Western Conference Power Rankings: Offseason Edition

1. Lakers

It’s plain, simple and undisputed: The Champs got better. Schroder, Trez, Marc Gasol and Wes Matthews are an upgrade over Rondo, Dwight, JaVale and Danny Green. Rob Pelinka has fully prepared for the Lakers 71-day offseason, the shortest offseason in NBA history.

2. Nuggets

Denver lost Jerami Grant, yes. But who do they get back? Will Barton! Barton was an integral part of the Nuggets most used 5-man lineup last season, the most used 5-man lineup in the NBA. JaMychal Green is an underrated role player who can knock down the 3. MPJ should get a lot more run. The defense could use some work, sure, but the Nuggets have earned this spot above the Clippers.

3. Clippers

Signing Serge Ibaka saved the Clippers offseason. But Marcus Morris for 4 years and $64 million is bewildering. It sure feels like the Clips are up to something, nowhere close to being done completing this roster, still lacking play making and ball handling. They brought back Reggie Jackson… meh. And… Nic Batum? Solving the chemistry issues here will not be as easy as swapping Harrell for Ibaka and Doc for Ty Lue. Although it’s likely a step in the right direction.

4. Mavs

Josh Richardson should be an excellent fit next to Luka, a trendy pick to win MVP this season. Rick Carlisle used the Mavs size to their grand advantage last season, and he should continue to do so as the league gets smaller and smaller. No KP to start the season, unleash Kleber and Boban! And don’t forget: James Johnson was brought in to be the muscle.

5. Blazers

A truly fantastic offseason should give Dame and CJ their best supporting cast yet. RoCo is the quintessential fit to help the Blazers defensively on the wing. Nurkic looked even better in the bubble than he did before he broke his leg. Kanter is back!

6. Rockets

The Rockets will obviously plummet down this list if they trade Harden, but people are sleeping on exactly how much C-Wood should unlock for this offense. New head coach Stephen Silas was heavily involved in engineering the Mavs offense last season, the most efficient offense in the history of the NBA. Silas could be the one to save the Rockets from the abyss that is losing their superstar and face of the franchise.

7. Jazz

The Jazz feel too low here, but that’s what happens when you don’t have a marquee summer (offseason) splash. Bringing back Favors solidifies the frontcourt behind Gobert, but 4 years $52 million feels like too much for Jordan Clarkson. Utah will get back Bojan Bogdanovic, just a 20 points a night guy who canned 41.4 percent from 3 on 7.3 attempts per game last season. Early reports of Bogdanovic’s wrist sound good after successful wrist surgery back in May. Don Mitch got paid, yo.

8. Suns

CP3 and Jae Crowder are here, but Oubre, Baynes and Rick Rubio are gone. The Suns will be different but will benefit from having Ayton around for a full season. Chris Paul’s latest reclamation project: Get the Suns to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

9. Warriors

Klay's torn Achilles is already the dark cloud hovering over the 2020-2021 season. It sucks soo bad. Kelly Oubre will brighten things up with power dunks aplenty in the slasher role. Wiseman will be thrown into the fire from Day 1. Could The Wiseman be the biggest X-factor in the NBA? Kent Bazemore is back!

10. Grizzlies

We implore you to not underestimate the fact that Crowder and Solomon Hill are long gone. The Grizz brought back De'Anthony Melton, a no-brainer and probably one of the best bargains in the league with everything he brings to the table. Not encouraging to hear that both JJJ and Winslow will miss the beginning of the season.

11. Pelicans

Jrue Holiday is in Milwaukee. Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams are down in N’awlins to enjoy the seafood. Brandon Ingram got a bag! If the Pelicans never went to The Bubble, you would have to figure they would be much, much higher on this list. And exactly what kind of shape is Zion currently in? He looked great on the cover of Men’s Health and… there is this recent photo on IG. [insert eyeballs emoji here!]

12. Spurs

This feels far too low for the Spurs. This feels wrong. The Playoff Streak ended, but the Bubble Spurs were good. Bryn Forbes three-point shooting will be missed. Give the keys to Lonnie Walker, Pop!

13. T-Wolves

D-Lo, KAT and Ant-Man could be a stout offensive trio, but defensively… they better hope Malik Beasley's legal shit gets resolved. Rubio is back!

14. Kings

No more Bogi is unfortunate but leaves more room for a Fox, Halliburton and Hield backcourt to run wild and free. Mum is the word on Bagley’s status. Hassan Whiteside paired with Luke Walton… what could go wrong?

15. Thunder

Dawg, Sam Presti blew this shit up.

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