Courtesy: Bleacher Report
The NBA has been shaken up quite a bit since the start of free agency. Despite the change of scenery, the Western Conference is still the most powerful conference in the NBA. Even though LeBron James is trying to build a dynasty in the East, he will still have to overcome the powerful West to capture his third title. This article will examine the top five teams in the Western Conference heading into the 2014-15 season.
1) San Antonio Spurs
The reigning champions are still the best team in the Western Conference. Kawhi Leonard, NBA Finals MVP, is beginning to take over as the face of the franchise and his presence will help push the Spurs through a tough Western Conference. During last year’s Finals, he averaged 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. In the last three games of the Finals, he also had two double-doubles and scored at least 20 points. The 2014-15 NBA season is going to be a big one for Leonard.
Another reason why the Spurs are still the number one team in the West is Tim Duncan. Even though Duncan is turning 39, he is still the best power forward in the league currently and his age will not be a factor. The 2014-15 season will be another season where Duncan averages double-double numbers. He will also be hungry, looking to chase his sixth title. Watch out West, because Duncan will be a threat all season long.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are good but to win the West, they will have to beat the Spurs. Last season, Oklahoma City was eliminated during the playoffs by San Antonio in six games. OKC is in second because they have the reigning MVP, Kevin Durant. Last season, the Thunder went 59-23 led by Durant’s average of 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Even though the Thunder have to beat the Spurs to get back to the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City is filled with the best prospects to do so.
3) Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have the talent and coaching staff that is capable of dominating the Western Conference. Last season, the Clippers were 57-25. The Clippers have had a good free agency so far. The team was able to sign Jordan Farmar and Spencer Hawes, two players who will fill much needed roles on both offense and especially defense. Not to mention, it adds depth to an all ready deep roster.
Last season, the Clippers offense was the best in the NBA averaging 107.9 points per game and shot a solid 48 percent from field goal range as a team. With their offense not being in question at all, the Clippers must maintain a solid defense to make a run at the NBA Finals.
4) Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have had an incredible offseason. They have added strength and depth to both sides of the court by adding Al-Farouq Aminu, Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons to their roster. Along with the combination of Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas is getting ready to be the underdog for this upcoming season and the have a great chance of setting scoreboards on fire. I’m expecting Dallas to make a deep postseason run. This roster has a legitimate chance of making it back to the NBA Finals.
5) Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are a team that is solid and versatile on both the offensive and the defensive ends of the court. During this year’s free agency, Portland meet one of their biggest needs, depth. The Trail Blazers added Steve Blake and Chris Kaman.
What really makes Rip City one of the best teams in the West is the combination of Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Portland is fortunate enough to have two players nearing their prime and the 2014-15 NBA season will be one for the books. These two guys know how to play together and I doubt we will see a late season slump from the Trail Blazers this season.
