made it to the finals last year, but could only muster out a single win against the New Jersey Nets. Our analysts feel that is the year of the Jazz, though. With a star-studded lineup and a year of chemistry behind them, this team looks ready to get to the finals again, and possibly seek some revenge.
2. New Jersey Nets------ Kidd-Bryant-Hill-Kirilenko-O’Neal
It is no surprise that the returning champions find themselves this high in the power rankings again. Jason Kidd is back at it again, and has a new sidekick in superstar Kobe Bryant. Grant Hill also joins the starting lineup this year. This team is still a top defensive team with weapons to do some serious damage on offense as well. Even with a deteriorating frontcourt, the Nets are the team to beat this season.
3. San Antonio Spurs------ Miller-Ginobli-Battier-Duncan-Dalembert
When you talk about the Spurs, you have to talk about their defense. This team is loaded with defensive stoppers, but like the Nets, can also fill it up on the other end of the court. If it weren’t for a season-ending injury to MVP candidate Tim Duncan last season, we might have a different champion right now. The Spurs are still a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
4. Boston Celtics------ Williams-Smith-Smith-Boozer-Perkins
Unlike the previous three teams, the Celtics are relative newcomers to the top of the rankings. But, they should definitely feel at home. The Celtics boast one of the best pick-and-roll combos in Williams/Boozer and also have high-flying wingmans JR Smith and Josh Smith to terrorize opponents.
5. Denver Nuggets------ Barbosa-Redd-Anthony-McDyess-Chandler
The Nuggets have an extremely solid lineup. The wing combo of Michael Redd and Carmelo Anthony is sure to give opponents nightmares. Tyson Chandler is a beast in the paint. The real key to this team will be the distribution abilities of combo-guard Leandro Barbosa as he slides to the 1 slot. Look for this Nuggets team to do some real damage.
1. Utah Jazz--- --- Tinsley-Wade-McGrady-Brand-Horford
The Utah Jazz made it to the finals last year, but could only muster out a single win against the New Jersey Nets. Our analysts feel that is the year of the Jazz, though. With a star-studded lineup and a year of chemistry behind them, this team looks ready to get to the finals again, and possibly seek some revenge.
2. New Jersey Nets------ Kidd-Bryant-Hill-Kirilenko-O’Neal
It is no surprise that the returning champions find themselves this high in the power rankings again. Jason Kidd is back at it again, and has a new sidekick in superstar Kobe Bryant. Grant Hill also joins the starting lineup this year. This team is still a top defensive team with weapons to do some serious damage on offense as well. Even with a deteriorating frontcourt, the Nets are the team to beat this season.
3. San Antonio Spurs------ Miller-Ginobli-Battier-Duncan-Dalembert
When you talk about the Spurs, you have to talk about their defense. This team is loaded with defensive stoppers, but like the Nets, can also fill it up on the other end of the court. If it weren’t for a season-ending injury to MVP candidate Tim Duncan last season, we might have a different champion right now. The Spurs are still a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
4. Boston Celtics------ Williams-Smith-Smith-Boozer-Perkins
Unlike the previous three teams, the Celtics are relative newcomers to the top of the rankings. But, they should definitely feel at home. The Celtics boast one of the best pick-and-roll combos in Williams/Boozer and also have high-flying wingmans JR Smith and Josh Smith to terrorize opponents.
5. Denver Nuggets------ Barbosa-Redd-Anthony-McDyess-Chandler
The Nuggets have an extremely solid lineup. The wing combo of Michael Redd and Carmelo Anthony is sure to give opponents nightmares. Tyson Chandler is a beast in the paint. The real key to this team will be the distribution abilities of combo-guard Leandro Barbosa as he slides to the 1 slot. Look for this Nuggets team to do some real damage.