Evaluating the West

Imagine winning 48 games (more than all but three teams in the Eastern Conference) and missing the playoffs. That was the fate of last year’s Golden State Warriors. Imagine winning 55 games (two fewer than the conference champion) and finishing sixth in the conference, opening the playoffs on the road. That was the fate of last year’s Phoenix Suns.

Both teams had disappointing ends to their seasons in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. As a result, they will look different this season, though not necessarily better. Several teams in the West have added or subtracted from their 2007-08 rosters. It likely means some shuffling in the standings, but what doesn’t figure to change is a high level of competition for all eight playoff spots in the West.

A quick look at all 15 teams:

Los Angeles Lakers
Last year: 57-25 (1st in West, lost NBA Finals)
Significant roster changes: Lost F/C Ronny Turiaf via free agency

New Orleans Hornets
Last year: 56-26 (2nd in West, lost Western semifinals)
Significant roster changes: Signed F James Posey

San Antonio Spurs
Last year: 56-26 (3rd in West, lost Western Finals)
Significant roster changes: Lost G Brent Barry via free agency

Utah Jazz
Last year: 54-28 (4th in West, lost Western semifinals)
Significant roster changes: None

Houston Rockets
Last year: 55-27 (5th in West, lost Western quarterfinals)
Significant roster changes: Acquired G/F Ron Artest via trade, signed G Brent Barry

Phoenix Suns
Last year: 55-27 (6th in West, lost Western quarterfinals)
Significant roster changes: Signed G/F Matt Barnes (also signed new coach Terry Porter to replace the fired Mike D’Antoni)

Dallas Mavericks
Last year: 51-31 (7th in West, lost Western quarterfinals)
Significant roster changes: Signed C Desagana Diop and G Gerald Green

Denver Nuggets
Last year: 50-32 (8th in West, lost Western quarterfinals)
Significant roster changes: Lost F/C Marcus Camby and F Eduardo Najara, acquired F Renaldo Balkman via trade, signed F/C Chris Andersen

Golden State Warriors
Last year: 48-34 (9th in West)
Significant roster changes: Drafted F Anthony Randolph, signed G/F Corey Maggette, F/C Ronny Turiaf and traded for G Marcus Williams; lost G Baron Davis

Portland Trailblazers
Last year: 41-41 (10th in West)
Significant roster changes: Signed G Rudy Fernandez, acquired draft rights of G Jerryd Bayless

Sacramento Kings
Last year: 38-44 (11th in West)
Significant roster changes: Traded G/F Ron Artest, drafted F Jason Thompson

Los Angeles Clippers
Last year: 23-59 (12th in West)
Significant roster changes: Signed G Baron Davis and G/F Ricky Davis traded for F/C Marcus Camby, drafted G Eric Gordon, lost F Elton Brand and G/F Corey Maggette via free agency

Minnesota Timberwolves
Last year: 22-60 (13th in West)
Significant roster changes: Acquired draft rights of F Kevin Love, traded for G Mike Miller, C Calvin Booth and F Rodney Carney

Memphis Grizzlies
Last year: 22-60 (14th in West)
Significant roster changes: Acquired draft rights of G O.J. Mayo

Oklahoma City
Last year: 20-62 (15th in West)
Significant roster changes: Drafted G Russell Westbrook

If I had to pick a conference pecking order as of today, it would be as follows:
1. Lakers
2. Hornets
3. Rockets
4. Spurs
5. Jazz
6. Suns
7. Blazers
8. Mavericks
9. Clippers
10. Nuggets
11. Warriors
12. Timberwolves
13. Grizzlies
14. Kings
15. Oklahoma City