NBA Western Conference Power Rankings

Having Baron Davis and Marcus Camby is going to be huge. On paper, the Clippers' roster is very deep. The other starters—Chris Kaman, Al Thornton, and Cuttino Mobley—are all very solid.

Tim Thomas and Ricky Davis may end up as starters, but even if they don't, they'll contribute. For the first time in a long time, fans can be optimistic about the Clippers.

10) Denver Nuggets

By all reports, the Marcus Camby trade didn't go down too well. There were rumours a few weeks ago about a possible 'Melo trade, now there are rumours that Allen Iverson could be traded. This team was not good defensively, but they practically gave away their best defensive player in Camby.

Denver needs to work out what they are going to do next, because they need to make some changes.

11) Golden State Warriors

Losing Baron Davis will hurt, especially since Monta Ellis will miss time due to injuries sustained in his moped accident. There is a huge lack of defense, and it's going to take time for this team to return to its former glory.

12) Sacramento Kings

Trading Ron Artest to Houston won't help on the defensive end of the court, but it has one advantage—Kevin Martin will have to step up and be the leader of this team, but the Kings will need a lot of intensity on defense. Otherwise, they will really struggle without Artest.

13) Memphis Grizzlies

Last year the Grizzlies were one of the worst defensive teams. This has got to change. I'm sure they realize this and will work harder on D, and maybe be an okay defensive team.

Memphis needs to use their speed to their advantage, because let's face it—they don't have many other options. Things would be better if the ownership wasn't obsessed with cutting costs regardless of the product they put on the court.

14) Minnesota Timberwolves

Al Jefferson is a great player, and may even be an All-Star next season—but he plays on a team that is one of the worst teams in the league on both offense and defense.

They should be better than last year, mainly because Jefferson will have improved and Kevin Love is ready to contribute. But the Timberwolves have a long way to go.

15) Oklahoma City Thunder

This young team needs more defense. This season will be more focused on developing young players than winning lots of games.

Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook can all be great, but the Thunder need to give Green plenty of minutes, and Westbrook time to develop as a point guard.

And by the way, the new uniforms suck.

You may also like to check out the Eastern Conference Power Rankings.

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