Each NBA season, a handful of groups defy expectations and make a major soar within the standings. This yr, the Western Convention is poised for some shake-ups, with a number of squads able to climb the ranks.
Which three Western Convention groups are poised to make the largest soar in wins this season?
Honorable Point out
Houston Rockets
The Rockets made an enormous leap final yr, going from a 22-win squad in 2022-23 to a .500 report. Nonetheless, one other such leap could also be required for the workforce to make the postseason in 2024-25. Whereas Alperen Sengun and Jalen Inexperienced have proven stable growth, it may be untimely to anticipate both participant to achieve elite standing subsequent season and lead the Rockets to the playoffs.
No. 3: Dallas Mavericks
The acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford through commerce propelled the Dallas Mavericks to an 18-9 report after the All-Star sport, good for fourth-best within the NBA. The Mavericks’ late-season surge carried into the postseason, the place they beat three high quality groups — the Clippers, Thunder and Timberwolves — en path to the NBA Finals earlier than finally bowing out to the dominant Celtics.
Within the playoffs, Luka Doncic (28.9 PPG) and Kyrie Irving (22.1 PPG) shaped one of the vital potent offensive backcourts in NBA historical past. In the meantime, Washington supplied glorious protection, holding his playoff assignments to 4.4% below their typical shooting average, and Gafford supplied sturdy rim safety, limiting opposing groups to 59.1% shooting from the restricted area.
With the identical core returning, bolstered by the addition of sharpshooter Klay Thompson, the Mavericks have all of the components to surpass their 50-32 report in 2023-24 and make a severe push for the highest seed within the Western Convention.
Prediction: The Mavericks enhance by seven video games to 57-25.
No. 2: San Antonio Spurs
Final season, the Spurs completed 14th within the West with a 22-60 report. Nonetheless, they confirmed marked enchancment after head coach Gregg Popovich inserted Tre Jones into the beginning lineup. Their three most effective five-man lineups (+68 complete factors, +34 complete factors and +25 complete factors) all featured Jones, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama, offering a glimpse of what might be anticipated this season.
The Spurs additional bolstered their roster by signing 12-time All-Star Chris Paul whereas drafting Stephon Citadel, a key participant in UConn’s back-to-back nationwide championships. As for Wembanyama, after an earth-shattering rookie season by which he averaged 21.4 factors, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and three.6 blocks per sport, he is able to change into a reliable MVP candidate this yr.
Whereas Wembanyama’s probably ascension to a top-10 participant and Paul’s veteran management will considerably elevate the Spurs’ competitiveness this season, a playoff berth might be out of attain. The Spurs’ true rise probably will not happen till the 2025-2026 season.
Prediction: The Spurs enhance by 12 video games to 34-48.
No. 1: Memphis Grizzlies
Within the 2022-23 season, the Grizzlies appeared poised for a championship run. Nonetheless, Memphis’ momentum was derailed by Ja Morant’s off-court points. Regardless of ending second within the Western Convention with a 51-31 report, the Lakers eradicated them within the first spherical of the playoffs.
Final season was a complete catastrophe. Morant started the yr with a 25-game suspension after which suffered a season-ending shoulder damage after simply 9 contests, plunging the Grizzlies to the underside a part of the standings.
The guts of Memphis’ championship-caliber workforce stays intact with Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and a now wholesome and motivated Morant. The return of former Defensive Participant of the 12 months Marcus Good and promising energy ahead Brandon Clarke from damage additional boosts Memphis’ roster. With their workforce totally intact for the primary time over a yr, the Grizzlies have the potential to be probably the most improved workforce within the league this season.