Real or Not Real in the Western Conference?
The western conference is more difficult to figure out than a Salvador Dali painting right now. For the moment it is a mystery for us to unravel considering there are fourteen teams vying for eight playoff spots. The Suns are the lone team who might as well set their sights on the NBA draft. So lets explore who is real and who isn't in the wild, wild west. Meaning the true playoff contenders, because unlike diamonds playoff contention isn't forever.
Are the Clippers Real?: What the Clippers are doing right now is pretty baffling. I felt they were a marginal playoff team at best, but they've beaten teams with far superior talent. They are averaging the third most points per game, with players I'm sure many fervent NBA fans would struggle to name. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is looking like a low-key steal at the 11th pick, and they are getting career seasons from players like Tobias Harris, Danilo Gallinari, and Montrezl Harrell. Not to mention Lou Williams who is a bonafide sixth man of the year candidate. So I can't believe I'm saying this but the Clippers are real.
Are the Warriors Real?: Yes. The end. No in all seriousness they are 100% real. While there might be trouble in paradise with all of the Kevin Durant/Draymond Green drama this team has seemed to find its footing again after hitting the skids a while back. Also they are going to be significantly better when they get three all stars back in the line-up. However, some cracks in the foundation may be starting to reveal themselves. The Warriors are considerably thinner than they've been in years past, and are increasingly reliant on their stars as Iguodala and Livingston's ages are beginning to show. That said when healthy this team is still the overwhelming title favorite. So, they are unquestionably real.
Are the Nuggets Real?: This one is a little trickier to figure out, but I'm inclined to say yes they are real. They are really deep, and have one of the NBA unicorns in Nikola Jokic. They also are in the top ten so far in both offensive and defensive rating, which is actually surprising because I'm not sure the eye test would indicate consistency on defense. However, the depth of their roster should contribute to sustained regular season success. Their biggest issue moving forward might be Jamal Murray at point guard. He is a more than capable volume scorer, but the Nuggets may need more of a distributor to best utilize the wealth of talent at their disposal. So I'll say they're real if only marginally.
Are the Grizzlies Real?: This is the first team I am going to build a case against not being a real western conference playoff contender. The Grizzlies have gotten back to what made them successful in the past. Grit and grind. They play at the slowest pace in the NBA, and average the fewest points per game. However, they also allow the fewest points per game, but these are razor thin margins that may be unsustainable. Especially considering one injury to Mike Conley or Marc Gasol could send them reeling. So, the Grizzlies aren't real. They don't seem like a viable contender as the season progresses. However, I hope I'm wrong because they play a unique style that is markedly different from the rest of the NBA.
Are the Thunder Real?: The Thunder got off to a really rocky start, but have become a real contender. The biggest thing they have going for them is they understand their identity. They are a long and athletic team that generates deflections, creates turnovers, and gets out on the fast break. Their ceiling may be low in the long term because Westbrook's decision making at time leaves a lot to be desired. That said, I think their floor is high. They're real.
Are the Trailblazers Real?: I believe this team is real. However, they are not convincingly real. I think their potent backcourt and continuity should carry them through the regular season. However, I think they've hit a wall with this iteration of the team. They're in basketball purgatory. Not good enough to compete for championships but not bad enough to accrue high level draft capital. They'll probably make the playoffs, but aren't going to be blazing any trails to the promised land any time soon.
Are the Lakers Real?: Despite recently getting swept by the Magic, the Lakers are undoubtedly a real contender. Two words describe why the Lakers are a contender. LeBron James. It is inconceivable that a LeBron led team doesn't make the playoffs. Even in a conference as challenging as the west.
Are the Mavericks Real?: It pains me to say this because Luka Doncic is maybe the most fun player to watch in the entire NBA right now, but no they're not real. They feel like a middle of the pack team that's going to hang around for a while, but they are incredibly reliant on Luka repeatedly reaching into his bag of tricks. What happens if he hits the rookie wall, or teams find ways to game-plan around him? It feels like the magic is going to run out eventually, but for now the Mavs have me saying Halleluka.
Are the Kings Real?: What?? The Kings don't suck! Something doesn't feel right. The Kings have been one of the best early season stories. Bagley is better than anticipated, Buddy Hield is finding his stride, and De'Aaron Fox took a major leap. That said this team is definitely not real. They have too many young players, and likely won't be able to close games down the stretch when playoff seeding starts to reveal itself. These guys haven't really been in a lot of games that mattered. That said they've played one of the toughest early schedules and have faired well, which is a good sign for the franchise moving forward.
Are the Pelicans Real?: So I'm going to argue they are real, but my main argument is simply Anthony Davis. That's it. I like some of the other players on the roster like Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic, but this team has no depth and a home court advantage that often feels lifeless night to night. That said they have Anthony Davis, and that makes them real. However, he is going to need to be superhuman most nights.
Are the Spurs Real?: No. The dynasty appears to have finally ended. They're still in the mix because they have an all-time great coach and a couple all-star caliber players but this team is bad on defense. They are 24th in opposing points per game, and seem to be on the verge of getting shelled most nights. They've suffered some key injuries also, especially to starting point guard Dejounte Murray.
Are the Timberwolves Real?: No but they are infinitely more interesting post Jimmy Butler. This probably isn't a bonafide playoff contender but they remain in the mix with improved team chemistry thanks to newish acquisitions Dario Saric and Robert Covington. Those two have also improved their depth, and apparently Karl Anthony-Towns' mood since he appears to remember how to play basketball again.
Are the Jazz Real?: No. It seems last year was a flash-in-the-pan since Donovan Mitchell has regressed. His efficiency has dropped, and the Jazz's lack of perimeter playmakers is evident. Kyle Korver will help their three point shooting woes but nothing else.
Are the Rockets Real?: Yes. I am hanging onto this one for dear life. The Rockets look broken. If they aren't real the championship hangover is definitely real. They often look lifeless and lethargic. More than that they don't seem to play with much passion. Whatever you want to say about the Rockets its warranted. That said, this team was one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history last year. They still boast a triumvirate of Chris Paul, James Harden, and Clint Capela. So I believe they can still turn it around but they need to in a hurry because the West is about as deep as its ever been.
Are the Clippers Real?: What the Clippers are doing right now is pretty baffling. I felt they were a marginal playoff team at best, but they've beaten teams with far superior talent. They are averaging the third most points per game, with players I'm sure many fervent NBA fans would struggle to name. Rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is looking like a low-key steal at the 11th pick, and they are getting career seasons from players like Tobias Harris, Danilo Gallinari, and Montrezl Harrell. Not to mention Lou Williams who is a bonafide sixth man of the year candidate. So I can't believe I'm saying this but the Clippers are real.
Are the Warriors Real?: Yes. The end. No in all seriousness they are 100% real. While there might be trouble in paradise with all of the Kevin Durant/Draymond Green drama this team has seemed to find its footing again after hitting the skids a while back. Also they are going to be significantly better when they get three all stars back in the line-up. However, some cracks in the foundation may be starting to reveal themselves. The Warriors are considerably thinner than they've been in years past, and are increasingly reliant on their stars as Iguodala and Livingston's ages are beginning to show. That said when healthy this team is still the overwhelming title favorite. So, they are unquestionably real.
Are the Nuggets Real?: This one is a little trickier to figure out, but I'm inclined to say yes they are real. They are really deep, and have one of the NBA unicorns in Nikola Jokic. They also are in the top ten so far in both offensive and defensive rating, which is actually surprising because I'm not sure the eye test would indicate consistency on defense. However, the depth of their roster should contribute to sustained regular season success. Their biggest issue moving forward might be Jamal Murray at point guard. He is a more than capable volume scorer, but the Nuggets may need more of a distributor to best utilize the wealth of talent at their disposal. So I'll say they're real if only marginally.
Are the Grizzlies Real?: This is the first team I am going to build a case against not being a real western conference playoff contender. The Grizzlies have gotten back to what made them successful in the past. Grit and grind. They play at the slowest pace in the NBA, and average the fewest points per game. However, they also allow the fewest points per game, but these are razor thin margins that may be unsustainable. Especially considering one injury to Mike Conley or Marc Gasol could send them reeling. So, the Grizzlies aren't real. They don't seem like a viable contender as the season progresses. However, I hope I'm wrong because they play a unique style that is markedly different from the rest of the NBA.
Are the Thunder Real?: The Thunder got off to a really rocky start, but have become a real contender. The biggest thing they have going for them is they understand their identity. They are a long and athletic team that generates deflections, creates turnovers, and gets out on the fast break. Their ceiling may be low in the long term because Westbrook's decision making at time leaves a lot to be desired. That said, I think their floor is high. They're real.
Are the Trailblazers Real?: I believe this team is real. However, they are not convincingly real. I think their potent backcourt and continuity should carry them through the regular season. However, I think they've hit a wall with this iteration of the team. They're in basketball purgatory. Not good enough to compete for championships but not bad enough to accrue high level draft capital. They'll probably make the playoffs, but aren't going to be blazing any trails to the promised land any time soon.
Are the Lakers Real?: Despite recently getting swept by the Magic, the Lakers are undoubtedly a real contender. Two words describe why the Lakers are a contender. LeBron James. It is inconceivable that a LeBron led team doesn't make the playoffs. Even in a conference as challenging as the west.
Are the Mavericks Real?: It pains me to say this because Luka Doncic is maybe the most fun player to watch in the entire NBA right now, but no they're not real. They feel like a middle of the pack team that's going to hang around for a while, but they are incredibly reliant on Luka repeatedly reaching into his bag of tricks. What happens if he hits the rookie wall, or teams find ways to game-plan around him? It feels like the magic is going to run out eventually, but for now the Mavs have me saying Halleluka.
Are the Kings Real?: What?? The Kings don't suck! Something doesn't feel right. The Kings have been one of the best early season stories. Bagley is better than anticipated, Buddy Hield is finding his stride, and De'Aaron Fox took a major leap. That said this team is definitely not real. They have too many young players, and likely won't be able to close games down the stretch when playoff seeding starts to reveal itself. These guys haven't really been in a lot of games that mattered. That said they've played one of the toughest early schedules and have faired well, which is a good sign for the franchise moving forward.
Are the Pelicans Real?: So I'm going to argue they are real, but my main argument is simply Anthony Davis. That's it. I like some of the other players on the roster like Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic, but this team has no depth and a home court advantage that often feels lifeless night to night. That said they have Anthony Davis, and that makes them real. However, he is going to need to be superhuman most nights.
Are the Spurs Real?: No. The dynasty appears to have finally ended. They're still in the mix because they have an all-time great coach and a couple all-star caliber players but this team is bad on defense. They are 24th in opposing points per game, and seem to be on the verge of getting shelled most nights. They've suffered some key injuries also, especially to starting point guard Dejounte Murray.
Are the Timberwolves Real?: No but they are infinitely more interesting post Jimmy Butler. This probably isn't a bonafide playoff contender but they remain in the mix with improved team chemistry thanks to newish acquisitions Dario Saric and Robert Covington. Those two have also improved their depth, and apparently Karl Anthony-Towns' mood since he appears to remember how to play basketball again.
Are the Jazz Real?: No. It seems last year was a flash-in-the-pan since Donovan Mitchell has regressed. His efficiency has dropped, and the Jazz's lack of perimeter playmakers is evident. Kyle Korver will help their three point shooting woes but nothing else.
Are the Rockets Real?: Yes. I am hanging onto this one for dear life. The Rockets look broken. If they aren't real the championship hangover is definitely real. They often look lifeless and lethargic. More than that they don't seem to play with much passion. Whatever you want to say about the Rockets its warranted. That said, this team was one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history last year. They still boast a triumvirate of Chris Paul, James Harden, and Clint Capela. So I believe they can still turn it around but they need to in a hurry because the West is about as deep as its ever been.
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