Post by cobrafitz on Dec 10, 2007 18:28:28 GMT -5
I've tried to come up with a statistical analysis of who the top teams are. I'm not real good at creating statistical analysis, so we'll just see how it goes. At any rate, the scoring is based on three categories: Team scoring differential, Team rebounding differential, and Team turnover differential. To make the composite score more relative, I've divided scoring by two and multiplied turnovers by two. This helps weight the categories to more accurately reflect a total score so one category is not weighted more heavily than another.
The top ten teams:
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Total Score = 33.7
They're blowing people out, and if not for a loss to the Nuggets would be undefeated. Based on their early performance, and legtitimate NBA first-teamers in Rose and Okafor, this will be the team to beat this year (sorry Nuggets).
2. Denver Nuggets: Total Score = 15.55
They're 6-2, but don't let that fool you. I wouldn't expect them to dominate being a year older, but they're still as dangerous as ever with the same starting lineup as last year returning despite being a year older in some cases.
3. New York Knicks: Total Score = 14.25
It surprises me to some degree that the Knicks are this high. We should have a pretty strong chance of finishing atop a much weaker East Division. However, the trade of David Lee has weakened the team to a small degree vs last year's team.
4. Sacramento Kings: Total Score = 10.95
The Kings look hungry again after laying back a little last year. They'll be a playoff team with their mix of veterans and youngsters. Eventually they'll need to replace Kidd but he still looks better than many PG in the league.
5. LA Clippers: Total Score = 5.8
This is my pick as this year's Memphis Grizzlies. Having the top pick can obviously have a huge impact. If the new Jordan can keep it up, they should be a playoff team this year.
6. Seattle Supersonics: Total Score = 5.8
Despite the GM's preference, this team is ready for the big-time. They need to find an upgrade at shooting guard perhaps, but the trio of Paul, Durant, and Green is just silly. Add C.J. Giles to the mix and this team could be dangerous in the postseason.
7. Toronto Raptors: Toal Score = 5
They went out and traded for one of the top SF in the game in Rashard Lewis, only problem is the contract came with him. For now this team is a legitimate playoff team with Boozer, Randolph, and Lewis. Ford and Law are weak at the guard positions, so they'll need to upgrade those to be any better.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves: Total Score = 4.6
They have excellent players, and the franchise was almsot ruined with the Jefferson fiasco, but that's all behind them now. Foye is one of the top 5 best PG in the game, and Lofton and Jefferson are very good players as well. Should be a threat this year.
9. San Antonio Spurs: Total Score = 3.6
I'm not sure this is the 9th best team in the league, but I won't argue it right now. Having Duncan and Parker on your team is enough to be very competitive. Add Curry and Ginobili to that and you have a playoff caliber team.
10. Chicago Bulls: Total Score = 2.7
I think with it being early in the year, the Bulls have snuck in here. There are some teams real close to this score, so it could easily change. That said, another year for the youngsters to develop may have improved this team from last year.
11. Suns
12. Jazz
13. Grizzlies
14. Heat
15. Cavaliers
The top ten teams:
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Total Score = 33.7
They're blowing people out, and if not for a loss to the Nuggets would be undefeated. Based on their early performance, and legtitimate NBA first-teamers in Rose and Okafor, this will be the team to beat this year (sorry Nuggets).
2. Denver Nuggets: Total Score = 15.55
They're 6-2, but don't let that fool you. I wouldn't expect them to dominate being a year older, but they're still as dangerous as ever with the same starting lineup as last year returning despite being a year older in some cases.
3. New York Knicks: Total Score = 14.25
It surprises me to some degree that the Knicks are this high. We should have a pretty strong chance of finishing atop a much weaker East Division. However, the trade of David Lee has weakened the team to a small degree vs last year's team.
4. Sacramento Kings: Total Score = 10.95
The Kings look hungry again after laying back a little last year. They'll be a playoff team with their mix of veterans and youngsters. Eventually they'll need to replace Kidd but he still looks better than many PG in the league.
5. LA Clippers: Total Score = 5.8
This is my pick as this year's Memphis Grizzlies. Having the top pick can obviously have a huge impact. If the new Jordan can keep it up, they should be a playoff team this year.
6. Seattle Supersonics: Total Score = 5.8
Despite the GM's preference, this team is ready for the big-time. They need to find an upgrade at shooting guard perhaps, but the trio of Paul, Durant, and Green is just silly. Add C.J. Giles to the mix and this team could be dangerous in the postseason.
7. Toronto Raptors: Toal Score = 5
They went out and traded for one of the top SF in the game in Rashard Lewis, only problem is the contract came with him. For now this team is a legitimate playoff team with Boozer, Randolph, and Lewis. Ford and Law are weak at the guard positions, so they'll need to upgrade those to be any better.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves: Total Score = 4.6
They have excellent players, and the franchise was almsot ruined with the Jefferson fiasco, but that's all behind them now. Foye is one of the top 5 best PG in the game, and Lofton and Jefferson are very good players as well. Should be a threat this year.
9. San Antonio Spurs: Total Score = 3.6
I'm not sure this is the 9th best team in the league, but I won't argue it right now. Having Duncan and Parker on your team is enough to be very competitive. Add Curry and Ginobili to that and you have a playoff caliber team.
10. Chicago Bulls: Total Score = 2.7
I think with it being early in the year, the Bulls have snuck in here. There are some teams real close to this score, so it could easily change. That said, another year for the youngsters to develop may have improved this team from last year.
11. Suns
12. Jazz
13. Grizzlies
14. Heat
15. Cavaliers
