For what its worth, here is my take on what should be the top teams in the NBA..
West
Warriors: They should be favorite to win it all, no need going on and on about their talent and why on paper they should be the team to beat... But there are a few things that may slow them down.. One is the trying to find the balance between proper shot selections (attempts) and productivity, on paper or in video games this may not be an issue, but in real life often the less shots you take the lower your production is, especially with jump shooters.. The key is finding the right blend on offense..
Another potential problem is their lack of defense especially in the half court to go along with lack of rebounding, of course this is jumping the gun due to them not actually playing a real game yet, but based on who they have on their roster, these two areas may become problem spots for them..
Lastly they will no longer be as deep as they were last year, having both West and McGee might help out if they are able to embrace their new roles, but if not this may become a problem area for them this season..
Spurs: On paper San Antonio should also be a top team, with the addition of Gasol they should be able to do most of the things that they were able to do last season... But sadly for them Parker and Ginnobli aren't getting any younger, and with those old legs coupled with their inability to hit the three point shot, things may go similar to what happened last season..
Clippers: Another old and slow team that should have trouble keeping up with the fast pace of the new NBA, and just like the Spurs I don't think that you can get away with a older slower back court especially in the pg position..
Thunder: They can be a wild card in the mix, because on one hand they may be the only team young enough and athletically enough to run up and down with the Warriors but due to their lack of outside shooting and the potential problems on defense and rebounding I do not thin, they have enough fire power to seriously challenge the Warriors..
I think Westbrook should be favorite to winning the MVP, however it would be interesting seeing if he is closer to Jordan or Harden when it comes to actually leading a team.. If its the later expect the Thunder to be similar to the Rockets..
Blazers: They are the next wild card in the West, with them the question is, are they as good as their playoffs performance vs the Warriors, the answer to that question should determine how far they make it in the playoffs.. Lillard is my sleeper MVP candidate if we see that type of performance then who knows how far the Blazers can go in this watered down Western conference..
Utah: The ball is in their court the question is are they ready to take steps towards the next level..
Rockets: They really have to show me something on the court before I take them serious..
Wolves and Pelicans: The question with both of these two young teams is which one is ready to stand up and be a man... Young teams often get giddy with individual success and numbers... However, its not until they get sick and tired of losing do they develop to the next level, its hard to gauge maturity in young teams but on paper Minnesota should have a edge with talent, however New Orleans my be less giddy and more sick and tired of losing..
Grizzlies/Mavs: Can't see them doing anything this year..
Nuggets: My man M.H.C. says they will be good.... 'Nuff said!!!
At the end of the day: I think Golden Sate should once again the team to beat, mainly because they have the most talent but also due to the fact that the west should be much weaker than years past...
