Could this be one of the best collections of NBA Western Conference teams in years? If the early portion of the 2010−11 season is any indication, it is hardly out of the realm of possibility.
Seven teams are within four games of each other, making this one of the most top−heavy conferences in recent memory. These seven teams all have above a .600 winning percentage with the exception of one — the Phoenix Suns — who were 11−9 as of yesterday.
The rest of the conference is a virtual who's who of cellar−dwellers that includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and, most surprisingly, the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that is once again plagued by injuries. After the Los Angeles Lakers' four−game losing streak, the Western Conference playoff matchups are certain to be highly competitive, hopefully providing fans with a June to remember.
With entertaining teams come entertaining players, and this season is no exception. The West has some of the more exciting talents in the conference known for their high−scoring, fast−paced games.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook is taking some of the spotlight away from team star Kevin Durant. Westbrook has been making a strong argument for being both the Most Improved Player in the league and the MVP.
The third−year guard is posting career−best stats in minutes per game, shooting and free−throw percentage while boasting 23.7 points per game and has led the Thunder to a 14−8 start. Westbrook takes advantage of the open looks that Durant's presence on the court allows because of the heavy pressure on defense that opposition puts on the NBA's reigning scoring champion. Westbrook and Durant are building upon the successes of last year while also playing some of the most exciting ball in the league.
In other Western Conference news, rumors of Carmelo Anthony's departure from the Denver Nuggets continue to bubble, but nothing has come to fruition. There are still rumblings that the Nuggets may resurrect the trade that had previously been discussed between Denver and the New Jersey Nets, a deal that would send Derrick Favors and future draft picks to Denver for Carmelo.
The Nuggets are still not ecstatic about the idea of losing one of the best pure scorers in the game in Anthony. If the team faces problems when the trade deadline approaches, Denver will likely dump Anthony to avoid a LeBron James−like situation in the ensuing offseason. Other rumors surrounding the Nuggets have included the possibility of trading hometown hero Chauncey Billups, though the Nuggets have denied such rumors all season. Rumors regarding the New York Knicks continue with speculation about Chris Paul's future in the wake of the ownership issues of the New Orleans Hornets.
The Knicks continue to dream about creating another super trio in the East to combat the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. But, like speculation about Anthony leaving Denver, little has happened thus far. Paul seems happy with the 13−7 Hornets, especially given that New Orleans made a conscious effort to supplement its star with key role players like Trevor Ariza.
Trade rumors have simmered for a while, but fans should anticipate hearing more from the rumor mill once December comes to a close.
In league news, the NBA took control of the New Orleans Hornets, becoming the first NBA−owned team in league history. The NBA purchased the squad to ensure that the team remains attractive to any potential buyers. Commissioner David Stern looks to keep the squad in New Orleans, though there is the possibility of the team moving to another city due to its dwindling home attendance despite being one of the top teams of the West this season.
If the team moves cities, it will only add to its legacy of having a difficult time finding a home in recent years. The Hornets were first moved from Charlotte to New Orleans in the 2002−03 season and had to relocate in the 2005−06 season due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans hosted the 2009 NBA All−Star Game, which showcased how the city had overcome the effects of the hurricane. However, the team may soon have to move just to survive the recent economic troubles affecting the entire country.
