ESPN Power Rankings

[magnifier661]

LA's higher PER is almost strictly a function of higher usage. Per used possession, they're basically identical, with Pau not having had the benefit of playing alongside a center like Lopez. And even at his advanced age, Pau is still a better defender, and will be even better-er under Thibs.

I disagree with all of this sorry. Gasol now is nowhere near as good as Aldridge now no matter how you try and sugar coat it:

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Sorry, PP, but I'm not buying what you're selling. I don't think there's a GM in the league that wouldn't take 2014 LMA over Pau Gasol.

Of course not, because Aldridge is 5 years younger, and no GM plans for just a single year. But don't be surprised if Gasol's WS/48 are comparable to LA's this year.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I disagree with all of this sorry. Gasol now is nowhere near as good as Aldridge now no matter how you try and sugar coat it:

Care to elaborate on what aspect of my statistical observations you disagree with?

 

[Minstrel]

So what we're all saying is that it is reasonably arguable that the Blazers could be considered the 5th best team in the NBA going into the season?

I think it could reasonably be argued that the Blazers are the 5th best team in the NBA and yet only the 4th best team in the West.

I, personally, have the Blazers and Warriors as very equivalent...I'm fine with putting those two teams in any order.

 

[magnifier661]

Care to elaborate on what aspect of my statistical observations you disagree with?

That stats like per minute doesn't mean shit to me. What is gasol played 37 minutes a game? Maybe his efficiency would go down considerably. And defensively I disagree with. The categories don't sway me

 

[KingSpeed]

Aldridge is a number one option who carried the Blazers to 54 wins and had back to back legendary performances in the playoffs. Pau might have some interesting advanced statistics but he is not able get those numbers while carrying a team as the number one option. I'm also waiting for Pau to get 46/18 and 43 points in back to back playoff games on the road.

 

[KingSpeed]

Care to elaborate on what aspect of my statistical observations you disagree with?

Waiting for Pau to be number one option on 54 win team. Has ever done it? In the last decade even? Also, how many playoff wins did he have in Memphis? That's the last time he was number one option on playoff team..

 

[riverman]

I'll take LaMarcus and Rolo over Gasol and Noah. ESPN must have the hots for Raymond Felton to put Dallas that high up the list

 

[ShareTheRock]

Just don't understand what they see in Dallas?

I certainly don't get why they think Dallas will move up that far. Maybe it's just Dallas gave the Spurs their only tough series.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

Just being hypothetical here. And I don't have a feeling either way but I do think it's a possibility mainly because cuz I feel the team tapped themselves out last year more so the starters. And I'm not convinced the young dudes aside from the Thrill is ready to take a step forward. Who get's the blame if this team does take a step or two back this season?

 

[blue9]

Just being hypothetical here. And I don't have a feeling either way but I do think it's a possibility mainly because cuz I feel the team tapped themselves out last year more so the starters. And I'm not convinced the young dudes aside from the Thrill is ready to take a step forward. Who get's the blame if this team does take a step or two back this season?

I agree. As much as I think our roster improved, that hot start will be hard to replicate. I don't think our W/L will be all that different from last year (+2/-5), but hopefully we do it more consistently rather than the feast/famine cycle we went through last year.
If we slide it'll be Stotts' fault.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I agree. As much as I think our roster improved, that hot start will be hard to replicate. I don't think our W/L will be all that different from last year (+2/-5), but hopefully we do it more consistently rather than the feast/famine cycle we went through last year.
If we slide it'll be Stotts' fault.

I disagree. It's the GM's fault.

 

[noknobs]

LA's higher PER is almost strictly a function of higher usage. Per used possession, they're basically identical, with Pau not having had the benefit of playing alongside a center like Lopez. And even at his advanced age, Pau is still a better defender, and will be even better-er under Thibs.

Perhaps we should now try to figure out why one is used more than the other...?

Having watched a healthy amount of Pau Gasol last year, and obviously every Blazer game, I can say quite confidently that Lamarcus is now on a different level than Gasol. That's not to say Gasol is bad, he's still quite good. But LA might be the best PF in the game at the moment. I agree with you though in that I think the Bulls are gonna be very good, Pau seems like a great fit.

As to the rankings, I've got no problem with #8.

 

[Strenuus]

I disagree. It's the GM's fault.

I disagree. It's Stotts AND Olshey's fault. :MARIS61: