Western Conference
Warriors
Good: The Warriors went from a fringe playoff team to a fringe contender with Jimmy Butler before the Steph Curry injury. The Warriors didn’t give up much to get Butler via trade. The team made it out of the Play-In Tournament into the 2nd round. Draymond Green was in close contention for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Rookie 2nd round pick Quinten Post played well in and out of the starting lineup for size. 2nd year G Brandin Podziemski continues to develop as the starting SG. Veteran wing Buddy Hield stepped up in the playoffs when needed, also providing good entertainment with Jimmy. Andrew Wiggins was playing well before getting traded after a slow start. F Jonathan Kuminga played well before the injuries in the regular season and played well once the injuries hit in the postseason. The core of the team is under contract.
Bad: Injuries all down the lineup including in the playoffs to Curry. The team has decisions to make with Kuminga set for free agency along with veterans: G/F Gary Payton II, C Kevon Looney, and to a lesser extent F Kevin Knox with big contracts on the roster restricting movement. Outside of Kuminga, the young players didn’t step up when needed in the playoffs. G DeAnthony Melton was injured for the season and PG Dennis Schroder who he was traded for didn’t work out, but he was part of the Jimmy trade. The team still needs a veteran starting Center with size and another scorer/shooter to help Curry.
Nuggets
Good: The Nuggets earned the 4th seed and made it into the 2nd round of the playoffs after making it to two game 7’s surviving the 1st series. Star player Nikola Jokic was the MVP runner-up, almost winning his fourth and second in a row, while averaging a triple double. F Michael Porter Jr. had one his best regular seasons while staying healthy for most of the season. 3rd year G/F Chrisitan Braun took a big leap and was another player who stayed healthy throughout the season. Jamal Murray played well in both the regular season and postseason despite injuries. Signing veteran Russell Westbrook proved to be a smart move providing good depth and even starting at times. F Aaron Gordon had a solid season, while stepping up in the playoffs. 2nd year G Julian Strawther and 3rd year F Peyton Watson proved they can be at least role players and step up when needed. The late coaching change didn’t seem to hurt the team. Most of the team is under contract.
Bad: The team fired their HC and GM right before the playoffs showing front office/team disfunction. The team’s relationship with Westbrook has soured and he’s on a cheap player option after contributing. Veteran C DeAndre Jordan who filled in nicely when needed is a free agent along with player options for Gordon and F/C Dario Saric, but both should accept. Veteran F/C Zeke Nnaji has 3 years of good money left on his contract and hasn’t developed. Porter faded in the playoffs mostly due to injury. The team could still use another player or two if they lose Westbrook.
