5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
I wouldn't sleep on the Kings. They might surprise people ans sneak into the 7th or 8th spot 5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
|
The reality is different. Every rookie, 'vet', superstar, GM, coach, and fan can't have their way. Most won't meet expectations in 2008-09. Of course, 29 of 30 teams will also miss their goal of winning an NBA Title. In fact, several Western Conference clubs shouldn't be optimistic after stagnating this summer ...
 Every week, HoopsVibe The Blog drops a basketball related list for fans to debate. We call it ‘Listed’ … Everyone is optimistic in training camp. The unheralded rookie believes he will get his opportunity. The veteran is convinced he can squeeze another year out of his broken body. The superstar expects national endorsements to complement his ‘max’ money contract. Off-court, coaches and GMs have glass-half-full eyes, selling the ticket buying public on only the positives. And fans hope this is the year they hold a championship parade downtown come June. The reality is different. Every rookie, ‘vet’, superstar, GM, coach, and fan can’t have their way. Most won’t meet expectations in 2008-09. Of course, 29 of 30 teams will also miss their goal of winning an NBA Title. In fact, several Western Conference clubs shouldn’t be optimistic after stagnating this summer. In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe The Blog drops five western teams who will likely fall short of their training camp goal. Read the list, form an opinion, and get at us in the comment box below. Denver Nuggets Goal: Playoffs. Why they fall short: There is too much uncertainty in the Mile High City. The Marcus Camby trade left a hole down low, Allen Iverson’s long-term status is unknown, and coach George Karl is on the hot seat. Ownership is tired of bleeding red ink, so the Nuggets could clean house and rebuild around Carmelo Anthony. Prediction: No playoffs. Minnesota Timberwolves Goal: 40 wins (Randy Foye). Why they fall short: Minnesota will take a step forward. Al Jefferson has a year under his belt as The Guy, newly acquired Mike Miller spreads the floor with his range, and rookie Kevin Love has potential. Of course, the man behind the promise, Randy Foye, is poised for a big season. 40 wins are optimistic; the Wolves must walk before running. Prediction: No playoffs. 30-32 wins. Phoenix Suns Goal: NBA Title. Why they fall short: The west got better. They got older, changed from run-and-gun to half-court, and brought in new sideline boss Terry Porter. Credit executive Steve Kerr for recognizing ‘Seven Seconds to Shoot’ wasn’t working and having the guts to make a change. But Amare Stoudemire aside, their core is older than John McCain and has seen better days. Prediction: Playoffs. No championship. Sacramento Kings Goal: Playoffs. Why they fall short: The cupboard isn’t bare. In fact, the Kings have some emerging wings in Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia, and John Salmons. The west is so competitive up-and-coming squads have little chance of qualifying for the second season. Sacramento has been hoarding cap space with just 23 million dollars on the books for 2010-2011. They’ll take the next step in two years when they sign free agents. Prediction: No playoffs. San Antonio Spurs Goal: NBA Title. Why they fall short: San Antonio will always defend and win on the road, making any decline relative. The Spurs will still be very good, but the left coast top dog torch has been passed to the Lakers or Hornets. The Big Three is older. And management shied away from a big trade or summer signing. Prediction: 3rd or 4th in the Conference. They need a tweak to play in June.
Comments
(8)
report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
Denver will make the playoffs unless Nene, Melo or Ai have serious injuries. If they stay healthy they will win 55 games and make it to the conference Semis. report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
okc will be the team to watch durant will carry the team into the no.8 seed watch out!!! report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
The suns will win the championship this year. Terry Porter is the right guy to lead them over the hump. They still have a solid core that has a legit season or two left in them. report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
Going to have to say I almost completely agree. Except I do believe that the Dallas Mavericks should be on the list somewhere. They are gunning for one more run at the title and I put them in the exact same boat has Pheonix. report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
...credit steve kerr? well alright, i will credit steve kerr, for single handedly destroying one of the best teams in the league! i'll admit that they needed some tweeking, a little fine tuning, and yes, more defensive effort, but not dismantled. kerr has made nothing but bad choices (marion/o'neal trade, letting go of d'antoni, the switch to half-court, getting rid of thomas and then skinner, the list goes on...) and bad timing ( with competition being what it is in the west, is now really a good time to reinvent your team identity? i think not...). does anyone truly believe the suns are any closer to a campionship now then they were at the beginning of last season, because so far it doesn't seem likely. what has happened to the suns we knew and loved? who are they now? what have they become? i suppose if anyone could make it work, it's the suns and that's why my fingers are still crossed, why i'm still holding my breath. good luck guys ( i think you'll need it) report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
With so many GMs satisfied with status quo, you have to respect Kerr's guts to make a change even if the Shaq gamble doesn't work at least he took a risk because 7 seconds to shoot wasn't working anymore. That's for sure!! report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
5 Western Conference teams falling short: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs
I cant wait to see bynum back , were the best in the west , and this time we are going all the way LAKERS are the best/ report abuse
vote down
vote up
Votes:
+0
Leave a comment
|
