What teams will represent the WC next season?

[Kindergarten Cop]

Mavs are definitely not missing the playoffs next season. They've upgraded their coaching and will make roster and chemistry upgrades as well.

I agree that they probably won't miss the Playoffs - but I completey disagree that they "upgraded their coaching". What has Carlisle done that Avery Johnson hasn't? How can you consider it an upgrade. Carlisle will get along better with Cuban, because IMHO Cuban was just looking for a puppet that will let him make all of the decisions.

[Kindergarten Cop]

I would count Houston and Utah out.

Honestly?

[JamStone]

I think if New Orleans picks up two players this summer, one from the draft and one from free agency that will contribute immediately, then they could be the best team in the Western Conference next year.

Lakers, Spurs, Jazz, and Suns should still compete at a high level. And, the Rockets, Blazers, and Mavs should round out the playoff contenders.

[Findog]

I agree that they probably won't miss the Playoffs - but I completey disagree that they "upgraded their coaching". What has Carlisle done that Avery Johnson hasn't? How can you consider it an upgrade. Carlisle will get along better with Cuban, because IMHO Cuban was just looking for a puppet that will let him make all of the decisions.

The players quit on Avery. The average coach has a 3-year shelf life. They'll play hard and buy into Carlisle, at least initially.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Honestly?

I wouldn't count on Houston to stay healthy, and I get the feeling the Jazz make a blockbuster trade that doesn't really work out in their favor.

[Roxsfan]

I would count Houston and Utah out.

Yao>oden
Hou>Portland

[DelNegroStoleMyBike]

teams will ing bow down to the newest powerhouse in the EC: my big-balled Bulls of Chicago!!!

Chicago Bulls: 2009 NBA Champions

[mojorizen7]

1)LAKERS
2)HORNETS
3)SPURS
4)JAZZ
5)ROCKETS
6)TRAILBLAZERS
7)MAVERICKS
8)NUGGETS

SUNS....done. Mark it down.

[Kindergarten Cop]

1)LAKERS
2)HORNETS
3)SPURS
4)JAZZ
5)ROCKETS
6)TRAILBLAZERS
7)MAVERICKS
8)NUGGETS

SUNS....done. Mark it down.

[IronMexican]

1)LAKERS
2)HORNETS
3)SPURS
4)JAZZ
5)ROCKETS
6)TRAILBLAZERS
7)MAVERICKS
8)NUGGETS

SUNS....done. Mark it down.

nice to know we don't have blind homers.

anyways, I think Bynum is better than Kareem( i kid, i kid)

[mojorizen7]

Old,tired,slow,no defense,no cap room,a penny-pinching owner,and a new coaching staff(which is actually the only good news).

[SpursDynasty]

Portland I can see doing well. As for Houston, they've had their chances YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR to do something in the playoffs, and I think their opportunities have passed them by. New Orleans had their only shot this year. Up 2-0, up 3-2, and blew both. The Lakers had their chance this year too...went to the Finals supposedly, but lost.