Breaking Down the Western Conference

Just a quick breakdown of the entire Western Conference as we head into the All-Star break. I was in the process of doing an Eastern Conference one of these but then I looked at the standings of the East and saw that only 4 teams were over .500 (yes that means if the season ended today 4 teams that are under .500 would be in the playoffs for the East[Including the 23-30 Charlotte Bobcats]. The Bulls are 26-25 so they're dangerously close to changing that ratio). Anyway that is my reasoning behind not doing an Eastern Conference breakdown just too bad.

From worst to first:

Kings (18-35): Yes I do still wish they moved to Seattle the Supersonics need to come back in some way or another. They score a ton of points (101 a game) but that doesn't mean anything if they give up a bunch which they do (103). Boogie Cousins is doing Boogie Cousins things he's leading the team in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals (yes I said steals). Very impressive. I'm also very impressed with Rudy Gay averaging 19 I think Sac-town is a good spot for him. This team is very talented but the West is just to competitive for them right now. Give them a few years or another asset and they'll be a solid team for the future.

Lakers (18-34): I thought I'd seen the worst Lakers team ever the year that Shaq left in 2004 when their roster boasted such famous names as Chris Mihm and Brian Cook. This 2013-2014 team may be worse than that team, there is just nothing they can do with Kobe injured, who are they going to rely on? Swaggy P? No. Their only option right now is to trade Pau to someone who will take him and try and salvage something for Kobe to come back to.

Utah (19-33): I thought the Jazz would be the worst team in the West this year after they lost Al Jefferson but they have surprised me slightly they're still below average but they have players that have promise. I'm so glad to see Gordon Hayward succeed, one of my favorite players in college and now he's leading the team in scoring (16 ppg). Their low post duo of Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter makes for two rebounding machines. Cannot forget Trey Burke playing very well for a team that won't go anywhere this year and probably a few years to come.

New Orleans (23-29): Thought I'd see more out of the Pelicans this year with the trio of Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, and Jrue Holiday but unfortunately they haven't been able to mesh and that leads to Ryan Anderson being second on the team in scoring (19ppg). I will admit I said Anthony Davis would be a bust, he must have heard me because he has been an ABSOLUTE DUDE this year (20ppg 10rpg). Also if you forgot about Jeff Withey he plays for them too.

Denver (24-27):

Javale's thoughts on the Nuggets season so far....
Talent and athleticism level is OFF THE CHARTS for the Nuggets and I expected more from them as well. Not that they haven't played well I think George Karl leaving set them back a little. They are a very exciting team to watch with Ty Lawson and Manimal Faried  but they just need better ball distribution to many threes are being thrown up. Also if you read this blog you automatically sign my petition to get Andre Miller to retire.


Minnesota (25-28): I'll try not to be too biased on this one. They are an unbelievably talented team with everyone healthy. They have the best Power Forward in the game Kevin Love and yet they still can't get over the hump. First step and yes it's bold....TRADE RUBIO terrific passer and game manager yes, but what else can he do offensively? Trade him and picks for Rondo and you got yourself a playoff team. They need to do something soon otherwise Kevin Love will do to them what Kevin Garnett did to them in 2007. Leave.

Memphis (29-23): I'd just like to point out that Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger coached my hometown's Dakota Wizards to an IBA, 3 CBA, and a D-league title. So I know how good of a coach he is which is why I am not surprised that the Grizzlies are quietly creeping up on the 8th seed. You know it's a good year for them if Tony Allen and Courtney Lee average double figures.

Golden State (31-22): Arguably the most exciting team to watch you are probably wondering how the Warriors are only the 8 seed? That just shows how competitive the Western conference is. They are having a great year Steph Curry is doing his usual things and Andrew Bogut and David Lee make up a great tandem down low. Surprisingly Andre Iguodala isn't even averaging double figures (9ppg) but with a team that has Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes do they need him to score? And yes Jermaine O' Neal still plays for them.

Phoenix (30-21): It's so refreshing to see the Suns relevant again ever since Steve Nash and Amare left they have been nothing short of a door mat in the West. When you see this team on paper it looks atrocious but watch them play live unbelievable up and down speed with Goran Dragic (20ppg) and Eric Bledsoe (18ppg). They have all the right pieces and players that know their role which makes them a good team. They also have Gerald Green and he does this kind of stuff...

Dallas (32-22): I often wonder how the Mavs are still relevant they're old plain and simple. Then I remember they have Dirk Nowitzki, there are few players I respect more in this game than Dirk and it's great to see as a basketball fan that he can still play at a high level. Their leading rebounder this year is Shawn Marion (6rpg) yes the Matrix is leading them in rebounding which exploits a weakness in the frontcourt but I'll always want to see the Mavs succeed.

Portland (36-17): This team is built to win folks no way around it they have all the right pieces to succeed in the regular season and in the playoffs. They have the most underrated player in the league in LaMarcus Aldridge and they have a blossoming stud in Damian Lillard. Their role players (Batum, Matthews, Lopez) know their place and that will help them in the long run. I don't think I've seen this good of Blazers team since the Rasheed Wallace Blazers of the early 2000s. Should be exciting to see them as the season progresses.

Clippers (37-18): I'm going to put Blake Griffin aside in this breakdown because I'm going to do a full blog on him on Monday. This team is stacked from top to bottom, you have the best point guard in the game averaging 11 assists per game. DeAndre Jordan is averaging 14 rebounds a game. let me restate that for you DEANDRE JORDAN IS AVERAGIN 14 BOARDS A GAME. They also have great perimeter shooting with Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick. Watch out for the Clips is all I'm saying.

Houston (36-17): This team is a joy to watch they have the right formula to win basketball games. They have the stud James Harden an absolute monster. They have a happy Dwight Howard who knows what to do and does it so well which has sealed him in as the #1 pivot man in the game today. They have a very underrated player in Chandler Parsons who can shoot the lights out in 2k14 and in real life. Solid all around team they have all the weapons.

Spurs (38-15): WHEN WILL THEY EVER BE BAD??!!?!?!?!?!?!!?

Thunder (42-12): The fact that Kevin Durant is taking this team to the top of the West without his running mate Russell Westbrook is astounding to me. He hasn't done it by himself though Serge Ibaka has improved so much over the past year and is a great complimentary scoring option to Durant. I don't know what else to talk about besides Durant........Durant, Durant, KD, Durant, Durant, Durant, Durnatula, Durant, Durant, KD, Durant, Durant, Slim Reaper.


Congratulation you made it to the end of my possibly over extensive breakdown of the Western Conference. Reward yourself with this...

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-NS (@NolanPSchmidt)