NBA Western Conference Predicted Finish

By Broderick Covington Saturday, October 24th, 2009 | No Comments

Nuggets DancersThe Playoff Contenders
1. Los Angeles Lakers – The NBA Champions only got better in the offseason, they could score last season but adding Ron Artest gives them one of the best stoppers in the league. Look for Bynum and Farmar to have big seasons.

2. San Antonio Spurs – The Spurs have reloaded for what might be a last run in the west, adding Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and stealing Dujaun Blair in the second round will give Kobe and company something to think about.

3. Portland Trailblazers – A full season of Greg Oden will put them into the elite of the NBA Western Conference. Andre Miller is a good veteran point guard to run the Roy, Aldridge, Oden Show.

4. Dallas Mavericks - Dallas added Shawn Marion and Dirk is still all world. The main concern is the core is all over 30, it’s now or never for the Mavs and I think they have one good run left in them. Dallas could be the dark horse to come out of the west.

5. Denver Nuggets – Honestly, I wanted to put them lower but they have too much talent to let themselves fall further than 5th. Inconsistency has plagued George Karl coached teams and I see this year being a down year after last season’s fantastic playoff run.

6. Utah Jazz – The Jazz could be a sleeper in the West, everyone is healthy and Carlos Boozer will be motivated as he heads into free agency. If the Jazz stumble this season look for Boozer to be move before the February trade deadline.

7. Los Angeles Clippers – They have the players to do make it into the playoffs. The only question is do they have the coach. I think Baron Davis is in for a rebound year and Blake Griffin runs away with the Rookie of the Year award.

8. OKC Thunder – This is my long shot pick, Kevin Durant will have a monster year and with Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook coming into their own. The Thunder will be the surprise team of the west.

The Rest
9. New Orleans Hornets – I’m predicting Byron Scott is the first coach fired this season. The Hornets quit on him last season. They lacks the necessary depth to challenge the elite teams of the Western Conference. Chris Paul is the best PG in the league but is won’t be enough to put them in the playoffs.

10. Phoenix Suns – Amare is after free agent gold, Nash peaked a couple years ago. The Suns are on the outside looking in once again.

11. Houston Rockets – No Yao, McGrady will be traded, Trevor Ariza isn’t enough to replace Ron Artest.

12. Golden State Warriors – They are a gong show, Stephen Jackson is going to be a his volatile best which usually means the worst for the team he is playing for.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves – They are looking up, it’s a shame they botched the Rubio pick.

14. Memphis Grizzlies – This team will be spectacular to watch. Not in a good way but more like a car accident where you can’t look away. Allen Iverson, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph will be fighting for shots. This will be amazing.

15. Sacramento Kings – Jason Thompson and Tyreke Evans will make this team somewhat watchable even if they don’t win too many games.