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Pacific
2021
Golden State Warriors
GM: the jon
2018-19: 46-36
2019-20: 44-38
2020-21*: 48-34
The Golden State Warriors have shaken things up considerably over the years, especially so recently. A team once headlined by Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, and Jarrett Allen proceeds into 2020 without any of them on the roster. PG Jamal Murray left the Warriors via Free Agency, ultimately deciding to sign a maximum contract with the Houston Rockets. Pascal Siakam and Jarrett Allen were traded out of Golden State, replaced by SG Brandon Ingram, PG Skylar Mays, C Nikola Jokic, and a handful of first-round draft picks. This shake-up put Golden State in a good position to take a number of different paths. They recently opted to trade PG Skylar Mays and two first-round selections for SG Zach Norvell of the Sacramento Kings. Norvell impressed the league in Preseason, scoring nearly 23ppg on above-average shooting splits. Expect Jon to proceed to add the pieces necessary to win a championship around C Montrezl Harrell, PF Nikola Jokic, and SF Caris LeVert. This trio alone is deadly, with the right players slotted at the 1-2 and decent bench rotations this Golden State Warriors could make a deep run in the 2020-21 NBA Playoffs. Jon's current plan is to let the offense run through his backcourt and LeVert, allowing Jokic and Harrell to freely maximize their individual strengths.
Current Starters:
C Montrezl Harrell
PF Nikola Jokic
SF Caris LeVert
SG Brandon Ingram
PG Zach Norvell
Looking Ahead:
The Golden State Warriors remain in complete control of their future, possessing rights to not only their own draft picks, but the rights to the future first-rounders of numerous other teams as well. This gives Jon the flexibility to continue to add cheap, financially efficient help via the NBA Draft, or to trade away these picks and beef up his roster for a deep playoff run. His starting lineup is rather strong, each player providing their own unique skillset, but they remain rather weak defensively off the bench. OG Anunoby can be expected to deliver stellar defense as he leads the Warriors second unit, but his second unit teammates are prone to allowing easy shots.
Los Angeles Clippers
GM: Cloud 9
2018-19: 14-68
2019-20: 17-65
2020-21*: 40-42
I think that many GM's in Cloud's situation would hope to tank one more season and finally snag a true #1-#3 pick. In back to back off-seasons, the Los Angeles Clippers have managed to leave the NBA Draft Lottery with pick #4. While these picks have yet to truly disappoint, adding a guaranteed superstar such as Zion Williamson or Cole Anthony is always ideal during a tank. Instead, Cloud's Clippers enter 2020 with a pretty stacked young roster in a Western Conference that is as weak as ever. A starting lineup that features PF Yoeli Childs, SG Jarrett Culver, and PG LaMelo Ball may be strong enough to earn the Clippers a 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. Fortunately for Cloud, some of his prospects showed very promising improvements during the 2020 NBA Training Camps. Players such as PG LaMelo Ball appear to possess the skill set and potential necessary to develop into a bonafide superstar. Teammates PG Nico Mannion, PF Jaden McDaniels, PF Yoeli Childs, and SG Jarrett Culver headline a Clippers squad that houses... at least 9 very promising prospects. With proper development (which Cloud is sure to provide), any number of these prospects has the potential to develop into a perennial all-star. Cloud needs less than half of them to hit, and he still has a lot more draft picks lined up. Draft picks #14 and #15 are the first picks eligible for a full season in the D-League. Earning a low seed in the playoffs this season may actually pay off nicely for the Clippers rebuilding process. Expect a couple more strong drafts and training camps to push this Los Angeles Clippers team to the top of the West.
Current Starters:
C Juwan Durham
PF Yoeli Childs
SF Jaden McDaniels
SG Jarrett Culver
PG LaMelo Ball
Looking Ahead:
For the next 5 drafts (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025), Cloud's Clippers currently own the rights to at least two first round picks. If three of Cloud's current nine+ prospects can develop into all-star caliber starters, he can draft one more within the next two drafts, and he can sign one through free agency, he may well be courting an all-star caliber squad by 2023. Of course, lottery misfortune (including that which has already happened), training camp bad luck, and a few misses on draft picks may add up over the years and make this rebuild tougher than it needs to be. Expect Cloud to plan accordingly and be competing amongst the best soon.
Los Angeles Lakers
GM: Mentch
2018-19: 28-54
2019-20: 33-49
2020-21*: 44-38
After a few seasons of, well, piss-poor basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers hope to begin a new streak of playoff berths this season. A squad that was led by one player in 2019, SF Khris Middleton, added a few more pieces in the 2020 NBA Off-season and can be expected to vastly improve on their win record from the previous two seasons. The Lakers are now headlined by a trio of SF Khris Middleton, PG/SG Jrue Holiday, and PG Chris Paul. PG Chris Paul's contract has two years remaining and the Lakers hope to bring the 35-year-old future hall-of-famer his first NBA Championship before his retirement. There is one thing that is for certain killing this Los Angeles squad right now though. That thing? A complete lack of a front-court. The Lakers roster is comprised nearly entirely of guards, wings, and underweight centers. Nobody on the roster is capable of boxing out Fred Van Vleet, and this has led to some disastrous rebounding differentials. So while they are led by a very capable and experienced trio, they need to work on surrounding them with the proper supporting cast. Expect LA to peruse the trading market for a big man (or 3) that can rebound. The addition of only one decent role player to this roster should push the Lakers to at least 44 wins and a 5th or 6th seed in the West. The addition of a strong starting big AND a couple of role players? Lakers may win 50 and make a deep playoff run. Don't underestimate the combined danger of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Chris Paul.
Current Starters:
C Ante Zizic
PF James Johnson
SF Khris Middleton
SG Jrue Holiday
PG Chris Paul
Looking Ahead:
Despite moving numerous draft picks to arrive at the current roster, the Los Angeles Lakers remain entirely in control of their own future. They do not own any first round draft picks to any teams, and are owed two first-round selections through 2026. This puts the Lakers in a good spot to hit the trade market. Recently, names such as Hassan Whiteside, Serge Ibaka, and Khem Birch have been mentioned quite a bit among the league. It may be wise for the Lakers to invest hard now and make the most of Chris Paul's final years. Salary cap issues may be a concern for GM Mentch, but with good management, I think he can add the necessary pieces to really challenge the top of the West this year. None of his current contracts have been renegotiated, and he's got a handful of pricey expirings to work with. Hit up Mentch if you have any ideas.
Phoenix Suns
GM: AIRupTHERE
2018-19: 30-52
2019-20: 25-57
2020-21*: 38-44
Despite the West being weak this year, the Phoenix Suns still lack the necessary pieces to consistently win basketball games. They began the 2020 season a bit hotter than they have in more recent years, winning 7 of their last 10 and earning the 7th best record in the West. Despite this strong start, expect the thin Suns' roster to slow down and struggle to earn a playoff berth yet again. Fortunately for GM Air, as mentioned previously, the West is as weak as ever. A record eclipsing 38 wins may be enough to earn the 8th seed, and I expect the Suns may do just that. While rather barren from a collective standpoint, the Suns roster does house a decent number of talented players. Devin Booker has proven to be able to excel at the point guard position, maintaining his hot shooting hand while also facilitating the basketball. Expect the Suns to continue building through the drafts and free agency. A foundation of C DeAndre Ayton, SG/PG Devin Booker, and PF James Wiseman may be enough, but they need to fill out.
Current Starters:
C James Wiseman
PF DeAndre Ayton
SF Mikal Bridges
SG Nassir Little
PG Devin Booker
Looking Ahead:
The Phoenix Suns and GM AirUpThere are known to avoid making moves on the trade market unless the benefit is clear. Due to this, Phoenix remains in control of their future, still owning the rights to all future Phoenix Suns draft picks. In addition to Phoenix's picks, they've also managed to collect the rights to a 2024 Oklahoma City Thunder first-rounder. Expect the Suns to continue experimenting with their Depth Chart as they try and proceed with a big three trio of C James Wiseman, PF DeAndre Ayton, and PG Devin Booker. In due time we may see Phoenix hit the trade market heavily and shake things up, but for now they remain perfectly content playing absolutely abysmal defense.
Portland Trailblazers
GM: eMac
2018-19: 53-29
2019-20: 62-20
2020-21*: 54-28
The Portland Trailblazers have been competing amongst the best of the West for two consecutive seasons now. Expect this trend to continue into 2020-21, as the Western Conference in its entirety remains rather weak, and the Trailblazers did not experience any significant losses in the 2020 NBA Off-season. SF Harrison Barnes did leave Portland via Free Agency, ultimately opting to sign with the Miami Heat, but eMac made sure to plan for this. eMac drafted SF Sam Hauser in the 2020 NBA Draft and he appears to be making contributions off the bench already. With improved scoring consistency Hauser can be expected to hold down the 3 for the Trailblazers over the next few seasons as they continue to try and earn loyal players SG C.J. McCollum and PG Damian Lillard their first NBA Championship. Portland can be expected to run into some salary cap issues this coming off-season, as three of their aging starters will hit Free Agency. It will be a struggle to properly gauge financial value at this age. These circumstances may lead Portland to hit the trade market during the 2020-21 NBA season. If their win-loss record corrects itself and the Blazers find themselves amongst the Wests' Best again, they'll likely sit on the roster. But... if they can't seem to hang? Assets such as PG Damian Lillard, SG C.J. McCollum, and C Jusuf Nurkic remain incredibly valuable. It may be wise for Portland to beginning turning the page now.
Current Starters:
C Jusuf Nurkic
PF LaMarcus Aldridge
SF Trevor Ariza
SG C.J. McCollum
PG Damian Lillard
Looking Ahead:
Since this league began Portland has remained quiet on the trading front. They've sat tight around a core trio of Nurkic, McCollum, and Lillard and tried to build the roster through Free Agency and the Draft. It worked well in 2018, even better in 2019, and may work in 2020, but this Trailblazers squad is reaching the end of its timeline. SG C.J. McCollum and PG Damian Lillard can be expected to collect upon record-breaking contract extensions in this coming off-season, a combined financial commitment that would hamstring the future of this franchise. eMac may find it wise to begin trading for the future as soon as possible. He retains control over all Portland draft picks and can surely collect a few more via trading. We'll see how well this Portland squad continues to play and which route eMac decides to take.
Sacramento Kings
GM: tyfreak
2018-19: 34-48
2019-20: 39-43
2020-21*: 36-46
Sacramento has been the definition of mediocre since the league began. It all began with the mediocre file editing of should-be all-star caliber players, PF Marvin Bagley III and PG De'Aaron Fox. Instead of this Kings team being headlined by a potential league-best dynamic duo, they are headlined by that one word, mediocrity. PG De'Aaron Fox has continued to struggle to develop consistently and he begins the 2020-21 NBA season leading the league in turnovers at a monstrous 4.9 per game. PF Marvin Bagley III has also failed to strive towards his ceiling, remaining a stagnant 13/10 player with suspect defense. It's truly a shame for lifelong Kings stan and current GM tyfreak, a Kings squad sitting atop the West behind Fox and Bagley would've been a fun sight to see. Recent shake-ups in Sacramento have brought in PG Skylar Mays and PF Bam Adebayo as tyfreak continues to seek the proper pieces to surround Fox and Bagley with. Tyfreak may find it hard to build a true competitor with either of those two as his leader though, so expect him to build a package for a true star at some point in the near future. The Kings cap-room may be severely limited following the 2021 NBA off-season in which they can be expected to pay PG De'Aaron Fox significantly. Rumors have been afloat of SF Andrew Wiggins leaving the team via waivers. Unfortunately for the Kings these rumors have slowed heavily following Wiggins' abysmal start to the season. Expect the Kings to do one of two things in 2020, 1, they may create that package for a star I mentioned. Or 2, tyfreak will sit on this roster for one more season and hope for a training camp from the gods helps fix his team's major flaws and put PG De'Aaron Fox and PF Marvin Bagley III back on track.
Current Starters:
C Bam Adebayo
PF Marvin Bagley III
SF Andrew Wiggins
SG Skylar Mays
PG De'Aaron Fox
Looking Ahead:
The Kings have been wise to remain in possession of all future Sacramento Kings first-rounders. The future has been questionable at best during the poor development of Bagley III and Fox, so keeping all first-rounders has helped protect the security of the Kings future. This team lacks a clear direction, as they have in recent years. We've yet to see a dedicated tank or a dedicated push for competition out of Sacramento, and it is beginning to hinder them. They continue to lack a superstar leader and remain in possession of the poor contracts of SF Andrew Wiggins and PF Dwight Powell. Tyfreak hasn't made any poor or disastrous moves. But a lack of consistent positive moves has left this Kings franchise stuck in mediocrity.
Oklahoma City Thunder
GM: Catdude
2018-19: 53-29
2019-20: 45-37
2020-21*: 50-32
Oklahoma City didn't start off the year very hot, but expect this team to find their groove and stick with it soon. C Steven Adams, SF Paul George, and PG Russell Westbrook remain the most experienced trio in the West. The trio has started the year off thus far shooting tremendously but their supporting cast and overall team defense has struggled. Catdude needs to look to upgrade his starting SG and PF so that he can move Paul George back to the 3. Jeremi Grant's attributes have developed nicely but it simply isn't translating to the court. Expect the Thunder to part ways with the expiring Grant soon, perhaps packaging Grant and Warren for an all-star caliber shooting guard. If this Thunder team were able to fill those holes and add a contributing big to the bench, they would be considered among the favorites in the West. But, as this roster stands, they'll be lucky to win more than 50 games and a playoff series.
Current Starters:
C Steven Adams
PF Paul George
SF T.J. Warren
SG Jerami Grant
PG Russell Westbrook
Looking Ahead:
The Thunder are in a tough spot. Steven Adams is 27, and expiring. Paul George is 30, and on the back half of an already expensive contract. Russell Westbrook is 32, and while his contract has 3 years left, it's still yet to payout nearly $120 million. If Oklahoma City hopes to stick with this trio for the next, say, four seasons, they'll need to fill the roster with decent, affordable talent through the draft. Here's the problem though, the Thunder are without the rights to their 2022 and 2024 first round selections. That means that during the remainder of the Thunder's competitive four-year window they will only add two first-round selections to the roster. With all their money tied up in the contracts of Adams, Westbrook, and George, they certainly won't be able to fill the roster in Free Agency either. The fact is, this problem has already begun. Oklahoma City is at the league's hard-cap and their roster is barren around their expensive trio. Catdude needs to begin looking to make moves, and soon.
