Early Western Conference Power Rankings

[bksballer89]

The Lakers playoffs spot all depends on when Kobe returns and how good he is when he returns.

If he comes back for the start of the season and is the same Kobe, they should be a 7th or 8th seed. However if he doesn't come back until Jan/Feb or is not the same Kobe, I don't think they're going to the playoffs

 

[BOTSLAYER]

There is no way he is the same Kobe, with out the injury he would have been a little worse this year.

 

[Andresrenee]

Houston should have decent role players as long as they trade Asik which is expected. After they trade Asik, they will get Josh smith or Ryan Anderson in return so that means they will have 4 solid players after their big 2 in Parsons, Lin, Beverly, and Anderson/Smith

Tough to trade him...he has an awful contract like Lin's that is back end loaded.

 

[bksballer89]

I will also flip GSW & Memphis after GSW loses both Landry & Jack tonight.

 

[Hambombs]

I will also flip GSW & Memphis after GSW loses both Landry & Jack tonight.

Landry was replaced by speights not bad at all.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

There is no way he is the same Kobe, with out the injury he would have been a little worse this year.

We need more folks like you, add fuel to the flames.

 

[Retroram52]

For all of you who think Josh Smith is on his way to Houston. He signed a deal with Detroit.

 

[Heatles84]

I got:

1. Spurs
2. Clippers
3. Thunder
4. Warrirors
5. Rockets
6. Memphis
7. Denver
8. Hornets

I'm not sure about the 7 and 8th spots. But the Thunder gambled on Kevin Martin and lost with the James Harden trade. The Spurs are well....the Spurs so ya.

 

[Heatles84]

For all of you who think Josh Smith is on his way to Houston. He signed a deal with Detroit.

SSSSSHHHHHH! It was getting funny.

 

[Heatles84]

I am not talking best record, SAS will probably have that, this is who will be representing them in the finals:

1. OKC-Westbrook will not pull a Rose
2. GSW-just got better
3. LAC-Got a lot better
4. HOU-Chemistry issues they could let Lakers in the playoffs, I think they mesh well though
5. MEM-Same team
6. SAS-Hangover, they were kind of gifted the West last year with Westbrook going down
7. MIN
8. DEN

LAL-Not healthy and really old but would not be surprised if they stole a 7 or 8 seed spot.

The Spurs return the same team intact, but upgraded w/Bellineli over Gary Neil. You think a championship caliber team is going to struggle next season because they let a game slip away? I think they would've wiped the floor with the Thunder regardless of Westbrook going down. That team was just downright scary this year given my multiple heart attacks during the Finals.

 

[Clayton]

Updated for Josh Smith going to Detroit

1. Clippers.
2. Thunder.
3. Warriors.
4. Spurs.
5. Grizzlies.
6. Rockets.
7. Timberwolves.
8. Denver.

 

[starbigd]

I think Dallas surprises and sneaks in this year. If Dirk had been healthy they would have most likely been a playoff team last year.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

The Spurs return the same team intact, but upgraded w/Bellineli over Gary Neil. You think a championship caliber team is going to struggle next season because they let a game slip away? I think they would've wiped the floor with the Thunder regardless of Westbrook going down. That team was just downright scary this year given my multiple heart attacks during the Finals.

Duncan, ginobli and Parker are all another year older...

I do not think they would have made the finals with a healthy OKC...this next season will be fun to see!!!

 

[Flauge]

i got:

1. Spurs
2. Memphis
3. OKC
4. Houston
5. Clippers
6. GSW
7. Denver
8. LAL

 

[Flauge]

i know people think it is to early to put houston as a top 4 team. but let's be honest here.. top 4 team basically means they make it to the second round of the playoffs. i think houston will be in the second round.

 

[b_lake]

I like the Grizzlies roster...

Who did they hire to replace Hollins?

Only reason why I wouldn't put them in the Top 4...

1. Spurs
2. Thunder
3. Clippers
4. Rockets
5. Warriors
6. Grizzlies
7. T-Wolves
8. Nuggets/Lakers/Pelicans

 

[Heatles84]

We need more folks like you, add fuel to the flames.

Just watch out though, if Kobe comes back 100% he'll jump on your bandwagon.

 

[Flauge]

i put LAL at #8... but that is shaky. if kobe misses sometime or comes back and takes time to get back to kobe level.. the lakers may be a lotto team.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

you minds well adjust your rankings because Kobe is not going to come back from an achilles rupture and be anywhere near normal Kobe.

 

[SoPortland]

1. Thunder
2. Spurs
3. Warriors
4. Clippers
5. Grizzlies
6. Rockets
7. Nuggets
8. Blazers