Power Tankings

[UGLI baby]

What teams do you think have the strongest tank? Who's tank worries you the most and how do you think the Jazz stack up?

UGLI's pWr Tankings


1) Milwaukee- Just a horrible roster, and there is fan support for the tank.

Silver Lining- they have one of the worst owners in sports. A horrible track record of short sighted moves. If they start sniffing the playoffs in the horrible East, I could see ownership wanting to make a run at it.

2) 76ers- This team was built to tank. They started off the year extremely hot, but they worry me because I think they will tank with absolutely no shame down the stretch. They also have a really hard schedule the last month and a half of the season. (prime time for tanking)

3) Toronto- They might deserve to be #2 tbh. They seem to be blowing it up, but it was basically already blowed up so who knows. The reason they are #2 instead of #3 is they just got rid of a guy that everyone hated to play with. That might provide a little boost in the short term as evidenced by their win over the Lakers yesterday.

4) Utah Jazz- I'm still not 100% sold on the tank, I think we will win some frustrating games down the stretch because we will refuse to purposely lose, and Trey Burke is also too much of a winner to have a true tank. However, I can't ignore the fact that the Eastern teams are going to get a lot of accidental wins, and as of now it seems we are the only team in the West that is tanking. Things *could* be breaking just right for us.

5) Cleveland- Things are very tenuous for the Cavs because most of their key players are very injury prone. If Irving goes down they have the propensity to tank with no shame whatsoever.

6) Kings- The Gay trade shows that they will not be trying to lose on purpose, but the only problem is that Gay is a horrible team player. They are ranked this low because I think they want to win, but I could see the Gay trade being great for them or totally destroying any chemistry they have, leaving them with one of the worst records.

7) Orlando- They actually have a lot of nice pieces and a good coach, so I could see them beating up on the bottom teams in the East. They are still a definite threat though because they don't have a full roster, and I don't doubt that the organization would be ok to tank down the stretch.

8) Knicks- They don't own their pick and have no incentive to tank, but it is somewhat worrisome that they have been this bad while trying to win.

9) Nets- Same as the Knicks.

10- Grizzlies- lots of injuries, but not a true threat IMHO.






dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[spycam1]

I generally agree. Well done. I think it's difficult to judge the Raptors and Kings after that trade just yet; I can see both teams being better, but I can also see them both being worse off. I'll have to think about it all a little more before I do my own Power Tanking, but I'd say I'm slightly more optimistic about the Jazz tank than you.

 

[zbone]

Disagree about Memphis. They are easily 5-6 with all the injuries and apparent coaching problems.

 

[UGLI baby]

Disagree about Memphis. They are easily 5-6 with all the injuries and apparent coaching problems.

Haven't read up on it. Dont even know who their coach is tbh.

If they do start tanking, a 5 win lead is a nice cushion.



dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[SojoDave]

The tank is strong with the Bucks. Is Larry Sanders supposed to come back anytime soon? This is definitely the year of Tankapalooza.

 

[Stoked]

Memphis is a non issue. They are hurt not tanking. They are a strong playoff team. Utah is under rated on here. Utah has the hardest schedule based on record than any other team in the league, bad coach, bad bench and injuries. They should be #2. Utah is 1 game ahead of the Bucks in the tank standings.

 

[spycam1]

The tank is strong with the Bucks. Is Larry Sanders supposed to come back anytime soon? This is definitely the year of Tankapalooza.

He was supposed to be out 6 weeks, so I imagine he'll be back soon (unless the Bucks are smart).

 

[spycam1]

Ugs, I thought you were still scared of PHX?

 

[UGLI baby]

Memphis is a non issue. They are hurt not tanking. They are a strong playoff team. Utah is under rated on here. Utah has the hardest schedule based on record than any other team in the league, bad coach, bad bench and injuries. They should be #2. Utah is 1 game ahead of the Bucks in the tank standings.

We've had the hardest schedule so far (part of that is because when you don't win any games the teams you play end up with wins..) but that is a cause for concern with the tank, not optimism.

dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[UGLI baby]

He was supposed to be out 6 weeks, so I imagine he'll be back soon (unless the Bucks are smart).

I think they will bring him back when he's ready. Spent too much money on him to let him rot.


dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[UGLI baby]

Ugs, I thought you were still scared of PHX?

Thought about including them, but they have so many wins already, would be hard for them to catch us.

When I posted I was worried about them, that was a few weeks ago. Very happy to be wrong.

Also, my rankings aren't based on where I think teams will finish, just who has the best chance at truly tanking and finishing with the league's worst record.


dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[Stoked]

We've had the hardest schedule so far (part of that is because when you don't win any games the teams you play end up with wins..) but that is a cause for concern with the tank, not optimism.

dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

Jazz will have one of the hardest, if not the hardest (win % wise) schedules of any team in the league all season long. We are the worst team in the west. That means we have 14 teams we have to play 3-4 times that are all a higher win % then us. I guess that the lowest EC team can say this but then compare our opponents win% v. theirs. Jazz will be playing these teams are season long.

For example. Our game @ orlando is part of a 5 game road trip later this month. It is the road game after Miami. Our 1 game @ Milwuakee is the second night of a back to back. Indy the night before. We face in order Nawlins, @GST, Dallas, Portland, @Denver, Lakers, @ Minny to close out the season. That is 7 games in 11 days...against several teams angling for a playoff berth. Such as Lakers, Dallas and Minny.

The season doesn't get that much easier for Utah.

 

[UGLI baby]

Jazz will have one of the hardest, if not the hardest (win % wise) schedules of any team in the league all season long. We are the worst team in the west. That means we have 14 teams we have to play 3-4 times that are all a higher win % then us. I guess that the lowest EC team can say this but then compare our opponents win% v. theirs. Jazz will be playing these teams are season long.

For example. Our game @ orlando is part of a 5 game road trip later this month. It is the road game after Miami. Our 1 game @ Milwuakee is the second night of a back to back. Indy the night before. We face in order Nawlins, @GST, Dallas, Portland, @Denver, Lakers, @ Minny to close out the season. That is 7 games in 11 days...against several teams angling for a playoff berth. Such as Lakers, Dallas and Minny.

The season doesn't get that much easier for Utah.

I get what Youre saying, i Just don't think it's that simple. A team that is truly tanking will lose more games than us no matter how much easier their schedule is, unless I am underestimating the measures the Jazz are willing to take to secure the tank.

I'm gonna make a thread kind of about this tonight possibly probably.


dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[Stoked]

I get what Youre saying, i Just don't think it's that simple. A team that is truly tanking will lose more games than us no matter how much easier their schedule is, unless I am underestimating the measures the Jazz are willing to take to secure the tank.

I'm gonna make a thread kind of about this tonight possibly probably.


dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

Normally I would agree but can you really bet against a team coached by Corbin that has Biedrins and Lucas on it?

 

[UGLI baby]

Normally I would agree but can you really bet against a team coached by Corbin that has Biedrins and Lucas on it?

I sense the jokingness, but to clarify what I'm talking about is the over the top outrageous tank manuevers like the ones GST pulled a couple years ago (turning the ball over on purpose on a 5 sec count on a crunch time inbounds, pulling ALL of your good guys down the stretch). I don't see the Jazz doing that and I think some teams will.

Where it will be interesting is when 2 of those teams meet up, which is what I'm probly gonna make a thread about later.


dat jazzfanz.com mobile app doe

 

[[size/HUGE] fixed [/size]]

Jazz will have one of the hardest, if not the hardest (win % wise) schedules of any team in the league all season long. We are the worst team in the west. That means we have 14 teams we have to play 3-4 times that are all a higher win % then us. I guess that the lowest EC team can say this but then compare our opponents win% v. theirs. Jazz will be playing these teams are season long.

For example. Our game @ orlando is part of a 5 game road trip later this month. It is the road game after Miami. Our 1 game @ Milwuakee is the second night of a back to back. Indy the night before. We face in order Nawlins, @GST, Dallas, Portland, @Denver, Lakers, @ Minny to close out the season. That is 7 games in 11 days...against several teams angling for a playoff berth. Such as Lakers, Dallas and Minny.

The season doesn't get that much easier for Utah.

Add to all this:
I'm pretty sure we have the worst record against eastern conference teams of all teams in the western conference.

 

[Stoked]

Add to all this:
I'm pretty sure we have the worst record against eastern conference teams of all teams in the western conference.

Jazz are 1-5 agaisnt the EC. That includes @ Boston, @ Toronto and @ Brooklyn.

Edit: Also add in that the Jazz are already anywhere from 1-4 games further into the season than most teams and those extra games have all been Ls. Milwuakee still has 2 more chances (3 after tonight) that Utah to get a W.

 

[The Midnight]

Add to all this:
I'm pretty sure we have the worst record against eastern conference teams of all teams in the western conference.

sky's blue.

 

[BTP]

I think it's too early for Tankings. December 15 will shed some more light on the situation.
Right now, I'd say:
1) Milwaukee - Have some new and ongoing injury problems and are reportedly aggressively shopping Sanders(Seems like last years locker room reports about Sanders being the problem are accurate)
Hard to see them turn directions anytime soon and when they can do it might be so late that even their moronic owner sees the benefit of tanking.

2) Utah - Western conference, Ty Corbin, no bench, young guys are still learning to swim after being thrown in the cold water.

3) Sixers - Active in trade talks as their 25 year old trio is performing career best numbers. Also they're in full tank mode even with them.

4) Toronto - They're not going to look pretty. Too few talented and too many limited players to accidentally win games unless Kobe throws...not on purpose.

5) Orlando - They don't care too much for the top pick as they have already great players in town and just need one of the superstar potential guys. I guess they prefer Randle or Exum. During/After that they'll trade Afflalo for what's missing unless someone really wants to give up sth valuable(draft pick with lottery potential and no protection) for him as he's arguably the best SG in the east this season until now.
But as long as Oladipo getts opportunities to learn point guard in actual games they won't win anything.

6) Sacramento - Where Defense happens .... NOT! Rudy Gay is their best defender. And he's only slightly above average.

7) Boston - Can't imagine they'd really shoot for playoffs with this roster. That's not getting them anywhere unless they are confident that Rondo is coming back strong and already recruited players...Ainge also has a tanking reputation as he's done it before. So what's the deal with handing New York 40 point losses?

8) Phoenix - At some point they gotta run out of gas or cash in on their vets having good years. They are still missing the core puzzle piece to elevate them long term. Alex Len returning might turn some close wins into narrow losses.

On the outside tanking in:
-Memphis has some mysterious injury reports(stress fracture = season ending?)
-What will New Orleans do if they can't get healthy and running?
-If Minny stays healthy and has no shot at the playoffs they kinda have to do a complete roster shakeup. Tanking might be a good start while cashing in on everyone who has value...
-Cleveland doesn't matter. They may or may not make the playoffs. They'll select the wrong guy anyways unless they're top3. Sometimes even in the top3
-Charlotte wants to strengthen its brand while their namechange is undergoing. Plus they wanna become attractive for FAs and get back to the playoffs. Not sold they can do it with basically no outside shooting. The longer the season the heavier the legs and outrunning is getting harder than outgunning.
-Chicago and Washington both have incentives to tank but unless they start making moves it's hard to predict.

 

[UGLI baby]

I think it's too early for Tankings. December 15 will shed some more light on the situation.
Right now, I'd say:
1) Milwaukee - Have some new and ongoing injury problems and are reportedly aggressively shopping Sanders(Seems like last years locker room reports about Sanders being the problem are accurate)
Hard to see them turn directions anytime soon and when they can do it might be so late that even their moronic owner sees the benefit of tanking.

2) Utah - Western conference, Ty Corbin, no bench, young guys are still learning to swim after being thrown in the cold water.

3) Sixers - Active in trade talks as their 25 year old trio is performing career best numbers. Also they're in full tank mode even with them.

4) Toronto - They're not going to look pretty. Too few talented and too many limited players to accidentally win games unless Kobe throws...not on purpose.

5) Orlando - They don't care too much for the top pick as they have already great players in town and just need one of the superstar potential guys. I guess they prefer Randle or Exum. During/After that they'll trade Afflalo for what's missing unless someone really wants to give up sth valuable(draft pick with lottery potential and no protection) for him as he's arguably the best SG in the east this season until now.
But as long as Oladipo getts opportunities to learn point guard in actual games they won't win anything.

6) Sacramento - Where Defense happens .... NOT! Rudy Gay is their best defender. And he's only slightly above average.

7) Boston - Can't imagine they'd really shoot for playoffs with this roster. That's not getting them anywhere unless they are confident that Rondo is coming back strong and already recruited players...Ainge also has a tanking reputation as he's done it before. So what's the deal with handing New York 40 point losses?

8) Phoenix - At some they gotta run out of gas or cash in on their vets having good years. They are still missing the core puzzle piece to elevate them long term. Alex Len returning might turn some close wins into narrow losses.

On the outside tanking in:
-Memphis has some mysterious injury reports(stress fracture = season ending?)
-What will New Orleans do if they can't get healthy and running?
-If Minny stays healthy and has no shot at the playoffs they kinda have to do a complete roster shakeup. Tanking might be a good start while cashing in on everyone who has value...
-Cleveland doesn't matter. They may or may not make the playoffs. They'll select the wrong guy anyways unless they're top3. Sometimes even in the top3
-Charlotte wants to strengthen its brand while their namechange is undergoing. Plus they wanna get attractive and get back to the playoffs. Not sold they can do it with basically no outside shooting. The longer the season the heavier the legs and outrunning is getting harder than outgunning.
-Chicago and Washington both have incentives to tank but unless they start making moves it's hard to predict.

Pos rep for the rankings and solid analysis. Neg rep for thinking of "on the outside tanking in" before I had a chance to.