Northwest Preview

Our sixth and final divisional preview come just in time for the NBA season. The Northwest's best team, Oklahoma City just traded James Harden in a shocking deal, but one that won't effect their status as the class of the division. Denver also shook things up a bit, acquiring Andre Iguodala this summer. Utah, the Northwest's third playoff team last season pretty much stood pat in the offseason. Minnesota made moves to position themselves for a playoff spot and Portland hopes their two highly-drafted rookies can help LaMarcus Aldridge this year. Teams are listed in order of predicted divisional finish. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

It's the big two now, but it's a lethal two. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two of the most exciting young players in the league. The Thunder think these explosive scorers can bring a title to OKC with the help of a supporting cast that plays well together. Serge Ibaka will continue to be a shot-blocking machine. Newly-acquired Kevin Martin will take Harden's spot and will not hesitate to look to score. Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones III are two talented rookies that will learn from Durant and Westbrook on how to win the the NBA. Defensively, the Thunder rely on Kendrick Perkins and Thabo Sefolosha. While losing Harden was surprising and possibly premature, the Thunder are still in great shape as one of the two prohibitive favorites in the West. 

2. Denver Nuggets

The team that lead the NBA in scoring last year is primed to do it again. The Nuggets roll out a nice starting five of Ty Lawson, Iguodala, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, and JaVale McGee which may be the most athletic lineup in the NBA. Iguodala is an upgrade over the departed Arron Afflalo. His all-around game fits George Karl's scheme perfectly. The other four starters are all still developing. McGee has the tools if he can just limit the questionable plays. Faried a.k.a. Manimal may be an undersized power forward, but makes up for it with athleticism. He averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds last year. Gallinari is a three point specialist who has consistently averaged 15 points in his career. The key though is Lawson. He can absolutely light it up and is close to becoming an All-Star. His speed is unmatched and he has been a better NBA scorer than anyone predicted. With Wilson Chandler as a sixth man and other good bench players like Andre Miller and Timofey Mozgov, the Nuggets will be very tough and certainly entertaining. 

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

A popular sleeper in the West, the Wolves are off to a rough start after Kevin Love broke his hand. He will miss the first month of the season. This is a huge blow as Love is the unquestioned leader of the team and a top ten player in the league. What makes matters worse is that flashy guard Ricky Rubio will be out until December as he recovers from a torn ACL. For now, the Wolves have to rely on Derrick Williams, Chase Budinger, Luke Ridnour, and Brandon Roy. Rick Adelman will get the most out of his team while their stars recover. But no one is happy to see a good young team in Minnesota have injury issues before the season starts.

4. Utah Jazz

The Jazz made the playoffs last season before being promptly swept by the Spurs. They bring back the same guys this year, except for Devin Harris being replaced by Clipper guards Mo Williams and Randy Foye. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap lead the frontcourt, but one may be traded to make room for the blossoming Derrick Favors. Guard Alec Burks showed some nice scoring ability as a rookie last year. Overall, the Jazz have pieces, but there's no true plan here. Favors, Burks and Gordon Hayward are good young players, but it's unlikely that one will become a star. The Jazz may not be so lucky to make the playoffs this year, especially if they trade one of their two best players in Jefferson or Millsap. 

5. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have to be excited about sixth overall pick Damian Lillard this year. He had no problem scoring in the Summer League and is second in most preseason Rookie of the Year Polls. The best rookie point guard, he and center Meyers Leonard are the rookies that Portland hopes will be part of a change. Aldridge will continue building off his All-Star season. The addition of Leonard will help him play his versatile inside-out game. A supporting cast of Wesley Matthews, J.J. Hickson and Nicolas Batum are all capable role players. Portland is not as bad as they played last year. Whenever a coach is fired, there is usually a detrimental effect to the team. They will be a long shot to make the playoffs, but there is a chance. If  Aldridge can continue to play well, Lillard can score immediately and Batum continues to hit 3's and play perimeter D, Portland will be a team with a lot to like.  

Season starts tomorrow. Heat-Celtics at 8. Lakers-Mavs at 10:30. Both games on TNT. Definitely will be worth watching.