Off-Season West Conf Discussion

[ex carrabba fan]

So there's a few folks here who don't see Denver as "contenders". Now before we discuss, maybe we should define our criteria of being a "contender".

I believe Denver is a contender because they have a "good" chance of going to the West Final.

I peg three teams as having a "good" chance of going to the West Final: LA/SA/DEN

In the other thread I've read Portland is a "top dog". When was the last time they won a playoff series, yet they're already a "top dog". And it wasn't a Portland fan who said this, so no dynasty jokes.

My 8

LA
SA
DEN
POR
or
DAL
Utah
#7 irrelevant
#8 irrelevant [I have the Clippers in though]

I do not envision Portland, Dallas or Utah beating LA or SA in a series. Denver I can see, thus they are a contender to me.

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

First off, lemme start with this: If anybody has the Clippers making the playoffs, Andrew Jackson and/or Ben Franklin like to have a word with you.

Ok NOW onto this: My CONTENDERS(not TRUE Contenders)out west right now: LA, San Antonio. Those are MY teams that I think will come OUT of the West and represent the West in the Finals.

Top 8

LA
SA
DAL
DEN
Utah
Portland
NO
PHX

I'd give Denver all the chance in the world to beat teams not named Lakers, Spurs, and MAYBE, MAYBE Mavericks in a 7 game series, but against those other 2 teams I don't give them a chance of beating in a 7 game series because I don't trust George Karl in a big series with alot of on the line.

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

LA
DEN
SA
DAL
Portland
Utah
GS
NO

Im back baby

[J.R. Locke]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Denver will be a 4-6 seed. They had a lot of things go right last year and I don't think that will happen again. Losing Kleiza is going to hurt them in the regular season. Nene I don't think will stay healthy. They still lack a shooter.

I think New Orleans will be in the top 4 with SA, LA, DAL. Then the rest of the teams are going to battle it out.

Portland should be better but I don't think they can win a playoff series, although I will be rooting for them.

Surprise team in the west is the Grizz. I think they will fight for a playoff spot. Clippers should be in the playoff picture.

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Why do you like Dallas' chances so much, Pack? Is the addition of Marion + a theoretically healthy Howard enough to put them over Portland, Denver, and Utah?

JR, what makes you think Nene won't be healthy? He's been healthy his whole career aside from the cancer scare (nothing anyone can do about that) and the isolated incident with his ACL. He's built like a rock... I think he'll play 75+ next year again, as will K-Mart. Just a feeling?

I'm halfway hoping the Nugs get Wally World as a bench shooter... he knocks down open shots and actually played solid defense last year when he was called upon. Would be a nice piece off the bench...

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Baby jesus has an issue with your take.

[in mid air]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Seriously if the Lakers and Clippers met in the 1st round that's not even fair/a challenge. Pretty much homecourt for Lakers and they also don't have to travel.

Anyways, this is who I think will get the top 8 spots

LAL
San Antonio
Dallas
New Orleans
Denver
Utah
Portland
Phoenix/Golden State

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

The Clips are more likely to get the final playoff spot than the Warriors IMO, but if Curry has a good year and Ellis/Beans are healthy, they could easily get there. I hope they do, I want that crazy-*** team in the playoffs.

[TMagic]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

LA
DEN
SA
DAL
Portland
Utah
GS
NO

Im back baby

What the hell?

Weren't you just saying that you didn't think the Warriors would make it? Like yesterday?

You must of simmed a season in 2K and got the same results as I did. LOL

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

I was just pissed off we got Devean George.

[in mid air]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

The Clips are more likely to get the final playoff spot than the Warriors IMO, but if Curry has a good year and Ellis/Beans are healthy, they could easily get there. I hope they do, I want that crazy-*** team in the playoffs.

Who's nickname is that? I never heard of a player with that nickname lol (Morrow?)

[TMagic]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

So there's a few folks here who don't see Denver as "contenders". Now before we discuss, maybe we should define our criteria of being a "contender".

I believe Denver is a contender because they have a "good" chance of going to the West Final.

I peg three teams as having a "good" chance of going to the West Final: LA/SA/DEN

In the other thread I've read Portland is a "top dog". When was the last time they won a playoff series, yet they're already a "top dog". And it wasn't a Portland fan who said this, so no dynasty jokes.

My 8

LA
SA
DEN
POR
or
DAL
Utah
#7 irrelevant
#8 irrelevant [I have the Clippers in though]

I do not envision Portland, Dallas or Utah beating LA or SA in a series. Denver I can see, thus they are a contender to me.

I feel like your criteria of a contender is too broad.

To me, a contender is one who actually has a shot at winning the Championship.

I can't call someone a contender when I think they'll get walloped by numerous other teams.

That's why I can't consider Denver to be a "contender". They'll be good. But, the chances of them winning the championship are not very high.

They'd have to get by the Lakers who will be better next year and have put them out of the playoffs these last two years. They'd also have to get past the Spurs. Can't see that happening in a seven game series. Parker/Duncan/Jefferson/Ginobli/Pop >>>> anything Nuggets you want to compare that to.

I also don't see the Nuggets beating Cleveland, Boston, or Orlando. And if pitted against the Mavs again, I wouldn't be surprised if they loss.

So with that being said, I just can't call Denver a "contender".

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Biedrins = "Beans"

I get all my Dubs player nicknames from GSW, but Bad Porn reigns supreme with "Poor Man's God" a close 2nd.

[GSW]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Andris Biedrins.

[TMagic]

Re: Off-Season West Conf Discussion

Who's nickname is that? I never heard of a player with that nickname lol (Morrow?)

I think he is referring to Andris Biedrins.