Predicted Western Conference Standings

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Hmmmmm...I see the makings of a wager. Sjm has got the Pellies, cam the Wolfies...straight up for bragging rights. Going in to the season, I like cam's chances. I like the Wolves offseason moves, and I've never been a big Tyreke guy. But sjm's concerns about the Wolves frailness is a huge factor.

[Eitan]

I`m trying not to have disappointment next year, so I see the Wolves with the 7th seed of the final standings in the West. If we`re talking about potential we can finish even at the 4th seed (no injuries and if we will win most of our closed games).

I think that all of you give too much credit to the Rockets, I don`t think that Howard (childish without a winning attitude) will make them a better team - Maybe even the opposite.

I`ll also think the Warriors had a very good off season (espcialy Iggy) and with the momentum they have from last year playoffs, I think they can finish very high in the West next season.

[Lipoli390]

Howard led the Magic to the NBA finals earlier in his career. He sort of lost his way mentally, but I think playing for McHale with a fresh start in Houston will will get his head straight. If his back is 100% then the Rockets will have a top 3 center and probably the best defensive center in the League. Combined with Harden, Parsons and Lin, the Rockets will gave an impressive top 4 players with a nice bench behind them.

The Pelicans could be the surprise team in the West. Davis was considered a possible franchise type player when he came out of college last year. He looked great this preseason. Holiday is an all-star PG and Gordon (if healthy) is an all-star caliber SG. That could be a great core three. Tyreke is a really talented head case. We'll see of he can get his head on straight. Aminu is solid.

My 6th seed prediction for the Wolves assumes Ricky, Love, Martin and Barea stay healthy. I'm assuming Pek will miss a lot of games, but I like what Turiaf and Dieng will give us at that position.

[thedoper]

1) Spurs
2) Thunder
3) Griz
4) Clippers
5) Warriors
6) Wolves
7) Rockets
8) Lakers
9) Mavs
10)Blazers
11) Pelicans
12) Nuggets
13) Jazz
14) Kings
15) Suns

[lostwolf95 [enjin:7720180]]

Wolves will most likely battle for the 7th or 8th spot. First they have to prove something in a real game.

[ace [enjin:6598567]]

why the drop for memphis?

They lost a great head coach in Hollins. I huge mistake if you ask me. They will also miss Gay over the long haul. The Griz have allstar caliber players at C and PF. The have very good players at PG and SG. Of course their SG is an excellent defender. They are solid but not a top team. They over-achieved under Hollins. Unless their new head coach is as good, they will play more to their level this season.

Mark my words, Dave Joerger is going to surprise people this year. He has been running their defense the past few seasons and is the reason it has gone from a poor defense to one of the best in the league. He's won at every single level he's coached at. The Dakota Wizards were basically a CBA/IBA/D-League dynasty while he was there.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'm bumping this thread ostensibly to help Cam and sjm with their discussion about the Lakers and Wolves fortunes this year.

Everyone will quickly deduce the real reason I am bumping it: to claim bragging rights for clearly being the best Western Conference prognosticator...I nailed it! :) .

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

1) Spurs
2) Clippers
3) Thunder
4) Warriors
5) Rockets
6) T-Wolves
7) Grizzlies
8) Blazers
9) Nuggets
10) Pelicans

Not too shabby on my part. I should have respected the Mavs more, though. Carlisle's such an underrated coach.