Training camps are now underway and there’s optimism for every team. New players are getting to know the team and rookies are getting their first taste of the NBA life. Player’s hopes are high and everyone is expecting the best. Training camp is a time for players to get back in season shape, and for coaches to determine whose fit to make the roster. Hopes are high for all teams and here’s where they stand in the Western Conference.
1. San Antonio – After losing in the NBA Finals, the Spurs are ready to make another go for a ring. While they aren’t getting any younger, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and an improving Kawhi Leonard, are going to be the leaders in the West.
2. Los Angeles Clippers – With Doc Rivers taking the reigns as head coach, and a resigned Chris Paul, the Clippers look to be major competitors in the West. The combination of Paul and Blake Griffin will challenge the West. With a competent and experienced head coach this team will finally play up to expectations.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Having the Thunder at number three shows just how deep the West is. The injury and return of point guard Russell Westbrook is the major concern for the Thunder. It is unclear when he will be back and just how effective he will be when he does return. The Thunder will also need to find offensive contributors besides Kevin Durant and Westbrook. Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb will be the primary scorers off the bench this year. If Russell Westbrook can return in a timely manner and return to his all-star form, the Thunder could very well be the kings of the West.
4. Golden State Warriors – With a backcourt combination of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, and Harrison Barnes, the Warriors are primed to compete in the West. The biggest question for this team is which talented player will have to play sixth man; and that’s a great problem to have. The success of this season rests on Andrew Bogut's injury prone body. If he can stay healthy, the Warriors will certainly be a handful.
5. Memphis Grizzles – The Grizzles have kept their core group of players intact. Led by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, this Grizzle team will be a defensive force. They will need some major offensive production to keep up with the other high flying West teams.
6. Houston Rockets – The addition of Dwight Howard makes all the difference. If Dwight can stay healthy this team can go very far. With breakout star James Harden manning the perimeter and Dwight Howard dominating the paint, this could be a very dangerous Rockets team.
7. Denver Nuggets – This is a very good Nuggets team; unfortunately for them, they play in the Western Conference. The loss of Andre Iguodala hurts them. They will need second year play Evan Fourier to step up as a starter. If Javele McGee can live up to his physical potential and Danilo Gallinari can return quickly from his injury, this team could certainly make some waves.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves – If Ricky Rubio can continue to improve and Kevin Love can stay healthy, this can be a dangerous team. The addition of Kevin Martin will fill their need at shooting guard and should provide good production. The resigning of Nikola Pekovic and continued development of Derrick Williams are two other key factors to this season.
9. Portland Trailblazers – The Blazers had one of the better starting lineups in the NBA last season. Unfortunately they had one of the worst benches. They made many great additions such as; CJ McCollum, Mo Williams, Robin Lopez, Thomas Robinson and Dorell Wright. The Blazers could easily compete for the eighth seed in the West this year.
10. New Orleans Pelicans – With a backcourt of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans, and Austin Rivers roaming the point this could be a team that surprises a lot of people. They have multiple young guards capable of playing multiple positions. The Pelicans have a ton of potential and if they can develop early chemistry they could end up surprising a lot of people.
11. Los Angeles Lakers – Never underestimate Kobe Bryant. If he can return for his injury quickly and continue playing all-star caliber basketball, he could carry this Lakers team quite far. If Steve Nash and Pau Gasol can get healthy the Lakers could compete for a playoff spot. Chris Kaman is no Dwight Howard; however he should do a good enough job holding down the paint. If this team can stay healthy they certainly have the talent and experience to make the playoffs.
12. Dallas Mavericks – The Mavericks added guards Jose Calderon and Monta Ellis in hopes of keeping up with the West. Unfortunately for them they are falling behind. Even in his great age Dirk Nowitzki is a great contributor. However he will continue to regress and Monta Ellis and Calderon won’t be enough to keep this ship afloat.
13. Sacramento Kings – The Kings have a lot of great role players. While this team has a lot of talented players they lack star talent. DeMarcus Cousins is arguably one of the best big men in the game, but maturity and anger issues have slowed his progression. Rookie shooting guard Ben McLemore and point guard Greivis Vazquez are two additions that should make great improvements. With a new ownership and front office the Kings seem to finally have a plan. And while they may not compete this year the future is bright.
14. Utah Jazz – The Jazz went with a youth movement this offseason. They let two talented big men walk in order to free up for playing time for Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors. These two big men have massive potential and will get their first taste of serious playing time this year. The Jazz will also be starting rookie point guard Trey Burke. Burke struggled in the summer league but he too possesses immense potential. With so many young and inexperienced players in starting roles it will be a rough season for the Jazz. They will certainly be looking to the future and are in great shape moving forward.
15. Phoenix Suns – Progress is the name of the game for the Suns. The off-season addition of Eric Bledsoe is a big step in the right direction for the Suns. Rookie center Alex Len is still recovering from an injury but should make solid contributions this season. The Suns lack any real star power and they are in for a long season.