lets first look at the other teams in the west who are considered "contenders"
Portland- lack of defense they might make a run in the future but this isn't the year
OKC-Westbrook's health is a question mark, and even though their a great home team they look very vulnerable at times and I don't think they can win a road playoff game against one of the other top teams
Houston-first year of Harden and Howard playing together they need time to settle down and they will need another year before their ready to make a run, this team might not even win a playoff series. Would be shocked if they get past 2nd rund
Golden State-jump shooting team that plays no defense, if their shots aren't falling their not beating anyone. Once again they probably don't get out of first round
San Antonio-realistically only other team I think that has a chance in the West. aging stars yet they continue making adjustments and bringing in solid role players.. I don't think they will get 1st in the west as Pop will likely rest starters later in the season.
LAC- get your futures in now before books adjust when Chris Paul returns. Blake Griffin playing a whole lot better, great shooter and Reddick, solid coach in Rivers and its about time Paul takes the next step. Also even though their has been no mention of it they have just signed Hedo Turkoglu whose a solid veteran being in the league 10+ years and has the playoff experience and guy was once a great ball handler for a big man and can still knock down a big shot when needed No doubt he will make an impact in the playoffs. This to me seems like the team that will be making a run and start clicking on all cylinders by playoff time.
Portland- lack of defense they might make a run in the future but this isn't the year
OKC-Westbrook's health is a question mark, and even though their a great home team they look very vulnerable at times and I don't think they can win a road playoff game against one of the other top teams
Houston-first year of Harden and Howard playing together they need time to settle down and they will need another year before their ready to make a run, this team might not even win a playoff series. Would be shocked if they get past 2nd rund
Golden State-jump shooting team that plays no defense, if their shots aren't falling their not beating anyone. Once again they probably don't get out of first round
San Antonio-realistically only other team I think that has a chance in the West. aging stars yet they continue making adjustments and bringing in solid role players.. I don't think they will get 1st in the west as Pop will likely rest starters later in the season.
LAC- get your futures in now before books adjust when Chris Paul returns. Blake Griffin playing a whole lot better, great shooter and Reddick, solid coach in Rivers and its about time Paul takes the next step. Also even though their has been no mention of it they have just signed Hedo Turkoglu whose a solid veteran being in the league 10+ years and has the playoff experience and guy was once a great ball handler for a big man and can still knock down a big shot when needed No doubt he will make an impact in the playoffs. This to me seems like the team that will be making a run and start clicking on all cylinders by playoff time.