The Western Conference is as stacked with talent as it's ever been. There are no true super teams like we've seen in the past, but that just means the top-tier players are more spread out. Teams have to be built differently due to the restrictions in the CBA, and it has forced organizations to build their teams differently.
You'll be hard pressed to find more than one superstar on one team, so you'll find at least one on a lot of teams instead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the number one seed, the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic was a fourth seed, and the man people continue to anoint as the next face of the league, Anthony Edwards, was on a sixth-seeded team that made it to the Western Conference Finals. Any one of them could have taken the other out had small circumstances been different.
If the Spurs are watching the playoffs, they see how competitive it is. That's only going to get worse. It won't be all the same teams, though. Some will have staying power, but there will be some new faces [standing in San Antonio's way.](https://airalamo.com/predicting-spurs-next-five-years-once-playoff-window-opens-next-season)
Spurs will have to fight for top of Western Conference
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The Spurs have managed their cap and assets in a way that allows them to go in several directions to [build a contender.](https://airalamo.com/wembanyama-spurs-villain-nba-desperately-needs) They'll need to be careful which way they choose to go, because they aren't the only ones primed for long-term runs. Their path to return to the pinnacle of greatness will mean going through a staunch group of ever-growing threats.
5\. Memphis Grizzlies
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The Grizzlies have had a weird last couple of years. Between Ja Morant's injuries and suspensions, they haven't had a chance to develop any consistency. Despite their fluctuating rotation, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane's talent is obvious. They have some roster challenges, and it's unclear whether they'll get the head coach right, but the core for something special is there.
Memphis isn't strapped for cash either. They're top ten in cap space with movable contracts. If they make the right moves, they'll put themselves in a position to challenge San Antonio and anyone else vying for the top of the West.
4\. Utah Jazz
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Utah's place on this list may surprise you, but it's clear that they've been tanking the last couple of years. If you believe Danny Ainge isn't savvy enough to put together a competitive roster, I'd also like to tell you about some premium land I have for sale in the Sahara Desert.
The Jazz are also in a great place with their cap space, and they have two first-round picks, including the number five pick in the upcoming draft. Lauri Markkanen had an injury-plagued season. It limited him to 47 games. He'll likely be back with a vengeance, Keyonte George will be better, and that team will start to step into the spotlight. Mark my words.
3\. Houston Rockets
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It pains me to put the Rockets on this list, but pretending that they aren't set up to annoy the Silver and Black for the foreseeable future would be a lie. They reached the second seed in the Western Conference in Ime Udoka's second year as their head coach. He's not going anywhere. They have assets to go after a big name, and Alperen Sengun is getting better.
That doesn't even take Amen Thompson into account. He has futuristic athleticism. You almost can't believe what you're seeing when he shows it off. I don't know about Jalen Green, but they had a stellar season despite his inconsistency. They don't have a true star yet, but they're poised to go after one. If they get it, they may rise to number two on this list. Udoka is that good.
2\. Minnesota Timberwolves
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I have two words for you: Anthony Edwards. He's still only 23 years old, and he's been to the Western Conference Finals two years in a row. They traded Karl Anthony-Towns after making it this far last season, and everyone thought they made a major mistake. The fact that they've made it back with Julius Randle as the number two guy in his first year there is a testament to the culture they're building.
The Timberwolves aren't in as favorable a position as the previous teams mentioned, but they already have their superstar. The ownership group has shown that they're willing to pay guys, too—something the players in Kevin Garnett's era couldn't say. If Edwards keeps elevating his game and the owners are willing to pay the bill, the Timberwolves will be around for a while longer.
1\. Oklahoma City Thunder
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The most unfortunate part about including the Thunder is having to acknowledge that they very well may win their first title. You could count what they did back in Seattle, but I don't. When you move cities, the slate is wiped clean. The championship won by the Supersonics back in 1979 doesn't belong to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it would be silly to argue otherwise.
However, they're poised to win one this postseason and set up to continue competing for titles for the next umpteen years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just won his first MVP. Hopefully, it's his only one. They've drafted so well that they're not overpaying anyone. They also have Nikola Topic waiting in the wings. They drafted him in last year's lottery, and he hasn't played a minute yet.
The Spurs are getting ready to make a run at the playoffs and go for the gold, but their path will be a treacherous one. The Western Conference looks one way now, but the old dogs are on their way out. There will be no more Steph Curry and LeBron James soon, but there will still be plenty of obstacles for the Silver and Black to conquer.