Assess the West
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:45 am
With the smoke starting to clear a bit, we need to look at the changes that has happened up and down the Western Conference starting with our top opponents.
1. OKC Thunder
This team is the Grizzlies #1 rival. The core remains the same. Only added rookie Percy Jones III, former Grizz Hasheem Thabeet, and former Magic Daniel Orton to add depth. The Thunder are still the team to beat as they experience their first appearance in the NBA Finals. Inspite of the loss, they look forward to learning from their mistakes and attempt to get back to the Finals again.
2. Denver Nuggets
Another Grizz opponent who have given the Grizz some challenges with their athleticism at will. With the resigning of center JaVale McGee, veteran PG Andre Miller, and the recent trade for Andre Iguodala, the Nuggets make themselves a very interesting team to watchout for during the upcoming season.
3. L.A. Fakers
Once again, the darlings of the NBA find ways to keep their status from falling from the sky. David Stern and Fakerprints all over it with the recent trade of former Magic center Dwight Howard. Any team but the Lakers Anyways, Howard replaces Andrew Bynum as the best center in the NBA as he brings better offense and defense to the Fakers starting lineup. Steve Nash is another PG acquisition the Fakers brought into the fold. Nash brings offense and his passing game to a Fakers team that looks very lethal on offense. Also Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks are offseason acquisitions the Fakers brought into fold for their offense. Expect lots of attention to be on the Fakers this season.
4. L.A. Clippers
The Clips were the team that put the Grizz out at home and the playoffs. Our first matchup will be @ Staples Center on Oct 31. The Clips made some changes from their bench. Gone are Reggie Evans, Kenyon Martin, Nick Young, Mo Williams, and Randy Foye. The Clips brought in Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Ronny Turiaf, Ryan Hollins, and Chauncey Billups. Still formiable and still can't be underestimate at no cost.
5. S.A. Spurs
Older veteran team who can't be underestimate as well. Kept the majority of their core. Resigned Boris Diaw, Danny Green, Patty Mills, and 2011 draft pick, Nando de Calo. So like the Thunder, the Spurs stood pack as well.
6. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs went through a major overhaul this offseason. They lost out on the Deron Williams sweepstakes and looked like things were going to be derailed for Dirk's Mavs. But they managed to pick up some talent in Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, former Grizz O.J. Mayo, and more to try and stay in the middle of the pack. Of the teams on this list, the Mavs are the most mediocre of the bunch. May be a trying season for the Mavs.
1. OKC Thunder
This team is the Grizzlies #1 rival. The core remains the same. Only added rookie Percy Jones III, former Grizz Hasheem Thabeet, and former Magic Daniel Orton to add depth. The Thunder are still the team to beat as they experience their first appearance in the NBA Finals. Inspite of the loss, they look forward to learning from their mistakes and attempt to get back to the Finals again.
2. Denver Nuggets
Another Grizz opponent who have given the Grizz some challenges with their athleticism at will. With the resigning of center JaVale McGee, veteran PG Andre Miller, and the recent trade for Andre Iguodala, the Nuggets make themselves a very interesting team to watchout for during the upcoming season.
3. L.A. Fakers
Once again, the darlings of the NBA find ways to keep their status from falling from the sky. David Stern and Fakerprints all over it with the recent trade of former Magic center Dwight Howard. Any team but the Lakers Anyways, Howard replaces Andrew Bynum as the best center in the NBA as he brings better offense and defense to the Fakers starting lineup. Steve Nash is another PG acquisition the Fakers brought into the fold. Nash brings offense and his passing game to a Fakers team that looks very lethal on offense. Also Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks are offseason acquisitions the Fakers brought into fold for their offense. Expect lots of attention to be on the Fakers this season.
4. L.A. Clippers
The Clips were the team that put the Grizz out at home and the playoffs. Our first matchup will be @ Staples Center on Oct 31. The Clips made some changes from their bench. Gone are Reggie Evans, Kenyon Martin, Nick Young, Mo Williams, and Randy Foye. The Clips brought in Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Ronny Turiaf, Ryan Hollins, and Chauncey Billups. Still formiable and still can't be underestimate at no cost.
5. S.A. Spurs
Older veteran team who can't be underestimate as well. Kept the majority of their core. Resigned Boris Diaw, Danny Green, Patty Mills, and 2011 draft pick, Nando de Calo. So like the Thunder, the Spurs stood pack as well.
6. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs went through a major overhaul this offseason. They lost out on the Deron Williams sweepstakes and looked like things were going to be derailed for Dirk's Mavs. But they managed to pick up some talent in Elton Brand, Chris Kaman, former Grizz O.J. Mayo, and more to try and stay in the middle of the pack. Of the teams on this list, the Mavs are the most mediocre of the bunch. May be a trying season for the Mavs.