2 in a row?

[Guest apeschris0]

They didn't trade either of the Big 3: Cassell, Sprewell or Garnett, and they petty much have the same back-ups. And with the possibility of Shaq leaving the 'her-in-Minnesota-disliked-Lakers', the Woles have a better chance at winning the Conference.

What you think?

[PH4E]

Of course they'll make the playoffs. The question is if they'll make it back to the conference finals.

[thatshortguy]

Just because Shaq's likely leaving the Lakers, doesn't mean the West will be any less stacked. The T-Wolves will have to pull out a similar performance to last year if the want any scent of the Finals. Chemestry and talent are on their side, it's just a matter of whether or not they'll be able to keep up the same style and intensity they had last year for a second consecutive season.

However, even if they don't, the worst they can come out is 7th or so in the West. Because they're worst is still playoff-worthy, simply because of the talent they have, and the fact that KG can and likely shall flat out will them into the playoffs.

[Sabu]

I think they can get to the finals. They would have beaten the Lakes last year if Cassell wasn't injured, if they stay healthy, they can definately do it.

[gunnar hendershow]

They're on the brink of becoming the power in the West.

I honestly think they'll break through the glass ceiling next year.

[thuganomic]

Just getting in the playoffs means making it to the 1st round.....

If you mean advancing, I say no. Spurs, Mavs, Kings, Rockets are now all better.

[thatshortguy]

Just getting in the playoffs means making it to the 1st round.....

If you mean advancing, I say no. Spurs, Mavs, Kings, Rockets are now all better.

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The Kings haven't done much to improve -- or even really change -- their roster. Add onto it the fact that Divac will be 37 by the time the Playoffs kick off (which will put more pressure on Miller to step up in the middle, against guys like Duncan, KG, and Yao,) and Sacramento may have to rely even more on the outside shot than before.

While the Rockets are likely going to be much better, I can't help but think that the forward position is still a question. Aside from Juwan Howard -- who really isn't worth the contract -- you've got to rely on Clarence Weatherspoon and Maurice Taylor. While Taylor may very well be the Derek Fisher of the '05 Rockets, you still have to wonder about whether Howard can play up to his money, and the depth at the position. Not to mention that they have no true backup for Yao.

As for the Spurs, they're a solid team, although they could use a good backup for Duncan at the center position, if he opts for the spot (which, honestly he should, as they're fairly well-off at forward.) Nesterovic is solid, but I don't think he's capable of handling other West centers (which Duncan likely could, as he has the mind, muscle, and shot.) Aside from how the middle goes, I like the Spurs.

And finally...the Mavs. Oh, the Mavs. If they land Shaq without shipping Dirk, they're easily the Western Conference Champions. If they don't, I think they're in the same boat as San Antonio, although they lack any true center, whereas the Spurs do got Duncan.

When it comes to Minnesota, they could likely take down Sacramento (depending on how those streaky Kings are doing at the time) and Houston (thanks to their depth at forward and guard.) They'll likely have trouble with San Antonion, who can match or at best overtake them in the middle. Same goes against Dallas, since the Mavs can match Minnesota's depth as well as play that up-tempo style.

So, yeah, Minnesota finishes third in the West if everyone's rosters stay put. San Antonio takes first, unless Dallas lands Shaq & Dirk. Then Dallas takes it, as they'll just have a dominating frontcourt and solid backcourt.

[thuganomic]

You can make the same argument for Divac as you can for T-Wolves. Cassell is aging, Sprewell is past his prime. The only way I see the T-Wolves going far, is if Wally has a break-out season.

[Blitz]

Dallas will not be as good as they were last year. No Nash = No 50 Win Season.