NBA: Re-seeding the Western Conference after the Free Agency

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 22: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The top dogs

With proven track records and undeniable talent, these teams should once again top the conference.

2. Houston Rockets

Last season: 65-17, 1st

Notable ins: Michael Carter-Williams, De’Anthony Melton

Notable outs: Trevor Ariza, Luc Mbah a Moute

The Houston Rockets have had a mixed offseason thus far. Re-signing Chris Paul to a max contract (four years, $160 million) showed that they believe their current core can win a title.

But if that’s the case, why would they let Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute sign elsewhere? They will go into next season without their two best wing defenders, the types of players that are essential when going up against Golden State.

It’s hard to know who will start alongside P.J. Tucker in the forward spots. Whoever it is will be a downgrade from last season, unless Daryl Morey can pull a rabbit out of his hat via trade or free agency.

Despite this, Houston are still well poised to be Golden State’s biggest threat. The pairing of Paul and James Harden was an undeiable success, and Clint Capela has developed into an elite defender for the modern NBA.

While Capela hasn’t re-signed yet, you would have to assume that Houston will match any offer that he receives. He was the main reason the Rockets posted a top-six defensive rating last year, as he showed the ability to protect the rim and switch onto the perimeter when needed.

There’s not much more to say about the Rockets– they may have lost some important players, but they were head and shoulders above the chasing pack last year. Have they really lost enough to fall behind?

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