SB Nation User Blog: oldenpolynice

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:14:36 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

Nuggets at #2 -

"It's early in the season, but Anthony is already getting MVP buzz, and the Nuggets are picking up where they left off last year. Chauncey Billups is playing well. And so are Nene and Ty Lawson. Opponents are going to have a difficult time keeping Denver out of the Western Conference Finals. They're a talented team with good chemistry and a lot of confidence. They're going to be a hard team to beat."

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:12:02 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

Mavs at #4.

"Nowitzki has always had this "takeover" quality. The difference is that he's choosing to use it more often now. He's taking charge instead of laying back. And the Mavericks are a better team for it. Dallas desperately needs depth in the front court. It's a shame they weren't able to sign Marcin Gortat away from the Magic. Otherwise, they're a solid team with enough talent to do some damage in the postseason."

Western Conference Power Rankings

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:39:57 -0000

Western Conference Power Rankings

"Led by 6-foot dynamo Aaron Brooks and Lakers cast-off Trevor Ariza, the Rockets are making a strong case for playoff candidacy. Already they have a better record than both the Jazz and the Blazers, teams considered to be playoff locks. If Rick Adelman can continue to get this kind of effort from his players and avoid further injury, the Rockets will sneak into the playoffs and give the Lakers hell in the opening round."

Western Conference Power Rankings

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:36:46 -0000

Western Conference Power Rankings

"When Westbrook controls the pace of the offense and limits turnovers, as he did against the Kings, the Thunder are a remarkably dangerous team. Kevin Durant can score at will, as can Westbrook, who significantly improved his jumper this offseason. But when Westbrook is sloppy with the ball, like he was in Sunday's game against Portland, the Thunder are a mess. Westbrook has improved as a point guard this season, but he needs to mature even more in order for the Thunder to make the playoffs. Ultimately, they're a talented team, but they're still a year away."

Western Conference Power Rankings

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:20:48 -0000

Western Conference Power Rankings

"6. Utah Jazz - The Jazz are playing relatively well so far, but they're having a difficult time closing games. Utah lost back-to-back games this week due to fourth quarter meltdowns. Their loss to the Mavericks on Tuesday was particularly hard to swallow. The Jazz were up by as many as 16 points in the second half, but they allowed Dirk Nowitzki to run wild in the fourth quarter, and ultimately lost the game 96-85."

Western Conference Power Rankings

oldenpolynice — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:19:25 -0000

Western Conference Power Rankings

Clippers ranked 11th.

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:25:56 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

"If the Timberwolves can play every game with the heart they showed on Tuesday, when they took the Celtics to the wire in a 92-90 loss, they'll win 25-30 games this season. Otherwise, they'll be neck-and-neck with the Grizzlies, Warriors and Kings in the "worst in the West" race."

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:24:11 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

The Kings aren't last!

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:38:16 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

"Nelson's commitment to offense makes the team entertaining to watch, but it's difficult to compete on a consistent basis without defense or team chemistry, and the Warriors have neither. Monta Ellis is developing as a passer, and Stephen Curry is enjoying a breakout rookie season, but as a team the Warriors are a mess. They lack the heart and discipline necessary to be a legitimate contender."

Ranking the Contenders in the West

oldenpolynice — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:37:14 -0000

Ranking the Contenders in the West

Despite early problems with chemistry and effort, the Blazers are ranked 5th.