The Northwest Division used to be the "throwaway" division, as it usually had only one or none of its teams make the playoffs. Last year was sort of a rebirth for the division with the Denver Nuggets going all the way to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades. This year, what was once the nerdy kid whose lunch money was taken promises to emerge as the new school bully.
Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (Western Conference Finals) by the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups, Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin, Nene
The arrival of Billups provoked a change in the once talented but lethargic Nuggets and it tranformed the Nuggets into title contenders that caused the eventual champs Lakers quite a scare. With the team coming back this year and a further strengthening of their backcourt, the Nuggets are looking to once again challenge for the title. The ride, though, might not be as smooth as they thought. Coach George Karl has a tendency to rub off the wrong way on his players after several years and this could be the year that that happens with these Nuggets. Also, the Nuggets have several very injury-prone players have tremendously healthy years last year that one has to begin to get worried if they could have that kind of a year again. However, if the Nuggets are blessed with health again and Billups' leadership skills are as hyped, then the Mile High City will be among the NBA's elite cities.
Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs
Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Jonny Flynn, Ramon Sessions, Sasha Pavlovic
Projected Starters: Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, Mark Blount
The Timberwolves are a true hard luck case. New GM David Kahn made all the right moves by shedding salaries, picking well and gathering talent, planning on having a young improving team that could entice big name free agents to take a second look at Minnesota next year. Then, reality set in. First pick Ricky Rubio couldn't get a buy out, deciding to play a couple more years in Europe, and promising big man Kevin Love broke his left hand in a pre season game. It certainly is not a good start for the Wolves this season but they do have some nice pieces in Jefferson, Sessions, Flynn and Gomes. When Love comes back by December, the Wolves could provide some spirited competition to teams looking to make playoffs. As for challenging for a playoff spot? That might have to wait.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs
Key New Additions: James Harden, Etan Thomas
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefalosha, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Nenad Krystic
Thunder owner Clay Bennett broke the hearts of the Sonic fans by moving the team to OKC, but he sure is doing right in his new city. Hiring GM Sam Presti was a stroke of genius as Presti has created a young team with boatloads of talent. With Durant, Green, Westbrook and now James Harden, look for the Thunder to run a great offense while playing scrappy defense that Coach Scott Brooks will ask for. While the Thunder still lack a dominant inside force to complement their athletic wingmen, they will give their opponents fits, especially when Durant begins to dominate. It might be nice to mark your calendars as this could be the year the Thunder make the playoffs for the first time.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round)
Portland Trail Blazers
Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round) by the Houston Rockets
Key New Additions: Andre Miller, Juwan Howard
Projected Starters: Andre Miller, Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, Joel Pryzbilla
GM Kevin Pritchard's hard work is now paying off. Ridding themselves of the "Jail Blazers" Portland now has a line up of ultra talented players with great attitudes to complement them. The additions of Miller and Howard were meant to provide the veteran leadership to a team which features the unworldly versatility of Roy, the sweet shooting touch of Aldridge and the power and athleticism of Greg Oden. If they can all put it together with no major injuries, there is no limit to where the Blazers can go. The West had better watch out as a new dominant force could emerge and bring Rip City back to life.
Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs
Last Year: Eliminated in the Playoffs (1st Round) by the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Eric Maynor
Projected Starters: Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur
The Jazz have quite a talented line up in their hands this year and the good part is they have played together for quite some time now. Unfortunately, this team has been plagued by injuries (almost every member of their core group of players have missed significant time) and by continuous speculations of players being traded (especially Boozer). Utah's success this year will rely on their ability (and luck) to conquer these problems. If they can, then Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan can and will lead them deep in the playoffs.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)
photos courtesy of Ball Don't Lie and Getty Images
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