Golden State

RoadDawg55

If anyone is beating San Antonio or OKC in the West, it's Golden State. I know it's early, but they are the real deal.

CuntWaffle

The thing about Golden State is that they have nights where they can't buy a bucket and they look horrible. They seem to be playing much more consistent under Kerr though this season so far. I would agree they are the team to do it as the Clippers are still soft (but they jump really high so that's cool) and I just can't buy into the Rockets hype yet because of how awful they looked in the playoffs last year.

I would say the next closes team after GS would be Memphis. Their defense looks nasty this year.

Doogles

Klay Thompson is on his way to being a legitimate superstar. If Draymond Green continues his improvement and Bogut stays healthy, they'll have all the pieces to work with the most explosive backcourt in the league.

RoadDawg55

Mark Jackson was a fucktard who didn't get along with anyone in the organization. Their offense already looks way better with Kerr coaching.

Tequilla

There's a lot of talent in Golden State ... it will be interesting to see how they progress. They are definitely a darkhorse candidate in the West out of those that normally get talked about. In a lot of ways, I like their pieces better than #myClippers.

Say what you want about Mark Jackson, but he laid a very good foundation for Kerr to take to the next level. One thing you saw in the Warriors evolution under Jackson that is continuing with Kerr is their attention to detail defensively. They definitely compete on that end of the court now ... and Jackson does deserve credit for getting them to move in that direction.

RoadDawg55

Tequilla said:

There's a lot of talent in Golden State ... it will be interesting to see how they progress. They are definitely a darkhorse candidate in the West out of those that normally get talked about. In a lot of ways, I like their pieces better than #myClippers.

Say what you want about Mark Jackson, but he laid a very good foundation for Kerr to take to the next level. One thing you saw in the Warriors evolution under Jackson that is continuing with Kerr is their attention to detail defensively. They definitely compete on that end of the court now ... and Jackson does deserve credit for getting them to move in that direction.

Jackson deserves a little credit. He's still a moron. A lot of their improvement came from Curry staying healthy and maturing. He went from an above average, injury prone player to an All Star. Thompson also got a lot better, and Bogut was a game changer defensively.

I already like what Kerr is doing. He's giving bigger roles to Green and Barnes. Green is a perfect role player for a championship team. He's tough, moves the ball, and has an improved shot. Kerr is also relying less on Igudoula and Lee. Add in Barbosa and Livingston and they have the deepest roster outside of San Antonio.

Tequilla

Green and Barnes are probably better fits as starters given Green's ability to space the floor and Barnes ability to basically fill the Cedric Ceballos role for a team. I do like the ability of Igudoula and Lee as carriers of the second unit in that they should have an expectation of being able to play strong minutes from the second unit without having to overtax their starters.

As you mentioned, Bogut is critical for this team. As a former #1 pick everybody expected him to be something that he wasn't. He's not going to carry you to a title as a top 2 players (or really even the playoffs). But if he's a starter on a good team playing out a role, then you're in really good shape. He's able to do things not only defensively, but with his offensive skill, that makes others around him better.

They will always be a talented offensive team. Getting them to focus on playing defense for 48 minutes a night has been the biggest change in them. They won 51 last year. Wouldn't shock me if they got up in the 56-60 range this year.

CuntWaffle

Don't count out the Mavericks either. They have a pretty good coach and Ellis/Parsons/Dirk trio is really underrated.

dnc

Doogles said:

Klay Thompson is on his way to being a legitimate superstar. If Draymond Green continues his improvement and Bogut stays healthy, they'll have all the pieces to work with the most explosive backcourt in the league.

IMALOSER's silence on Klay Klay's development speaks volumes.

Tequilla

CuntWaffle said:

Don't count out the Mavericks either. They have a pretty good coach and Ellis/Parsons/Dirk trio is really underrated.

They'll probably get into the 4th or 5th seed range in the West.

They'd be the favorites in the East IMO.

RaceBannon

greenblood

#myblazers

RoadDawg55

CuntWaffle said:

Don't count out the Mavericks either. They have a pretty good coach and Ellis/Parsons/Dirk trio is really underrated.

I like them a lot. They are loaded. They also have Tyson Chandler and a great bench.

ThomasFremont

The Suns won't be a contender, but IT is having a great start to the season.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics

WilburHooksHands

If the Rockets can trade for a 4 that can score off the bench, they'll be in the convo. They can ride Harden and Howard for a while, but not a whole season.