For the first time in what seems like a decade, the Western Conference has thinned out significantly in terms of contenders versus favorites. The Dubs are the clear favorite to win the NBA championship with the addition of former MVP Kevin Durant.
However, the Warriors are not invincible as evidence in the previous NBA Finals when the team fell apart against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here are the five teams that can cause some trouble for Dubs title run out west.
San Antonio Spurs
The great Tim Duncan has retired, leaving the Spurs without their stoic leader. Talent-wise, the Spurs may have even gotten better this year than last with the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge who had a ho-hum year by his standards in his new role with the Spurs. This team has added arguably the best passing big man in the league, Pau Gasol, and will undoubtedly get better games out of him on a consistent basis than they did from Duncan even on occasion last season.
The Spurs will now roll out of a lineup of Parker, Green, Leonard, Aldridge and Gasol. There is supreme experience, defense and passing prowess in that lineup that could give the Warriors issues, not to mention, this is a big starting five. The Dubs will go small a lot this year, so teams that feature two skilled bigs could take advantage. The Spurs lost three out of four games against the Warriors last season, I think they at least split the regular season this year.
Los Angeles Clippers
Chris Paul has to make the NBA Finals, it would be a Greek tragedy for the ages if the perennial “Point God” is snubbed from the Big Stage for another year. The Clips returned their main cast while adding veterans like Brandon Bass, Raymond Felton, and Marreese Speights. It will take some extreme growth from DeAndre Jordan and an offensive workload unmatched by a power forward in Blake Griffin for the Clips to make a run, but they can do it. The Clips were badgered by injuries throughout the previous season, if they stay healthy, they have the experienced personnel capable of playing big in the important games against the Dubs.
Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers have been working all summer under the Batman-like leadership of Damian Lillard. News sources cite the team’s off-season binding as going well, and Lillard’s dedication somehow increasing. The team added Festus Ezeli Evan Turner in the offseason and resigned C.J. McCollum, giving the team a dynamic guard trio. Yes, Turner can have some horrid games, but he also comes through in special moments when a team is cold and need a darkhorse hero. Every team needs a player like Turner, Don’t get me wrong, Turner is not the answer to all of the Blazers problems, but their future is bright. If they get their act together down the stretch, they could be a second round matchup against the Warriors.
Utah Jazz
Similar to the Spurs, the Jazz will consistently roll out a dynamic big man duo who have the ability to take over any game with their defensive powers. Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert are arguably the best frontcourt in the league, and if they stay healthy (crosses fingers), they can cause serious problems for Draymond Green and Zaza Pachulia. Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, and Joe Johnson round out the talented scorers who couldn’t go shot for shot with the Dubs, but, when hot can put many teams on notice. The Jazz are one of the best defensive teams in the league, rating fifth in defensive efficiency last season and if Hood and Hayward continue to grow offensively, we could be in for a Cinderella story this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves are bursting with young talent who are now one year the wiser. Sure, their record was nothing to gleam at, but this season is full of potential due to the addition of defensive wizard Tom Thibodeau. Karl-Anthony Towns, Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins, and Gorgui Dieng have great defensive foundations, and with the addition of Thibs, they are going evolve exponentially. The Wolves were not a good defensive team last season, but their youth and inexperience were much to blame. Thibs is a demanding coach, and with Kevin Garnett by his side, the youngsters will have no choice but to get better or fall off the wayside. This team may not give the Warriors a problem immediately, but they could be the heir to their throne in the next few years.