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- MID SEASON POWER RANKINGS -

WRITTEN BY: PROFESSOR X

A little pre-christmas gift for the ETBL world. Our mid-season Power Rankings will try and establish what the true order of the league is going into 2023. It will be controversial but if you feel slighted...then get busy when the season restarts. The race to be in the top 12 is going to be incredible and some teams will be heavily dissapointed in missing the playoffs. Best of luck to everyone!

1. THUNDER: The team to beat in Season 7 no question. Undefeated and haven't been seriously challenged yet. We have to think they will keep this up and have the number 1 seed and a bye into the Quarter-Finals in March. Lots of time left to oil up the machine even further and get things fine tuned for the championship run. O-K-C Ya. Previously: 2

2. BOBCATS: Okay, they haven't performed up to their level but the Cats have been playing shorthanded and we assume that will not continue. They are the defending champs but they gotta make sure the chemistry is on point and that can only happen if the entire teams is ready to ball. I don't see them losing to the other contenders but if they only are focused on the Thunder...they might get hit with lightning and lose prematurely. Previously: 1

3. ROCKETS:  The pieces are there for a serious run. Great backcourt. Great defence and versatility. Great bench. Good experience and IQ. Roshane and company can do big things if the team comes together and plays like a unit. Additions of Shang, Gopal and Anand make this team solid and deep. Outside shooting will be the key for them. Previously: 7

4. CLIPPERS: The trio of Ajahmo Clarke, Aaron Hayles and Kris Gnanenthra is going to be tough for teams to deal with. Add in Javed and the rest of the crew and this team has a chance to put up some great numbers offensively. The defence is however is lacking and thus why they are out of the top 3. Defence wins chips and they need to step up on that end. Previously: 3

5. BUCKS: The Bucks have shown they are for real. Players have stepped up their game and they got a good mix of offence and defence. They gotta use their momentum and keep it going in the new year. If they are complacent or just happy with where they are...then it won't be enough to enter the championship contender conversation. Keep working and keep building. Previously: 14

6. PACERS: They have a tough team in Pacerville. Lots of defence and experience and toughness. Nidun and Duzan will stir the drink but they rest of the crew will have to do their part and chip in every game. If they are healthy then they will be a problem come playoff time. Previously: 5

7. PISTONS: Will be in contention as long as they are healthy. Too organized and too much experience plus Big Mike is just a load to deal with. Kendell has to be the Robin for them to actually make noise. Previously: 6

8. LAKERS: This squad has taken some tough losses but at the hands of some really great teams. They got enough pieces to make an impressive run but they just gotta keep making small improvements each week. They might not need the outside shooting if they play elite defence and finish around the basket. Shavaughn doing all he can to keep them in the hunt. Previously: 8

9. HEAT: Although they are showing the league what they are capable of and have taken care of business regardless of who the opposition throws out there...I am hesitant to move them into a top 6 ranking. Are they in the top third of the league? I would bet on more of the middle of the pack with some upside. Bring the Heat in the 2nd half of the season. Previously: 13

10. SIXERS: Gotta take it seriously in the 2nd half to be considered contenders. Talent is off the charts but the effort and concentration level is not. Gotta prove it now before we are left with the biggest dissapointment in the league. Mayo has been incredible. Everyone else is going to need to ketchup (sorry had to).  Previously: 4

11. KINGS: They have made some solid additions and tweaks all season to their roster and we shall give it some time before fully assessing what they are capable of. The chemistry does take time but if they can get consistent lineups and committment...they can be a dangerous out in the playoffs. If they make it that is. A lot of players have had their role change (even during the season) and they may not be accustomed to it. GM Nishan has to figure it out. Previously: 9

12. CAVALIERS: Rumors of Michael Mines joining the squad seem to be true. In 4 games last season...he averaged 19.5pts on 57% shooting (91% at the line) with 6.3rebs and 2.0asts per game! Dude was a beast and he will absolutely help this squad make some noise. Rose, Abeku and Mines will be a formidable trio and the rest of the squad has to just to do the little things. They lack some height on the inside which is why I don't have them higher.  Previously: 18

13. GRIZZLIES: Need Ben healthy and this team could be sneaky good. They are going to be in a dog fight to make it into the playoffs but they have the players capable of doing big things. The reigning MVP will have his hands full but we shall see what the Grizz are made of in the 2nd half. Previously: 11

14. RAPTORS: The squad that made huge changes in the offseason and were suppose to be a contender. They just haven't got the committment needed so far to do anything special. When they were committed...they beat the defending champs. So the talent is clearly there and now it is just about coming together and competing. They definitely got the highest upside of the teams in this group. But it is time to show it. Previously: 10

15. NETS: Okay this team is better for sure. The addition of Neil Powley gives them a legit shot of making the playoffs. Shabir was great last game and he will have to be big for them for the rest of the season. They gotta dig out of a big hole but it is possible. Previously: 16

16. WARRIORS: The Dubs will apparently be missing their captain for the rest of the season. They did make the addition of Walshak but losing their GM and number 2 option will prove to be too much for this young squad. Previously: 17

17. MAGIC: The Magic have fallen on hard times and although they have had chances to win all their games...just not enough clutch shots and plays down the stretch. They got a chance to make the biggest leap out of the bottom squads.  Previously: 12

18. HAWKS: Tough start to the season. Will be even a tougher finish if they don't start playing some solid basketball. Play with intensity and effort and let it all hang out.  Previously: 15