The Obvious: Western Conference

by Jack Maidment

The Laker’s remain the strongest team in the League and adding Artest improves their ability to defend the re-jigged Orlando Magic, shut down Paul Pierce and flexibility when matching up against LeBron James.

Anyone coming out of the East must fear the Los Angeles Lakers.

Richard Jefferson automatically reinvigorates the Spurs who will return to challenger status and the second step below LA. Old? Yes. Dangerous? Absolutely.

Antonio McDyess and George Hill will lead one of the best benches in the West: a potent combination of veteran know how and youthful exuberance with Dejuan Blair fulfilling his billing as the biggest steal of the 2009 Draft.

Barring a sudden explosion of improvement from Greg Oden, the Portland Trailblazers will remain 3rd or 4th favourite in a ‘still better than the East’ conference.

Andre Miller will prove himself solid, but far from the impactful veteran that the Blazer’s targeted this free agency.

Utah will once again highlight the restrictions of careful ownership when Carlos Boozer leaves and they are eliminated in the first round. Again.

The Dallas Mavericks will hope that Old Father Time has forgotten the location of Texas with their starting line up featuring more combined years than a redwood.

Carmelo Anthony will continue his rightful rise toward equal status with Kobe, LeBron and Mr Wade while his Nuggets will have to work extremely hard to recreate the magic of last years’ playoff run.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be the team to take advantage of the Phoenix Suns demise, pipping a close run thing to 8th spot built on Kevin Durant’s surge toward best player in the world conversations.

Meanwhile the Clippers will be the Clippers, reminding everybody that it takes more than talent to win games. Unless they are sold or head coaches are changed Blake Griffin’s impressive Rookie of the Year Award will do nothing but propel the team back to the lottery.