With free agency coming to a close and the NBA Summer League now concluding, the focus shifts towards the beginning of the 2022-23 season. While it's still a few months away, it's never too early to put your money down on some Western Conference Futures. The West is jam-packed with quality teams and of course, the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. But, there are numerous other franchises that could end up winning the West, including the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers.
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2023 Western Conference Futures
| Odds to win Western Conference |  |
|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | +350 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +350 |
| Phoenix Suns | +350 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +600 |
| Denver Nuggets | +900 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | +900 |
| Dallas Mavericks | +1100 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +2000 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +2000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | +4000 |
Golden State Warriors
It would be unfair to not discuss the Dubs first. After all, they cruised all the way to an NBA title and beat the Dallas Mavericks in five games to take the Western Conference as well. Golden State still has their core in place of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins, but they did lose a few key pieces this offseason. Otto Porter Jr signed with the Toronto Raptors in free agency, while Gary Payton II took a nice payday from the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Steve Kerr's squad will finally get James Wiseman back after missing all of last season, which should be a huge boost to their frontcourt alongside playoff hero Kevon Looney. You simply can't count out the Warriors when it comes to getting back to the Finals.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers missed out on the playoffs altogether in 2022, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Play-In Tournament. However, there is serious optimism for this organization heading into the upcoming season. Kawhi Leonard is returning from a knee injury and when he's healthy alongside Paul George, it's an extremely scary sight. Plus, Norman Powell, Reggie Jackson, Nic Batum, Luke Kennard, Terance Mann, and newly signed John Wall are tremendous role players. To be honest, the addition of Wall could make a huge difference for Ty Lue's squad. He won't be relied on to be the franchise star anymore but instead, Wall can serve as a standout off the bench for LA who can score and facilitate at a high level. The Clips pride themselves on defense and they clearly have the offensive firepower as well. This is a team that cannot be taken lightly. A lot of people already believe they should be a favorite in Western Conference Futures and it's totally understandable why.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns came in first place in the West last season but failed miserably in the postseason, losing to Luka Doncic and the Mavs in the conference semifinals in embarrassing fashion. Phoenix was on the verge of losing Deandre Ayton after the Indiana Pacers put a massive offer sheet on the table, but the Suns matched it and he'll now stay put. There is also still the chance Kevin Durant ends up in the desert but at this point, the Brooklyn Nets haven't been intrigued enough by any offer for their superstar. Even with their current squad, Phoenix is very, very good. Devin Booker is a star, Chris Paul is the Point God, and the likes of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson contribute on both ends as well. Keeping Ayton is also huge for their title hopes because it was always going to be difficult to find a big man like him who is truly a special two-way talent. The Suns have the Finals experience and after bowing out early just a few months ago, they'll be hungry to right their wrongs and come back with a vengeance in the 2023 playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies
You cannot sleep on these young, hungry Grizzlies. Yes, they lost to the Warriors in the conference semifinals, but if Ja Morant didn't get injured, there was every chance Memphis beats the Dubs and goes on to play for a West title. Taylor Jenkins's team is special and with Morant coming off an All-Star campaign, the best is surely yet to come from one of the most confident players in the entire Association. The talent around Ja is really what makes the Grizz so dangerous, too. Desmond Bane is a top-5 shooter in the league, Jaren Jackson Jr is a versatile big, Tyus Jones is the perfect backup PG, and Dillon Brooks is a gritty, two-way player. One of the youngest teams around, Memphis truly believes they're the best and it showed last season, finishing as the No. 2 seed in the West. They're certainly a team to keep an eye on in Western Conference Futures if health doesn't take its toll.
Final Pick
There are some other teams to consider here. The Los Angeles Lakers are at +600 odds, but to be honest, I don't see them winning the West. The Denver Nuggets however are a team that could make some noise. With back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic leading the way, they're a potential dark horse because both Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray will be back in the mix, their other two best players.
However, I'm truly riding with the Clippers. This group is very fundamentally sound and coached by one of the best around, Ty Lue. The star duo of PG and Kawhi can't be taken for granted either, especially with the latter owning lots of championship experience.
Pick: Clippers to win Western Conference.
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