Over the last decade only the Spurs, Lakers, and Mavericks were able to win the Western Conference. The way the conference looks now there is a legitimate shot for all 8 teams to win the West. The question marks are Utah, Denver and the LA Clippers. These teams are young and inexperienced and lack a legitimate guy that can take over a game.
The Lakers have the best chance to come out of the west. They have Kobe Bryant, no need to elaborate. Andrew Bynum is the best offensive center in the league and took a giant step forward on defense in game one versus Denver with 10 blocks. They filled there glaring hole by adding a nice point guard in Ramon Sessions. With there interior game to go along with Kobe Bryant's will to win this team is very dangerous, but like other teams in the West they just aren't flat out dominate.
The Thunder have been everyone's favorite to emerge from the West going in to the playoffs, but after two games against Dallas they are showing that they are far from the run away favorite. They rely to heavily on the Jump Shot, and lack the depth of a championship bench. The main question is the trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden good enough to carry that weak bench all the way?
The Spurs have the best coach in the league now that Phil Jackson is retired and he is able to get more out of less than any coach around. Tony Parker has been great this year, but I doubt he alone is enough to carry a team. Tim Duncan is not the player he was on the past championship teams, but they aren't relying on him anymore. They have a very deep team, but they rely heavily on a few young players. Are those kids going to be able to rise to the occasion when they match up with a veteran team in round 2?
The defending champion Mavericks have a lot of veteran players that are playoff tested. The questions surrounding their age was based off how rapid the schedule was compressed. This team is old and needs rest and will get enough between games in these playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki is the key as he can score on and over anyone thrown at him. Execution during the closing minutes has plagued them all season. Will they correct it in the playoffs before it is to late?
The Memphis Grizzlies have a very nice team. They probably are not championship caliber yet, but they have some pieces that can lead to some playoff success. They have a center in Marc Gasol that most teams excluding the Lakers cannot match up with. Several good wing players in Gay, Mayo, and Allen. A nice point guard in Mike Connely and two of the ultimate X factors in Zach Randolph and Gilbert Arenas. This is a team to watch out for, but they are most likely a couple of bench pieces away from a championship. The starting line up is talented, but they lack the depth to sustain a long run.
In years past it is hard to remember the playoffs this wide open, whether it is lack over talent on the top teams or just overall talent across the league it is going to be one of the most exciting playoffs in recent memory. Don't be surprised when a team steps up and shocks everyone in rout to a championship. As Kevin Garnett said, "Anything is possible".
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