Here is an overview at the start of the 2023/24 NBA season: today it is the turn of the Western Conference.
After talking about the Eastern Conference yesterday, we continue our journey in preparation for the season NBA 2023/24. Today we will have a focus on the Western Conference.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Denver Nuggets
Let’s start, obviously, with the reigning NBA champions. Just a few months ago i Denver Nuggets they raised the first Larry O’Brien Trophy in their history. This came at the end of a season that never saw them as favorites to win the title, but Nikola Jokic and his teammates were the most consistent in terms of performance throughout the year. The core of the team, for the most part, is always the same: with Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr in Colorado they can rest assured for many more years, net of injuries. Sure, some pieces left the reigning champions over the summer, but Denver still remains the team to beat.
Phoenix Suns
For i Phoenix Suns this season is all-in. With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the new signing Bradley Beal, in Arizona a lot of points are expected from this trio. Clearly, doubts remain regarding the defensive phase of the team coached by Frank Vogel. The only certainty, if they face the Suns, is that they will score more points than their opponents, regardless of how many they concede. Through a trade, Phoenix finally got rid of Deandre Ayton, who was unhappy to remain with the Suns. In exchange, Phoenix got Jusuf Nurkic: the former Portland Trail Blazers player is a less talented player than his predecessor, but he undoubtedly brings something different and will undoubtedly help in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
After the incredible second half of the season that took them all the way to the Western Conference Finals, it’s hard not to put the Los Angeles Lakers among the favorites to exit the Western Conference. There is, as always, some doubts regarding the yellow-purple team: we are talking about injuries. LeBron James will turn 39 next December, while Anthony Davis seems unable to play more than 20 games without getting injured. If one of the two were to remain out for a long time, there would be more than a few questions to ask about the team’s competitiveness. On the other hand, the Lakers feature a much longer roster than twelve months ago. This, on paper, should allow the Lakers to make up for the possible absence of one of the two stars. The additions of Gabe Vincent and Christian Wood add quality off the bench.
Golden State Warriors
Probably i Golden State Warriors they are one of the most interesting teams to watch next season. The arrival of Chris Paul, along with the usual Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green could very well or very badly. We will only know more when Green returns from his ankle injury. Without a doubt, Jordan Poole’s departure will calm the atmosphere in the locker room a bit. As already said last season, this could be one of the last chances for Golden State’s dynasty: a lot will depend on the injury situation throughout the season.
Memphis Grizzlies
After the disappointing playoffs of the season just ended, i Memphis Grizzlies they decided to change some important pieces. Everything is aimed at keeping superstar Ja Morant in a corner who, as we well know, has had some problems with the League. Charismatic veterans like Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose can only be good for a young and undisciplined player like #12. Much of the Grizzlies’ season will depend on Morant’s mental condition. To acclimatize the locker room, the Memphis front office decided not to renew the contract of Dillon Brooks, another big problem last season. The team is young and excellent: if they put their heads on their shoulders, the Grizzlies can have their say.
Los Angeles Clippers
As well as the Philadelphia 76ers in the East, also the Los Angeles Clippers they start every year with the favor of the forecast. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George healthy, this team could easily be one of the contenders: let’s be clear. The too frequent injuries to the team’s two stars, however, greatly diminish the potential of the Clippers. The supporting cast however remains of quality: it all depends on the George-Leonard duo.
Sacramento Kings
I Sacramento Kings they were the undisputed surprise of last season. Going from a decade without playoffs to a Game 7 against the reigning champions Golden State Warriors is, without a doubt, a huge leap in quality. The team has remained almost unchanged compared to last season: young, dynamic but with excellent foundations. If there is one addition compared to twelve months ago, it is obviously the experience of a high-level season. No one wants to face Sacramento in a best-of-seven series.
New Orleans Pelicans
The performance of New Orleans Pelicans It largely depends on how (and if) Zion Williamson plays. This summer the South Carolina talent finally took his physical health seriously, declaring several times that he wanted to become unstoppable. Williamson certainly has the potential to do so, but we need to see if he will be able to stay on the pitch continuously. The Pelicans can obviously also count on the help of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, as well as a well-assembled roster.
The others
Behind, the fight for the play-in remains very close and there could be several upheavals. The Oklahoma City Thunder they found a potential franchise player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, then there is also a lot of curiosity about Chet Holmgren’s debut. Also watch out for more experienced teams such as the Dallas Mavericks eh The Minnesota Timberwolves: two realities with certainly more established players in the League. One step below are the Utah Jazz by Simone Fontecchio, while the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers bring up the rear.
2023-10-19 22:15:20
#Western #Conference #preview
