The NBA’s Western Conference is up for debate, as the ‘tougher’ conference in the NBA. Though the King rests in the East, the Western Conference has more powerhouses, championship contenders and greater competition.
Since 1999, the only team to win a NBA Championship from the Western Conference, other than the Lakers or Spur,s was the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. This summer’s free agency has turned things around for Western teams and now the it is wide open. New powerhouses are ready to capture that elusive title. Here is a prediction of what the top eight seed will look like in this year’s Western Conference.
1)Oklahoma City Thunder
Record: 60-22
Last year, the Thunder’s season ended earlier than expected, due to the injury of Russell Westbrook during last year’s post season run. They have made me question them ever since giving up James Harden. Though OKC is still an elite team, I can help but think they gave away an essential piece that would help win a championship.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook got one thing on their mind a ring. Durant has told press he is tired of ‘coming in second’ and to be honest I am tired of watching Durant come up short. Both stars will have a great seasons, with Durant ending up in the mix for the scoring title again and MVP honors.
To be successful, the Thunder will need improved play from Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb and Kendrick Perkins. After a bad postseason, Perkins needs to play big this season, offensively and defensively.
2) Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 57-25
The Clippers have resigned their superstar Chris Paul, while making improvements in obtaining Doc Rivers, as their new head coach. He will bring a tough, defensive mindset to L.A., something they missed out on last year.
Though the Clippers are still a young team, they have matured a lot since this time last year. They also picked up J.J. Redick in the free agency, which will help with their outside shooting. Last year, the Clippers had the fourth best efficiency rating in the NBA, right behind the Heat, Spurs and Thunder. Look out for the them to make a playoff run, as they will be going further than the first round this year.
Courtesy: Fox Sports/MSN
3) San Antonio Spurs
Record: 56-26
The San Antonio Spurs are getting ready for another NBA Finals run, with their historically great, ‘Big Three’. It is truly amazing how well this team players each year. The Spurs have acquired Jeff Pendergraph and Marco Belinelli, two shooters who will easily find shots within the Spurs offense.
Watch out for a break out year from Kawhi Leonard. Last year he averaged 11.9PTS, 6.0 REBS, 1.6AST s and 1.7STLS per game; I am expecting all statistics to increased. Hopefully Manu still has enough in the tank for this year.
4) Houston Rockets
Record: 53-29
The Rockets have made a big advancement in their line up by signing Dwight Howard. Though, I’m expecting Houston in the top four, we have seen ‘super teams’ struggle. Asik and Howard will need to get on the same page to help improve team chemistry. The Rockets could use some help on their bench; right now, they are not as deep as other title contenders.
I’m expecting great years from Howard, Harden and Parsons. H-town averaged 106.0PPG, a statistic that will most likely repeat itself. Howard being down low makes Houston’s shooters even more deadly.
5) Golden State Warriors
Record: 50-32
The Golden State Warriors had a great and surprising year. This season, they have improved their line up dramatically by signing Andre Iguodala. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are deadly shooters. By having Iguodala, the Warriors offense opens up immensely.
It is unfortunate the Warriors lost Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry in the free agency, but their additions should fill some of the void. My main concern for this team is health; last year they faces some health problems which set them back. The Warriors have a strong change at making a conference finals push.
6) Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 49-33
The Grizzles has a great last season, making their first Western Conference Finals appearance in franchise history. This season, the Griz are looking to make one more step and advance to the NBA Finals. The Grizzles have also gotten back Mike Miller, who will surely help make a playoff push the Grizzles. Unfortunately for Memphis, they are in a very tough division with the Spurs, Mavericks and Rockets.
7) Denver Nuggets
Record:45-37
The Nuggets have lost probably their best player in Iguodala and have a brand new head coach, Brian Shaw. Though they have lost their superstar, but not all playoff hope went away with him. The Nuggets still have a young solid roster; players like Wilson Chandler, Kenneth Faried, Danilo Gallinari and Ty Lawson can take this team to the playoffs and win over .500 games. My only concern is how Brian Shaw will do as his first time head coach; Though he has a lot of bench experience, I wish him the best of luck in the competitive West.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
8)Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 42-40
The Timberwolves did not have a great season last year, due to a lot of health problems. If Rubio and Love stay healthy, they will have a great season and have a shot at grabbing the seventh of eighth seed. The T-Wolves have also signed Kevin Martin; he is a great scorer and can provide a winning mentality to the Minnesota franchise. What could ruin this team’s playoff chances is if Nikola Pekovic does not re-sign.
All statistics provided by NBA.com
