NBA SUMMER JAM 19: WILD WILD WEST

NBA SUMMER JAM 2019: WILD WILD WEST

Kawhi Leonard held the free agency world hostage for just about 6 days until he dropped the ultimate "Woj" bomb by announcing he was leaving the Toronto Raptors for Los Angeles; Los Angeles Clippers. Simultaneously the Clippers acquired Paul George in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that process, they sent over a flourish of draft picks as well as Danilo Galinari. However, before that David Griffin pulled off the blockbuster trade, trading (6x) All Star Anthony Davis to the Lakers; something both teams previous regime could not pull off. Financially struggling, the Lakers after missing out on Kawhi put together some journeyman and mid-level exceptions. New Orleans getting the baby Lakers to go alongside their prized #1 overall pick and some added vets. Utah put added leadership, defense, and perimeter shooting to an already solid team. Portland went big trying to replace some of their departures. Denver locked down Jamal Murray, core under contract and Michael Porter Jr? A healthy Porzingis in Dallas? Flashes of Nash/Nowitzki with Luka/Porzingis? Pop and the Spurs anything left? Don't sleep on the young and hungry Sacramento Kings. Analytics? Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets go "YOLO" trading Chris Paul and his ridiculous contract for Russell Westbrook and his almost as ridiculous contract. Is the GSW dynasty really over? No KD, No Klay til at least (Dec-Feb), No Iggy, No KD. To even get in the playoff conversation in the West, a team is going to have to be sniffing (50-52) wins to break that 8th seed. Top (4) will at least have to have (58-60) wins. With no clear cut favorite for the NBA let alone the Western Conference; all the powers that may be have been picked and pulled across the entire NBA landscape; however the center of the basketball universe should reside in the Staples Center this upcoming season.

New Clippers teammates Paul George (13) and Kawhi Leonard (2)

The Los Angeles Clippers won (48) games a season ago without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, so you can only imagine how many more wins they could have adding the pedigree of Leonard and George teamed up with Patrick Beverly could easily be one of the toughest group of perimeter/wing players to play against on a nightly basis. Counter that with Montrezl Harrell (16.6 ppg / 6.5 rpg 61% FG) freakish athleticism, Lou Williams (20 ppg - 2019 6th man) ability to score at will off the bench, while drafting defensive and versatile athletes such as Florida State's Terrance Mann and Mfiondu Kabengele. Mann a 6'5 combo guard that can stretch the floor, while Mfioundu at 6'10 can shoot the 3, play inside and protect the rim like. Mfiondu is the nephew of Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutumbo. Speaking of three-point shooting; the Clippers were ranked (2nd) in (3-PT %) in 2019 season a vast improvement from (23rd) in 2018. Kawhi brings over proven veteran leadership coming fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title. During the regular season, Leonard averaged (26/7/3 - 49% FG); however, during the playoffs Leonard upped those totals (30.5 ppg / 8.2 rpg 49% FG). While Paul George who seemed to be living his best life in Oklahoma City (28.2 ppg / 8.2 rpg) both career highs as well as PG-13 led the NBA in steals (2.2 spg), both give the Clippers well needed defensive help as they were (25th) a season ago allowing (114.3 ppg). Defensively they should be if not the best defensive team in the NBA next season. Having Pat Beverly, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George out on the perimeter should cause nightmares for opposing offenses. Their length and size alone will be opposing. When most of the world was sleep these two decided to join forces and somehow rock the west coast with this earthquake of events. Los Angeles added Mo Harkless as well as an extension for Ivan Zubac giving them multiple options for starters as well a roster that can go (8-10) deep on any night. Something head coach Doc Rivers now in his (7th) season with LAC will be in charge of figuring out. Coming off a season where "load management" was popular with Kawhi Leonard playing just (60) regular season games. Paul George shoulder surgery has him sidelined throughout the preseason and his status for the regular season should be full go. Los Angeles still could address their lack of depth at point guard behind Pat Beverly however, both PG/KLAW could ultimately play that role. Behind Zubac and Harrell not much going on far as post presence. However in today's NBA not much going on in post presence. To me they are the team to beat out West. Both Leonard/George have history of being injury prone which could caution most but with the caliber of talent your dealing with, why not roll the dice? Tying these two Cali kids going back home (2x Finals MVP and 2019 top 3 - MVP/DPOY) together obviously moved the radar as the Clippers seem to be one of the favorites to win their first championship in franchise history. 

Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis, and Lebron James 

Meanwhile the team that owns the building the Clippers play in, the Los Angeles Lakers had their own offseason turnover. On the finale of the regular season, then Lakers president Magic Johnson announced, "I'm not going to be here" sparked a national conversation whether the Lakers were even a destination to play for anymore? Even talks of trading the "untradeable" Lebron James even came up? The aftermath of the initial Anthony Davis trade. LBJ first major injury. Last but not least of course Space Jam 2, had no co-stars alongside King James. Lakers basketball seemed to be at an all time low. With Magic not wanting to be there, Lebron still has (3) years left on his contract, so as long as "he" was still there, LA has a breathing chance. Fast forward some months ahead, you know who else isn't going to be there? Lonzo, Ingram, and Hart as well as a couple future first round draft picks. Rob Pelinka who had been blasted, ridiculed, and looked uncapable of running an organization such as the Los Angeles Lakers found a way to get Anthony Davis into purple and gold. Davis (26 ppg / 12 rpg 51% FG) easily a top (7) player maybe top (5) in the league today joins Lebron James in which could be one of LBJ best teammates on the floor. Taking nothing away from Dwayne Wade and those Miami Heat Finals teams, just Lebron hasn't had this caliber and type of talent at the core of his prime at his disposal. Granite James (27.4 ppg / 8.5 rpg / 8.3 apg) now heading into year 17, was right around his career average last year with the Lakers. Even with the groin injury that kept him out (17) games, people think father time could be catching Lebron? I believe he has a legit shot at MVP this season if he really wants it. More than likely they will take a page out of the Raptors playbook and preserve both he and Davis during the regular season so they can be full strength come postseason. So after Kawhi played the Lakers and all of NBA twitter and the rest of the world; did the Lakers really have a plan B? Pelinka was able to keep Kyle Kuzma (18.7 ppg) which was huge first and foremost. Re-signing JaVale McGee (12 ppg / 7.5 rpg / 2.0 bpg) who had the most points and minutes played since his days in Washington as well as KCP (11.4 ppg) and Rajon Rondo. KCP only missed one game all last season while McGee started (62) games, the most in his career. Avery Bradley (16.1 ppg) a journeyman and Jared Dudley both bring experience and a defensive mindset to a Los Angeles team that seemed to struggle at times mightily on defense last season. Troy Daniels and Quinn Cook add additional perimeter shooting. Even bigger was Danny Green who will eat up ($15 million) per, but with most of the next tier level (FA) not available, Green would suffice, as he led the league in (3-PT % - 46.5%) last season. Not the same defender as he once was, he is still lethal from behind the arc. Just like Demarcus Cousins (3-PT 35%) was shooting the three in New Orleans. Los Angeles added Boogie Cousins who played alongside AD in NOLA. They fed off each other well during their limited time in the Bayou as Cousins earned an All-Star starter bid as they both averaged at least (25/12) together. Hoping to replicate their success in Hollywood this time around. Cousins (Achilles, calf), Lebron (groin)/34 years old, and Anthony Davis (never played a full NBA season) all have their questions when it comes to their health. Their lack of (3-PT) shooters in a LBJ led team raises concerns as they were one of the worst (3-PT) shooting teams percentage wise and on catch/shoot opportunities in 2019. Once again they will be a top (5) rebounding team not giving up second chance points is a must. They are not that big on the perimeter as they must improve defensively in a much improved western conference. Bottom half of the league in shooting (FTs); James himself shot a career low (66% -FT). Lack of perimeter shooting could be detrimental long term as well as coaching. The Lakers hired Frank Vogel after they struck out on a number of candidates before Vogel makes him feel like those leftovers that don't taste good when you microwave them. So the Lakers countered that by throwing some oven ready meals on the course (Jason Kidd/Lionel Hollins). Two former head coaches answering to another former head coach while all 3 have not proved anything is not ideal; however the luxury of having LBJ to go with now Anthony Davis gives you huge odds no matter who is on the bench or holding a clipboard. Lakers end 6 year postseason drought.

2019 Denver Nuggets

All this Hollywood hype, don't forget how good the boys from the Mile High are. The Nuggets battled the Warriors for (1st) place and homecourt throughout the entire regular season compiling a (54-28) record on the season. Including a NBA best (34-7) at home, Denver was a complete team until it mattered most. Fizzled out into the second round before falling at home to the Portland Trail Blazers in game 7, the Nuggets seemed promised to exceed expectations once again. Nikola Jokic (20 ppg / 10.8 rpg / 7.3 apg 52% FG) aka "the joker" balled out all season for Denver. Including the playoffs averaging (25/13/8) shooting almost (40% - 3PT) as well as having multiple triple-doubles in the playoffs; a feat only accomplished by Magic Johnson and Lebron James in their playoff debut. However when it did matter the most, Joker became a shell of himself, as his play goes, so does the Nuggets ending their playoffs earlier then they even expected. Counter this upcoming season, every player that played significant time in the playoffs were under contract except Paul Millsap (12.6 ppg). Millsap definitely on the back end of his career seen his numbers diminish but his hard work on the court continued to progress as well as his playoff experiences in Utah/Atlanta bode well for the young Nuggets. Denver picked up his (player option) while also giving Jamal Murray (18.2 ppg) a max extension. As I mentioned before with Gary Harris, Will Barton, Malik Beasley, Monte Morris and company already under contract; continuity should be the least of their worries. Getting more production from this cast will be vital. Being said their point differential has improved each of the last (4) seasons. Kind of undersized perimeter and wing players, they decided to trade for Jerami Grant out of OKC. Grant (13.5 ppg / 5 rpg) coming off his best season yet as a pro can play both ways for the Nuggets. Gives the a long, athletic defender on the wing as well as three point threat shooting (39% -3 PT). Denver was not tremendous shooting from beyond the arc in 2019, which also reflected on their (PPG) as a team. Grant is another young piece that should find his role in his new home quite well with the Nuggets. Increasing the depth for them as shown in the playoffs, some of their current players can disappear at the most ill advised times. Rebounding they dominated in that department both offensively and defensively ranking (1 and 2) respectively. Sixth overall in team defense, giving up just (106.7 ppg). The Nuggets bread and butter was their defense holding opponents to (33%) from behind the arc and they were one of the least fouling teams. They also drafted Bol Bol midway through the second round of the NBA Draft. Somehow Bol Bol dropped that far in the draft, could be due to a (foot injury) sustained in college at Oregon; however in just (9) games, he averaged (21 ppg / 9.5 rpg / 2.7 bpg) and at (7'2) was shooting (52% - 3PT). I think Nuggets fans can live with that. 2018 lottery pick and (14th) selection overall Michael Porter Jr has yet to get his feet wet in an NBA game. After missing his entire rookie season due to back surgery, he suffered a left knee sprain which held him out of the 2019 summer league this year. MPJ concerns and questions still are up in the air; probably the reason for the move for Grant. Regardless or not; plenty of depth, guys that can shoot the (3), as well as the progression of the Jokic/Murray combo should give the Nuggets plenty of optimism heading into the 2019-20 NBA season. With a well balanced arsenal on offense they seem prime to get back to the postseason for yet another run. If they can keep this young core together playing the great defense they already do nightly in addition to better perimeter shooting; if Denver can stay healthy they will be in the top of the pack in the western conference for the next few years.

Bojan Bogdanovic (left) and Mike Conley Jr (right)

Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder has led the Jazz to (3) consecutive playoff appearances as Utah is primed for much bigger then just making the playoffs this upcoming season. The Jazz acquired longtime Memphis Grizzlies All Star Mike Conley (21 ppg / 6 apg) as well as Bojan Bogdanovic (18 ppg / 42% - 3PT) during free agency and has the NBA talking about the potential this team can be. Bogdanovic (4 year - $73 million), stolen away from the Pacers. While Conley was dealt in a trade including draft picks and Jae Crowder to mention some names. Conley instantly provides an upgrade over Ricky Rubio. Conley; a better scorer then Rubio as well as a much better defender alongside (3rd) year player Donovan Mitchell (23.8 ppg) should automatically elevate Mitchell's game. Conley also great with the pick/roll, as he and Rudy Gobert look to have prime real estate on defenders in the paint as well as his ability to get to the basket opening up the perimeter for guys like Joe Ingles (39% - 3PT) has to bring optimism to the Jazz faithful. Ingles pairing up with Bogdonavic seems to be perimeter paradise with Conley running the point. However; Conley's effect defensively especially in a western conference full of dominant point guards (Steph, Russ, Dame, Harden, etc..) is guarantee to keep Utah in the mix for top spots in the west all season. Yeah your saying any team could be in that mix at the top tier in the west but the additions by subtractions for Utah were superb. Granite, they lost a defensive stud in Jae Crowder, aging vet in Kyle Korver, Derrick Favors who had been on the trading blocks for years is now in New Orleans, and Rubio now playing point in Phoenix. But, dealing for Mike Conley, offering big money to a three point specialists in Bojan Bogdonavic, acquiring Ed Davis, Emmanuel Mudiay and Jeff Green all in free agency replaces and provides extreme depth across the board for the Jazz. Rudy Gobert coming off back to back Defensive Player of the Year honors will only continue to get better. Especially in a league where the natural big is fading away, Gobert has remained relevant and a constant piece to the Jazz success. Gobert (15.9 ppg / 12.9 rpg / 2.3 bpg) was top (3) in rebounding and blocks all season long. As the Jazz finished as a team third in blocks and top (10) in rebounding. Their defense just as stout holding opponents to just (106.5 ppg) which was (4th) in the entire NBA. Including ranking top (10) defending the (3-PT). So the pieces they added in free agency alongside their second round draft picks Jarrell Brantley a (20 and 10) kid as well as guard Miye Oni (2019 Ivy League Player of the Year) add much needed depth, scoring and defense to an already talented roster. A solid and strong second unit behind their starters gives Utah the tools for a deep postseason run. Conley has experience with Memphis in big playoff games and if Donovan Mitchell continues to elevate the way he has in his first (2) seasons improving in scoring, rebounding, and assist the sky is the limit. Quin Snyder is an underrated head coach who in his tenure with Utah have helped the progression of Mitchell, Gobert, and Ingles all take tremendous strides in improving their game in each season. All three core players for the Jazz averaged career highs in most all offensive and defensive categories. They have the defense, the coaching, the bench; it is just whether or not Donovan Mitchell can keep that same regular season energy for the playoffs is my only concern. We have seen glimpses, then we have also seen Mitchell go into streaky shooting woes. Can you be that dude with (:10 secs) or less on the clock, ball in your hands, down (1)? Can you? If you can, the Jazz may punch a ticket to the WCF.

James Harden and Russell Westbrook at the 2019 NBA All Star game

Houston we have a problem? Had a problem. Financial problem. Um, Brodie problem? I mean what could be the problem adding another ball dominant guard to a roster already led by a ball dominant guard, now having two former teammates, two former MVP's, two triple-double machines, two outgoing, indirect personalities, replacing old with over usage while taking a huge step back philosophy and offensive culture wise taking on a career (30% - 3PT) shooter? Simply analytics right? Nothing about Darly Morey and this trade was analytical or can you say any of his moves have been? Nevertheless; enter the Harden/Westbrook experience part II, this time no Kevin Durant. A backcourt for the ages to be in store for the next few seasons in H-town. Westbrook (23 ppg / 11 rpg / 10 apg) coming off a NBA record (3rd) consecutive season averaging a triple-double watched as Damian Lillard rose over Paul George and ended the OKC Thunder season early yet again. Westbrook has not been out the first round since the departure of Durant to GSW. On the other side we have James Harden (36.1 ppg / 7.5 rpg / 6.6 apg) who led the league in scoring yet again and was runner up to his 2018 MVP award that he took home. The beard had a stretch of at least (30+) points in (30) or more consecutive games producing the second longest streak of such in NBA history. However, yet once again, the Rockets ran into the big bad Warriors falling short of a NBA Finals. Over the last (2) seasons they witnessed a (3-2) series lead including a game (7) home game, while this year with Kevin Durant sidelined for (2.5) games, the Rockets seem to be in the best position to finally get over this obstacle. GSW had different plans as for the (4th) time in the last 5 seasons the Houston Rockets season was ended at the hands of the Warriors. Head coach Mike D'antoni contract extensions paused, CP3 trade, Capela available; better yet the entire team except James Harden was available, Houston we have a problem. Even by adding Westbrook both he and Chris Paul numbers have declined over the last (3) seasons. Clint Capela is good for (16 ppg / 12 rpg) in the regular season but his hefty contract has not matched his play in the postseason. Eric Gordon (16.2 ppg / 37% - 3PT) probably the best shooter outside of the beard returns. Houston opted to keep Austin Rivers, Danuel House, and home grown Gerald Green. Defensive specialist PJ Tucker and his shoe collection is about the only true one on one defender but offensively not giving you the same production besides some hustle points. They did recently acquire Tyson Chandler. Chandler now in his (18th season) not giving you more than (20) minutes a night, will provide a spark off the bench defensively which will be much needed as well as in the pick/roll game with the second unit if he can stay on the floor. Of course the Rockets led the league in (3-PT) attempts and (3-PT) made, however was (12th) percentage wise. At that rate "live and die by the 3" is an understatement. Over the last (5) seasons, Westbrook and Harden have ranked first and second in usage rate; 5 SEASONS. Granite Harden's (PPG) have increased over the last (5) seasons from (27.4 ppg) in 2014 to (36.1 ppg) this past season. Also since 2015 both Russ/Harden have had the most turnovers per season at an historic rate. On paper they look legit. (Russ/Harden/Gordon/Tucker/Capela), decent bench, D'antoni has been (123-73) in the regular season, Harden yearly scoring titles, and Russ, "triple-double king" win PCT (58.5%) in OKC after the KD era. However, come playoff time Harden not nearly as good, team isn't healthy, players dragging from the regular season, D'antoni playoff record (23-16), (2) WCF losses, (2) west semi losses, and a Ginobli block over the last (4) seasons alone. While triple-double king hasn't won (50) games in a season nor a playoff series since his breakup with Durant (2016). Just as I asked Donovan Mitchell was he ready for the big moments in the postseason? The same could be said for veterans James Harden and Russell Westbrook as neither have came up big when needed, now together, what makes me think any different? Houston, you still have a problem.

Damian Lillard (0) signs (4 yr - $196 million) super max extension

The Portland Trail Blazers, we know how they operate season by season. Dame and CJ will give us a (47-50+) win season. Terry Stotts will be in the running for coach of the year. They will pack the Moda Center nightly. Then when they have the Blazers fans geared up for a postseason run; they get beat in the first round or semis but usually first round. In fact usually by the Golden State Warriors. This time around, Portland did make it the WCF for the first time in over two decades however, same results as they fell to a short handed Warriors team in a sweep. An embarrassing sweep to say the least. After the Blazers showed OKC what Dame time really was, and CJ McCollum turned up in the Mile High; they actually had their best chance in many of chances at dismantling the Warriors but after (3) straight games with leads of (17 or 18) points or more in the 3rd quarter of (3) straight games, once again showed us why we don't buy the hype on Portland. Granite Damian Lillard (25 ppg / 7 apg), only 28 years old continues to be the brightest spot they seem to always come up short. Unlike Lillard's pockets as he signed a super max extension adding another (4 years - $196 million), making sure Dame time stays pacific northwest time for the next (6 years - totaling - $258 million). Well deserved for the (4x) All star. His running mate CJ McCollum (21 ppg) showcased his development in the west semis, especially in the close out game in Denver. McCollum had (41 pts / 8 rebs / 4 stls - in game 3) while in that closeout game (7), put up (37 and 9 on 58% - FG). All things fell apart in those historic GSW (3rd) quarter runs in the west finals as Portland was swept for the second time in three seasons by the Warriors in the postseason and (3rd) straight year being swept in the playoffs (2017 GSW first rd) (2018 NOLA first rd). Losing Jusuf Nurkic two weeks before the playoffs did not help as well. Nurkic (15.6 ppg / 10.4 rpg 50% - FG) was having a career year not to mention shooting almost (80% FT) which is major for a big man. Nurkic was great in the pick/roll as well as the pick/pop. Nice mid range jumper, could play inside/out, decent defender but great rebounder and was a vital piece of Portland's mini big (3). Enes Kanter came over in a trade, Mo Harkless returned off IR, Seth Curry found his role, Rodney Hood got out of his playoff spell, and Meyers Leonard was becoming a household name in the absence of Nurkic. Since free agency however, Kanter went east to (BOS), Harkless traded to (LAC), Curry left for (DAL) Al-Farouq Aminu (ORL), Meyers Leonard traded to (MIA), Evan Turner traded to (ATL) as only Rodney Hood, Zach Collins, and Anfernee Simmons remained other than their "big 3." Portland countered by trading Turner for Kent Bazemore (11.6 ppg) in 67 games. Mario Hezonja comes over from the Knicks. Leonard trade got them Hassan Whiteside (12.3 ppg / 11.3 rpg 57% - FG). Whiteside who when his engine is running can be a great offensive tool to have when Nurkic is out. If he can use his minutes effectively by being a pest on the glass and protecting the paint, a new change of scenery may be good for him. The Trail Blazers were (3rd) in rebounding a season ago. Bazemore and Turner are just about the same trade. Bazemore gets a chance with a playoff contender, good defender at times still and can be a good perimeter shooter. So I like the pieces they added as well as re-signing Rodney Hood who played quite efficient during the playoffs and is another big wing defender in a western conference loaded with stars on the perimeter. They will have their hands full to say the least. Drafting Nasir Little out of North Carolina was a steal. A combo wing player who plays bigger than (6'4) and if he can knock down shots will be a great addition coming off the bench. Being said nothing moves the meter for me with this team. Stotts is great coach and getting to the playoffs (6 of 7) years and doing something in that time once you get to the playoffs are two different stories. Lillard is adamant on loyalty and staying in Portland, lets see how many titles that gets him? They still lack depth to me not to mention playing in the northwest division (DEN, UTAH) will be tough enough let alone the western conference. DAME/CJ will continue to be a poor mans STEPH/KLAY winning (50) games a year to be bounced in the first round by one of those LA teams.

Draymond Green, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson

Speaking of Steph and Klay. The duo that has help propel the Warriors to one of the greatest teams not just in this half decade but as one of the greatest teams of all time. In come Summer 2019. Two times NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant (BKN) heads east and all the rest of the dominos completely disperse. Iggy, Quinn Cook, Shaun Livingston all gone as well. Klay Thompson (21 ppg / 46% - FG / 40% - 3-PT) will remained sidelined until at least (dec-feb) with that ACL injury. However that didn't stop Golden State from giving Thompson the max (5 years - $190 million). Thompson well deserved of it; while completely and justified upset over missing out on all-NBA which would had been a complete different tax bracket. Not only his ability to shoot the three effectively on and given night, but the fact he can defend opposing teams best player night end and night out. Injury aside; Durant's a MVP, Iggy defense, the others depth off the bench will all be key contributors of the decline of GSW. Decline not overstating the fact that the Warriors will be a playoff team, be highly competitive in games and this is before Thompson returns. Banking on health and longevity after the All-star break will be major concerns. Steph Curry (27.3 ppg / 47%- FG / 43% - 3PT) will ultimately get back to MVP form and silence some critics in the process. Curry will be leaned upon quite heavily with KD gone and Klay sidelined. 2015 Curry should be in for store, eyeing another (50/40/90) / (30 ppg) season I can definitely see. Draymond statistically isn't a stat stuffer, but the intangibles that he contributes to for the Warriors is undeniable. Hopefully a continued more composed Draymond as Steph will need him to be present for every game possible barring injury this season. Green should post close to low triple-double numbers all season; somewhere around the (13/10/8 - 49% FG) he posted in the 2019 playoffs. Especially being down a splash brother. The fact that (50) points per game (KD - gone / Klay - injury) will be missing come the start of the season; head coach Steve Kerr has one of his biggest obstacles ahead this upcoming season, actually coaching. GSW did manage a sign and trade with the Nets involving the Kevin Durant's departure landing D'angelo Russell. D-Lo averaged (21 ppg / 7 apg) while shooting (36% - 3PT). It may not be Thompson numbers, but this past season the (1st) time all star showed he can play and shoot with the best of them. Adding him in the lineup to bridge the gap until Thompson comes back will pay big dividends if he can play alongside his new Warriors teammates. If it works and they do not trade him before or around the All-Star break, sheesh; nice trio of guards with Steph/Klay/D-Lo. Russell could ultimately play more point guard giving Steph/Klay the ability to play off the ball. Roaming off screens and pick/rolls, curling for pull up 3s and backdoor cuts, moving without the ball is something they excel at and could take some of the stress and toll off Curry being the primary ball handler, during both regular and postseason. With Draymond showcasing his ball handling skills and ability to lead the way as well, gives GSW ample amount of options in their offensive sets. The Warriors found a way to keep Kevon Looney. Looney should see extended minutes and bigger roles whether starting or coming off the bench. Alfonzo McKinnie returns, as they add Glenn Robinson III and Willie Cauley-Stein (SAC). Cauley-Stein played (81) games in his 5th season last year averaging (12 ppg / 8 rpg / 55% - FG). Cauley-Stein has the athleticism to run the floor as well as being a good passer and a rim protector. However his inconsistency on both ends of the floor sometimes could prove to be costly. Golden State was ranked (1st) in FG%, (3rd) in 3PT%, (2nd) in scoring, while finishing (3rd) in defensive rebounding. All major keys to their success in 2019, but does that resonate to this year? New faces, lack of depth, fatigue factor after (5) straight trips to the NBA Finals could all derail the statistics I just threw out. I'm not saying depending on matchup (HOU/POR/DEN); that the Warriors cannot win a playoff series, but they not representing the west this season, that's for damn sure.

The San Antonio Spurs have gone to (22) straight playoffs and have only missed the playoffs just once since (1990); that record is in jeopardy for sure this year. Kawhi Leonard trade paid off for the Toronto Raptors, not necessarily for the Spurs. They lost point guard Dejounte Murray (ACL) during the preseason, who was literally just about to take off. Far from your typical San Antonio team but remained competitive. LaMarcus Aldridge (21.3 ppg / 9.2 rpg)  and DeMar DeRozan (21.2 ppg / 48% FG) led the way for the Spurs all season. Rudy Gay returns as well as Lonnie Walker IV. Walker was the (18th) pick in the 2018 NBA Draft but played only (17 games) due to injury. Walker can be a nice fit in their rotation. Having a solid PG in Murray back in the lineup and a well balanced bench should keep the Spurs in the hunt. However they must improve defensively. They were (19th) in defensive efficiency last season after ranking in the top 5 the previous (6) seasons.

Yes we all know the New Orleans Pelicans landed the #1 overall pick which ultimately landed Zion Williamson which in retrospect puts a huge eye on NOLA in the basketball community revolving the hype around the kid. Literally a kid. However, maybe more so important was the hiring of GM David Griffin. Griffin has surrounded the kid with good draft picks, more young core, future assets and some proven veterans in his debut NBA season. Williamson (22 ppg / 9 rpg / 2 spg / 2 bpg - Duke) has all the potential and upside its just whether it will translate from the college to the pros. Griffin worked his magic before the lottery fell in his favor trading longtime Pelican Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball (9/9/5), Brandon Ingram (18.3 ppg), Josh Hart to go along with, count em (3) first round draft picks. He added to that youth with some draft day moves to get Jaxson Hayes (Big 12 Freshman of the Year) at (8) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at (17) both in the first round. Hayes at (6'11) is long and athletic, only (19) years old has huge upside while Alexander-Walker is a dynamic combo guard. In free agency they stole JJ Redick (18 ppg / 39% -3PT) and traded for Derrick Favors (58% - FG). Jrue Holiday never left (21 ppg / 7.7 apg) and this mix of vets and young core will not just be fun to watch but making some noise over the next few years.

Both Luke Walton and the Sacramento Kings get fresh starts. Walton (98-148) in three seasons with the Lakers was recently fired and Kings GM Vlade Divac and staff quickly jumped at the opportunity for Walton to come in and help propel this young Sac town team into the playoffs. Sacramento finished (9th) with a (39-43) record overall last season. De'Aaron Fox improvement from year one to year two was huge. In his first season Fox averaged just (11 ppg / 4 apg on 40% FG / 30% 3PT) while in 2019 he posted (17 ppg / 7 apg on 46% FG / 37% 3PT). He alongside the teams leading scored Buddy Hield (20.7 ppg / 42% - 3PT) were a decent one/two punch in the backcourt. They re-signed Harrison Barnes (16.4 ppg / 40% - 3PT) while acquiring Trevor Ariza and Cory Joseph in free agency helps them out defensively. Both veteran wing players (Ariza/Barnes) will be key to help improving a horrific defensive team that the Kings are. Dewayne Dedmond (10.8 ppg / 7.5 rpg / 38% - 3PT) can also stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the three as a big. He replaces Willie Cauley-Stein who left for Golden State. Not to mention first team all rookie Marvin Bagley III (15 ppg / 7.5 rpg) who played in just (62) games due to injury. Last years #2 overall pick showed throughout the season his value. Another rookie Bogdan Bogdanovic (14.9 ppg); younger brother of Bogan (UTAH) played extremely well in his rookie campaign as well. I like what the front office is making of this roster in Sacramento. The additions through free agency and in the draft were solid. The Kings ranked (4th) in (3-PT %) in 2019. Last season was the most wins the Kings have had since they made the playoffs, (13) years ago in 2006. Whether Luke Walton can get them to buy into his system and take the Kings to that next level is to be determined.

While the Dallas Mavericks do not seem ideal, I do believe with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis they can be a legit threat for the (8th) seed in the west. Porzingis (23 ppg / 6 rpg / 43% FG / 39% 3PT) coming off an injury plagued season and being traded from the Knicks to the Dallas Mavericks can help revitalize a Mavs franchise looking for the next Dirk/Nash combo. 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic may can help with that case too. Doncic (21 ppg / 8 rpg / 6 apg) splashed onto the NBA scene from jump and became a fan favorite. His ability to play point, play off the ball, create his own gives alongside his (6'7) frame gives him an advantage offensively and allows him to compete with the elite in west on a nightly basis. Surrounding Porzingis and Doncic with some shooters such as resigning Seth Curry was ideal. However other than that not much depth on the perimeter. Tim Hardaway Jr. does not scare you. Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Dorian Finney-Smith all add depth and defensive strengths but the Mavs will need more production on the offensive end from all of the above especially THJ. The Dirk Nowitzki era is over in Dallas. A healthy Kristaps alongside Luka could be something special in Texas if their role players can play consistent basketball.

After that, the 8th seed is literally up for grabs. I believe the Clippers will go from 8th to 1st. Not saying they will when the west but good luck scoring on LAC. The Lakers will bid for a top 3 seed. Don't underestimate LeBron with some rest and now Anthony Davis as  his wing man. Denver will be right back in the mix for home court again. Grant from OKC will be a huge grab. Speaking of at the top; the roles will definitely flip for GSW this year. However, do not count them out come postseason, they still have arguably the best shooting backcourt in NBA history, continuity at starting (5); however this not your (2016) western conference. Portland will always be Portland. Dame will be an All-star rapper while never getting that one extra star to ultimately push them over the top. While Houston looks good on paper every season; Russ only made a bit more sexier. great a girlfriend just not wifey. The Jazz seems to be a legit WCF contender. The pieces they added around Mitchell, aggressive defense, 3-PT shooting, and well coached has a recipe for success. But those pieces has never come close to tasting success as a core so only time will tell. All I pray is that the Lakers and Clippers do not meet in the west semis if they meet, only the WCF; make that happen

1. LA CLIPPERS
2. DENVER
3. UTAH
4. LA LAKERS
5. HOUSTON
6. PORTLAND
7. GOLDEN STATE
8. SAN ANTONIO