NBA Preview Regular Season Edition: Western Conference Edition
It's time to predict the Western Conference
Northwest
1. Oklahoma City (56-26)
There is so much to like in Oklahoma City. The players now have a year more experience, and Kevin Durant has now become the most likable superstar in the league by not being LeBron James. I also see Serge Ibaka coming out of virtually nowhere. I know last year you were supposed to watch the Thunder last year; well, watch them some more.
2. Portland (54-28)
This team won 50 games last year with a third-string center. No one seems to remember that. The key here is health. If Roy and Oden can stay relatively healthy, then the Blazers are poised for a good season.
3. Utah (49-33)
Everyone is high on the Jazz for some reason. They say that Al Jefferson is a step up in the triangle and that they really didn't lose anything this summer. I vehemently disagree. Carlos Boozer was a perfect fit: good passing, movement on the floor, jumper, post moves, power. Al Jefferson is a black hole in an offense that emphasizes passing, has little shooting ability, and prefers to sit on the block and wait for the ball.
They also lost sharpshooter Kyle Korver. Remember, during the season before they got Korver, they were only .500 before the acquisition. After the acquisition, they joined the elite of the league. I expect a relatively subpar season.
4. Denver (44-38)
The Nuggets are in for a rough season. Yes, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups still both play for the team, but who knows for how much longer that will last. Melo will not call Denver home by the end of the season and the rest of the team could be gone too. Many of the Nuggets' players are free agents this offseason, so don't expect a motivated season from anybody.
5. Minnesota (16-66)
Easily the worst team in the league right here. Their star player is now Kevin Love, and who wants that? As well, they have some questionable acquisitions and contracts. (Adding Luke Ridnour to a team full of point guards, Darko for 5 mil a year????) The only good parts of this team is that Love gets a chance to shine and we can see how Michael Beasley will function as a focal point of the offense. Then back to the lottery!
Pacific
1. Lakers (62-20)
It's good to be the champs. The Lakers continue their trend of picking up players just to prove that they can by picking up hard nosed defender Matt Barnes and re-signing guard Derek Fisher. As wel,l they added backup point guard Steve Blake, who is a guard who can run the offense and provide good shooting. All in all, back to the Finals.
2. Suns (45-37)
Steve Nash predicted the Suns will miss the playoffs. I have them making the playoffs, but barely. The magic of Steve Nash is great, but it's not enough to see the Suns making a magical run in the playoffs. I would not be surprised at all to see Nash gone before too long and the team started over. It makes me sad but this could be the end of an era.
3. Clippers (38-44)
The Clippers have always had good talent and nothing much has changed with the addition of Blake Griffin. The problem last year was the coaching coming from the L.A. bench. Well if that's the case, why wouldn't you hire Vinny Del Negro? Oh yeah, because he's a terrible coach. It's unfortunate but the Clipper curse and ineptitude will continue.
4. Kings (35-47)
The Kings have some talent. They drafted big DeMarcus Cousins in the first round, who could have been a top two pick. The only concerns were his attitude problems, but the young team could grow together a la the Thunder. Another season from Tyreke Evans could bring some improvement, but I still think they're at least another year away.
5. Warriors (30-52)
-The Warriors have a mixed bag. They picked up big man David Lee, but he will have to prove that the stats he puts up are not just empty. They Warriors have some talent but the struggle will be for the pieces to work cohesively. They could be good in a few years but they won't be this year.
Southwest
1. Dallas (53-29)
Dallas is an enigma. They play great during the season, but just aren't good enough to win it all. Simply put, they're not getting any younger. Dirk took a pay cut to re-sign with Dallas and the best they can do is Tyson Chandler? If that's the best you can do, you can't win a championship. And in Big D, those are the expectations.
2. Houston (51-31)
My surprise team. Yao's back in a limited capacity, but that's still a huge addition. As well, Kevin Martin has a year to get acclamated in the offense, and Brad Miller added as a solid backup center. Well, easily better than David Anderson. All in all, this adds up to a 50 win season.
3. San Antonio (46-36)
The Spurs are supposed to be the team that drones their way through the regular season and then turns it on in the playoffs, but the Spurs were not able to do that last year. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan are all injury concerns. They just aren't the same Spurs that they used to be, and their record shows it.
4. New Orleans (39-43)
The Hornets are a team in turmoil. They have the star point guard in Chris Paul, but he wants out according to all accounts. Now the Hornets should be better because Paul's back, but he's not motivated and he does not have a good team around him. Yes, they got Trevor Ariza, but the rest of the team is very questionable. If I had to guess, Paul will not be in a Hornets jersey at the start of the 2011 season.
5. Memphis (38-44)
The Grizzlies took a huge step forward last year with the imrpoved play of their young players and the addition of Zach Randolph. Who woulda thunk it?
This offseason they attempted to keept their core in place by signing Rudy Gay to a monster extension. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies now have put themselves into salary cap hell for a small market team, and have no ability to improve. While the Grizz had a breakout season last year, I think it was a bit too perfect, and expect them to come back to earth a little bit more.
STANDINGS
1. Los Angeles
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Portland Trailblazers
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Houston Rockets
6. Utah Jazz
7. San Antonio Spurs
8. Phoenix Suns
