Biggest Question Marks for Every NBA Western Conference Team

Here you can find our top questions for each Eastern Conference team.

The NBA free agency period kicked off with a flurry of blockbuster trades and record-breaking deals, setting the stage for potential game-changing moves in the Western Conference. As the off-season continues, here are some key questions for each team in the West to consider.

Dallas Mavericks

Is it possible for the Mavs to find a replacement for Jalen Brunson?

The Mavs suffered a major blow in free agency with Brunson signing a more lucrative deal with the New York Knicks. As the team’s second-leading scorer last season, his absence puts even more pressure on superstar Luka Doncic.

The Mavs are banking on first-round draft pick Jaden Hardy to step up quickly if they want any chance of returning to the Western Conference finals. Without his improvement, another trip to the finals seems unlikely.

Denver Nuggets

Is it possible that the Nuggets are prepared to overthrow the Golden State Warriors?

With the Nuggets having the league’s MVP for the past two seasons, can they now establish themselves as the top team in the league?

The Nuggets had a successful free agency period in the NBA by acquiring Bruce Brown, DeAndre Jordan, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, giving Nikola Jokic a strong supporting cast to compete with the Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

The Nuggets have solidified themselves as one of the top three teams in the Western Conference due to their acquisitions in free agency.

Golden State Warriors

Who will take over for Gary Payton II?

The Warriors were dealt a blow when Payton joined the Trail Blazers, given his stellar defensive skills, particularly in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Golden State has found a silver lining by acquiring Donte DiVincenzo from the Kings, who is also known for his defensive prowess.

Furthermore, the Warriors still boast a lineup featuring Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jordan Poole. In summary, the Warriors are poised to have a successful season next year.

Dray, how many rings do you have?

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 25, 2022

Houston Rockets

Should the Rockets consider adding experienced players to their young core?

After the season, the Rockets made a trade with the Mavericks, sending their top scorer Christian Wood away. Despite Wood being a highly sought-after free agent, the Rockets saw an opportunity to get younger with his departure. Moving forward, they plan to focus on developing first-team All-Rookie Jae’Sean Tate and No. 3 pick Jabari Smith from Auburn as the foundation of their team.

Jalen Green and Josh Christopher, both 20 years old, are key components for the Rockets. With an average age of 21, adding some veteran experience could be beneficial as they continue to grow and develop.

Los Angeles Clippers

Is there anything left for John Wall?

Wall was once regarded as one of the league’s top players, but injuries have hindered his performance in recent years. As a result, his signing with the Clippers was not met with much excitement.

Wall joins a star-studded team featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The re-signing of Nicolas Batum solidifies the Clippers’ roster as a formidable contender on paper.

Much of the outcome will rely on Wall, who has only appeared in 113 games since the 2017-18 season due to injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers

Should the Lakers consider trading Russell Westbrook?

It will be a challenge to move Westbrook with his salary exceeding $47 million this season. However, there have been rumors linking him to multiple teams in potential trades. The most talked-about scenario involves Westbrook being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Kyrie Irving.

The Lakers should consider trading Westbrook sooner rather than later as his value is diminishing. He is no longer the dominant triple-double machine he once was.

Memphis Grizzlies

Do the Grizzlies lack the experience necessary to be considered a serious contender?

The Grizzlies shocked the league by clinching the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season, but ultimately fell to the more seasoned Warriors in the second round. Despite adding four promising rookies in the draft, their most significant acquisition may have been veteran guard Danny Green.

With four NBA finals appearances under his belt, Green brings a wealth of experience to the table and could be an ideal mentor for the team’s younger players.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Is it possible for Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert to play together in the frontcourt?

The Timberwolves made a surprising move during free agency by acquiring Rudy Gobert in exchange for draft picks and players. This unexpected trade raised eyebrows as they already had Karl-Anthony Towns at center. With Gobert now on the team, Towns will transition to power forward and form a formidable duo with the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

With Gobert anchoring the defense, Towns and Edwards should have more opportunities to shine. The Timberwolves may feel the absence of Beverley and Beasley, but their formidable frontcourt could propel them into contention in the competitive Western Conference.

New Orleans Pelicans

Was it worth signing Zion Williamson?

The Pelicans secured Williamson for a five-year, $193 million max rookie extension. Despite his immense potential, Williamson has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.

The Pelicans are counting on his continued health and leadership to be the foundation of the franchise in the coming years. Having C.J. McCollum as a teammate, acquired at last season’s trade deadline, should help support Williamson.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Is Chet Holmgren at ease being the figurehead of the organization?

Since the Thunder are not considered contenders in the league, rookie Chet Holmgren steps in as the primary draw.

Holmgren, the second overall pick from Gonzaga, is anticipated to start on opening day. He posted impressive stats of 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, two assists, 2.8 blocks, and one steal during the summer league. The Thunder previously selected Kevin Durant with the No. 2 pick in the draft.

The franchise can only dream of achieving a similar result.

Phoenix Suns

Did the Suns make the correct decision in retaining Deandre Ayton?

Just before the start of free agency, Kevin Durant asked to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets and listed Phoenix as one of his top choices.

Although they were initially favored, the Suns lost the opportunity to sign Durant after choosing to keep Ayton on their roster. The Indiana Pacers made a tempting offer for Ayton, but the Suns decided to match it, effectively removing themselves from the running for Durant. The Nets were interested in acquiring Ayton in a trade, but because of the Suns’ decision to keep him, he cannot be traded until the new year.

The Suns believe they have a strong enough team to compete for a championship without Durant. Despite being the top seed in the Western Conference last year, they were unexpectedly defeated by the Mavericks in the second round.

Locked-in 😁 pic.twitter.com/12ABTv6Ygk

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 19, 2022

Portland Trail Blazers

To what extent will the signings of Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II impact the team?

Damian Lillard, the guard for the Blazers, has shown great loyalty by playing for the same team throughout his career, and in return, the organization has rewarded him with an impressive free agency deal.

The additions of Grant and Payton are expected to boost the Blazers’ position in the Western Conference. Grant will provide a strong second option to support Lillard, while Payton brings defensive prowess and championship experience from his time with the Warriors.

Having them around should help alleviate some of the pressure on Lillard.

Sacramento Kings

Was the load lightened on De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis by the Kings?

A year ago, the Kings heavily depended on Fox and Sabonis, but now they have bolstered their roster with additional reinforcements.

Earlier this month, Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter were signed to strengthen the backcourt. Monk had a standout year with the Lakers, averaging 13.8 points, while Huerter proved to be a reliable player for the Atlanta Hawks over his four seasons with the team.

Fox and Sabonis could become one of the top duos in the league with their ability to score from the perimeter, which should open up more opportunities for them.

San Antonio Spurs

Is Keldon Johnson prepared to take on the leadership role in a rebuilding project?

The Spurs acknowledge that they are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase.

Johnson is now tasked with leading the team following Murray’s departure to Atlanta. Johnson, who was the second-leading scorer behind Murray last season, has been signed to a four-year, $80-million deal as the Spurs put their faith in him.

Johnson, a 2019 first-round pick, scored an average of 17.1 points and had a 3-point shooting percentage of 39.8% in the previous season.

Utah Jazz

Is it possible for them to re-sign Donovan Mitchell or negotiate a suitable trade package for him?

The Mitchell saga has been the main topic of conversation during the Jazz’s offseason, particularly following the trade of Rudy Gobert earlier this month.

After initially expressing discontent with the organization following coach Quin Snyder’s termination, Mitchell backtracked on his trade request. However, he is now rumored to be back on the trading block.

The Jazz should consider trading him now as it is unlikely he will stay long-term in Utah. The Knicks and Heat are leading contenders to acquire Mitchell.

Be sure to check our Live Odds page regularly for the most favorable lines and engage with fellow members of the SBR community on our well-liked sports betting forum.