The NBA regular season starts in two weeks. The long wait is over. The preseason is underway and teams are figuring out their final rosters and rotations. The Western conference is extremely deep and talented this year and it will be a lot of fun to watch. In this article I will be making predictions for each team in the Western Conference. These will consist of their predicted records and team MVP.
The second part of this article will cover awards specific to the Western Conference. These awards include MVP, rookie of the year, most improved, and sixth man among others. These predictions will be based off of performances last year and anticipated production this year.
Hope you enjoy.
1. San Antonio Spurs: (62-20)
The Spurs are one of, if not the most, experienced and efficient teams in the NBA and that is why they will prevail in the West. Led by the highly underrated Tony Parker and the ageless Tim Duncan, this team has the chemistry and talent to win a lot of games. I also believe that Kawhi Leonard will continue to improve and take a big step this year. Leonard was absolutely fantastic in the playoffs last year and I expect him to continue to perform at a high level. Danny Green was another player that broke out during the playoffs, breaking the NBA postseason record for most threes. With both Green and Manu Ginobili spending time at the shooting guard position, the Spurs can have a deadly rotation. The Spurs are a championship caliber team, with great chemistry and one of the best coaches in the league. They will also have a chip on their shoulder after losing in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat.
MVP: Tony Parker
Parker wins the team MVP award and it should surprise no one. He is one of the most underrated players in the game today and consistently performs at a high level. He is a fantastic passer, scorer and defender; and is the leader of this team.
2. Los Angeles Clippers: (61-21)
A coaching change can make all the difference in the world. The Clippers made two huge moves this offseason; the resigning of Chris Paul and the hiring of head coach Doc Rivers. Rivers is one of the top coaches in the NBA and knows how to win. With an extremely talented trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, this team is guaranteed to win a whole lot of games. If Griffin and Jordan can continue to improve, especially on the defensive side of the ball, this team could win the West. The loss of Eric Bledsoe will hurt, however the additions of Darren Collison and J.J. Redick will soften the loss. This is a young, high flying team that has the talent to win and the depth to make a run into the playoffs.
MVP: Chris Paul
Paul is arguably the best point guard in the league and it’s easy to see why. He can score from anywhere and excels at finding the open man. He is also a terrific defender who is excellent at creating turnovers. He is the leader of this team and is the man that makes the gears turn. The offense runs through him. Paul is surrounded by talented players and he will lead this team to the playoffs.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: (59-23)
The Thunder could easily be number one on this list, however the injury of Russell Westbrook cost this team some wins. Westbrook is expected to miss at least a couple weeks of the regular season recovering from a knee injury suffered last year in the playoffs. The loss of shooting guard Kevin Martin also hurts this team. One player that will play a huge role in the Thunder’s success is point guard Reggie Jackson. Jackson will be asked to man the starting point guard position until Westbrook can return. And when Westbrook does return Jackson will be required to take over as the sixth man.
In the early part of the season Kevin Durant will need to carry this team. Durant is certainly up to the task and more than capable to win games for his team, however he can’t win them all. Serge Ibaka is another player that will need to step up and continue to develop. He is a prolific shot blocker however he needs to improve his rebounding and scoring output. Once Westbrook returns this team will be very good, but they will still need a lot of inexperienced players to step up. If the Thunder can stay healthy the rest of the season, they could easily make a run in the playoffs.
MVP: Kevin Durant
Durant is the second best player in the world and will certainly play up to those standards this year. In the early part of the year Durant will need to carry this team and I suspect he will do just that. Durant is one of the best scorers in the league, rebounds very well and is improving as a passer. He is a superstar player and his team will succeed because of it.
4. Golden State Warriors: (57-25)
Last year the Warriors were one of the most improved teams, and they just keep getting better. The addition of Andre Iguodala will take this team to the next level. Iguodala is a versatile player that can play multiple positions, score from all over, rebound, pass, and defend extremely well. He will become an elite perimeter defender for this Warriors team. He also adds another weapon to this already deadly backcourt. Stephen Curry is a lights out shooter and is an excellent point guard. Klay Thompson is an ever improving shooting guard that is deadly behind the arc. Harrison Barnes is an ultra-athletic forward who will most likely be designated to the sixth man, but should thrive in that position. The Warrior’s ultimate success this season and in the playoffs rests on Andrew Bogut’s frail body. The talented big man out of Australia can be a force when he is healthy; unfortunately he has struggled to do just that. If Bogut can stay healthy this team could easily finish higher than fourth in the West.
MVP: Stephen Curry
Curry is the best shooter in the league and provides volume scoring. He will continue to be a deadly scorer and will have plenty of talented teammates to pass to. Curry has had some problems with his ankles, but if he can limit the amount of time he misses, he could be a dark horse MVP candidate.
5. Houston Rockets: (56-26)
The Rockets are one of the best up and coming teams. Last year they fought for a playoff spot, this year they should have no problem making the playoffs. This offseason the Rockets won the Dwight Howard sweepstakes and were able to sign the talented big man. The pairing of Dwight Howard and James Harden is something everyone in the Western conference cringes at. Harden is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league and is a rising star. Last year he had a breakout season and led the Rockets to the playoffs. This year he will have Howard inside to draw double teams and open lanes. Opposing defenses will have their hands full trying to contain both Harden and Howard, which will allow other players to take advantage. Chandler Parsons and Jeremy Lin will have plenty of opportunities to score. This is a dangerous team that will have one of the best outside-inside duos in the league.
MVP: James Harden
Harden had a breakout season last year and that was only his first year as a starter. The potential is limitless for Harden and now that he has Dwight Howard on his team he will be even more successful. Harden will be mentioned in MVP conversations throughout the season and he will undoubtedly be the MVP of his own team. Harden should flourish with the players around him and he will lead the Rockets to many victories.
6. Denver Nuggets: (54-28)
The Nuggets must really dislike the Warriors. In the playoffs last year the Nuggets lost to the sixth seeded Warriors in a disappointing first round exit. Then in the offseason Andre Iguodala decides to sign with the Golden State Warriors instead of the Nuggets. In a few short months the Warriors eliminated the Nuggets from the playoffs and signed one of their best players away from them. On the bright side, the Nuggets are still a very talented team. The Nuggets have one of the most explosive and high powered offensives in the NBA, led by point guard Ty Lawson.
The Nuggets also have great depth in the frontcourt. With a frontcourt consisting of Kenneth Faried, J.J. Hickson, JaVale McGee, and Timofey Mozgov the Nuggets will be able to consistently score inside and rebound at a high level. The injury and recovery of Danilo Gallinari is a major factor in the success of the Nuggets. The sooner he can recover and return to the court the better off the Nuggets will be. Gallinari adds great size and is a fantastic scorer. He spreads the floor very well and will be the key to a Nuggets playoff run.
MVP: Ty Lawson
Lawson will be the Nuggets MVP for a few reasons. One reason is that with the loss of Iguodala, Lawson will have more responsibility to score and pass. This year Lawson will be the team’s primary distributor and scorer. He will need to carry the offensive load especially when Gallinari is injured. The explosive offensive of the Nuggets flows through Lawson and he will step up and lead this team to the playoffs.
7. Memphis Grizzlies: (51-31)
The Grizzlies are one of the few teams to keep their starting five, and a majority of their roster, intact. The Grizzlies are the best defensive team in the NBA. They are led by Marc Gasol in the post and Tony Allen on the perimeter. However the Grizzlies are also one of the worst teams offensively. They simply lack a superstar offensive talent, something that most teams in the West have. They haven’t gotten any worse over the offseason; the other teams in the West have simply gotten better. The West is dominated by offensive powerhouses and the Grizzlies will either have to slow them down or get left behind in the dust. The Grizzlies tremendous defensive ability will certainly win them games, however their offensive inefficiencies will also cost them some games.
MVP: Marc Gasol
Gasol is the reigning defensive player of the year and is one of the more underrated players in the league. While Gasol probably won’t lead the Grizzlies in scoring or rebounding, he is still an extremely valuable player. He is a fantastic defensive player and is a great passer from the post. He is the anchor of this team and his consistent production is one of the major reasons this team is so successful. Gasol will need to step up even more this season if the Grizzlies hope to make a run in the playoffs.
8. Los Angeles Lakers: (46-36)
A lot of people doubt the Lakers chances to compete this season. I believe that they have what it takes to compete for the eight seed in the West. Last year was a series of unfortunate events, starting with injuries to Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard and then ending with Kobe Bryant tearing his Achilles. It is still unclear when Kobe will return but it is expected to be within the first month of the regular season. The time without Kobe could be rough for the Lakers. However this team certainly has the talent to compete. They have a hall of fame point guard in Steve Nash and an all-star forward in Pau Gasol. The addition of Chris Kaman will also pay of, as he has the ability to post a double-double on any given night. When Kobe returns and he certainly will, the Lakers could make a strong push for the playoffs.
MVP: Kobe Bryant
Even if he does miss extended time this season Kobe will be the reason the Lakers make the playoffs. At 35 years old he is still one of the best players in the league. He is a ruthless competitor and one of the best scorers in the history of the NBA. He carried his team to the playoffs last year and I fully expect him to do the same this year.
9. Portland Trail Blazers (44-38)
The battle for the eight seed in the West will be a fierce battle. Multiple teams could end up competing for this spot and its really up in the air on who secure the eight spot. The Blazers had one of the most productive starting five in the NBA last year. Unfortunately they also had one of the worst benches in the league. This past offseason they made sure that wouldn’t be an issue, signing Mo Williams, drafting of C.J. McCollum, and trading for Robin Lopez should really help out this team. Rookie of the year Damian Lillard should provide fantastic scoring and passing ability. LaMarcus Aldridge will continue to be a major contributor from the low post. The Blazers are a very young team that is loaded with potential. I expect them to be a surprise team this year and make a run for the playoffs.
MVP: Damian Lillard
Entering his second year in the league, Lillard will be the key to the Blazers success. He is a fantastic scorer and is still improving. Assuming he can avoid a sophomore slump, he could be an all-star candidate. Lillard has many talented pieces around him and will have no excuses for underperforming. The Blazers will go as far as Lillard takes them.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves: (44-38)
The Timberwolves were riddled by injury last season. Both Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love struggled to stay healthy. However when healthy this can be a very dangerous team. Rubio is one of the best distributors in the league and Love is the best power forward in the NBA. The signing of Kevin Martin will fill the whole at shooting guard and provide some solid production. If Nikola Pekovic can continue playing at a high level and if Chase Budinger can step up as a starter, this team has the talent to make the playoffs. The Timberwolves have struggled with injuries and they will have to stay healthy if the hope to compete in the West.
MVP: Kevin Love
When healthy, Love is the best power forward in the league and a handful for opposing defenses. He has the ability to shoot from anywhere and pull down any rebound. The Timberwolves will need a healthy Love if they hope to keep up in the West. Love will need to continue to improve his defense if he wants to take his game and his team to the next level.
11. New Orleans Pelicans: (40-42)
The Pelicans made multiple moves this offseason to help them compete in the West. By trading for Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans the Pelicans have assembled one of the best backcourt rotations in the NBA. It is still unclear if Evans will start at small forward or come off the bench as the sixth man. The real weakness for this team is the interior. Injuries hampered Anthony Davis’ development last year and he will look to rebound will a strong sophomore campaign. The hole at center is one spot that will hurt the Pelicans, especially with all the talented centers in the West. If this team can develop chemistry and find an answer at center this can be a dangerous team.
MVP: Anthony Davis
If the Pelicans hope to compete in the West this year, they need Davis to step up. The elite shot blocker showed great flashes last year but he was hampered by injuries. He will be needed to step up and become a dominant post presence both offensively and defensively to make up for lack up depth surrounding him in the post. I expect Davis to stay healthy and improve in all facets of his game and help bring his team out of the gutter.
12. Dallas Mavericks: (38-44)
The Mavericks attempts to prevent the decline of this team will not work. The additions of Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon will certainly help this team but won’t be enough to compete in the West. The West is full of young and improving teams and the Mavericks simply can’t catch up. The continued regression of Dirk Nowitzki will continue to show as the Mavericks will continue to struggle defensively. Three years ago a duo of Dirk and Monta Ellis might have been deadly; however both players play has regressed since then. This team has enough talent to win some games but doesn’t have enough to make a push for the playoffs.
MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
Even in his advanced age Dirk is a great player. For 15 years Dirk was the leader of the Mavericks and the major reason they won a championship. However Dirk’s game is not at the same level it once was; and the talent around him is not enough not make the Mavericks a winning team. Dirk is a future Hall of Famer and will continue to be an important player for this team. More than anything else he is a veteran leader and fierce competitor. Dirk will win the Mavericks some games but he can’t win them all.
13. Sacramento Kings: (35-46)
The Kings are a team with a lot of depth. The problem is that this team lacks any real star players. DeMarcus Cousins is immensely talented and has the potential to be the best center in the NBA. However he has struggled with maturity issues. With a new owner and new head coach the Kings could finally be headed in the right direction. The acquisition of Greivis Vasquez and the drafting of Ben McLemore will certain help the Kings turn it around. Isaiah Thomas is another talented point guard who will battle Vazquez for the starting job. The major hole for the Kings is at the small forward position. They have a great lack of talent at the position and that’s no different this year. The Kings certainly have some talent, but they need more pieces and a much improved defense to compete for a playoff spot.
MVP: DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins is immensely talented and is one of the most gifted offensive big men in the NBA. He has the potential to be a 20-10 player consistently. However he has struggled with maturity issues and a lack of effort on defense. The future of the Kings rests squarely on Cousins shoulders. He just signed a contract worth over $62 million and now it’s time he steps up and earns it.
14. Utah Jazz (30-52)
The Jazz made a decision to look to the future this offseason by letting Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson walk. Waiting to fill their places are Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors. These two young big men have the potential to form a great frontcourt duo. The Jazz also drafted Trey Burke to be the point guard of the future in Utah and he certainly looks the part. The main forces holding the Jazz back this year and inexperience and a lack of all-star talent. The Jazz will struggle considering they will have three players starting for the first time. While the future is bright in Utah, it will be a rough season.
MVP: Derrick Favors
Favors could easily become a double-double forward. He has the size and the talent. At just 22 years old he will be asked to step up big this season. Fortunately for him and his young teammates expectations are fairly low. He will have an opportunity to grow this year and I believe he will take full advantage of it. Favors could emerge as a breakout star this season.
15. Phoenix Suns: (27-55)
The Suns is a team that’s looking to the future. The addition of Eric Bledsoe is a great start to moving forward, but this is a team without a lot of talent. Goran Dragic is a solid point guard and Marcin Gortat can hold down the paint until Alex Len is ready to step up. The most positive thing going for the Suns is knowing they will have a great chance to compete for the Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes.
MVP: Eric Bledsoe
Bledsoe is an inexperienced guard is bursting with potential. He will have every opportunity to shine this year and could very well win Most Improved Player award. Bledsoe can play both the point and shooting guard position. He will be the primary source of offense for this team and he will be one of the key building blocks for the future.
Western Conference Awards
MVP: Kevin Durant
Durant is the second best player in the league and fortunately for him LeBron plays in the East. Durant is a fantastic scorer and rebounder and he will need to carry the load for the Thunder until Russell Westbrook returns. The scariest part of Durant’s game is the fact that it is still improving. Look for Durant to put up some gaudy numbers this season.
Coach of the Year: Mark Jackson
In three short years Jackson has pulled a complete 180 with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors have improved dramatically since Jackson has taken over and their continued success will win him the Coach of the Year award.
Rookie of the Year: Ben McLemore
McLemore is a lights out shooter from Kansas. He has been compared to Ray Allen in terms of his pure shooting ability. McLemore will have the opportunity to play immediately and will be fighting for the starting shooting guard position. McLemore should provide instant offense and come away rookie of the year.
Sixth Man of the Year: Harrison Barnes
Barnes had a great showing in last year’s playoff and has a bright future in the NBA. He is a part of one of the best backcourts in the NBA and will play a major role as sixth man. He possesses great scoring and rebounding ability and should thrive as a sixth man.
Most Improved Player: Derrick Favors
Favors will be the starter for the Utah Jazz this season after backing up Paul Millsap last year. He is a great rebounder and defender and is one of the more gifted big men. He has loads of potential and he will improve dramatically as a starter for his team.
Most Improved Team: Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and should be greatly improved. They already had a great starting five and now have a much improved bench. They have a great scorer on the perimeter in Damian Lillard and in the post with LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers will compete for the eight seed and will finish over .500%.
Most Disappointing Player: Manu Ginobili
Manu has been a great player for the Spurs for many years. However his time is nearing a close. After battling injuries and struggling in the playoffs it seems as if age is finally catching up to him. The emergence of Danny Green will also reduce the impact Manu makes.