Future Power Rankings - ESPN
Posted: Wed Mar 3, 2010 3:36 pm
1. Oklahoma City Thunder |
The Thunder have ascended to the top of the rankings thanks to the continued development of their young core and yet another astute trade. This one filched rookie point guard Eric Maynor from Utah, basically for free, and filled a rotation spot where the Thunder had previously been sorely lacking. Up front, meanwhile, the emergence of shot-blocking forward Serge Ibaka adds another piece to their rapidly expanding talent base.
That base still has only two true stars -- emerging MVP candidate and possible scoring champ Kevin Durant and his steadily improving sidekick Russell Westbrook. Fortunately, everything is in place for the Thunder to surround them with even more talent. General manager Sam Presti has preserved his cap space and hoarded draft picks, allowing him to trade from a position of strength to build the roster going forward, and the team draws so well that its small-market status shouldn't be an overwhelming concern.
OOHHHH YEAH
The Thunder have ascended to the top of the rankings thanks to the continued development of their young core and yet another astute trade. This one filched rookie point guard Eric Maynor from Utah, basically for free, and filled a rotation spot where the Thunder had previously been sorely lacking. Up front, meanwhile, the emergence of shot-blocking forward Serge Ibaka adds another piece to their rapidly expanding talent base.
That base still has only two true stars -- emerging MVP candidate and possible scoring champ Kevin Durant and his steadily improving sidekick Russell Westbrook. Fortunately, everything is in place for the Thunder to surround them with even more talent. General manager Sam Presti has preserved his cap space and hoarded draft picks, allowing him to trade from a position of strength to build the roster going forward, and the team draws so well that its small-market status shouldn't be an overwhelming concern.
OOHHHH YEAH