Ranking The West

With all of these signings and player movements, I think its time to look at both newly reformed conferences.

1. Lakers: The Lakers are coming off 2 championships and are looking for 3 in a row. The Lakers resigned Shannon Brown, signed Theo Ratliff, Matt Barnes, and Steve Blake. The Lakers now have another defensive stopper along with Ron Artest and Bryant.

2. Spurs: The Spurs are getting older but still have the west swagger. They are still basically the same team as last year but are now bringing in Tiago Splitter from Brazil, another true center to pair with Tim Duncan.

3. Mavericks: The Mavericks are ready this year. They have Haywood and Butler healthy and ready for this season, and a healthy Tyson Chandler coming in to help Dirk and company. The Mavs are one of the teams to beat in the West.

4. Rockets: With Yao coming back, Aaron Brooks coming back after a great season, and Kevin Martin coming back healthy and ready the Rockets are one of the top 5 teams in the West and could give the Lakers some trouble.

5. Thunder: With Kevin Durant coming off of that great season he had last season, a gold medal, and a many new teammates, I think the Thunder become instant Western Conference contenders. They open up to the Bulls on October 27, it should be a fun season for them.

6. Jazz: Although they lost Boozer to the Bulls, the Jazz went out and grabbed Al Jefferson and signed defensive stopper Raja Bell. They also drafted Gordon Hayward which should develop perfectly under Deron Williams.

7. Nuggets: The Nuggets and Jazz I think are going to be fighting all season long for that 6th and 7th spot, it is going to be a back and forth fight. But I think if Melo stays, the Nuggets hold their position at the 7 or 6 and maybe get to the second round of the playoffs. If Melo leaves, I think they don't make the playoffs at all.

8. Trail Blazers: Portland survived last season with no Oden or Przybilla, but they are going to have them two back and ready. Also their draft pick Luke Babbitt should help with outside scoring. Wes Matthews is going to be someone to watch out for as well after that great season with the Jazz.

9. Grizzlies: The Grizz showed flashes of greatness last season and just missed the playoffs. I think they are going to make a good run to try to make the playoffs this season. I think its going to be a great year for Rudy Gay and the Grizzlies.

10. Suns: They lost Amare and that really just broke down their team. Nash and Turkoglu are both going to do as much as they can, but I don't think they are going to make the playoffs.

11. Clippers: The West is a hard conference to play in. So many top teams fill up the 1-8 spots, and the other really good teams would have made the playoffs in the East. But the Clippers I think if their chemistry builds up can move up a few spots in the West. And we finally get to see Blake Griffin.

12. Hornets: If Chris Paul doesn't leave I think the Hornets can still make this season good and maybe move to the 10th or 11th spot, but I don't think they have it in them to make the playoffs. With Ariza and Okafor ready I think its going to be a flashy season. Sadly they lost Collison to Indiana.

13. Kings: Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins are going to be a duo to watch for years to come. Along with Dalembert and Thompson running the front line for a good few years. But I think they need that one other big scorer before they can make a playoff run.

14. Warriors: The Warriors got David Lee in the big swap they had with the Knicks and also got a few role players like Jannero Pargo and Dorell Wright. Steph Curry is going to have a great season if he can stay healthy along with Ellis. This team is too young and too inexperienced to make a playoff run, but will be able to soon with some work.

15. Timberwolves: Ahh, the Wolves. How many more point guards are they going to sign? We have no clue what is going on up there. All I know is they are a sure lock not to make the playoffs. Although they signed Beasley, Milicic, Webster, and Tolliver, its not going to be enough to even contend for that 8th spot. Here is a look at their roster if you want to see how messed up it looks: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/min/roster. 4 point guards.. Oh and Rubio... 5!

Well thats my take on the Western Conference. How would you rank em'? Let me know and keep on reading!