1. Golden State Warriors

Winning a championship doesn’t seem to affect this team too much.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

This is setting up to be a must win year for Doc Rivers and company.

3. Phoenix Suns

If they make the playoffs, they’ll be one team to watch out for.

4. Sacramento Kings

With George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins not seeing eye to eye, things could get ugly.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

A few bright spots and key veteran additions should lesson the stress on Kobe.

 

Head Coach: Steve Kerr

Key Position: Forwards

Key Rookies: F Kevon Looney

Key Acquisitions: F Draymond Green (re-signed), F Jason Thompson (Sacramento Kings)

Starting Lineup: G Stephen Curry, G Klay Thompson, F Harrison Barnes, F Draymond Green, C Andrew Bogut

 

Head Coach: Doc Rivers

Key Position: Guards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Wesley Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers), F Luc Mbah A Moute (Philadelphia 76ers), F Paul Pierce (Washington Wizards), G Pablo Prigioni (Houston Rockets), F Josh Smith (Houston Rockets), G Lance Stephenson (Charlotte Hornets)

Starting Lineup: G Chris Paul, G J.J. Redick, F Paul Pierce, F Blake Griffin, C DeAndre Jordan

 

Head Coach: Jeff Hornacek

Key Position: Forwards

Key Rookies: G Devin Booker

Key Acquisitions: C Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks)

Starting Lineup: G Brandon Knight, G Eric Bledsoe, F P.J. Tucker, F Markieff Morris, C Tyson Chandler

 

Head Coach: George Karl

Key Position: All of them

Key Rookies: C Willie Cauley-Stein

Key Acquisitions: F Marco Belinelli (San Antonio Spurs), F Caron Butler (Detroit Pistons), G Rajon Rondo (Dallas Mavericks), C Kosta Koufos (Memphis Grizzlies)

Starting Lineup: G Rajon Rondo, G Ben McLemore, F Rudy Gay, F DeMarcus Cousins, C Willie Cauley-Stein

 

Head Coach: Byron Scott

Key Position: All of them

Key Rookies: G D’Angelo Russell, F Larry Nance Jr.

Key Acquisitions: G Louis Williams (Toronto Raptors), F Metta World Peace (New York Knicks – 2014), C Roy Hibbert (Indiana Pacers), F Brandon Bass (Boston Celtics)

Starting Lineup: G Jordan Clarkson, G Kobe Bryant, F Nick Young, F Julius Randle, C Roy Hibbert