Wolves

Western Conference power rankings

October 27, 2015 at 8:54PM

1. Golden State

Coach Steve Kerr's bad back and maybe a championship hangover might be the only questions about a team that won 67 games and the NBA title last season.

2. Oklahoma City

Can a team with perhaps two of the league's five best players be underrated? If so, it's only because of Kevin Durant's fractured foot last season.

3. Houston

GM Daryl Morey got the PG he's always wanted by plucking Ty Lawson away from Denver, but defender Patrick Beverley back to good health might be just as important for a team that will win games through sheer relentlessness.

4. San Antonio

Spurs have that rich-get-richer thing going with summer signings of LaMarcus Aldridge as well as David West to the league minimum, but the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili trio can't play like they're young forever for 82 games. Can they?

5. L.A. Clippers

They've retooled in a major way, adding Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith, among others. But isn't there this vibe the window is closing on a star-studded team that can't get past the second round?

6. Memphis

Nobody's rougher and tougher than the Grizz, but they still might not be able to get a basket when they need it most in the playoffs.

7. New Orleans

Only way Pelicans probably will make a leap from the last one into playoffs last spring is if Anthony Davis makes another significant leap himself. Don't count out the guy who sometime, not too far off, will be league's best player.

8. Utah

They're up-and-comers because of rising star Gordon Hayward and a stingy defense anchored by shot-swatting Rudy Gobert. Point guard is a concern, with Dante Exum out injured all season.

9. Sacramento

There's a good chance the Kings will be something to behold or a complete wreck. George Karl is the NBA coach most likely to be fired first if it's the latter.

10. Phoenix

Chemistry is a concern if Markieff Morris continues to brood, but don't count Suns out of a playoff run if only because of that get edge in toss-up for final playoff new-age, dual-point guard Eric Bledsoe/Brandon Knight backcourt.

11. Dallas

Mavs lost out in the DeAndre Jordan saga and improvised by signing injured Wes Matthews and bringing Deron Williams back home. If it doesn't work, does owner Mark Cuban decide to tank, without the sharks?

12. Denver

Nuggets will be better than one might think because of new coach Mike Malone, the Manimal, Danilo Gallinari and Rookie of the Year candidate Emmanuel Mudiay.

13. Timberwolves

Wolves will be improved — almost impossible not to be — but it won't be enough just yet in the loaded West.

14. L.A. Lakers

Lakers have added Roy Hibbert, No. 2 pick D'Angelo Russell and a healthy Julius Randle to what could be Kobe Bryant's final season. They'll be better, but will lose a top-3 protected pick to Philadelphia if they're too good.

15. Portland

Blazers have lost four starters from last season's 51-win team, but still have fabulous point guard Damian Lillard and lots of coming cap space to rebuild around.