Western Conference Standings: The Battle for the 5th Seed
How will the Western Conference Playoff race shape out this year? One of the biggest seeds up for grabs is the fifth spot and we discuss the Thunder’s chances of getting it.
Coming into the 2016-2017 regular season, the Western Conference is experiencing a change of guard. The San Antonio Spurs recently said goodbye to their future hall of fame inductee and greatest Spur in franchise history, Tim Duncan. Along with Duncan’s retirement, Manu Ginobili is on his last legs, and Tony Parker is slowly being surpassed by Patty Mills. The Spurs have retooled their roster around Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Going from a big three to a big two will make it tougher for the Spurs going forward. Clinching the 1st or 2nd seed in the West will no longer be a guarantee.
In addition, the Golden State Warriors signing Kevin Durant in the off-season simultaneously, knocked down the Oklahoma City Thunder’s chances in the West, while certifying that the Warriors will be the number 1 seed in the West this coming season.
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Next, we have the Clippers, a team who gains by remaining the same. They’ll begin the next season as favorites to clinch the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. With Blake Griffin injured last season, the Clippers still had enough talent to get the 4th seed in the West. At worst, the Clippers will be a 3 seed this season.
The top 3 seeds in the Western Conference will be the Warriors, Clippers, and Spurs in that order.
So, who’s getting the 4th seed?
The Portland Trailblazers that’s who.
Last season, critics and fans viewed Portland as a team in the rebuilding phase after losing LaMarcus Aldrige to the Spurs. But, the surprising growth in C.J. Mccollum’s game, along with Damian Lillard’s clutch shooting, allowed Portland to clinch the 5th seed in the West last year. Over the off-season, they signed Evan Turner and Festus Ezeli, two key additions. Also, they have tremendous depth with players such as Allen Crabbe and Al-Farouq Aminu at the small forward position.
With the top 4 seeds in the Western Conference pretty much locked in, we now focus on the 5th seed.
This is where things get interesting.
Now what teams will potentially compete for this spot?
Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz.
First, lets start with the Thunder. The expected drop off won’t be as drastic as people think. Losing Durant hurts, but it’s not the end of the world. They traded for Victor Oladipo, although giving up Serge Ibaka hurts their defense, and they kept Westbrook. Last year, the Thunder’s defensive efficiency was 12th and they were the 3rd seed, proving defensive problems aren’t enough to take them out of playoff contention.
Second, the Utah Jazz. The Jazz have been quietly improving for a few years now. Utah is under pressure to make some noise this year because Gordon Hayward is a free agent after the season. The Jazz are getting back Dante Exum this season, after he missed last year with a torn acl. Along with this, they have solid front court play with Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors. They’re positioned to make some noise in playoffs next year.
Unfortunately, for the Thunder, the Jazz stands in their way.
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- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The Utah Jazz are the benchmark representing the separation between tier 1 and tier 2 playoff teams in the West.
The Utah Jazz are better than the Thunder for three reason; depth, players at their proper positions, and talent.
Outside of Westbrook, the Thunder’s talent is still largely potential based. Oladipo and Kanter have shown some good ability over the years, but that’s about it. While on Utah, Alec Burks, Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert, and the recently signed Joe Johnson have all shown they are proven starting caliber players.
Next, the depth Utah has is far greater than the Thunder. The Thunder’s bench is largely unproven and consist of players without much potential. This differs from the Jazz who have depth on the perimeter with players such as, Trey Lyles, Alec Burks, and Joe Johnson, and in the front court with players such as, Boris Diaw.
Lastly, nobody on the Thunder plays their true position, expect Enes Kanter and Steven Adams. Westbrook is somewhere between shooting guard and a point guard. Oladipo is a point guard, but will probably play more off ball with Westbrook on the court. Also, Andre Robertson and Anthony Morrow might play small forward when both players are more suited for the shooting guard spot, especially on the defensive end of the floor.
The Thunder have not fallen off completely, but one thing is certain.
The Utah Jazz are back.