Western Conference Rankings Pre-Season.

1.Thunder
It's a close race for the #1 spot, but Durant/West/Harden is such an exciting young trio, they have to get it. Keeping the same core group with a slimmed down Perkins (lost 20 lbs!) has the Thunder starting off right.

2.Mavericks
The main song you heard being sung during the Mavs playoff run was "Tyson Chandler changed Mavs attitude". He's now a Knick, but Dirk/Kidd/Terry/Marion remain along with the additions of Vince Carter and Lamar Odom. The old legs may catch up to them, but the Mavs will remain a powerhouse throughout.

3.Grizzlies
Lest we forget, what a run this team had. Pushing the #1 ranked Thunder to the brink without Rudy Gay. A year of seasoning for this young team and I can easily see them passing one of the two top teams.

4. Clippers
It's not hype people! MVP worthy pg with a Finals MVP guard in the backcourt is not an everyday thing. Blake Griffin/Jordan are mean and hungry, Caron Butler joins them to open the floor with his shooting and his defense will add a nice touch. Gomes/Mo/Foye is a nice bench, just have to wonder about the back up bigs.

5.Lakers
Amazing how much the Celtics/Lakers have in common. From the old legs, to the loss of key players (Odom/Green) to an obvious tension that comes from trades that never happened.  Bryant is still an elite player and Gasol/Bynum are a good frontline. However, the way I feel about this old team in a shortened season is best defined by the moment where Kobe Bryant tried to take it to the hole on DeAndre Jordan during the pre-season and ended up injured. It's gonna be a LONG, shortened season for the Lakers.

6.Spurs
The Spurs have a very bad taste in their mouth from last year's very short playoff run, however they also have more rest. A slim-downed rejuvenated Tim Duncan and rested Paker/Manu will probably get the Spurs to a strong, fast start. However, they need to do something about that bench. Let's see if they pick up any players in the next few weeks.

7.Nuggets
This team was actually ranked 5th overall in a Sports Illustrated article on their site recently, but I don't see it. Sure they are young and have nice pieces in Nene/Affalo, but that run late last year reeked more of  frustration over the "MELO'DRAMA" than any indication of being a real contender. Youth may get them further then it should though.

8.Trailblazers
Let's be clear, the Blazers are used to the idea of "no Roy/Oden" so don't put too much into it. As long as LaMarcus is healthy, this is a team that should make their annual appearance in the playoff, but not much after that.

9.Rockets
The trade that never was keeps Kevin Martin and Luis Scola on the roster, add in Dalembert and it could be a solid season for them. I like Patterson and Budinger to make some noise this season.

10.Hornets
Replacing David West and Chris Paul is not possible so let's end that speculation and focus on reality. Kaman/Gordon/Ariza/Okafor/Jack is a nice line up. Throw in Landry/Aminu along with a team who has something to prove after being written off and they may surprise everyone with a playoff appearance ala last year's Nuggets.

11.Wolves
This pick here is one that will surprise many, but I will stick to it for now. You have Kevin Love who deserves more press than he gets. A winner in J.J. Barea, mixed with Beasley, Rubio, Randolph and rookie sensation Derrick Williams and I think they will over-achieve. A shortened season helps....a lot!

12.Kings
Losing Dalembert will hurt more than you realize when you look around and see no one that can hold down the middle. Evans and the JIMMER will add points and an up and down pace with lots of points and zero defense. I think John Salmons will have a much better season.

13.Warriors
Mark Jackson no longer wears an NBA uniform, but he will have the biggest role in how this team does this season. There is no reason this team shouldn't do better than they have, but defense is something they badly lack. If Coach Jackson can get them on the same page, the Warriors should jump a lot higher than this position. Big "IF".

14.Suns
Steve Nash is not only a legend, but such a a classy guy. He still has game left in him, but not much, yet he is loyal to Phoenix. Sadly, there isn't much to look at except the will of one of the best point guards in the last 20 years.

15. Jazz
Is Devin Harris healthy yet?