The NBA season is almost upon us. Media days have officially passed, and the preseason starts October 3. Who is in the top 5, and can any of the teams in the bottom 5 surprise us?
Let’s dive in and check out the Western Conference preseason power rankings.
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Ranks 15-11
15. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are starting fresh in the Cameron Boozer era. Their young, talented team from 2022 is wiped, as they look to build something new in Memphis. They don’t have much talent and shouldn’t be a team anyone’s worried about.
14. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers moved on from Kawhi Leonard, signaling the start of a rebuild. The scandal surrounding the trade caused Los Angeles to lose many future assets, derailing their rebuild. Though they have little young talent, they should be in this position for years to come.
13. Sacramento Kings
The Kings’ starting lineup consists of young talent and aging stars. Sacramento is led by Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, while adding Darius Acuff Jr. through the draft. They might be fun to watch, but lack the depth to make any noise in the West.
12. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks should be much improved from last season. Dallas parted ways with six players and made some key additions. Cooper Flagg enters Year 2, Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively return from injury, Zaccharie Risacher was acquired via trade, and Morez Johnson was drafted in the lottery.
11. Phoenix Suns
The Suns added depth this offseason, adding Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard through free agency, and Koa Peat in the draft. A team led by Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks shouldn’t be a contender, but should be a tough team to beat.
Top 10
10. Utah Jazz
The Jazz have an extremely young roster filled with depth and talent. Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr. lead their young core, but their depth causes them to stand out. The Jazz are building something special and could sneak their way into the playoffs this year.
9. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have plenty of young talent but enter the season with many question marks. They acquired Bennedict Mathurin, a young established scorer, and AJ Johnson, a project player. New Orleans is likely in a transitional season.
8. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are interesting. Jimmy Butler returns from injury, and they added Yaxel Lendeborg out of the University of Michigan, who looks to make an impact in his first season. As long as Stephen Curry is on the court, the Warriors have a chance to be a contender.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland surprised analysts and fans when Deni Avdija led them into the playoffs last year. This year, Damian Lillard returned from injury, and they acquired Ja Morant via trade. The Trail Blazers would be higher, but Shaedon Sharpe suffered a torn ACL prior to the season.
6. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are coming off a strong first season with Kevin Durant, where Houston lacked reliable ball-handling. Fred VanVleet returns after missing all of last season due to a torn ACL, addressing that concern. Barring any injuries, Houston could make serious noise in the West.
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Top 5
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers enter the season with plenty of attention surrounding their newly constructed roster, led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Los Angeles may have lost LeBron James, along with many other pieces, but they arguably improved their roster by filling holes and acquiring depth.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves made major additions this offseason, surrounding Anthony Edwards with LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. These two additions to an already top contender in the West give them an opportunity to take the Western Conference.
3. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets attempt to make another deep playoff run after falling short last season. With almost no changes to their roster, aside from bringing in DeMar DeRozan, and one of the best players in the league leading the way, the Nuggets should once again be near the top of the West.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, looks to lead his team back to an NBA championship. The Thunder are filled with young talent and missed Jalen Williams for a majority of last season. If Williams remains healthy, they could finish atop the West.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, brought in veteran Tobias Harris while retaining a majority of last season’s roster. The relatively young roster reached the NBA Finals last season, years ahead of schedule, and got another year under its belt. No surprise they’re in this position.
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