Oklahoma City Thunder
Additions: Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook
Losses: Etan Thomas
The Thunder were the surprise team in the league last season after taking defending champion Los Angeles to seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Kevin Durant is a top-three talent in the league and a serious contender for MVP this season.
Russell Westbrook is the perfect sidekick for Durant, and his speed and scoring ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Olympic gold medal experience that both players gained on Team USA will provide the players with the experience to look back on when they meet up with Kobe again this season.
PREDICTION: First Place in Northwest (58 – 24)
Utah Jazz
Additions: Al Jefferson, Raja Bell, Gordon Hayward, Earl Watson
Losses: Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews
Things seemed bleak for the Jazz entering this season with the departure of Carlos Boozer, who signed with Chicago. Rumors started circulating that Deron Williams would look to leave Utah via free agency when his contract expired. But Utah general manager Kevin O'Connor may have avoided disaster by trading for troubled but talented Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson.
With the ageless wonder, Jerry Sloan, entering his 23rd season, the Jazz look to make a run at a championship. In such a tough division, though, Williams must turn in his best season to get the Jazz to the Western conference finals.
PREDICTION: Second Place in Northwest (51 – 31)
Portland Trail Blazers
Additions: Luke Babbitt, Wesley Matthews
Losses: Martell Webster, Juwan Howard
The Blazers seem to run into injury problems every season. Last season, Greg Oden missed most of the year again, and Brandon Roy had to play through injury in the postseason.
We put the Blazers before the Nuggets because of the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors. When healthy, the Blazers can beat anybody, and with the maturation of Jerrod Bayless, this could be a dangerous team in May.
PREDICTION: Third Place in Northwest (48 – 34)
Denver Nuggets
Additions: Al Harrington, Shelden Williams
Losses: Coby Karl
The Nuggets have been atop the Northwest for years, but the team is facing a number of obstacles this season. Carmelo Anthony may be headed out of town, Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups are aging, and head coach George Karl has had several health issues over the past few seasons.
The addition of Harrington was solid, and the development of Ty Lawson will help the team. But we don't feel there is enough firepower in Denver to maintain the team's position. If Melo is traded, say goodbye to the playoffs.
PREDICTION: Fourth Place in Northwest (42 – 40)
Minnesota Timberwolves
Additions: Wesley Johnson, Michael Beasley, Martell Webster
Losses: Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Ramon Sessions
The T-Wolves could be a really good team… in about three years. Wesley Johnson teams up with his former Syracuse mate Jonny Flynn. A big question mark surrounding the team is whether or not Michael Beasley can put his past behind him and finally realize his potential.
This season could be rough for this bunch as they continue to get used to playing with each other. They also have to deal with the toughest division (and the worst general manager) in basketball.
PREDICTION: Fifth Place in Northwest (28 – 54)
