Northwest

1) Utah Jazz—The combination of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer might not be John Stockton and Karl Malone but they are getting the job done. They also have talent surrounding the team with Kyle Korver, Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirlilenko, Ronnie Brewer and now Kosta Koufos on the team. 

This could be the most talented team the Jazz has ever had. The only problem is that the Los Angeles Lakers are one step better than them. Although a trip the Conference Finals is a fair argument for them this year.

2) Portland Trailblazers—Although this might be a little too soon it might also be now. The Trailblazers are on the verge of taking over in a few years. They are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and despite not having Greg Oden last year they still were 41-41. With that record they could have been a sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. 

With the addition of Jerryd Bayless the Blazers look to earn a spot in the playoffs this year. Also, they will continue to get younger as they will be loaded with draft picks next year. Then again the draft class won’t be that strong as last year’s class.

3) Denver Nuggets—I thought the combination of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson was going to be money in the bank for the Denver Nuggets. I thought they would be at least a fourth seed but for some reason that just didn't happen. They are one of those teams that look great on paper but can’t supply the demand that many are expecting them to do.

4) Seattle Supersonics—I’m not sure where this team will be playing in a few years but they will be interesting to watch. The addition of Russell Westbrook raised some eyebrows as every draft analysis thought Jerryd Bayless was coming here, but hey what do sportswriters really know?

5) Minnesota Timberwolves—Not a lot of people favored the trading of OJ Mayo but does Kevin McHale know something that they we don’t know?

Pacific

1) L.A. Lakers—The odds on favorite to win the West next year has to be the Lakers. Even without Bynum they advanced to the NBA Finals. But what team is satisfied with losing in the NBA Finals.

I’ve never met a coach in my life that is satisfied with losing. Look for next year to be the year of the Lakers. I’m making a bold statement right now saying that they should win over 60 games.

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