HiGrade's Top Contenders

New Orleans Pelicans (10-4)

Key Top 3: Dion Waiters, Marcus Smart, Anthony Davis

Why They Make It: All of the necessary tools are simply there. They have an elite point guard in Marcus Smart who is arguably one of the Top 3, definitely Top 5 in the entire league. He rarely turns the ball over, he can score and defend. You simply couldn't ask for anyone better to lead a team. The additions of Dion Waiters and DeAndre Jordan just boosted this team over the top, I still can't wrap my head around how they pulled it off. Although the Warriors had essentially the same offer on the table but passed. Waiters will make his return at the end of February and will without a doubt have a breakout season and make a strong case for most improved. I'll expect him to play the most minutes he ever has in his 2-year career and his great defense will be key for shutting down a player like Harden. Not to mention the starting frontcourt is averaging 7 blocks per game ? Not only will they prove to be one of the best defensive teams, but can light it up with Smart & Davis as well. They are definitely my early pick to make it to the title game as they have one of the most complete, well-rounded teams in the entire league.

Why They Don't: This is tough. I really can't find a reason why they wouldn't make it. They match up perfectly with every contender in the Western Conference and the only factor that could potentially hold them back is injuries. Assuming no one comes down with something major and this roster remains intact, I'd go as far as saying no one has a chance to win a 7-game series against this squad once Waiters returns. They haven't proved anything yet, but they had a 7-4 record before the trade and they haven't lost a game since. Anyone in the West hoping to compete with these guys will need to make some major moves in order to improve because no one can match their talent level as of now.



Chicago Bulls (11-3)

Key Top 3: Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Tiago Splitter

Why They Make It: Tough to find a favorite in the East because now it has become wide open for the taking, especially with OP leaving Miami.  They have the perfect supporting cast for Derrick Rose and have the potential to beat out the rest of the contenders if he continues to play at an elite level. Tiago Splitter is proving to be a genius addition and the likes of Joe Johnson and Tony Allen compliment the roster very well. They'll need everyone to play at their best though, because there is definitely some stiff competition in the East and really anyone could come out on top when it's all said and done.

Why They Don't: There's too much competition in the East and there are teams that matchup very well with the Bulls. Also what it will boil down to is the play of Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Noah is shooting 39% this season, a career low, and that isn't going to cut it. He definitely needs to pick up his game if they hope to make a championship push. Rose is also shooting just 41% which is not ideal for your top scorer and focal point of the offense. He needs to find his groove and stay there in order to get to the next level, along with cutting down on his 3.5 turnovers per game.



Washington Wizards (10-2)

Key Top 3: John Wall, Blake Griffin, Jonas Valanciunas

Why They Make It: Probably the best 1-2 punch in the league right here with John Wall and Blake Griffin. The supporting cast isn't great, but thus far it's been enough to get the job done as they have a ridiculous 5-1 road record. The ability to win on the road is what separates good teams from great teams and the Wizards have all the makings of a great team.  Then again, they haven't really been tested yet so we'll see if this amazing play holds on as the schedule gets tougher throughout the season.

Why They Don't: Not enough talent outside of Wall & Griffin could be the downfall. Their next best player is Valanciunas and he's not much of a threat if any. If teams can match up well against them and shut down either 1 or both of their stars, they'll be in trouble. Just look at the game against the Hardens, who won in Washington. The Wizards have absolutely no one who can shut down The Beard or any other great 2/3 guards which will result in problems. If you want to beat this team, as long as your #1 scoring option is a SG or SF you have a great chance to win as this squad is very very thin.


Houston Rockets (11-4)

Key Top 3: James Harden, James Harden, James Harden

Why They Win: Easy. They win because of James Harden. I've played in sim leagues for well over 7  years now and while this is my first time using DDS3, which is a completely different engine, I've never seen a guard score at such a high level with elite FG% like Harden. Through 15 games he's shooting a remarkable 64% while averaging 37PPG ? Is that some sort of typo or error ? Absolutely amazing and not to mention, he's averaging 11 free throws per game which is a killer. They live and die by The Beard and he will be the reason they make it the title game or fall short. Their fate will always depend on the play of Harden, simple as that.

Why They Don't: Easy. They lose and don't make it because of James Harden. If you want to beat this team all you have to do is shut him down and it's over. They are a threat to no one in the league if they don't have Harden on their team. If he comes down with an injury for a week or so, I won't be surprised if they lose every single game. Yeah, Terrence Ross can score a bit when called upon but he's one player and he's definitely no Harden. They either beat you with Harden, lose with Harden, or lose with Iggy. I still don't understand why Ross isn't in the starting lineup instead of Andre Iguodala but that's not my call to make. Iggy is a good defender but he's a piss poor shooter who will drag your team down in an instant. Their last two losses, against the Timberwolves and Clippers, Iggy went 5/18 and 8/22. He takes shots away from their best player and is horribly inefficient. Simply put, in order to win against this squad, just focus in on Harden and it's game over. They won't reach that next level until they find someone who can play sidekick and take the pressure off of their MVP.


Honorable Mentions: Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks

Good read. We appreciate the kind words but right now we are just trying to keep up with the class of the Western Conference. It's tight at the top and I have a feeling final seeding for the playoffs will come down to the final game for a few teams.

Nice work HiGrade, can't disagree with anyone on this list. Very accurate.

Harden's preferences (and part of the DDS3 engine's flaws) have it so that he drives to the basket every single time he touches the ball. Combine his high SCR, high HDL, high DRFL, and high inside scoring and free throw abilities... he's literally built to break this engine.

New Orleans is missing one piece, like Rizzo already said. But Gary Harris wont be ready to fill that role this year. So go and get your Sehiy Gladyr and take care AD isnt doing the John Henson. With a Zone breaker this team would become invincible IMO..

In Houston its really Harden. Maybe they are really missing a second scoring option, though I like the harden/Iggy combo. Maybe a scoring Center or PG could help, no idea. For now it looks good as it is.

I believe Houston and NO are the favorites with OP gone.

DennisJ (BOS) wrote:New Orleans is missing one piece, like Rizzo already said. But Gary Harris wont be ready to fill that role this year. So go and get your Sehiy Gladyr and take care AD isnt doing the John Henson. With a Zone breaker this team would become invincible IMO..

In Houston its really Harden. Maybe they are really missing a second scoring option, though I like the harden/Iggy combo. Maybe a scoring Center or PG could help, no idea. For now it looks good as it is.

I believe Houston and NO are the favorites with OP gone.

I tried zoning the Pelicans pre-trade and got burned. Smart went 4/8 from deep and Vasquez had 30 off the bench on 12/19 shooting. Thought it was a good idea since at the time they shot around 32% as a team but when we did it that game, they shot 44% and we got killed. Won't be too long before Waiters is back and they'll be fine.

Higrade (GSW) wrote:

DennisJ (BOS) wrote:New Orleans is missing one piece, like Rizzo already said. But Gary Harris wont be ready to fill that role this year. So go and get your Sehiy Gladyr and take care AD isnt doing the John Henson. With a Zone breaker this team would become invincible IMO..

In Houston its really Harden. Maybe they are really missing a second scoring option, though I like the harden/Iggy combo. Maybe a scoring Center or PG could help, no idea. For now it looks good as it is.

I believe Houston and NO are the favorites with OP gone.

I tried zoning the Pelicans pre-trade and got burned. Smart went 4/8 from deep and Vasquez had 30 off the bench on 12/19 shooting. Thought it was a good idea since at the time they shot around 32% as a team but when we did it that game, they shot 44% and we got killed. Won't be too long before Waiters is back and they'll be fine.

Yeah read your article. Still hoping it was a fluke :/.

Late but higrade you know very good new orleans, for me champion for a lot of years in the future when waiters return.
All teams have a mistakes. But this team imo with waiters is invencible.
Only inexperience in playoffs they will can fail
Good job rizzo

Pelicans are looking scary and will only get better each year. Wonder how much better Waiters will make them.