Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast to your list! This week Steve shares his thoughts on the most interesting Western Conference teams after a wild NBA Offseason.
Interesting Western Conference Teams
This week we will look at eight teams in the Western Conference.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Right now the Thunder are the favorites. All of their key players are returning from a championship team. Barring injury, they have a great chance to repeat and, depending on how they play during the regular season, a shot at seventy wins.
2. San Antonio Spurs
Their success is obviously dependent on Victor Wembanyama’s health. They have second-year guard Stephon Castle returning, and he’s a good one. The Spurs also went out and gave big money to their point guard, De’Aaron Fox, a good player who will complement Wembanyama but may not be worth the money he got. The Spurs also have the second pick in the draft, Dylan Harper, who looked good this summer. They added depth at the center position with Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. The Spurs are a team on the rise and may be a year away from competing for a title. I look at them as a fourth seed in the conference.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets went out and got Kevin Durant this summer. The price they paid may hurt them, though. Jalen Green, one of the players traded, can score but is inconsistent, but Dillon Brooks’s loss will hurt them. Brooks is a tough, physical player you only like if he’s on your team. His loss as a player and at times a leader will hurt the Rockets. The Rockets will still do well during the regular season due to Coach Ime Udoka’s intense play-every-game-hard coaching, but I don’t believe they will go far in the playoffs.
4. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets improved themselves this summer, but will that be enough? They traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. Johnson is more consistent than Porter and will help. They also picked up Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway, giving them depth they have needed for the last few years. The best acquisition, though, is Jonas Valančiūnas. This gives the Nuggets the backup they’ve needed for Nikola Jokić. I don’t think the Nuggets have enough to beat OKC, but I think they can get to the conference finals.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are in an interesting place. Luka Dončić is now their number one player, and a lot depends on LeBron James‘s ability to accept this and still totally commit to the Lakers. The Lakers also added Deandre Ayton, a big they need. Unless his ability to play pick-and-roll improves, I don’t know if he’ll fit because Luka likes to play pick-and-roll with his big man. The Lakers could finish the season anywhere from the five seed to a play-in team.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers added Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Chris Paul to a strong cast. A lot of their success depends on Kawhi Leonard’s availability. If Kawhi stays healthy, they are the best of the over-the-hill teams (Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors) and are dangerous in the playoffs. I think the Clippers will be like the Lakers in the regular season but could surprise, if healthy, in the playoffs.
7. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors still haven’t completed their roster. Jonathan Kuminga’s status is still up in the air, as is Al Horford’s. With a healthy Jimmy Butler, the Warriors played well at the end of the regular season. The big question is: does the big three, Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, have another run in them? I’m betting against them and with father time.
8. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs’ success this season depends on Kyrie Irving. If he returns by the playoffs and is his old self, the Mavs are dangerous. They are a good defensive team with Anthony Davis anchoring that defense. They also have the first pick in the draft, Cooper Flagg, who will get better with each game he plays. The Mavs should be a play-in team but, by playoff time, be a different team if Kyrie is back and surprise.
