Clearly better? Puuh. Not many teams in my book.
Tier 1
Lakers - I dont see any other Team in the West that is a good as them. At least they have to proof it before i give someone else Tier 1 status.
Tier 2
Clippers - On Paper they are strong. But they have to actually deliver. And dont mean beeing 1 or 2 in the Conference, but actually seeing them play like a Contender.
Nuggets - I believe they will be a little better this year and seperate themselves from the pack.
Warriors - Yes even without Klay i believe they have a good Team. I am only surprised that they have not tried to sign a Center. I know they drafted Wiseman, but he is a Rookie. Dont think he can handle the NBA Bigs just yet.
Tier 3
Dallas - They only get better. But i dont believe they are their yet to be a contender.
Utah - Same as for Dallas, but slightly worse i believe.
Houston - I was never high on the Rockets in the first place. Their style of play dont win Champtionships, but you have to respect Hardens ability to put this team on his back. Thats the only reason i am putting them up here.
Tier 4 - The pack, fighting for the bottom PO Seeds.
Portland - Last year was terrible, even though they managed to squeeze into the 8th seed.
Suns - The Addition of CP 3 could be huge if he can recreate his performance with OKC. Their Bubble Play was promising.
Pelicans - Good young core, with a potential superstar.
Spurs - Unlike others, i believe the spurs are better than advertised. The Bubble play was very good, and it showed how the young guys with DDR can play very well together. No forbes or beli should improve the teams win total.
Grizzlies - Overachiever last year, the bubble was brutal for them. Still, they are in the upwards trend so i dont count them out.
Tier 5
Timberwolves - No. Just no. Since the great days of Kevin Love i was waiting for something big, only to be disappointed.
OKC - They have so many picks, they could build a wall with it. But Playerwise they have nothing to compete.
Kings - Same as Timberwolves. Always promising and than falling short.
Summarize:
Spurs are in the hunt, but are not a lock.