Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets


Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None


     The Nuggets are looking for a drama-free year after the whole Carmelo Anthony trade situation last year.  They have the right line up for it, as there are no clear stars on the team.  The Nuggets have great pieces in Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, Nene and Danilo Gallinari, and they are looking to continue their run and gun ways. That will mean exciting basketball and a slot in the playoffs.  The Nuggets will make the playoffs again, but they do need someone, perhaps Nene (he of the new massive contract) to rise and take the cudgels as the go-to-guy if they want to go deep in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)





Minnesota Timberwolves


Major Additions: Ricky Rubio, Derrick Williams, J.J. Barea
Major Subtractions: None


     The Wolves are becoming significant again. The arrival of Ricky Rubio and the emergence of Kevin Love last season has energized this team and they are playing inspired ball.  The Wolves will play exciting ball and their improvement is a welcome development, but this team is still a season or two and a player or two away from making the playoffs.  In the meantime, the NBA and its fans can enjoy their fill of highlights, especially from wunderkind Rubio and workhorse Love.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Oklahoma City Thunder


Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None


     The Thunder have been patient in building their team and last year saw the fruition of all that patience.  The Thunder went all the way to the Western Conference Finals last year, and they won't be satisfied with just that this year.  All the players are back, a year older and smarter.  James Harden has made great strides and Kevin Durant has become even more efficient, if that were possible.  The key, though, will be Russell Westbrook.  His decision-making, efficiency and relationship with Durant will spell how far the Thunder will go in the playoffs.  If Westbrook can keep his game under control, there will be no stopping the Thunder.


Fearless Forecast: At least Western Conference Finals


Portland Trail Blazers


Major Additions: Jamal Crawford
Major Subtractions: Brandon Roy


     If one is to believe in curses, the Blazers would have to be the most cursed franchise of all. Top gun Brandon Roy has retired and top pick Greg Oden is out yet again with another injury. Even new franchise player LaMarcus Aldridge is dealing with heart issues, but they are still giving it a good fight.  Coach Nate McMillan has adopted a faster paced game plan and tightened his rotation and it will result in a more exciting and effective team.  As long as the Blazers stay healthy (which is no cake walk), the Blazers will be tough.  Aldridge is scoring great, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton and Wesley Matthews are all playing well too.  The Blazers could pose a serious threat to any team in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs


Utah Jazz


Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: Mehmet Okur


     Like the Nuggets, the Jazz are looking for a drama-free year.  They have some good big men in Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Derrick Favors, but their backcourt is still lacking.  Devin Harris has not stepped up and none of their shooting guards should be starting in the NBA right now.  The Jazz should use this year to continue developing their talent and their identity and if they can do that on the fly, they could challenge for a playoff spot.  It might a tough road though.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


photos courtesy of Yahoo Sports and Getty Images