Now that we have crossed through the All-Star break, let’s take another look at the Western Conference power rankings as we get closer to the playoffs.
- Utah Jazz
The Jazz are simply entering a rebuilding year. No one on the roster is safe from trade, and the main goal should be to get Cooper Flagg. The only concern is the progression for Keyonte George not being quite where you would want to see. Their biggest task this offseason should be to trade Lauri Markkanen.
- New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans had high hopes heading into the season, but injuries have derailed their season. With Brand Ingram gone, their playmakers may have more room to breathe. With every season filled with Zion Williamson injuries, we are closer and closer to a Zion Williamson trade. Kelly Olynyk should help to push Zion Williamson down to the power forward position, but it is too little too late.
- Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have been fairly competitive as of late, but the core is still awful. Nobody on the team averages more than 19 points per game, which is a theme of the offense. Nobody has stepped up to be the main guy, which has led to a lot of lackluster nights. It’s looking like it will be another rebuilding year in Portland.
- Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been very disappointing this season. The Big 3 has shown game after game that it is not working, and they tried to trade Durant at the deadline. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the deal done, so now there is more negativity in the locker room. The talent is still there, which is what managed to keep them competitive, but it is definitely time to blow it up.
- San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs made a huge deal to get De’Aaron Fox to get Wembanyama some help. It was the right move, but the team needs more juice if they want to become a contender. Their main goal is the development of Stephon Castle, and working alongside Chris Paul is just about the best player to work with. The team will get much better with Fox but will need a year or two to be contenders. Conveniently, this will be good timing for when Wemby enters his prime years.
- Sacramento Kings
The Kings were forced to trade Fox to San Antonio but did get LaVine in return. Sabonis is very talented offensively, but the defensive woes have finally kicked in for Sacramento. Their shooting could get hot, and potentially get them out of the play-in, but this team is stuck in mediocrity. If the Kings want to enter Finals conversations, it is time for a rebuild.
- Golden State Warriors
Golden State had a massive upgrade with Jimmy Butler, but the team is still very flawed. Stephen Curry still doesn’t have a lot of shooting around him, and Curry himself has taken a massive step back. Even with Butler, don’t expect to see the Warriors from past seasons, even if they can make it out of the play-in.
- Dallas Mavericks
While the Mavs might have made the worst trade in NBA history, the team is still solid this year. The two-man game of Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis will be solid, and the team has many solid role players around them. If they can stay healthy, Dallas will be a pesky team to play come April.
- Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have shown a little more promise as of late, but the offense still has struggled to mesh and the defense has taken a step back. Anthony Edwards is playing lights out and has really put the team on his back. He can’t do it alone, but they can definitely make a dent this postseason.
- Los Angeles Clippers
LA has been a huge surprise team this season, but they need Kawhi Leonard to give that extra boost. Powell has continued to be a great bucket-getter, and the Harden-Zubac pick and roll has been strong, but Harden cannot handle the load alone. His age has shown through very poor efficiency. Still, this team will put up a solid fight in the playoffs. Who knows? Maybe Ben Simmons just needed a change of scenery.
- Houston Rockets
The Rockets have been a great story this year, and have proved their wins are not flukes. Many were looking for a splash trade at the deadline, but no moves were made. Their success comes down to Jalen Green and if he will go cold in the playoffs. He has to step up and be the guy to take the important shots, and if he can’t perform, they will likely head home early.
- Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has been the model of consistency this season, and that won’t be stopping anytime soon. Ja Morant has taken a step back statistically, but the team has benefited from it. Jaren Jackson Jr. has blossomed into the main scorer and the surrounding role players have helped lead the best offense in the NBA. Their only real concern is who will step up in the big moments. If Ja cannot be that X-Factor, they are going to struggle against good teams.
- Denver Nuggets
The reemergence of Russell Westbrook has been the main reason for Nuggets dominance this year, but they have still been incredible despite his injury. They have defensive problems and can be inconsistent at times, but this team is going to be scary in the playoffs. Any team led by Nikola Jokic has a chance in the playoffs, and Jamal Murray is also beginning to heat up.
- Los Angeles Lakers
We all saw it, so I won’t harp on it. But with Luka Doncic joining forces with LeBron James, the Lakers become a finals contender overnight. There are still some flaws in this team, like the struggling center depth and iffy defense, but Luka’s offensive abilities should overshadow them.
- Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder have been elite all season long, and that has been without their best player Chet Holmgren. With his return, they are the scariest team in the entire league. SGA is putting together his MVP case, and the team is looking to become a dynasty for years to come.
