Rank the Western Conference Playoff Contenders

[BeiBeau]

With the trade deadline in the books the West got monstrously shaken up. So before you’ve even seen the new look Lakers, before you’ve seen KD on the Suns, before you’ve seen Luka and Kyrie rank the playoff contenders out west. I know it’s too soon but that’s why they call it a prediction.

In order of how good I think the teams in the west in a 7 game series are:

1. Nuggets- Cohesive team that didn’t need to make many moves.

2. Suns- They may have sacrificed too much depth, who defends on that team? KD? Ayton’s lack of motor is always scary for them and he and Monty have still not resolved their issues. Also CP has dropped off a cliff, yeah he can give you 31 but then he follows that up with 0-6 from the floor for 3 points.

3. Mavs- The rest of the season probably largely relies on how good Josh Green can be. But also can they keep Wood focused and how healthy is Maxi going to be.

4. Pelicans- A mixed bag to me, on one hand when they’re together they’re overflowing with talent and we’re absolutely hot. On the other hand without Zion they’ve been complete trash which is unacceptable when you have players like McCollum, Ingram, and Valanciunas.

5. Kings- I think think they’re still lacking in the superstar talent that is sometimes required to win 7 game series. I do really like the Kings though because I think their coaching staff has been the best in the league this year.

6. Grizzlies- Call me a hater, call me naive but I’m just not as strong of a believer in the Grizzlies as others. I can’t always put my finger on it but they’re just too streaky to me. I think they’re a bit of fools gold.

7. Clippers- Gordon’s cool I think he’s just redundant. Plumlee helps. But I don’t think Bones Highland can stay on the floor in the playoffs with how terrible he is at defense. The big questions for the clippers is are they getting Westbrook? And can Westbrook fit?

8. Warriors- They’ve got the leadership and the skill to always be a threat. When Draymond, Klay, and Curry are healthy they have made 6 straight finals.

9. Lakers- I really like the moves they made. They got the depth I think it takes. Idk if they’ll get to top 8 in the west but I think they’ll get in the play in.

10. Timberwolves- Adding Conley is nice, but they’re a middling team who gambled big on a terrible idea. Also the coaching for the Wolves has been terrible this year.

11. Trailblazers- Idk what they’re doing, they’re selling Josh Hart and GP2, but buying Thybulle? I don’t hate the moves but they need to pick a lane. They have too many oars rowing in different directions.

12. Thunder- Shai is a superstar but most of the other guys are 2-3 years away.

13. Jazz- Selling good players make a already sinking team worse, which is the correct direction for now.


Feel free to make me eat **** for this list in a month when I look dumb as hell after we’ve actually seen all these teams play because I’m not a coward.

[dirkules_41]

Seeems in theory quite accurate but impossible to predict until we see all these new players slot into their teams and see how healthy teams are post ASG.

[Mavrelous]

Warriors and Clippers can get it together anytime, I have them at 2 and 3, the rest is a capshoot.
I'm just thankful there is hope now, the vibes were aweful for most of the year.

[Apz]

Im not that worried about memphis play in rs. But they dont have a halfcourt offense and that will stop them in po when they cant just run

[kacey ring]

1. Nuggets
2. Suns
3. Mavs - our ROS schedule is one of the best in the league. May even have a shot at #2!
4. Grizzlies
5. Pelicans - health is a major concern. They looked like WCF contenders to start the season.
6. Clippers - tough ROS schedule, but their new depth looks good.
7. Kings - another tough ROS schedule.
8. Lakers - I liked their moves. If Davis stays on the floor I think they get a 5 game win streak and gain some momentum.
9. Warriors
10. Thunder - surprise, surprise. I think Shai sneaks them in. Just a young team having fun and playing loose.

[Ethomasp31]

Wow