Three teams contended for the first seed in the Western Conference last season until the very last game day. On the other hand, the 6th to 10th seeds were still for anyone's taking in the last week.
This speaks volumes about how tight the West race was. Not much will change next season, as the usual suspects were able to address the holes in their rosters and reinforce their lineup.
OKC got better, but what about the other teams? They need to keep up.
Who are the favorites? Who needs to do more?
Read more: 'Significant Gap' Between Paul George and Clippers Made Separation Inevitable
Early Western Conference Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are the biggest winners this offseason in both conferences. They acquired the players they needed the most without giving up that much. The first person they recruited was defensive ace Alex Caruso, who will get mixed into the defensive lineup of OKC. Backcourts will have difficulty getting through the defense of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Caruso, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams.
The team also added Isaac Hartenstein, answering the clamor from last year that they needed to sign a legit center who can move around, defend, and pass. For that, they are the favorites in the West.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
There has been little movement for the Wolves this offseason, but what happened to other teams can benefit them. Their biggest move so far is extending Chris Finch's contract.
Anthony Edwards continues to improve, while Rudy Gobert will still be a defensive juggernaut. If they can keep their core, they will remain a threat to anyone who wants to rule the West.
3. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets slid off here based on where they finish in the 2024 regular season. This is mainly because they lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. KCP is their 3-and-D guy, and without him, Nikola Jokic's options are limited.
Still, they will remain a contender with the three-time MVP in tow.
4. Dallas Mavericks
It is hard to judge whether the team improved with the acquisition of Klay Thompson. He's an improvement over Tim Hardaway Jr., but the defense might suffer.
Luka Doncic plays with the ball in his hands most of the time. The same is true for Kyrie Irving. There will be a massive system change to get Thompson acclimated to the system since he is not the THJ type who just needs to wait for the pass.
5. New Orleans Pelicans
If the Pelicans can finish higher than the fifth seed, it will not be surprising. After getting Dejounte Murray, they are the dark horse of the Western Conference. They now have their new big three, with him, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram in the lineup. Of course, staying healthy is the main issue for them.
Teams that will likely flop
6. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers just lost Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers, which is almost one-fourth of their point production. They still have James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and a great coach in Tyron Lue. It will be hard not to have faith in this team.
Their main problem, though, is depth, as Russell Westbrook is set to leave.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
It is an exciting season for Lebron James as he is set to play with his son Bronny, who was drafted by the Lakers at 55. However, there is still a lot of work to do for them to become competitive and make a run in the playoffs.
Their targets have been signed elsewhere, and with the free agency market getting thinner, they might not get the pieces they need.
8. Phoenix Suns
The dubbed Suns Big 3 was never scary last season because of the issues with lineup depth. Right now, nothing's changed for the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant needs help.
9. Sacramento Kings
What was once a promising young team suddenly became lackluster. The following season will be more challenging for them.
10. Golden State Warriors
The dynasty is no more.
Surprise team: San Antonio Spurs
Related article: Early Power Rankings of Eastern Conference Suggests Celtics Are No Longer Runaway Favorites
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