1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been to the finals three straight times, and by all outward appearances, they have their deepest and most talented team in the post-Shaquille O'Neal era. They have added Matt Barnes who can shoot the three, slash to the hoop, is a great defender, and has played deep into the postseason numerous times. Steve Blake is a quick point guard with excellent ball handling and ball distribution skills. He also is a near forty percent three point shooter, and long range threats are one of the few things the Lakers have lacked recently. Theo Ratliff may not have much left, but he won't be asked to play very many minutes. Now consider what the Lakers bring back from last year. Kobe Bryant is still a top-five player in the NBA, and Pau Gasol is the best offensive big man in the league. Lamar Odom is an excellent sixth man whose greatest strengths are ball handling, passing, and rebounding. Ron Artest struggled offensively last year, but was still a bulldog on defense, and may excel this year with a year of experience in the triangle. Shannon Brown is a superb athlete with potential to be much more, and Derek Fisher will play a reduced role according to Brown's emergence and Blake's arrival. Andrew Bynum has All Star potential, and last year averaged a very respectable fifteen points and eight rebounds per game. With Bynum as the perfect segue, we reach the big hairy "but" for the Lakers coming into this year. Yes they have huge talent, BUT, how healthy will they be? Health is the only thing that can deter the Lakers march to the Finals this year. If Bynum can't stay on the court, if Bryant starts to slow down and get banged up, or if Fisher can't hold up, then the Lakers could have some issues. The biggest key is obviously Bryant, but if Bynum could play close to a full season without injury, this team could be historically good.
Predicted Record: 60-22
Team MVP: Kobe Bryant
Key Player for the Lakers' Championship Hopes: Andrew Bynum
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
I'm not real confident about who should be second in the West, which is part of the reason I am so confident the Lakers will finish first yet again. There doesn't seem to be a team behind LA without major questions or flaws. The Thunder have some incredible young talent and went toe-to-toe with the Lakers in the playoffs last year. Kevin Durant is easily one of the best four players in the game. Russell Westbrook has superstar potential, and is already an All Star caliber player. I believe that we will be including him in the same conversation as Chris Paul and Deron Williams by the end of this year. Despite the Derrick Rose stroking and Rajon Rondo infatuation, Westbrook is the better than either of those two. The problem for the Thunder is that beyond Durant and Westbrook, there isn't much scoring punch or experience. James Harden is probably their third-best player, and he could easily develop into an eighteen-to-twenty point per game performer, perhaps as early as this year. If that does happen, then the Thunder have a chance to battle the Lakers for the West Crown. Jeff Green is a nice, versatile player in the Lamar Odom role, and if Durant, Westbrook, and Harden can carry the scoring load, than Green can simply facilitate, rebound, and score when the opportunity arises. Thabo Sefolosha is an athletic young slasher who is a really nice option off the bench. Nenad Krstic doesn't offer too much in the pivot, and the Thunder will be hoping that top pick Cole Aldrich can be the physical body they lacked last year in the post. However, in playoff basketball you must have a go-to post player on offense, and the Thunder simply do not possess one. Aldrich is a live body with good strength and work ethic, but his offensive game is limited, and there isn't another big on this squad who can fill up the stat sheet. The Thunder will be able to play up-tempo and outscore a lot of teams in the regular season, but their lack of a go-to player in the half court other than Durant will ultimately hold them back from a championship.
Predicted Record: 55-27
Team MVP: Kevin Durant
Key Player: James Harden
3. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is up to their usual preseason tricks, talking a good game and preparing to walk the walk, that is until the playoffs arrive. I think this is the year that Dirk Nowitzki will take a small step backward, and Jason Kidd may take a big step back. Still with Nowitzki, Caron Butler, Kidd, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry, the Mavs have loads of talent and veteran experience. Roddy Beaubois is an exciting guard off the bench but he is not a breakout star like so many are claiming. Tyson Chandler can be huge for this team if he stays healthy and realizes that his role is simply to rebound, block shots, and catch alley-oops. Still, the Mavs over recent years have been searching for the right combination of players to put them over the top, but they've yet to find it. Despite plenty of ability up and down this roster, Nowitzki is their only true superstar, and he has big weaknesses on defense. A jump shooting seven footer is not really the formula for winning titles, and that has shown in the Mavericks' recent history. Nowitzki won't get traded any time soon, but until he has a true second star to play with, this team will be stuck on the outer edge of championship contention. Butler is a nice scorer, but he isn't a guy that carry this team for stretches in a playoff series. The NBA is a league where a superstar player counts for much more than a bunch of good role players, and unfortunately for Dallas, they have just one star who's past his prime.
Predicted Record: 53-29
Team MVP: Dirk (Diggler) Nowitzki
Key Player: Caron Butler
4. San Antonio Spurs
I'm not just ready to throw the towel in on the Spurs. I don't think they have a real shot at winning the Championship, but they can make a postseason run and be a very tough out for anybody in the West. Tim Duncan is clearly slowing down, but his game is so efficient, methodical, and refined that a lost step in athleticism doesn't diminish its overall impact all that much. Tony Parker is a star point guard, and Manu Ginobli, while getting long in the tooth, is still an elite offensive playmaker. There are two keys this coming year for the Spurs' success: the first is the health of their big three, because if those guys aren't on the floor, the Spurs cease to be a scary team, and second is the play of European import, Tiago Splitter. The Spurs drafted Splitter in 2007, and he has been marinating overseas ever since. Splitter is regarded by many as one of the best international or non-NBA players in the world. Now he enters the NBA, and with good size, a myriad of moves in the post, and a real grasp of the game, he fits perfectly into the Spurs efficient half-court approach. Splitter can spell Duncan by playing center, or play next to him at power forward. Splitter, Duncan, DeJuan Blair, and Antonio McDyess represent one of the deepest and best frontcourts in the NBA. Parker and Ginobli were complemented nicely by rookie George Hill last year, who should continue to blossom under coach Greg Popovich, a master at player development. Throw in swing man Richard Jefferson and you have a complete, multi-talented, experienced, and smart team that can beat anybody on a given night. If Splitter can be very good—think fifteen points and ten rebounds per game—the Spurs can compete for a championship. If Splitter is just solid, expect the same results as last year, an early playoff exit.
Predicted Record: 52-30
Team MVP: Tony Parker
Key Player: Tiago Splitter
5. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers can no longer hide behind the "up and coming" label that they have worn over the last few years. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have to move their games a higher level if this team wants to make a run in the West. Talent is present on this roster in abundance, but thus far postseason success has not been. Roy is a very good player, top-fifteen in the league. Aldridge may be a top-thirty player. That is a very nice young core, but it has to be complemented by more than role players in order to compete with the Lakers, Heat, Celtics, Thunder, etc. Greg Oden's knee is mending, which is one of two modes his knee can be in, the other being completely wrecked. If he can't play solid minutes for most of this season, he has to be considered a full disappointment. Oden doesn't have to be great, he just has to be on the floor and use his body to rebound, block shots, and intimidate opponents around the rim. Marcus Camby and Joel Pryzbilla are solid veterans that provide good rebounding and defense, but little scoring punch at the center position. Andre Miller has some good flashes left in him, but is mostly a slow veteran with an awkward jumper. Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Rudy Fernandez all bring talent to the table, but none is a complete player than can fully claim the small forward position. The Blazers appear to be a team that will have to be content to be good but not great for another year, unless they can somehow swing a deal for Carmelo Anthony.
Predicted Record: 50-32
Team MVP: Brandon Roy
Key Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
6. Houston Rockets
Yao Ming is obviously the key for this team if they hope to be elite. If Ming could possibly play a healthy full season—they plan to strictly limit his minutes—then the Rockets could be a serious challenger to the Lakers. But the likelihood of Ming staying on the court is extremely low. However, the Rockets are used to playing without Ming, and have a really nice collection of talent. Kevin Martin is a really good scorer, especially because he shoots such a high percentage from the field. He is one of the most efficient perimeter players in the NBA. Aaron Brooks is a star in the making; his quickness is special. I love Shane Battier as a role player. He's incredibly smart, shoots the three very well, and is an excellent on-ball defender. Luis Scola might have been the best player at the FIBA championships this summer, and I think he could make an All Star Game appearance this year. Courtney Lee is a talented young guard that will give a nice scoring punch off the bench. The thing I like most about this team is their coach Rick Adelman. He is one of the few coaches in the NBA that really makes a difference. His teams play organized every night, and they also play great defense.
Predicted Record: 49-33
Team MVP: Aaron Brooks
Key Player: Yao Ming
7. Denver Nuggets
Clearly this ranking is subject to change if Carmelo Anthony gets traded. As they are presently constituted, the Nuggets are one of the most talented teams in the league, yet that talent has yet to translate into much postseason success. This is a confident team, but they are a bit feast or famine. At their best they have the mental edge to play right with the Lakers. At their worst they are self-destruction personified. Chauncey Billups is a great leader, but he is really getting up in years, and the supporting cast around Anthony, while talented, hasn't proven strong enough yet to get this team over the top. Nene is a very solid post player, Chris Anderson is a good shot blocker, and Kenyon Martin has talent, but has battled injuries lately. Nene is their best offensive post option, but they lack an elite inside player. Al Harrington is a good addition on paper. He is a proficient and versatile scorer, but he doesn't play much defense at all, and shares a "badittude" with just about every other player on the Nuggets team. JR Smith has superstar talent, but has had plenty of time to capitalize on that ability and simply has not. I think Ty Lawson may take some serious minutes away from Billups this year. The Nuggets are ultimately a frightening team to play from a talent standpoint, but they have to stay out of their own way.
Predicted Record: 48-34
Team MVP: Carmelo Anthony (if he stays)
Key Players: Carmelo Anthony, because he has to stay for them to have a shot
8. Memphis Grizzlies
In the NBA, the traditional powers rule the day, and breaking onto the scene as a young team can be very difficult. The Grizzlies took a major step forward last year, finishing just one game under .500. Talent is on this roster in droves. Marc Gasol is over seven feet tall with a wide body and has some nice touch around the rim. Considering the relative league-wide weakness at the position, Gasol has the potential to be an All Star center. Playing next to him at power forward is Zach Randolph, who put up MVP-type numbers last year. He was potent offensively, averaging twenty points and twelve rebounds per game. Then you look to the wing, and Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo represent maybe the best young guard-forward combo in the league. Both guys can go for thirty points on any given night. Point guard Mike Conley had been a disappointment up until last year when he started getting major minutes and played solidly. He should continue to improve with scorers all around him. Hasheem Thabeet really struggled last year, even pulling a stint in the D-League, but he won't have to score on this team. If he can just give the Grizz fifteen minutes of rebounding and defense per game, he will have made a big contribution. I really like the addition of Tony Allen, who comes over from the Celtics. He is an excellent defender and brings a ton of championship experience to a team where most players have never even been to the playoffs. The Grizzlies have the ability to beat anybody in the league; it's now just a matter of effort and execution.
Predicted Record: 46-36
Team MVP: Zach Randolph
Key Player: Mike Conley
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9. Phoenix Suns
The Suns were in the lottery two years ago and the Western Conference Finals last year. So which team will we see this year? The answer is probably something between those two extremes. Steve Nash is still a great shooter, passer, and ball handler, but with major wear and tear on his 36-year-old body and the enormous responsibility of carrying this team, I think we will see a dip in his production. Certainly the Suns will miss Amare Stoudemire's twenty and ten production, but they did bring in a lot of nice pieces to surround Nash. Josh Childress returns from Greece to play for the Suns. He brings athleticism, shooting, and smarts. Hakim Warrick also comes aboard and is a terrific athlete who will be a very nice pick and roll and transition option for Nash. Hedo Turkgolu struggled in Toronto last year, but may have a renaissance in Phoenix as this team perfectly complements his skill set. Robin Lopez, Jason Richardson, Earl Clark, and Channing Frye fill out a deep and talented roster. All of these players are really ideal for the Phoenix system, but ultimately there is no star on this team outside of Nash, and the old veteran may not be able to find the magic again this year.
10. Utah Jazz
Jerry Sloan and his squad aren't used to missing the postseason, but with the loss of Carlos Boozer, Matthews, and Kyle Korver, a rebuilding process is probably under way in Salt Lake. Williams is one of the top-ten players in this league, and Al Jefferson is a nice power forward who fills up the stat sheet but doesn't play defense. Beyond Williams and Jefferson, the cupboard looks pretty bare. Paul Milsap is a solid forward, and Memhet Okur can shoot but can't do much else. CJ Miles , Raja Bell, Ronnie Price, and Andrei Kirilenko round out the lineup.
11. New Orleans Hornets
If Paul does end up getting traded, this could be the worst team in the NBA. Trevor Ariza is a nice addition, but he wasn't the star companion Paul is looking for. David West and Emeka Okafor are decent duo in the pivot, but won't scare anyone. This team will win games only because of CP3. The rest of the roster is mostly unproven young guys or over the hill veterans.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have much more upward potential than a few of the teams ahead of them on this list, but it's just hard to trust this franchise. Eric Gordon looked like a star in the making at the FIBA championships. 2009 number one overall pick Blake Griffin will be ready to go for this season after missing all of last year. Chris Kaman is a rough and tumble center who puts up good numbers night in and night out. Baron Davis has been up and down in L.A. and may be getting a bit old, but he still has playmaking ability. Randy Foye is a talented third guard, and this year's top pick Al-Farouq Aminu is an impressive athlete who will need time to develop.
13. Golden State Warriors
This team gave up a lot of talent and depth to acquire forward David Lee from the Knicks, so Lee has to produce big time for this trade to be justified. Fortunately, numbers come cheap in the Warriors' up-tempo offense. Steph Curry and Monta Ellis make up a really dynamic young guard tandem. Andris Biedrins is a solid rebounder and shot blocker in the post, and top pick Ekpe Udoh has the athleticism to fit nicely on this team.
14. Sacramento Kings
Tyreke Evans showed that he has superstar ability in his rookie year. This year's top pick, Demarcus Cousins, has the chance to be an absolute monster in the post. I think Cousins will be an All Star before long. Evans and Cousins give this team great building blocks. The problem is that there is almost no impressive talent on the rest of the roster.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves
The T'Wolves take their familiar spot in the basement of the Western Conference. Michael Beasley adds talent and scoring punch to a frontcourt that sorely needs it. Kevin Love is a solid player that rebounds and passes well, but is a liability because of his lack of athleticism. Johnny Flynn had a promising rookie year and should improve measurably this year. Swingman Corey Brewer had his best year as a pro last year, and brings defense and incredible athleticism to the wing. This year's top pick Wesley Johnson could be a special player. Overall this team has some talent, but not nearly enough. They are just too young and too shallow on the bench to put any type of season together.
The Lakers have been to the finals three straight times, and by all outward appearances, they have their deepest and most talented team in the post-Shaquille O'Neal era. They have added Matt Barnes who can shoot the three, slash to the hoop, is a great defender, and has played deep into the postseason numerous times. Steve Blake is a quick point guard with excellent ball handling and ball distribution skills. He also is a near forty percent three point shooter, and long range threats are one of the few things the Lakers have lacked recently. Theo Ratliff may not have much left, but he won't be asked to play very many minutes. Now consider what the Lakers bring back from last year. Kobe Bryant is still a top-five player in the NBA, and Pau Gasol is the best offensive big man in the league. Lamar Odom is an excellent sixth man whose greatest strengths are ball handling, passing, and rebounding. Ron Artest struggled offensively last year, but was still a bulldog on defense, and may excel this year with a year of experience in the triangle. Shannon Brown is a superb athlete with potential to be much more, and Derek Fisher will play a reduced role according to Brown's emergence and Blake's arrival. Andrew Bynum has All Star potential, and last year averaged a very respectable fifteen points and eight rebounds per game. With Bynum as the perfect segue, we reach the big hairy "but" for the Lakers coming into this year. Yes they have huge talent, BUT, how healthy will they be? Health is the only thing that can deter the Lakers march to the Finals this year. If Bynum can't stay on the court, if Bryant starts to slow down and get banged up, or if Fisher can't hold up, then the Lakers could have some issues. The biggest key is obviously Bryant, but if Bynum could play close to a full season without injury, this team could be historically good.
Predicted Record: 60-22
Team MVP: Kobe Bryant
Key Player for the Lakers' Championship Hopes: Andrew Bynum
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
I'm not real confident about who should be second in the West, which is part of the reason I am so confident the Lakers will finish first yet again. There doesn't seem to be a team behind LA without major questions or flaws. The Thunder have some incredible young talent and went toe-to-toe with the Lakers in the playoffs last year. Kevin Durant is easily one of the best four players in the game. Russell Westbrook has superstar potential, and is already an All Star caliber player. I believe that we will be including him in the same conversation as Chris Paul and Deron Williams by the end of this year. Despite the Derrick Rose stroking and Rajon Rondo infatuation, Westbrook is the better than either of those two. The problem for the Thunder is that beyond Durant and Westbrook, there isn't much scoring punch or experience. James Harden is probably their third-best player, and he could easily develop into an eighteen-to-twenty point per game performer, perhaps as early as this year. If that does happen, then the Thunder have a chance to battle the Lakers for the West Crown. Jeff Green is a nice, versatile player in the Lamar Odom role, and if Durant, Westbrook, and Harden can carry the scoring load, than Green can simply facilitate, rebound, and score when the opportunity arises. Thabo Sefolosha is an athletic young slasher who is a really nice option off the bench. Nenad Krstic doesn't offer too much in the pivot, and the Thunder will be hoping that top pick Cole Aldrich can be the physical body they lacked last year in the post. However, in playoff basketball you must have a go-to post player on offense, and the Thunder simply do not possess one. Aldrich is a live body with good strength and work ethic, but his offensive game is limited, and there isn't another big on this squad who can fill up the stat sheet. The Thunder will be able to play up-tempo and outscore a lot of teams in the regular season, but their lack of a go-to player in the half court other than Durant will ultimately hold them back from a championship.
Predicted Record: 55-27
Team MVP: Kevin Durant
Key Player: James Harden
3. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is up to their usual preseason tricks, talking a good game and preparing to walk the walk, that is until the playoffs arrive. I think this is the year that Dirk Nowitzki will take a small step backward, and Jason Kidd may take a big step back. Still with Nowitzki, Caron Butler, Kidd, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry, the Mavs have loads of talent and veteran experience. Roddy Beaubois is an exciting guard off the bench but he is not a breakout star like so many are claiming. Tyson Chandler can be huge for this team if he stays healthy and realizes that his role is simply to rebound, block shots, and catch alley-oops. Still, the Mavs over recent years have been searching for the right combination of players to put them over the top, but they've yet to find it. Despite plenty of ability up and down this roster, Nowitzki is their only true superstar, and he has big weaknesses on defense. A jump shooting seven footer is not really the formula for winning titles, and that has shown in the Mavericks' recent history. Nowitzki won't get traded any time soon, but until he has a true second star to play with, this team will be stuck on the outer edge of championship contention. Butler is a nice scorer, but he isn't a guy that carry this team for stretches in a playoff series. The NBA is a league where a superstar player counts for much more than a bunch of good role players, and unfortunately for Dallas, they have just one star who's past his prime.
Predicted Record: 53-29
Team MVP: Dirk (Diggler) Nowitzki
Key Player: Caron Butler
4. San Antonio Spurs
I'm not just ready to throw the towel in on the Spurs. I don't think they have a real shot at winning the Championship, but they can make a postseason run and be a very tough out for anybody in the West. Tim Duncan is clearly slowing down, but his game is so efficient, methodical, and refined that a lost step in athleticism doesn't diminish its overall impact all that much. Tony Parker is a star point guard, and Manu Ginobli, while getting long in the tooth, is still an elite offensive playmaker. There are two keys this coming year for the Spurs' success: the first is the health of their big three, because if those guys aren't on the floor, the Spurs cease to be a scary team, and second is the play of European import, Tiago Splitter. The Spurs drafted Splitter in 2007, and he has been marinating overseas ever since. Splitter is regarded by many as one of the best international or non-NBA players in the world. Now he enters the NBA, and with good size, a myriad of moves in the post, and a real grasp of the game, he fits perfectly into the Spurs efficient half-court approach. Splitter can spell Duncan by playing center, or play next to him at power forward. Splitter, Duncan, DeJuan Blair, and Antonio McDyess represent one of the deepest and best frontcourts in the NBA. Parker and Ginobli were complemented nicely by rookie George Hill last year, who should continue to blossom under coach Greg Popovich, a master at player development. Throw in swing man Richard Jefferson and you have a complete, multi-talented, experienced, and smart team that can beat anybody on a given night. If Splitter can be very good—think fifteen points and ten rebounds per game—the Spurs can compete for a championship. If Splitter is just solid, expect the same results as last year, an early playoff exit.
Predicted Record: 52-30
Team MVP: Tony Parker
Key Player: Tiago Splitter
5. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers can no longer hide behind the "up and coming" label that they have worn over the last few years. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have to move their games a higher level if this team wants to make a run in the West. Talent is present on this roster in abundance, but thus far postseason success has not been. Roy is a very good player, top-fifteen in the league. Aldridge may be a top-thirty player. That is a very nice young core, but it has to be complemented by more than role players in order to compete with the Lakers, Heat, Celtics, Thunder, etc. Greg Oden's knee is mending, which is one of two modes his knee can be in, the other being completely wrecked. If he can't play solid minutes for most of this season, he has to be considered a full disappointment. Oden doesn't have to be great, he just has to be on the floor and use his body to rebound, block shots, and intimidate opponents around the rim. Marcus Camby and Joel Pryzbilla are solid veterans that provide good rebounding and defense, but little scoring punch at the center position. Andre Miller has some good flashes left in him, but is mostly a slow veteran with an awkward jumper. Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Rudy Fernandez all bring talent to the table, but none is a complete player than can fully claim the small forward position. The Blazers appear to be a team that will have to be content to be good but not great for another year, unless they can somehow swing a deal for Carmelo Anthony.
Predicted Record: 50-32
Team MVP: Brandon Roy
Key Player: LaMarcus Aldridge
6. Houston Rockets
Yao Ming is obviously the key for this team if they hope to be elite. If Ming could possibly play a healthy full season—they plan to strictly limit his minutes—then the Rockets could be a serious challenger to the Lakers. But the likelihood of Ming staying on the court is extremely low. However, the Rockets are used to playing without Ming, and have a really nice collection of talent. Kevin Martin is a really good scorer, especially because he shoots such a high percentage from the field. He is one of the most efficient perimeter players in the NBA. Aaron Brooks is a star in the making; his quickness is special. I love Shane Battier as a role player. He's incredibly smart, shoots the three very well, and is an excellent on-ball defender. Luis Scola might have been the best player at the FIBA championships this summer, and I think he could make an All Star Game appearance this year. Courtney Lee is a talented young guard that will give a nice scoring punch off the bench. The thing I like most about this team is their coach Rick Adelman. He is one of the few coaches in the NBA that really makes a difference. His teams play organized every night, and they also play great defense.
Predicted Record: 49-33
Team MVP: Aaron Brooks
Key Player: Yao Ming
7. Denver Nuggets
Clearly this ranking is subject to change if Carmelo Anthony gets traded. As they are presently constituted, the Nuggets are one of the most talented teams in the league, yet that talent has yet to translate into much postseason success. This is a confident team, but they are a bit feast or famine. At their best they have the mental edge to play right with the Lakers. At their worst they are self-destruction personified. Chauncey Billups is a great leader, but he is really getting up in years, and the supporting cast around Anthony, while talented, hasn't proven strong enough yet to get this team over the top. Nene is a very solid post player, Chris Anderson is a good shot blocker, and Kenyon Martin has talent, but has battled injuries lately. Nene is their best offensive post option, but they lack an elite inside player. Al Harrington is a good addition on paper. He is a proficient and versatile scorer, but he doesn't play much defense at all, and shares a "badittude" with just about every other player on the Nuggets team. JR Smith has superstar talent, but has had plenty of time to capitalize on that ability and simply has not. I think Ty Lawson may take some serious minutes away from Billups this year. The Nuggets are ultimately a frightening team to play from a talent standpoint, but they have to stay out of their own way.
Predicted Record: 48-34
Team MVP: Carmelo Anthony (if he stays)
Key Players: Carmelo Anthony, because he has to stay for them to have a shot
8. Memphis Grizzlies
In the NBA, the traditional powers rule the day, and breaking onto the scene as a young team can be very difficult. The Grizzlies took a major step forward last year, finishing just one game under .500. Talent is on this roster in droves. Marc Gasol is over seven feet tall with a wide body and has some nice touch around the rim. Considering the relative league-wide weakness at the position, Gasol has the potential to be an All Star center. Playing next to him at power forward is Zach Randolph, who put up MVP-type numbers last year. He was potent offensively, averaging twenty points and twelve rebounds per game. Then you look to the wing, and Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo represent maybe the best young guard-forward combo in the league. Both guys can go for thirty points on any given night. Point guard Mike Conley had been a disappointment up until last year when he started getting major minutes and played solidly. He should continue to improve with scorers all around him. Hasheem Thabeet really struggled last year, even pulling a stint in the D-League, but he won't have to score on this team. If he can just give the Grizz fifteen minutes of rebounding and defense per game, he will have made a big contribution. I really like the addition of Tony Allen, who comes over from the Celtics. He is an excellent defender and brings a ton of championship experience to a team where most players have never even been to the playoffs. The Grizzlies have the ability to beat anybody in the league; it's now just a matter of effort and execution.
Predicted Record: 46-36
Team MVP: Zach Randolph
Key Player: Mike Conley
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9. Phoenix Suns
The Suns were in the lottery two years ago and the Western Conference Finals last year. So which team will we see this year? The answer is probably something between those two extremes. Steve Nash is still a great shooter, passer, and ball handler, but with major wear and tear on his 36-year-old body and the enormous responsibility of carrying this team, I think we will see a dip in his production. Certainly the Suns will miss Amare Stoudemire's twenty and ten production, but they did bring in a lot of nice pieces to surround Nash. Josh Childress returns from Greece to play for the Suns. He brings athleticism, shooting, and smarts. Hakim Warrick also comes aboard and is a terrific athlete who will be a very nice pick and roll and transition option for Nash. Hedo Turkgolu struggled in Toronto last year, but may have a renaissance in Phoenix as this team perfectly complements his skill set. Robin Lopez, Jason Richardson, Earl Clark, and Channing Frye fill out a deep and talented roster. All of these players are really ideal for the Phoenix system, but ultimately there is no star on this team outside of Nash, and the old veteran may not be able to find the magic again this year.
10. Utah Jazz
Jerry Sloan and his squad aren't used to missing the postseason, but with the loss of Carlos Boozer, Matthews, and Kyle Korver, a rebuilding process is probably under way in Salt Lake. Williams is one of the top-ten players in this league, and Al Jefferson is a nice power forward who fills up the stat sheet but doesn't play defense. Beyond Williams and Jefferson, the cupboard looks pretty bare. Paul Milsap is a solid forward, and Memhet Okur can shoot but can't do much else. CJ Miles , Raja Bell, Ronnie Price, and Andrei Kirilenko round out the lineup.
11. New Orleans Hornets
If Paul does end up getting traded, this could be the worst team in the NBA. Trevor Ariza is a nice addition, but he wasn't the star companion Paul is looking for. David West and Emeka Okafor are decent duo in the pivot, but won't scare anyone. This team will win games only because of CP3. The rest of the roster is mostly unproven young guys or over the hill veterans.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have much more upward potential than a few of the teams ahead of them on this list, but it's just hard to trust this franchise. Eric Gordon looked like a star in the making at the FIBA championships. 2009 number one overall pick Blake Griffin will be ready to go for this season after missing all of last year. Chris Kaman is a rough and tumble center who puts up good numbers night in and night out. Baron Davis has been up and down in L.A. and may be getting a bit old, but he still has playmaking ability. Randy Foye is a talented third guard, and this year's top pick Al-Farouq Aminu is an impressive athlete who will need time to develop.
13. Golden State Warriors
This team gave up a lot of talent and depth to acquire forward David Lee from the Knicks, so Lee has to produce big time for this trade to be justified. Fortunately, numbers come cheap in the Warriors' up-tempo offense. Steph Curry and Monta Ellis make up a really dynamic young guard tandem. Andris Biedrins is a solid rebounder and shot blocker in the post, and top pick Ekpe Udoh has the athleticism to fit nicely on this team.
14. Sacramento Kings
Tyreke Evans showed that he has superstar ability in his rookie year. This year's top pick, Demarcus Cousins, has the chance to be an absolute monster in the post. I think Cousins will be an All Star before long. Evans and Cousins give this team great building blocks. The problem is that there is almost no impressive talent on the rest of the roster.
15. Minnesota Timberwolves
The T'Wolves take their familiar spot in the basement of the Western Conference. Michael Beasley adds talent and scoring punch to a frontcourt that sorely needs it. Kevin Love is a solid player that rebounds and passes well, but is a liability because of his lack of athleticism. Johnny Flynn had a promising rookie year and should improve measurably this year. Swingman Corey Brewer had his best year as a pro last year, and brings defense and incredible athleticism to the wing. This year's top pick Wesley Johnson could be a special player. Overall this team has some talent, but not nearly enough. They are just too young and too shallow on the bench to put any type of season together.
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