Western Conference Notebook
Ranking the Offseason Moves
1. L.A. Lakers Mitch Kupchak’s key offseason moves included re-signing Derek Fisher and replacing backup point guard Jordan Farmar with Steve Blake. He also brought in former Laker nemesis Matt Barnes and backup center Theo Ratliff. All three newcomers will help improve Phil Jackson’s rotation.
2. Dallas Mavericks The biggest move here was re-signing Dirk Nowitzki, but Dallas also added size and shot-blocking by re-signing Brendan Haywood and unloading Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll and Eduardo Najera in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.
3. Houston Rockets Daryl Morey brought back restricted free agents Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry and added Brad Miller as insurance for Yao Ming, who returns from a year-long absence.
4. Phoenix Suns Despite losing Amar’e Stoudemire to free agency, Phoenix was able to fortify the front line by re-signing Channing Frye and acquiring Hakim Warrick and Josh Childress. The Suns also traded for Hedo Turkoglu to replace some of Stoudemire’s scoring.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder Inking Kevin Durant to a long-term extension amid all of the LeBron chaos was one of the more deft moves made this offseason, and the Thunder also added vets Morris Peterson and Daequan Cook to fill key roles for Scott Brooks’ ever-improving rotation.
All-Western Conference Preseason Team
First Team
Kobe Bryant G L.A. Lakers
Tim Duncan F San Antonio
Kevin Durant G Oklahoma City
Pau Gasol F L.A. Lakers
Deron Williams G Utah
Second Team
Carmelo Anthony F Denver
Yao Ming C Houston
Dirk Nowitzki F Dallas
Chris Paul G New Orleans
Brandon Roy G Portland
Third Team
Andrew Bynum C L.A. Lakers
Rudy Gay F Memphis
Manu Ginobili G San Antonio
David Lee F Golden State
Steve Nash G Phoenix
All-Rookie Team
James Anderson G San Antonio
DeMarcus Cousins F Sacramento
Xavier Henry G Memphis
Quincy Pondexter F New Orleans
Tiago Splitter F San Antonio
Coaches on the Rise
Alvin Gentry
Phoenix
Gentry landed the Suns in the Western Conference Finals last season.
Scott Brooks
Oklahoma city
The reigning Coach of the Year leads a hungry team into the 2010-11 season.
Coach on the Hot Seat
Don Nelson
Golden State
Nellie became the all-time winningest coach in NBA history last season, but new owner Joseph Lacob won’t have much patience if the Warriors produce another losing campaign.
One More Year
Phil Jackson
L.A. Lakers
After leading the Lakers to the franchise’s 16th title, coach Phil Jackson — the owner of 11 championship rings — opted to return to the sidelines in pursuit of what would be an amazing fourth three-peat as a head coach. In announcing his decision, Jackson said the 2010-11 season would be his “last stand.”
Time to Shine
The following players are primed for big seasons in 2010-11.
Expect to see a few in the All-Star Game.
Stephen Curry
G Golden State
Eric Gordon
G L.A. Clippers
George Hill
G San Antonio
Robin Lopez
C Phoenix
Luis Scola
F Houston
Marcus Thornton
G New Orleans
Russell Westbrook
G Oklahoma City
Sliding Back
Don’t be surprised if the following players take a step
(or, in some cases, another step) backward this season.
Ron Artest
G L.A. Lakers
Baron Davis
G L.A. Clippers
Derek Fisher
G L.A. Lakers
Kenyon Martin
F Denver
Emeka Okafor
C New Orleans
Tony Parker
G San Antonio
Hedo Turkoglu
F Phoenix
Under-the-Radar Signings
David Lee, Golden State (six years, $80 million)
A first-time All-Star last season with the Knicks, Lee’s offensive skills will shine in Golden State’s system.
Hakim Warrick, Phoenix (four years, $18 million)
Warrick’s talents will be showcased in the up-tempo Phoenix attack.
Darko Milicic, Minnesota (four years, $20 million)
Another nonsensical offseason move by David Kahn resulted in the former No. 2 overall pick stealing money from the Wolves.
Wesley Matthews, Portland (five years, $32.5 million) Give the undrafted rookie credit for making the most of his minutes in Utah.
