November 14, 2009

Joe Schaller

TPR in December: I'm still at least a couple weeks away from my initial TPR calculations and I am anticipating the rookie ratings more than any with several young point guards playing like veterans.

Atlanta is team of the week: Oklahoma City, Milwaukee and Sacramento all had surprise weeks however the Hawks rose quickly as a contender capped by last nights impressive win in Boston.
The key for Atlanta has been the allstar play of Josh Smith and Al Horford along with a solid start by Mike Bibby and an impressive bench, something absent from the club for many years.

The West rises: After a slow start the Western Conference is flexing its muscles with eight clubs showing in my ratings including Oklahoma City.
The Atlantic Division drops to the bottom.

November 14 power ratings

• first tier: open
  
• second tier: Atlanta (up 4), Boston (down), Denver, Portland (up 2)
  
• third tier: Dallas (up 2)
  
• fourth tier: Cleveland (up), Houston, LALakers (up), Miami (down 2), OK City (up 2), Phoenix (down)
  
• fifth tier: Orlando (down 3), San Antonio (up)
  
• dropped out: Toronto
  
• top division: Southeast
  
• worst division: Atlantic

Total Performance Ratings-- since 1996

1. Scoring
   
2. Scoring Efficiency
   
3. Ballhandling
   
4. Rebounding
   
5. Disruptive Defense
   
6. One on one Defense
   
7. Team Defense
   
8. Team Game Pace
   
9. Schedule Strength
   
10. Projected Improvement or Decline
    
11. Teams Wins Adjustment

Ratings indicate productivity per minute played. See my feature "The TPR Formula" for more information.

• Joe Schaller
  
• 505-722-3103
  
• schaller_6@msn.com