NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Western Conference

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Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kevin Durant addresses the media in a press conference after signing with the Golden State Warriors at the Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Many teams in the Western Conference made moves to improve during the offseason. One team, for the most part, stood out, but several teams are optimistic heading into the season.

As is the case with every offseason, several players relocated and joined new teams. Recently here at NBN, we did a preseason ranking of the Eastern Conference, and now we will do the same for the Western Conference.

For the most part, NBA rosters are set as teams will begin to prepare for training camps, the preseason, and eventually the regular season in late October. By now, there is a pretty good barometer of where teams stand heading into the 2016-17 season.

The Western Conference saw a major change, which we will get to later, but it’s full of intrigue for other reasons as well. Just as noteworthy as what we will see on the floor this season, is what we will not see. Two of the NBA’s greats, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, have retired. For the first time since 1996, the Los Angeles Lakers will not have Bryant, and for the first time since 1997, the San Antonio Spurs will not have Duncan.

The Western Conference saw a record-breaking performance in the regular season last year, as the Golden State Warriors won 73 games. It will be hard for the Warriors to repeat that regular season performance, as the West is filled with talent.

With that in mind, how does the Western Conference rank at this juncture?

Next: No. 15