Oklahoma City Thunder
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 50-32
Division Finish: 4th
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Additions: Morris Peterson
It is hard to believe that this will be Mo-Pete's 11th season in the league. I still remember seeing him win a championship on that Mateen Cleaves-led Michigan State squad. The days of Mo-Pete being an impact player are pretty much over, but the guy can still give you decent minutes off the bench. Peterson is actually listed as second on the depth chart at small forward behind Kevin Durant, which means one thing: he probably won't get much playing time because Durant probably will play most of every game.
Key Losses: None
Most Important Player: Russell Westbrook
With apologies to my 2010-2011 MVP-to-be Kevin Durant, Westbrook will be critical to the Thunder if they hope to duplicate, or even better, last season's amazing success. Durant is going to get his; he has officially become one of the top four overall players in the league, and maybe the most dangerous player on the offensive side of the ball. But the key will be Durant's supporting cast because, as we have seen in the past, all superstars need at least one other All-Star in order to make a legitimate playoff push. If you haven't seen Westbrook play, and if you think he is just an athlete that can't shoot or handle the ball, then you are very misguided. Yes, Westbrook is a ridiculously explosive athlete (just ask Lamar Odom) and on most nights is probably the best athlete on the court. But Westbrook, since he converted to full-time point guard, has become a monster in every facet of the game. Last season, he averaged 16.1 points per game to go along with 8.0 assists per game--did you ever think he would post those numbers? I certainly didn't. Westbrook also has the hops to be a good rebounder (4.8 per game last year) and the defensive abilities to play solid one-on-one defense and jump passing lanes to steal passes (1.30 steals per game last year). The only knocks on Westbrook are his lack of three point shooting (a fantasy basketball downfall, really) and his low shooting percentage (41.8% last season up from 39.8% the previous year). Regardless, Westbrook looks like he has only scratched the surface of his potential, and if he is able to improve upon last season's effort (and I think that he will), then OKC will be in great shape.
Rookie Spotlight: Cole Aldrich
The one thing that everyone knew OKC lacked last season was size. In their playoff series loss to the Lakers last season, OKC threw Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, and Nenad Krstic at Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Yeah, that definitely is not going to cut it. This season, not only will the Thunder have a more experienced Byron Mullens, a 7-footer out of Ohio State, but they will also have the services of recent Kansas star center Cole Aldrich. The big man won't start this year, but should be able to provide solid low-post defense, rebounding, and shot blocking off the bench while their current starters get some rest. And, if nothing else, Aldrich gives OKC a big body to bang around down low with the Bynum's and Duncan's of the Western Conference; that luxury will pay dividends over the course of a long season and during an intense playoff series.
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 1st
The Thunder have such a great core (KD-Westbrook-Jeff Green) led by an absolute beast of a superstar. They have some great young players that give them nice options off the bench, like James Harden, Eric Maynor, D.J. White, and Ibaka. And I think they will only get better after last season; they have another year of playing together and more confidence. And did I mention they have Kevin Durant? People just don't realize how unstoppable KD really is. He's the best offensive player in the NBA. And as scary as it may be, he has not even reached his full potential. In case you missed him last season, KD became the youngest player ever to win the NBA scoring title; he averaged 30.1 points per game and shot 47.6% from the field, 90% from the free throw line (automatic for a 6'9" forward and go-to scorer), and 36.5% from beyond the arc. Oh yeah, and he also gave OKC 7.6 rebounds per game, 1.37 steals per game, and 1 block per game. What are the chances that this guy puts up 35 points and 10 boards per night this season? I actually think they're pretty darn good.
Denver Nuggets
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 53-29
Division Finish: 1st (via tiebreak)
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Additions: Al Harrington
Harrington was an interesting pickup for the Nuggets. He gives the team an upgrade on the offensive end over Kenyon Martin, but a downgrade defensively. And I don't think that's what the Nuggets need; they were third in the NBA last season in scoring at 106.5 points per game, but 20th overall in points allowed at 102.4 points per game. They were 20th in rebounding with 41.4 boards per game. Those last two figures are not ones fit for championship teams. So why, then, would they go out and find more scoring in exchange for defense? It doesn't make much sense to me. K-Mart not only gave them 9.4 rebounds per game, but he also added 1.1 blocks per game and 1.24 steals per game. Although his offensive abilities are limited, I think he fit nicely in their starting lineup because of his swagger and defensive intensity. That being said, it remains to be seen whether Harrington will keep the starting job for the whole season.
Key Losses: Linas Kleiza
Kleiza was a nice piece off the bench for the Nuggets for the past two seasons once he developed some confidence with the basketball. But ultimately, there was just no room for Kleiza in the Nuggest front court. He is a pretty one-dimensional player in my view, and it is tough to get away with such a limited game in today's ultra-athletic league.
Most Important Player: Carmelo Anthony
Besides being the team's top scoring option and one of the top ten players in the league, Melo will be key this season mainly for an off-court reason; that is, will Melo leave Denver, and if so, when? The rumors swirled viciously during the whole summer, and they have continued to manifest themselves as the season nears its opening tip. There are so many different ways this could affect the Nuggets. If rumors follow Melo the whole season, how much will that be a distraction for him and his teammates? If he is actually dealt, will that signal the end of this team's run in the West? Does that mean Denver is officially in rebuilding mode? What does that mean for veterans like Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin? It will be an interesting season for the Nuggets and their star forward.
Rookie Spotlight: None
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 2nd
Just to continue what I touched on above, this is an important year in this franchise's history. Melo has the power to single-handedly alter the future of the Nuggets with his decision. Let's imagine Melo signs a contract extension early in the season, thus ending the trade rumors and securing Denver with his services for the next six or so years. In the short term, that ensures that the Nuggets will be the same threat they have been in the past four or so seasons; they will make the playoffs and pose a dangerous matchup depending on which team they face. But they don't have enough to win a championship, at least not this season. So then, what about next year, or in three seasons? Well, Billups will likely hang it up around then, Harrington and Martin will probably be well into their declines, so Denver would be left with a starting five of Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo, Melo, Shelden Williams, and Nene Hilario. I actually like that lineup quite a bit so long as Williams fulfills expectations and they can get someone else who can score the ball. But for this year, it will either be the same result as last season or a complete overhaul and beginning of rebuilding mode.
Utah Jazz
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 53-29
Division Finish: 2nd (via tiebreak)
Playoffs: Lost in Second Round
Key Additions: Al Jefferson, Raja Bell
I actually like the Jazz more this year than I have in previous seasons, and Jefferson and Bell are two of the main reasons. First, the Jazz basically swapped Boozer for Jefferson this past summer, and I think the move will work out in the long run. Deron Williams and Boozer had such great chemistry that the Jazz and their fans will undoubtedly miss that connection throughout the season, especially if the team struggles. But Big Al is a better offensive player than Boozer, and arguably an equal defensive player (not as strong of a rebounder, but a better shot blocker). But Jefferson is three years younger (only 25) and he gives the Jazz some renewed hope and energy. Boozer was never really adopted by the Jazz fans, and maybe all this franchise needed was a new face with similar ability.
Bell gives the Jazz defense and toughness/attitude. Bell flirted with the idea of going to the Lakers this past offseason, but ultimately took the money in Utah. It allows him to play for a contender and nab a starting job. My only concern with Bell is that he is not a good enough offensive player, and the Jazz may need some more offense judging by their starting lineup (Williams, Bell, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap, Jefferson). But Bell is a nice piece for any team.
Key Losses: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver
Everyone has covered the Boozer loss, so I will just save your time. The Korver and Brewer losses are interesting because they are some decent offensive players that fit well around Williams and Boozer in previous seasons. Korver is a nice piece to any team because he stretches the defense. I am certain that his departure will be felt.
Most Important Player: Al Jefferson
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 50-32
Division Finish: 4th
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Additions: Morris Peterson
It is hard to believe that this will be Mo-Pete's 11th season in the league. I still remember seeing him win a championship on that Mateen Cleaves-led Michigan State squad. The days of Mo-Pete being an impact player are pretty much over, but the guy can still give you decent minutes off the bench. Peterson is actually listed as second on the depth chart at small forward behind Kevin Durant, which means one thing: he probably won't get much playing time because Durant probably will play most of every game.
Key Losses: None
Most Important Player: Russell Westbrook
With apologies to my 2010-2011 MVP-to-be Kevin Durant, Westbrook will be critical to the Thunder if they hope to duplicate, or even better, last season's amazing success. Durant is going to get his; he has officially become one of the top four overall players in the league, and maybe the most dangerous player on the offensive side of the ball. But the key will be Durant's supporting cast because, as we have seen in the past, all superstars need at least one other All-Star in order to make a legitimate playoff push. If you haven't seen Westbrook play, and if you think he is just an athlete that can't shoot or handle the ball, then you are very misguided. Yes, Westbrook is a ridiculously explosive athlete (just ask Lamar Odom) and on most nights is probably the best athlete on the court. But Westbrook, since he converted to full-time point guard, has become a monster in every facet of the game. Last season, he averaged 16.1 points per game to go along with 8.0 assists per game--did you ever think he would post those numbers? I certainly didn't. Westbrook also has the hops to be a good rebounder (4.8 per game last year) and the defensive abilities to play solid one-on-one defense and jump passing lanes to steal passes (1.30 steals per game last year). The only knocks on Westbrook are his lack of three point shooting (a fantasy basketball downfall, really) and his low shooting percentage (41.8% last season up from 39.8% the previous year). Regardless, Westbrook looks like he has only scratched the surface of his potential, and if he is able to improve upon last season's effort (and I think that he will), then OKC will be in great shape.
Rookie Spotlight: Cole Aldrich
The one thing that everyone knew OKC lacked last season was size. In their playoff series loss to the Lakers last season, OKC threw Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, and Nenad Krstic at Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Yeah, that definitely is not going to cut it. This season, not only will the Thunder have a more experienced Byron Mullens, a 7-footer out of Ohio State, but they will also have the services of recent Kansas star center Cole Aldrich. The big man won't start this year, but should be able to provide solid low-post defense, rebounding, and shot blocking off the bench while their current starters get some rest. And, if nothing else, Aldrich gives OKC a big body to bang around down low with the Bynum's and Duncan's of the Western Conference; that luxury will pay dividends over the course of a long season and during an intense playoff series.
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 1st
The Thunder have such a great core (KD-Westbrook-Jeff Green) led by an absolute beast of a superstar. They have some great young players that give them nice options off the bench, like James Harden, Eric Maynor, D.J. White, and Ibaka. And I think they will only get better after last season; they have another year of playing together and more confidence. And did I mention they have Kevin Durant? People just don't realize how unstoppable KD really is. He's the best offensive player in the NBA. And as scary as it may be, he has not even reached his full potential. In case you missed him last season, KD became the youngest player ever to win the NBA scoring title; he averaged 30.1 points per game and shot 47.6% from the field, 90% from the free throw line (automatic for a 6'9" forward and go-to scorer), and 36.5% from beyond the arc. Oh yeah, and he also gave OKC 7.6 rebounds per game, 1.37 steals per game, and 1 block per game. What are the chances that this guy puts up 35 points and 10 boards per night this season? I actually think they're pretty darn good.
Denver Nuggets
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 53-29
Division Finish: 1st (via tiebreak)
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Additions: Al Harrington
Harrington was an interesting pickup for the Nuggets. He gives the team an upgrade on the offensive end over Kenyon Martin, but a downgrade defensively. And I don't think that's what the Nuggets need; they were third in the NBA last season in scoring at 106.5 points per game, but 20th overall in points allowed at 102.4 points per game. They were 20th in rebounding with 41.4 boards per game. Those last two figures are not ones fit for championship teams. So why, then, would they go out and find more scoring in exchange for defense? It doesn't make much sense to me. K-Mart not only gave them 9.4 rebounds per game, but he also added 1.1 blocks per game and 1.24 steals per game. Although his offensive abilities are limited, I think he fit nicely in their starting lineup because of his swagger and defensive intensity. That being said, it remains to be seen whether Harrington will keep the starting job for the whole season.
Key Losses: Linas Kleiza
Kleiza was a nice piece off the bench for the Nuggets for the past two seasons once he developed some confidence with the basketball. But ultimately, there was just no room for Kleiza in the Nuggest front court. He is a pretty one-dimensional player in my view, and it is tough to get away with such a limited game in today's ultra-athletic league.
Most Important Player: Carmelo Anthony
Besides being the team's top scoring option and one of the top ten players in the league, Melo will be key this season mainly for an off-court reason; that is, will Melo leave Denver, and if so, when? The rumors swirled viciously during the whole summer, and they have continued to manifest themselves as the season nears its opening tip. There are so many different ways this could affect the Nuggets. If rumors follow Melo the whole season, how much will that be a distraction for him and his teammates? If he is actually dealt, will that signal the end of this team's run in the West? Does that mean Denver is officially in rebuilding mode? What does that mean for veterans like Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin? It will be an interesting season for the Nuggets and their star forward.
Rookie Spotlight: None
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 2nd
Just to continue what I touched on above, this is an important year in this franchise's history. Melo has the power to single-handedly alter the future of the Nuggets with his decision. Let's imagine Melo signs a contract extension early in the season, thus ending the trade rumors and securing Denver with his services for the next six or so years. In the short term, that ensures that the Nuggets will be the same threat they have been in the past four or so seasons; they will make the playoffs and pose a dangerous matchup depending on which team they face. But they don't have enough to win a championship, at least not this season. So then, what about next year, or in three seasons? Well, Billups will likely hang it up around then, Harrington and Martin will probably be well into their declines, so Denver would be left with a starting five of Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo, Melo, Shelden Williams, and Nene Hilario. I actually like that lineup quite a bit so long as Williams fulfills expectations and they can get someone else who can score the ball. But for this year, it will either be the same result as last season or a complete overhaul and beginning of rebuilding mode.
Utah Jazz
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 53-29
Division Finish: 2nd (via tiebreak)
Playoffs: Lost in Second Round
Key Additions: Al Jefferson, Raja Bell
I actually like the Jazz more this year than I have in previous seasons, and Jefferson and Bell are two of the main reasons. First, the Jazz basically swapped Boozer for Jefferson this past summer, and I think the move will work out in the long run. Deron Williams and Boozer had such great chemistry that the Jazz and their fans will undoubtedly miss that connection throughout the season, especially if the team struggles. But Big Al is a better offensive player than Boozer, and arguably an equal defensive player (not as strong of a rebounder, but a better shot blocker). But Jefferson is three years younger (only 25) and he gives the Jazz some renewed hope and energy. Boozer was never really adopted by the Jazz fans, and maybe all this franchise needed was a new face with similar ability.
Bell gives the Jazz defense and toughness/attitude. Bell flirted with the idea of going to the Lakers this past offseason, but ultimately took the money in Utah. It allows him to play for a contender and nab a starting job. My only concern with Bell is that he is not a good enough offensive player, and the Jazz may need some more offense judging by their starting lineup (Williams, Bell, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap, Jefferson). But Bell is a nice piece for any team.
Key Losses: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver
Everyone has covered the Boozer loss, so I will just save your time. The Korver and Brewer losses are interesting because they are some decent offensive players that fit well around Williams and Boozer in previous seasons. Korver is a nice piece to any team because he stretches the defense. I am certain that his departure will be felt.
Most Important Player: Al Jefferson
Williams will need to develop a nice rapport with Jefferson if the Jazz hope to be competitive this season. Coach Jerry Sloan has always utilized his talent at point guard and power forward in pick-and-roll schemes and inside-out basketball. Jefferson certainly has the talent to excel in Sloan's system, so it will only be a matter of time. On a side note, I think the health of center Mehmet Okur is something worth watching. When healthy, Okur gives Utah solid rebounding, low-post defense, and outside shooting. But in order to make those contributions, his Achilles will need to heal and then hold up over the course of the season. If it does, Jefferson and Millsap will get some valuable and unexpected help this year.
Rookie Spotlight: Gordon Hayward
Any college basketball fans in the house? If so, you should be familiar with Gordon Hayward. The 6'8" wiry forward from Butler University made a name for himself as the leader of an underdog team that made it all the way to the national championship game last March. Although he missed a desperation heave that would be cemented the team in college basketball history, Hayward has much more to look forward to in his career. I think Hayward can give the Jazz a mixture of what they lost between Brewer and Korver. Hayward plays very smart, hustles, has a nice stroke, and is a winner. Tough to argue with those qualities in a first-year bench player.
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 3rd
I like the offseason moves that the Jazz made. Sometimes when you feel as though you have plateaued with a particular group of guys, the key may be to switch out a couple of them for players that give you similar traits with some tweaks. The Jazz got younger and better offensively by getting Jefferson for Boozer. They added some defense with Raja Bell, and they got a nice, versatile young forward in Hayward through the draft. Utah has always been a smart organization and those moves will help jump to at least 3rd in the division.
Portland Trailblazers
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 50-32
Division Finish: 3rd
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw, Martell Webster
Neither Blake, Outlaw, nor Webster were important pieces to this Blazers club. Of the three, Outlaw was probably the best, but the Blazers are banking on youngsters Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews to fill in at small forward. I don't think there will be much of a drop off, so I think the Blazers will weather these losses very nicely. Webster was once a top draft pick that the organization had hoped would become a marquee player for them, but his career has not played out as expected, and the Blazers made the wise choice of cutting their relationship. In a few years, this may happen to Greg Oden, too; only time will tell.
Most Important Player: Brandon Roy
Although it seems like Roy has been around for a bit, it's only his fifth season in the league. He is one of the better scorers in the game and is definitely not afraid to have the ball with the game on the line. However, I don't think a team can win a title with Roy as its number one option. He is good, but he is no Wade, Kobe, or Durant. Their success this season will be directly tied to Roy's ability to stay healthy and perform as he is capable of performing while sharing the ball with other scorers like LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless, and Rudy Fernandez.
Rookie Spotlight: None
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 4th
This is kind of a boring Portland team. Not much has changed from last season, yet the Blazers look solid enough to win another 45+ games. I think the team has plateaued with its current core, but perhaps Batum can step up and give them something new. Ultimately, I think it all goes back to Roy. I have detailed the formula for a championship team, and the Blazers are nowhere close to fulfilling the criteria.
Minnesota Timberwolves
2009-2010 Recap:
Record: 15-67
Division Finish: 5th
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify
Key Additions: Michael Beasley, Martell Webster, Darko Milicic, Luke Ridnour
The starting five only has one holdover from last season, and that is Kevin Love. Other than that, they have new pieces everywhere, and perhaps the shiniest new piece is Michael Beasley. The former Kansas State star's career has gotten off to a rough start as a result of some off-court issues and middle-of-the-road seasons in Miami. Perhaps a change of scenery and smaller market will do the youngster some good.
Meanwhile, the Wolves are taking a chance on butt of jokes Dark Milicic and the disappointing Luke Ridnour. I don't see how these two will play well enough to remain around in, say, three seasons, but you never know.
Key Losses: Al Jefferson
Jefferson is the second big-time big man to leave Minnesota after starring on their terrible teams for years (first: Kevin Garnett). Seems like it's becoming a trend. Jefferson was the life of the team, I don't think they can get much worse than last year's 15-67.
Most Important Player: Michael Beasley
If he lives up to the hype, Beasley could turn this transform this franchise from laughing stock of the NBA to legitimate threat in the West. But that's a lot of hope to put on one man's shoulders (especially a man who doesn't even have full control over his personal issues). But hey, nobody expects the playoffs this season or even next. All they want is some progress. And if Beasley can turn in a season where he averages 22 points and 10 boards, I'd consider it a success for the Wolves and their new star.
Rookie Spotlight: Wesley Johnson
The former Syracuse star will be a nice addition to the Wolves. At 6'7", he will present a difficult matchup for lots of shooting guards in the league. Johnson should develop quickly and give the Wolves a viable second option behind Beasley.
2010-2011 Division Outlook: 5th
Can they top their 15-win total from last season? Woof. I don't even know if I would go that far. I say they match it.
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