As Western Conference teams continue to bow before the now even more powerful Golden State Warriors, the massive middle class is left do battle for playoff position. Kevin Durant joining the Warriors not only makes the rich richer, it severely weakens their top 2016 competitor, Oklahoma City, and the wild west looks to be as unpredictable as it’s been in recent years.
At first glance, this seismic shift leaves the mighty Western Conference weaker overall, but young rosters in Denver and Minnesota may be ready to compete, and last year’s injury-plagued teams like the Clippers and Grizzlies will be more formidable.