2029 Official Unofficial Mid-Season Power Rankings
Jul 30, 2015 9:07:29 GMT -6
Madrid, New York, and 3 more like this
Post by London on Jul 30, 2015 9:07:29 GMT -6
LONDON (AP) -- Almost halfway through the ABCA Regular Season and we can start to make big picture statements about how the season is going for many teams. We are beyond small sample sizes and it's starting to look pretty clear as to who the contending teams are.
CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
#1 New York Knicks 27 - 6
The Knicks have been near or at the top of the standings for a few years. They have found some way to continue to cultivate talent through smart signings, trades, and drafting. Right now they have the best record in the league and some nice lottery picks coming up. Wouldn't expect them to drop from contention level status for some time.
#2 San Francisco Warriors 27 - 8
The Warriors have been retooling over the last few seasons but have managed to win more during that stretch then they were with a stable team. Whatever they are doing they should keep it up as they've won a championship through all of that. This year they look strong behind the dominant play of John Stockton. That might go down as one of the most lopsided deals in league history.
#3 Los Angeles Lakers 23 - 8
HAKEEM - need I say more? Do you want to face him in the playoffs? I don't, so get to it American teams. #CrushTheDream
#4 Sydney Kings 20 - 10
Sydney is once again a strong team led by Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, Frank Johnson, and of course Patrick Ewing. Very good team. A lot of offensive talent and very good athletes. A squad who has been playoff tested.
#5 London Towers 25 - 8
Possibly would have ranked higher before the trading of Karl Malone but it is what it is. London looks to have their division locked up and is looking for playoff seeding. Getting an extra home game against Sydney could be important.
#6 Mexico City Titans 24 - 9
We could talk for days about what Payton means to this team but that would negate the contribution that the Titans have been getting from Hersey Hawkins and the development of Steve Smith. Grant Long made Oakley expendable and they were able to add Alex English.
#7 Brazil Franca BC 26 - 7
Kind of a surprise team up here Brazil has been getting very strong play of course from David Robinson and Mark Price but also newcomer Clark Kellogg. Some may scoff at this lofty ranking but they are a legit team. Watch out for the Franca.
#8 Bayi Rockets 22 - 12
Tim Duncan is the guy everyone wants to trade for but Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, John Salley, and Terrell Brandon are having very strong years that are propelling the Rockets into legit 2nd Round status. A move or two pre-deadline could change things for this team but right now they are the best squad that Bayi fans have ever had.
#9 San Miguel Beermen 21 - 12
Beermen seem to keep finding quality players. Rasheed Wallace is stepping up nice and Shawn Kemp is still playing like Shawn Kemp. The offseason additions of Jojo White and Darwin Cook seem to have taken some of the hurt from losing Stockton and Ewing recently. Beermen maybe not as dominant as they have been but still a very good team with 2nd round aspirations if not further.
#10 Lithuania BC Zalgiris 23 - 10
BCZ has a great front court with Alonzo and Garnett but the scoring of Benji Wilson has been a big help to this team. Let's not forget about the trade for Isiah Thomas last year which really set this team off. They have probably the best depth at PG in the league.
PLAYOFF CONTENDERS
#11 Madrid REAL 21 - 13
LeBron and company are coming together nicely. Walton, Peja, Smits, and Parker have this team on the verge of contention. I think they have enough talent but I need to see it happen a little longer to be truly convinced. Really dig the talent they have though.
#12 Chicago Bulls 22 - 14
The Bulls may be able to sneak into contention if their team heats up post-Malone trade. They have a lot of young talent with guys like Tracy McGrady and Stephon Marbury who are both have very nice seasons. Erving was a solid addition but I am unsure if Vinnie Johnson sees much time. I think I liked Martin better for this team but I understand their cap situation makes that tough.
#13 San Antonio Spurs 19 - 15
What the Spurs lost in FA hurt but they are still a good team. Bias showing that he is quietly one of the best players in the league. Lever looks good too but let's not kid ourselves without Len this team would be low in the lottery. He's that good.
#14 Belgrade KK Partizan 23 - 12
Belgrade is another team built around one great player - Charles Barkley. He is dominating this season again but the rest of the team is just average. If they can add some talent to go along with Sir Chuck then they can challenge Bayi and REAL as a 2nd round team. Otherwise I feel they will make the playoffs but will be a 1st round out.
#15 Harlem Globetrotters 20 - 13
Harlem has never been afraid of trading and throughout it all they've kept a pretty solid record together and this year is no different. Paxson and Rimas having very nice years but no one is really standing out. This is a team effort. Good roster balance.
#16 Tehran Mahram 18 - 17
This team is all about Mookie. He's having an incredible season. George McGinnis was brought in to help solidify the front court and so far they haven't been able to live up to expectations. Maybe some DC work is needed to help getting McGinnis, Mookie, and Mullin (3M) to play better together. They have talent and should be better than this.
#17 Seattle Sonics 16 - 18
Real strange to see Seattle this low in any rankings but sweeping the season series vs London has earned some respect in this one. Wouldn't expect them to be down long.
#18 Indiana Pacers 18 - 18
Pacers just found another front court running mate for Shaq in Fernando Martin. He'll sharing time with Oscar Schmidt. On paper this team should be better especially with Dennis Johnson having a nice year for being 56 years old.
#19 Boston Celtics 17 - 19
You can't talk about this team without mentioning Chris Webber and Toni Kukoc - so there I've done it. If they want to contend they need to find another 2-3 starters probably otherwise waiting on Finley and Laettner could be an option (as long as they continue to progress).
LOTTERY TEAMS
#20 Washington Bullets 13 - 20
Losing McHale hurts. Surprised Nique and Richmond haven't been moved yet. Perhaps Mitch can be useful in the future but I'd think with Nique's age he'd have more value to a contender (or a team looking to get into contention). Maybe Norm Nixon too.
#21 Tel Aviv Maccabi 14 - 19
Dirk and Arenas are both averaging over 20 a game. Maybe more was expected out of rookie Brandon Roy but its really difficult to rely on a 1st year to player to carry much of the load. They just don't have the roster talent to contend this year.
#22 Milano Olympia 11 - 21
Looking at Milan's roster this isn't a terrible team. Kevin McHale, Damon Stoudamire, and Wayman Tisdale were nice additions to this team but it goes to show you how much talent this team was lacking if adding those guys still only has them at 11 wins. They really need a scoring punch from the wing. Perhaps talking to Washington about Nique or some other low team about an aging SF would help get them into playoff contention. Season is far from over.
#23 Detroit Pistons 13 - 20
Team kind of on auto pilot and needs some help. Hope they get some soon.
#24 Cairo Zamalek 10 - 25
Manu is having a good year but really this squad needs time to add talent. LaSalle Thompson is someone who can definitely give you good minutes and Jay Williams should be a capable starter (at least) but there is a lot of other holes on this roster. Going through a rebuild.
#25 Toronto Raptors 8 - 27
GATHERS!!! Latrell looks very good, Iverson is a definite upgrade over Starbury, and Francis should be alright but this team needs more size and to let these guys develop some. A lot of their best players have room to grow so they should have a bright future.
#26 Berlin ALBA 9 - 24
Surprisingly tough year in Berlin led to drastic changes. I expected a lot more out of this roster to start the year but now that they are in full rebuild mode I'd expect the ALBA to try and land a top pick.
#27 Moscow CSKA 10 - 22
This team goes as Wade does. As long as he improves they will have a bright future. If not they may be stuck here for a while.
#28 Istanbul Anadolu Efes 9 - 26
Kind of an older team built with Vinko, Hondo, Brickowski, King, and West their struggles are somewhat surprising. They do have useful younger pieces like Terry Porter. Vin Baker, and of course Doc Rivers. Sound like they are open to dealing the older guys if anyone is interested.
#29 Beijing Aoshen 9 - 21
Some nice youth but no one ready to step up and be a leader. Carmelo looks like he may be that guy in a couple years. Birdsong and Cheeks are probably available and should be moved at some point this year. Furlow maybe as well. Regardless I like their future but right now its looking tough.
#30 Buenos Aires Boca Juniors BC 9 - 25
This team was due for a rebuild after contending for many years with KAJ and company. Rashard Lewis is leading the charge now and they will be looking for new talent in the draft.
#31 Philadelphia 76ers 6 - 29
Amare, Pierce, Joe Johnson, and Dwight makes you think this team would be a little better then this but they are all super young and still finding their way in the league. 76ers look to be adding another young piece to this team through the draft but when do they start coming together? Feels a bit like the NBA 76ers.
#32 Athens Panathinaikos 5 - 30
Draz is alright.
CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS
#1 New York Knicks 27 - 6
The Knicks have been near or at the top of the standings for a few years. They have found some way to continue to cultivate talent through smart signings, trades, and drafting. Right now they have the best record in the league and some nice lottery picks coming up. Wouldn't expect them to drop from contention level status for some time.
#2 San Francisco Warriors 27 - 8
The Warriors have been retooling over the last few seasons but have managed to win more during that stretch then they were with a stable team. Whatever they are doing they should keep it up as they've won a championship through all of that. This year they look strong behind the dominant play of John Stockton. That might go down as one of the most lopsided deals in league history.
#3 Los Angeles Lakers 23 - 8
HAKEEM - need I say more? Do you want to face him in the playoffs? I don't, so get to it American teams. #CrushTheDream
#4 Sydney Kings 20 - 10
Sydney is once again a strong team led by Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, Frank Johnson, and of course Patrick Ewing. Very good team. A lot of offensive talent and very good athletes. A squad who has been playoff tested.
#5 London Towers 25 - 8
Possibly would have ranked higher before the trading of Karl Malone but it is what it is. London looks to have their division locked up and is looking for playoff seeding. Getting an extra home game against Sydney could be important.
#6 Mexico City Titans 24 - 9
We could talk for days about what Payton means to this team but that would negate the contribution that the Titans have been getting from Hersey Hawkins and the development of Steve Smith. Grant Long made Oakley expendable and they were able to add Alex English.
#7 Brazil Franca BC 26 - 7
Kind of a surprise team up here Brazil has been getting very strong play of course from David Robinson and Mark Price but also newcomer Clark Kellogg. Some may scoff at this lofty ranking but they are a legit team. Watch out for the Franca.
#8 Bayi Rockets 22 - 12
Tim Duncan is the guy everyone wants to trade for but Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, John Salley, and Terrell Brandon are having very strong years that are propelling the Rockets into legit 2nd Round status. A move or two pre-deadline could change things for this team but right now they are the best squad that Bayi fans have ever had.
#9 San Miguel Beermen 21 - 12
Beermen seem to keep finding quality players. Rasheed Wallace is stepping up nice and Shawn Kemp is still playing like Shawn Kemp. The offseason additions of Jojo White and Darwin Cook seem to have taken some of the hurt from losing Stockton and Ewing recently. Beermen maybe not as dominant as they have been but still a very good team with 2nd round aspirations if not further.
#10 Lithuania BC Zalgiris 23 - 10
BCZ has a great front court with Alonzo and Garnett but the scoring of Benji Wilson has been a big help to this team. Let's not forget about the trade for Isiah Thomas last year which really set this team off. They have probably the best depth at PG in the league.
PLAYOFF CONTENDERS
#11 Madrid REAL 21 - 13
LeBron and company are coming together nicely. Walton, Peja, Smits, and Parker have this team on the verge of contention. I think they have enough talent but I need to see it happen a little longer to be truly convinced. Really dig the talent they have though.
#12 Chicago Bulls 22 - 14
The Bulls may be able to sneak into contention if their team heats up post-Malone trade. They have a lot of young talent with guys like Tracy McGrady and Stephon Marbury who are both have very nice seasons. Erving was a solid addition but I am unsure if Vinnie Johnson sees much time. I think I liked Martin better for this team but I understand their cap situation makes that tough.
#13 San Antonio Spurs 19 - 15
What the Spurs lost in FA hurt but they are still a good team. Bias showing that he is quietly one of the best players in the league. Lever looks good too but let's not kid ourselves without Len this team would be low in the lottery. He's that good.
#14 Belgrade KK Partizan 23 - 12
Belgrade is another team built around one great player - Charles Barkley. He is dominating this season again but the rest of the team is just average. If they can add some talent to go along with Sir Chuck then they can challenge Bayi and REAL as a 2nd round team. Otherwise I feel they will make the playoffs but will be a 1st round out.
#15 Harlem Globetrotters 20 - 13
Harlem has never been afraid of trading and throughout it all they've kept a pretty solid record together and this year is no different. Paxson and Rimas having very nice years but no one is really standing out. This is a team effort. Good roster balance.
#16 Tehran Mahram 18 - 17
This team is all about Mookie. He's having an incredible season. George McGinnis was brought in to help solidify the front court and so far they haven't been able to live up to expectations. Maybe some DC work is needed to help getting McGinnis, Mookie, and Mullin (3M) to play better together. They have talent and should be better than this.
#17 Seattle Sonics 16 - 18
Real strange to see Seattle this low in any rankings but sweeping the season series vs London has earned some respect in this one. Wouldn't expect them to be down long.
#18 Indiana Pacers 18 - 18
Pacers just found another front court running mate for Shaq in Fernando Martin. He'll sharing time with Oscar Schmidt. On paper this team should be better especially with Dennis Johnson having a nice year for being 56 years old.
#19 Boston Celtics 17 - 19
You can't talk about this team without mentioning Chris Webber and Toni Kukoc - so there I've done it. If they want to contend they need to find another 2-3 starters probably otherwise waiting on Finley and Laettner could be an option (as long as they continue to progress).
LOTTERY TEAMS
#20 Washington Bullets 13 - 20
Losing McHale hurts. Surprised Nique and Richmond haven't been moved yet. Perhaps Mitch can be useful in the future but I'd think with Nique's age he'd have more value to a contender (or a team looking to get into contention). Maybe Norm Nixon too.
#21 Tel Aviv Maccabi 14 - 19
Dirk and Arenas are both averaging over 20 a game. Maybe more was expected out of rookie Brandon Roy but its really difficult to rely on a 1st year to player to carry much of the load. They just don't have the roster talent to contend this year.
#22 Milano Olympia 11 - 21
Looking at Milan's roster this isn't a terrible team. Kevin McHale, Damon Stoudamire, and Wayman Tisdale were nice additions to this team but it goes to show you how much talent this team was lacking if adding those guys still only has them at 11 wins. They really need a scoring punch from the wing. Perhaps talking to Washington about Nique or some other low team about an aging SF would help get them into playoff contention. Season is far from over.
#23 Detroit Pistons 13 - 20
Team kind of on auto pilot and needs some help. Hope they get some soon.
#24 Cairo Zamalek 10 - 25
Manu is having a good year but really this squad needs time to add talent. LaSalle Thompson is someone who can definitely give you good minutes and Jay Williams should be a capable starter (at least) but there is a lot of other holes on this roster. Going through a rebuild.
#25 Toronto Raptors 8 - 27
GATHERS!!! Latrell looks very good, Iverson is a definite upgrade over Starbury, and Francis should be alright but this team needs more size and to let these guys develop some. A lot of their best players have room to grow so they should have a bright future.
#26 Berlin ALBA 9 - 24
Surprisingly tough year in Berlin led to drastic changes. I expected a lot more out of this roster to start the year but now that they are in full rebuild mode I'd expect the ALBA to try and land a top pick.
#27 Moscow CSKA 10 - 22
This team goes as Wade does. As long as he improves they will have a bright future. If not they may be stuck here for a while.
#28 Istanbul Anadolu Efes 9 - 26
Kind of an older team built with Vinko, Hondo, Brickowski, King, and West their struggles are somewhat surprising. They do have useful younger pieces like Terry Porter. Vin Baker, and of course Doc Rivers. Sound like they are open to dealing the older guys if anyone is interested.
#29 Beijing Aoshen 9 - 21
Some nice youth but no one ready to step up and be a leader. Carmelo looks like he may be that guy in a couple years. Birdsong and Cheeks are probably available and should be moved at some point this year. Furlow maybe as well. Regardless I like their future but right now its looking tough.
#30 Buenos Aires Boca Juniors BC 9 - 25
This team was due for a rebuild after contending for many years with KAJ and company. Rashard Lewis is leading the charge now and they will be looking for new talent in the draft.
#31 Philadelphia 76ers 6 - 29
Amare, Pierce, Joe Johnson, and Dwight makes you think this team would be a little better then this but they are all super young and still finding their way in the league. 76ers look to be adding another young piece to this team through the draft but when do they start coming together? Feels a bit like the NBA 76ers.
#32 Athens Panathinaikos 5 - 30
Draz is alright.
