2009 Atlantic Division power rankings (after sim #8)

[CelticsGM]

Welcome to the 3rd edition of the 2009 Atlantic Division power rankings (after sim #8) taking a deeper look at team needs before the upcoming trading deadline:

1 (1) Nets 42-12 (15-5)
They lost the aura of invincibility with some surprising losses but remain atop the standings. Appeared confused in the first few games without Billups, but got their act together again. Returned to the winning ways on the defensive end where they lead the league.
outlook: stay #1
playoff chances: 100%
deadline action: Expect their starting lineup and key backups to stay put, but some depth might be helpful. No big moves though.

2 (3) Sixers 32-35 (13-9)
Winners of 8 of the last 9 the Sixers still go where Duncan takes them. The sorely miss a consistent second scorer and if no one picks up that role they consequently lose. Give up exactly as much as they score recently (99.11ppg). The Ginobili gamble looks like he did pay off nicely with a playoff birth AND a good pick.
outlook: stay #2
playoff chances: 70% (even)
deadline action: A solid outside scorer is desperately needed but no immediate move is in sight. Well, star players don't grow on trees ...

3 (2): Magic 28-20 (9-8)
Play less than .500 ball since Gilbert replaced Ray in the lineup and beat only two quality teams (Clips, Sixers) in the process. That's not enough in this league, thus the drop to #3. Kidd plays worse now sans Ray and the Magic give up 5 more pt and score 5 less pt. Not a winning formula at all ...
outlook: stay #3
deadline action: They sure could use some more offense since the luxury of Ray outscoring opponents himself is gone. But just minor moves are expected.

4 (4) Wizards 23-29 (10-10)
They are on a little roll winning 8 of 13 and get closer to a playoff spot. The one-two punch of Amare and AI still leads the way but Davies, Sheed, Maggette and Forston came to the rescue. Still give up more points than they score, so the playoffs will be hard to catch. But with youth and picks the future is all theirs ...
outlook: #4 - #6
playoff chances: 50% (+30%)
deadline action: Defensive help could better the pretty high negative point differental and a veteran backup PG would ease the life of Rookie Davies, but again, no trades are reported.


part 2 with the 3 bottom teams follows tomorrow ...

[SixersGM]

2 (3) Sixers 32-35 (13-9)
Winners of 8 of the last 9 the Sixers still go where Duncan takes them. The sorely miss a consistent second scorer and if no one picks up that role they consequently lose. Give up exactly as much as they score recently (99.11ppg). The Ginobili gamble looks like he did pay off nicely with a playoff birth AND a good pick.
outlook: stay #2
playoff chances: 70% (even)
deadline action: A solid outside scorer is desperately needed but no immediate move is in sight. Well, star players don't grow on trees ...

I got a consistent second scorer in Tanner Houbregs. Although there is a dire need of an outside scorer, my backcourt players has been playing well shutting down opposing SGs and SFs. Terpening averages almost 1bpg. While Ernest Austin and Carlos Arroyo averages almost 1.8spg and 2.1spg respectively.

Again, good work celtsgm. I enjoyed reading your power rankings.

[CelticsGM]

Here is part 2 of these rankings ...

5 (5) Heat 23-31 (10-9)
Eddy Curry is finally getting accustomed to the team and provides great rebounding, blocks and a second scorer to complement Q. The real surprise is his surprising success at the defensive end, where he holds opponents to 33% shooting.
This team is young and not all too experienced but has some nice success against many eastern teams. Look out for them next season.
outlook: stay between #4 and #6
playoff chances: 20%, (+18%) right there on the Cavs' heels
deadline action: Expect nothing to happen. Not that they don't need anything but right now it's not in their plans

6 (7) Celtics 21-30 (12-9)
The left the bottom of the standings and actually are now just 9th worst in the league. The newest addition Billups will provide great veteran leadership and direct a team that got pretty experienced recently. 2 time champ Booth, Gasol and Ginobili will allow the Jefferson, Lenard, Elliott and Duncan to learn with less pressure.
outlook: stay between #4 and #6
playoff chances: 10% (+5%) but still far behind in wins
deadline action: The lead the league in deals this season so their management really should give this team a chance to form some chemistry now. But you never know ...

7 (6) Knickerbockers 19-34 (8-13)
It's not looking all too bright in Manhattan. Losers of eight straight the find out that a rookie leading a team usually doesn't equal success. Wells doesn't show any signs of slowing down but he's more and more becoming a one-man show getting less help than ever. From this point on the development of the young players will superseed winning as the primary season goal.
outlook: leaving #7 won't be easy
playoff chances: 1% (-4%) never say never, but ...
deadline action: If they can convert some of their expiring veteran contracts into picks or young guys they won't hesitate, but don't look for major changes here.


So much for this edition of the Power rankings. Next week we take a look at playoff chances and postseason actions (for those out of the race). Stay tuned ...