Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 20 October 2009 / Leave a comment

With the opening tip in the NBA just over a week away it is time to take a look at all the teams and assess their chances of winning the title. Nick Shiambouros rates the Western Conference contenders.

"The Jazz had a very disappointing season last year but they do posses the talent to be contenders - Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league and Carlos Boozer is a solid forward. I think the price on offer [(70.0)] is generous."

Los Angeles Lakers
The reigning champions signed Ron Artest from the Houston Rockets as a free agent this summer. This was a very big decision for the Lakers but I believe this brilliant but sometimes misunderstood player will fit in well. In fact, I think this could be the shrewdest signing of the season but Artest does come with a little baggage to say the least. The Lakers are definitely the team to beat in the Western Conference.
Current price to win the NBA championship [3.55]

San Antonio Spurs
Tim Duncan and company return for another crack at the title with a healthy Manu Ginobili. This solid team added rookie draft pick DeJuan Blair to the rotation and he is a player with a lot of promise. As a team, the Spurs are not getting any younger but they are sure to mount a big challenge.
Current price [13.0]

Denver Nuggets
This team went down fighting against the Lakers in the Western Conference finals last year and I am sure they will have a big year .Chauncey Billups was a huge asset to this team last season with his great ball distribution and is a born leader.
Current price [25.0]

Portland Trailblazers
This young team has a wealth of talent and I think they will have a very good year. Brandon Roy will get some help from new signing Andre Miller and I am sure they will make the playoffs at the very least.
Current price [30.0]

Utah Jazz
The Jazz had a very disappointing season last year but they do posses the talent to be contenders - Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league and Carlos Boozer is a solid forward. I think the price on offer is generous.
Current price [70.0]

Houston Rockets
The Rockets lost Ron Artest to the Lakers and Yao Ming will probably miss the whole season due to reconstructive surgery on his foot. The only good news for Houston is the signing of Trevor Ariza from LA.I think it could be a long year for the Rockets.
Current price [85.0]

Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki leads this team and there is no denying his talent. Dallas really struggled last year and I think they may find the going tough again. This is one team I am firmly against.
Current price [38.0]

Phoenix Suns
This team missed the playoffs last year and I think they might go down the same road this year. The Suns score a lot of points but have real problems defending. I think they are a team in transition and will struggle.
Current price [80.0]

Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have been rebuilding for an eternity. Rookie Blake Griffin is one of the most exciting prospects in the game and he may be in the starting line-up at the beginning of the year. This team has frustrated me for 20 years and will continue to do so.
Current price [110.0]

New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets signed Emeka Okafor from Charlotte to help out Chris Paul and company.Okafor is one of the few low post players in the NBA and they are a team that could surprise.
Current price [90.0]

Minnesota Timberwolves
Kurt Rambis has the unenviable job of turning this franchise around as the new head coach. I really don't think he can with this rotation.
Current price [300.0]

Oklahoma City Thunder
At the tender age of 21 the talented Kevin Durant leads this team. Another tough year ahead.
Current price [300.0]

Memphis Grizzlies
Allen Iverson had to take a $18m pay cut to join this team from Detroit. At least he has a starting role with this disappointing team.
Current price [430.0]

Sacramento Kings
Paul Westphal is the new coach for this poor team
Current price [290.0]

Golden State Warriors
This organisation is in turmoil but Stephen Curry is a rookie with a future.
Current price [290.0]

Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz