This year's first edition of the SBL season one power rankings includes the six teams and an explanation. We gave out draft grades based on their pick and who was available at the time—the team potential when playoffs start peering in the distance and the team's overall talent. Just because you are first or last does not make your team the best or worst. One team had to be last, and one had to be first.
6. Thunder
Chemistry: Team Kalob has built the most unpredictable team in the whole league. Picking up teammates who he can trust and are friends should make it easy to draw up plays and know their roles. Norris, Duck, and Botala are great all-around scorers, but I’m worried about who will step up for their 4th scorer. On defense, my main concern is with their interior play since they're only true big as Nick Young. At some point, he will have to come out. Kalobs team will need to get out in the transition to win games.
Draft Grade: B-
5. Mavericks
3-Point Specialist: This team is built to shoot. Creller, Nunes-Wales, and BIG SHOT BOB will be key to winning by canning it from range. They also have experienced bigs like Tim Luneau, who can help anchor and make plays for the team. This team has great potential, but they need to diversify on offense because you do not want to live or die by the 3. On Defense, the worry will be their lack in size against the more physical teams. The league has said their chemistry will carry them throughout the season.
Draft Grade: A-
4. Nets
Slashing: This is easily the most physical team in the SBL. With talented finishers like Damien Kieu and Shawn Humphrey, their offense will be deadly if they can get to the rim. Even if they stack the paint, they can kick it to Yates, Lowe, Humphrey, and Ben A. for 3pt shots. Defensively, they have great versatile wing players who can switch onto bigs. Because of this, their defense will not be easy to get good shots off.
Draft Grade: B+
3. Hawks
Playmaking: Hawks have the most IQ and savvy team. Potvin, Dunsmore, and Mitchell have speed and great instincts and can create open shots for their teammates. Between the three, they can rotate to is the main ball handler each game. They also have great depth with a multi-tool threat Ashton C. and Maliki Unwin-Jackson, who can stretch the floor and run the break at an efficient rate. On defense, what they lack in size on the outside, they make up for with tenacity. They also have a big in Jacob Newman, who can hold his own down low and grab boards. Do not sleep on the Hawks' last pick. Jesse is who will bring the energy every second of every game.
Draft Grade: B+
2. Bucks
Balanced: It is hard to find a weakness in Dylan Mears team. With the #1 pick Tristan Menard, they have players who can drive, dish, shoot, and handle. Tim Flood can be an off-ball force, with his shooting ability. At the same time, Josh Hill will prove to be a great secondary ball handler that can get a good shot off at any time. Defensively, they match up great on the perimeter but may need some help on the boards as Zach Hayer and Dwight Abram will have problems with the size/athleticism/length from the opposing bigs.
Draft Grade: B
1.Lakers
Size. With Unwin, Ballard, and Tobin, these three make a deadly offensive trio to defend due to their excellent length and ability to crash the boards. Their height allows for great shot contests and by far the best shot-blocking in the league on the defensive side. Furthermore, Cody Bushway is an unknown talent with first-round talent. Logan and the lakers found a gem in the rough with him. Mitchell Bourdeau has proven to be a great on-ball defender and will be a great player to come off the bench to be the energy/shutdown guy off the bench.
Draft Grade: A+
Comentarios