1. Oklahoma City Thunder
They’re still contenders without Russell Westbrook, but won’t win without him.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Injuries aside this will be an exciting team to watch.
3. Utah Jazz
Some young talent will be counted on to produce right away.
4. Denver Nuggets
A new direction for a franchise known for their run-and-gun style.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
If LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard play well again they will be in the playoff mix.
Head Coach: Scott Brooks
Key Position: Point Guard – Reggie Jackson did a good job filling in for Russell Westbrook, but the team didn’t function the same way when he hurt his knee. While Westbrook recovers it will be important for the Thunder to establish a cohesive unit instead of constantly running it through Kevin Durant.
Key Acquisitions: G Andre Roberson (Rookie)
Key to Win the Finals: Find a rhythm without Russell Westbrook.
Head Coach: Rick Adelman
Key Position: Frontcourt – They actually did well without Kevin Love for most of last season, but they couldn’t have Nikola Pekovic doing all of the dirty work on the boards. No one can replace what Kevin Love brings to the Wolves and with him back this team will be scary good.
Key Acquisitions: F Corey Brewer, G Kevin Martin, C Ronny Turiaf
Key to Win the Finals: Stay healthy.
Head Coach: Tyrone Corbin
Key Position: Frontcourt – Utah is now letting Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors control the paint with the departures of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. Favors arrived in the trade for Deron Williams a few years ago and Kanter was a high draft choice. Both are talented big men and the Jazz want them to succeed right away.
Key Acquisitions: G Trey Burke (Rookie)
Key to Win the Finals: Get the young guys to buy in.
Head Coach: Brian Shaw
Key Position: Point Guard – Carmelo Anthony is long gone and surprisingly so is the head coach George Karl. The new face of the franchise now is Ty Lawson who has had his share of doubters throughout his NBA career. He is becoming a very good point guard and a prolific scorer for a team that now desperately needs him to do more of the same.
Key Acquisitions: G Randy Foye, F J.J. Hickson, G Nate Robinson
Key to Win the Finals: Establish a new regime.
Head Coach: Terry Stotts
Key Position: Frontcourt – There isn’t much help for All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge. He will need to continue and put up stellar numbers for the Blazers to remain competitive against teams with better forwards. If former lottery pick Thomas Robinson is given a chance to show his worth then the Blazers will have won big time.
Key Acquisitions: F Thomas Robinson, G Mo Williams, G Dorell Wright
Key to Win the Finals: Do the best with what you have.
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