Western Conference Preview

Kris and David think I'm buzzed or on crack for picking the Wizards to make the playoffs and saying the Bulls would be close. While the buzzed part may be accurate, I ask either of them to come up with an eighth playoff team from the East without anyone questioning your sobriety. As for the West, I had trouble leaving teams out of the playoffs.

DALLAS MAVERICKS - When you have a great point guard you keep him. Losing Nash will be big. With Finley and Nowitzki they’ll still make the playoffs, but the other top teams won’t need to worry about them. (Early loss in playoffs)

DENVER NUGGETS - I wonder if Kenyon Martin will be as good without Kidd giving him those perfect passes. I also don’t like that he’ll take time away from Nene. Entertaining team, but still not ready to challenge San Antonio and Minnesota. (Playoffs)


GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - I like Najera. Derek Fisher will be in shock when he sees an opponent actually paying attention to him. This will be the last time I mention Golden State until the Draft. (No chance of playoffs)


HOUSTON ROCKETS - Could this be the breakout season for Yao? If it is, will McGrady cry like Kobe? If McGrady stays healthy and unselfish like he was a few years ago, and if Yao and McGrady form good chemistry, this could turn into a special team ... after they find a point guard. (Playoffs)


LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - I’d like to see Brand on a good team. Why should I bother writing about the Clippers? (No playoffs)


LOS ANGELES LAKERS - Kobe, Odom, and Butler are good players, but I don’t think they’ll mix well. Tomjanovich was a great coach when he had a great center, so he should be good with Shaq. Oh wait, never mind. Kobe will get them into the playoffs, but it’s over Laker fans. (Early playoff loss)


MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Thank you Hubie Brown for bringing good team basketball to the NBA. A lot of good players who play well together. This should not be a unique concept. (Playoffs)


MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - San Antonio’s only Western challenger. As great as Garnett is, Cassell could be the difference. He’s been so good in the big game since his rookie year with the Rockets, but injuries will always be a concern. (Lose in a 7 game series against the Spurs)


NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - We’ll learn if Byron Scott can coach, especially after Baron Davis gets hurt. I have a feeling the only time I’ll comment on this team is when PJ Brown or Darrel Armstrong start a fight. (No playoffs)


PHOENIX SUNS - Nash will make this team’s offense very exciting. He’s one of the few NBA point guards who know how to pass. They may flirt with the playoffs if anyone can convince them to play defense. (No playoffs, although I toyed replacing them with Memphis)


PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS - I’m bored with jokes about Portland’s off the court problems. The Expos should have moved to Portland, not DC. As for this team: they’ll probably be the most talented team not in the playoffs. (No playoffs)


SAN ANTONIO SPURS - The signing of Brent Barry almost makes too much sense. A team that was desperate for good shooting signs one of the best shooters in the league. Brilliant! Parker and Ginobili should keep improving and Duncan’s Duncan. (Another Championship)


SACRAMENTO KINGS - Love Bibby and Bobby Jackson and maybe Webber’s motivated to have a great season. They’ll miss Vlade’s passing and the bench looks weaker. (Playoffs)


SEATTLE SUPERSONICS - Getting Fortson's rebounding and toughness could help a lot. I never get tired of watching Ray Allen shoot, but that’s about the only thing this team has going for it. (No playoffs)


UTAH JAZZ - Were the Jazz ever on tv last year? Let’s play some Jeopardy! Answer: Zagreb, Fajardo, Moscow, Juneau, Yalova. Question: What are the birthplaces of the Jazz starting five. Kirilenko’s special (so I’ve been told) and Arroyo could be good. (No playoffs, but close)