NBA Northwest Division preview: Thunder remain favorite
Team to beat: The Oklahoma City Thunder have won the division four years running, and there is no sign of that changing. Kevin Durant will miss the first four to six weeks of the regular season, but that shouldn't diminish the Thunder's goals and expectations, because Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka are good enough to handle the load. Young role players Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb and Steven Adams also are ready to take the next steps.
Key story line: Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge might be the best free agent on the market next offseason. While everyone considers the Blazers to be the front-runners, Aldridge would be wise to test the market and investigate his options. That holds true particularly if the Blazers (and co-star Damian Lillard) don't take another step forward this season.
Five best players:
- Thunder SF Kevin Durant
- Thunder PG Russell Westbrook
- Blazers PF LaMarcus Aldridge
- Thunder PF Serge Ibaka
- Blazers PG Damian Lillard
Sleeper: The Denver Nuggets might be the deepest team in the NBA and are one season removed from a 57-25 record. Brian Shaw's first season as coach was rough because of injuries and chemistry issues, but Danilo Gallinari and others are back. Add in Arron Afflalo, brought back in a trade, and the Nuggets could return to the playoffs.
Breakout star: Another reason for optimism with the Nuggets is Kenneth Faried. He was named to the all-tournament team in the FIBA World Cup, perhaps the best player for Team USA in a gold medal push. He has a reputation for his energy and athleticism that now is matched by his skill.
Best newcomer: This pick can't be narrowed to one player. The Minnesota Timberwolves received three who could all have big impact this season in their three-team Kevin Love trade. Thaddeus Young is an athletic scorer who could be their go-to option. Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in June's draft, has the upside to become another Paul George or even Scottie Pippen. And 2013 No.1 pick Anthony Bennett shed pounds and hopefully his bust reputation this offseason.
Prediction: The Thunder should be among the best teams in the NBA, while the Blazers are a step behind. The Nuggets should be in the hunt for a playoff bid, but the West might prove too deep. The T'wolves and Utah Jazz are rebuilding and trying to sort through their young rosters.