NBA title contenders: Teams to look out for

THE WESTERN CONFERENCE:

The Western Conference is incredibly stacked this season. Nearly 12 teams out of 15 are vying for a playoff berth. However, few of them stand out and I have sorted into the top 3 teams in the West.

3. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers

There has been an immense and startling shift of power in tinsel town. The Clippers are the new dogs in town while the Lakers have been all but relegated out of title contention. The Chris Paul and Blake Griffin led “lob city” were really impressive last season. But they just weren’t good enough for a title. They did however, win the pacific division title.

This season, they have strengthen their overall roster, including their coach. Doc Rivers, the experienced coach is now at the top of the ladder of the Clippers. The signings of J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley and Darren Collison has further strengthened their squad.

Doc Rivers, the former head coach of Boston Celtics, might be just what the Clippers needed, a playoff experienced and championship winning coach. The Clippers would have definitely aimed higher this time around. However, aiming is one thing, achieving it is a different game altogether.

2. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs along with the Thunder are the favourites for the Western Conference title this season. I was one of the people who dismissed the Spurs because of age and thought that they couldn’t keep with the pace and stamina of the younger Heat.

Boy, was I wrong!

Although they ultimately to lost to Miami, Spurs did give them a few nightmares. They showed what experience is capable of.

The Spurs had very few changes in their squad that would affect their chances of winning a title. They lost Neal but signed Belinelli. The addition of Belinelli to their squad provides more depth to their roster as he would be the ideal back up for both Manu Ginobili and Danny Green.

The Spurs would probably go with the following as their starting 5: Tony Parker, Ginobili, Green, Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter. This is identical to last season’s starting five. It would be interesting watch the battle between Spurs and OKC.