The 2018 Nole CSL Western Conference Predictions
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 8:40 pm
Finally had some time to get these out.... while a little late I had my predictions saved minus the write up prior to the season starting. All records from eastern conference and western conference are summed up to 1230 wins.
Southwest
The Southwest continues to look as the toughest division in the league. Not only does it have 2 title contenders, it also has all 5 teams looking to compete for the playoffs. Could this finally be the year where every team from one division makes the playoffs? With the overall weakness of the Northwest, and lack of depth in the Pacific it is certainly possible.
Houston Rockets
Season Prediction 56 26
The Rockets had a tough offseason trading away Thaddeous Young and shockingly losing Aminu to their division rival Spurs. A team that already lacked depth is now even weaker. Harden still remains and him alone will continue to make this team a contender but they are no longer the intimidating presence they were before.
New Orleans Pelicans
Season Prediction 51 31
The Pelicans are looking to rekindle the magic they had 3 seasons ago. They have shored up their defense which had been lacking from the departure of Okaro and have finally reacquired the proper talent around AD. Rumors are out there that another blockbuster trade is in place to add a true superstar level talent next to AD. This player very well may make the Pelicans the team to beat in the SW and end Houstons run. Only question remains is will injuries continue to bite them in the ass like in years past?
Dalla Mavericks
Season Prediction 41 41
The Mavericks have ramped up their rebuild opting for a more win now approach while trading away a few of their picks. The eye for the future remains as no core player except for one surpasses the age of 26 (Rubio is 27.) While a lack of scoring may pose issues the Mavericks hope that their elite ball pressing defense can commit enough turnovers to keep games close. Regardless, until Porzing develops this team will not be ready to enter contender status.
Memphis Grizzlies
Season Prediction 40 42
Similar to the Mavericks, the Grizzlies have also decided against their rebuild and have signed or traded for two very good but aging veterans in Kyly Lowry and Amir Johnson. Is it the right path to take, short term gain for long term problems? Hard to say, But you have to give them credit for never accepting a wasted season.
San Antonio Spurs
Season Prediction 36 46
The Spurs made a surprising offseason acquising going after John Wall, arguably one of the most underrated superstars in the league. Add in offseason free agent Aminu and the Spurs now have a very formidable backcourt. However, their frontcourt is a mess and that alone will prevent this team from being a serious threat in the playoffs. But Wall alone should be able to keep them in the playoff picture.
Northwest
Probably the only division that lacks a contender (barring the return of a particular GM) I expect this to be the most volatile division in the league with major changes coming at least by the trade deadline.
Utah Jazz
Season Prediction 46 36
After the surprising loss of Sanders during free agency, no team rebounded better than the Jazz with the signing of Aaron Gordon and the acquisition of the talented but often maligned Roy Hibbert. Dante Exum is well on his way to becoming a top 10 league player, but questions remain if Lillard is the right fit around him and depth remains a concern.
Portland Trailblazers
Season Prediction 43 39
This is a tough team to predict. Their GM had a hissy fit and quit, but maybe she is returning? Nothing official has been announced out of Portland, nor has there been any DCs posted so will wait for more info out of the league office. With a GM in place this should be a 50+ win team and borderline contender (assuming Durant doesnt get injured with his 41 mpg.) But without a GM the team should be able to at get roughly low to mid 40s in wins.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Season Prediction 42 40
Rhoxxys team is aging, and aging quickly. They still have some big name talent but with little depth and an aging core it remains to be seen if this team can continue to battle for the division or if its time for a rebuild.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Season Prediction 29 53
The team has vastly improved their talent but the fit is to be questioned. They need a more true pass first PG that can suit their needs more because without their pick the next two seasons it could be for a long couple years.
Denver Nuggets
Season Prediction 16 66
Myles has done a masterful job of getting rid of those horrid contracts and showing signs of a promising future. While talent is lacking, the Nuggets own their own first round pick and should have their choice on what looks to be a talented (by name) incoming class. Certainly early favorite for GM of the year with doing what he did in such short time.
Pacific
Can the Kings get over the hump? Will the Suns massive offseason improvement put them in the leagues elite? Where do the rest stack up?
Phoenix Suns
Season Prediction 59 23
Outside of Denver, no team in the league had a better offseason than the Phoenix Suns. Not only did they resign their own free agents at massive bargains, they also took advantage of a very deep and talented draft. They may also have surpassed the Kings as the leagues best defense. I do think they need just one more scorer but you must commend the Suns for going out there and taking the chance and upgrading their talent instead of just standing pat........
Sacramento Kings
Season Prediction 50 32
The Kings continue their methodical build from within approach. Its not a bad strategy when you have a highly talented team, but as I have stated in the past, it can sometimes be a little too safe and allow other teams (Suns) to pass you. As Allen Iverson once said "when you are not practicing, someone else is getting better." And you have to ask yourself if the Kings have missed opportunities to add the star they have sorely needed. Fortunately their young players are still young and just now entering their prime.
Los Angeles Lakers
Season Prediction 36 46
The Lakers continue their win or rebuild revolving door. After the signing of Larry Sanders the Lakers have decided to go back towards playoff mode. However, knowing the Lakers, you can assume that they will once again go back towards rebuild at some point during the season.
Los Angeles Clippers
Season Prediction 29 53
No team trades more than the Clippers and their roster will probably change multiple times between now and the trade deadline so its hard to predict exactly where it will end up. They currently lack a lot of depth and need Mudiay to continue to develop. Who knows where this team is headed.
Golden State Warriors
Season Prediction 24 48
Finally, arguably the worst original GM is gone and this team finally can say they have a future. Rumors suggest that Curry has finally been traded. Something that should have been done two seasons ago. With two nice young prospects coming in the Warriors may have some of the best young talent in the league. Will be a couple more seasons, but if Jeff remains patient, they will have a very very bright future.
Southwest
The Southwest continues to look as the toughest division in the league. Not only does it have 2 title contenders, it also has all 5 teams looking to compete for the playoffs. Could this finally be the year where every team from one division makes the playoffs? With the overall weakness of the Northwest, and lack of depth in the Pacific it is certainly possible.
Houston Rockets
Season Prediction 56 26
The Rockets had a tough offseason trading away Thaddeous Young and shockingly losing Aminu to their division rival Spurs. A team that already lacked depth is now even weaker. Harden still remains and him alone will continue to make this team a contender but they are no longer the intimidating presence they were before.
New Orleans Pelicans
Season Prediction 51 31
The Pelicans are looking to rekindle the magic they had 3 seasons ago. They have shored up their defense which had been lacking from the departure of Okaro and have finally reacquired the proper talent around AD. Rumors are out there that another blockbuster trade is in place to add a true superstar level talent next to AD. This player very well may make the Pelicans the team to beat in the SW and end Houstons run. Only question remains is will injuries continue to bite them in the ass like in years past?
Dalla Mavericks
Season Prediction 41 41
The Mavericks have ramped up their rebuild opting for a more win now approach while trading away a few of their picks. The eye for the future remains as no core player except for one surpasses the age of 26 (Rubio is 27.) While a lack of scoring may pose issues the Mavericks hope that their elite ball pressing defense can commit enough turnovers to keep games close. Regardless, until Porzing develops this team will not be ready to enter contender status.
Memphis Grizzlies
Season Prediction 40 42
Similar to the Mavericks, the Grizzlies have also decided against their rebuild and have signed or traded for two very good but aging veterans in Kyly Lowry and Amir Johnson. Is it the right path to take, short term gain for long term problems? Hard to say, But you have to give them credit for never accepting a wasted season.
San Antonio Spurs
Season Prediction 36 46
The Spurs made a surprising offseason acquising going after John Wall, arguably one of the most underrated superstars in the league. Add in offseason free agent Aminu and the Spurs now have a very formidable backcourt. However, their frontcourt is a mess and that alone will prevent this team from being a serious threat in the playoffs. But Wall alone should be able to keep them in the playoff picture.
Northwest
Probably the only division that lacks a contender (barring the return of a particular GM) I expect this to be the most volatile division in the league with major changes coming at least by the trade deadline.
Utah Jazz
Season Prediction 46 36
After the surprising loss of Sanders during free agency, no team rebounded better than the Jazz with the signing of Aaron Gordon and the acquisition of the talented but often maligned Roy Hibbert. Dante Exum is well on his way to becoming a top 10 league player, but questions remain if Lillard is the right fit around him and depth remains a concern.
Portland Trailblazers
Season Prediction 43 39
This is a tough team to predict. Their GM had a hissy fit and quit, but maybe she is returning? Nothing official has been announced out of Portland, nor has there been any DCs posted so will wait for more info out of the league office. With a GM in place this should be a 50+ win team and borderline contender (assuming Durant doesnt get injured with his 41 mpg.) But without a GM the team should be able to at get roughly low to mid 40s in wins.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Season Prediction 42 40
Rhoxxys team is aging, and aging quickly. They still have some big name talent but with little depth and an aging core it remains to be seen if this team can continue to battle for the division or if its time for a rebuild.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Season Prediction 29 53
The team has vastly improved their talent but the fit is to be questioned. They need a more true pass first PG that can suit their needs more because without their pick the next two seasons it could be for a long couple years.
Denver Nuggets
Season Prediction 16 66
Myles has done a masterful job of getting rid of those horrid contracts and showing signs of a promising future. While talent is lacking, the Nuggets own their own first round pick and should have their choice on what looks to be a talented (by name) incoming class. Certainly early favorite for GM of the year with doing what he did in such short time.
Pacific
Can the Kings get over the hump? Will the Suns massive offseason improvement put them in the leagues elite? Where do the rest stack up?
Phoenix Suns
Season Prediction 59 23
Outside of Denver, no team in the league had a better offseason than the Phoenix Suns. Not only did they resign their own free agents at massive bargains, they also took advantage of a very deep and talented draft. They may also have surpassed the Kings as the leagues best defense. I do think they need just one more scorer but you must commend the Suns for going out there and taking the chance and upgrading their talent instead of just standing pat........
Sacramento Kings
Season Prediction 50 32
The Kings continue their methodical build from within approach. Its not a bad strategy when you have a highly talented team, but as I have stated in the past, it can sometimes be a little too safe and allow other teams (Suns) to pass you. As Allen Iverson once said "when you are not practicing, someone else is getting better." And you have to ask yourself if the Kings have missed opportunities to add the star they have sorely needed. Fortunately their young players are still young and just now entering their prime.
Los Angeles Lakers
Season Prediction 36 46
The Lakers continue their win or rebuild revolving door. After the signing of Larry Sanders the Lakers have decided to go back towards playoff mode. However, knowing the Lakers, you can assume that they will once again go back towards rebuild at some point during the season.
Los Angeles Clippers
Season Prediction 29 53
No team trades more than the Clippers and their roster will probably change multiple times between now and the trade deadline so its hard to predict exactly where it will end up. They currently lack a lot of depth and need Mudiay to continue to develop. Who knows where this team is headed.
Golden State Warriors
Season Prediction 24 48
Finally, arguably the worst original GM is gone and this team finally can say they have a future. Rumors suggest that Curry has finally been traded. Something that should have been done two seasons ago. With two nice young prospects coming in the Warriors may have some of the best young talent in the league. Will be a couple more seasons, but if Jeff remains patient, they will have a very very bright future.
