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NBA 2016-17 Western Conference Roundtable: Favs, Trades And More

By Michael Saenz

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) gives a high five to guard Klay Thompson (11) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) gives a high five to guard Klay Thompson (11) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) high fives center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) high fives center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Hot Take Of The Western Conference?

Saenz: James Harden will have a better season than Russell Westbrook.

Little: I believe the Warriors, Spurs, and Grizzlies will finish as the top three teams in the West. The Clippers will struggle and trade rumors centered around Blake Griffin will begin to swirl. Both Chris Paul and Griffin are able to become free agents after this season as they both have player options. With the Clippers struggling, they will want to cash out on Blake Griffin before he walks away from the organization in free agency. Health is key for the Clips this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are injury riddled this season.

Merrion: Kawhi Leonard isn’t the best 2 way player in the league.

Blochlinger: The Timberwolves and Jazz, who have struggled in recent years, will both make the playoffs easily and will push one of the better teams in the first or second round. Neither team is experienced or talented enough to take on the giants in the West just yet.

Jenkins: Minnesota will not be good. There are a lot of opinions circulating around the internet about how good the Timberwolves actually are, but I think they’ll finish under .500. They’re still really young, and it may take Thibodeau a little longer to get the most out of these players than many are expecting. This team’s future is bright, but its present is less so.

Rippon: James Harden will lead the league in assists. Part two of my Houston Rockets puff piece! Harden averaged over 10 assists per game this preseason in less than 30 minutes of action a night. D’Antoni plans to make James Harden the defacto Houston point guard, granting full liberty to run an offense now fully stocked with shooters. He has always demonstrated a knack for finding open teammates, even dating back to his stint in Oklahoma City. This season will be an exhibition of that skillset.

Donadic: Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook will actually make the regular season watchable. Kevin Durant’s move to Golden State, which for the record was a weak one, has caused this regular season to lose some of its intrigue; but Lillard and Russ, carrying their respective teams as the aSalpha dog and best player, will be quite the show. It will also serve to show the world that it doesn’t take a “big three” to succeed in the modern NBA.

Eddy: Russell Westbrook’s indirect shots at KD.

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