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NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Western Conference Playoff Field

By Michael Saenz

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrates with guard Will Barton (5) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrates with guard Will Barton (5) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The Wildcards

Ah, the teams that we just can’t project for a multiple of reasons. These are teams that have such high ceilings but also some really low basements. We just don’t know.

Denver Nuggets – I love what the Denver Nuggets have done over the last few years. They’ve compiled quite the impressive young core of Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, Kenneth Faried, Nikola Jokic, Will Barton and now Jamal Murray. If these young guys can all take the next step this season, coupled with a healthy year from Danilo Gallinari, the Nuggets could surprise some folks and make a run to the playoffs. We just can’t bank on that happening.

Dallas Mavericks – The Dallas Mavericks may have struck out in a big way in free agency, but they still managed to sign the biggest “what if” in all of the summer. The Dallas Mavericks signed Harrison Barnes in free agency, after whiffing on Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside. If Barnes can develop into the player we all believe he can be, the Mavs are a playoff team. There’s just no way to know for sure.

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