Starters:
G – Russell Westbrook – Favorited to win MVP by many, barring how many wins he can lead the Thunder to this year, Westbrook is a lock to be an All Star Game starter. Without Kevin Durant on the team, Westbrook will have the ball in his hands a lot more, and with that will come even bigger and more impressive numbers.
G – Stephen Curry – The reigning two time MVP is also a heavy favorite to start in the backcourt for the West, and if he can come anywhere close to his production from a season ago, the spot is his to lose. The only thing keeping him out of the starting lineup is if Kevin Durant is featured more heavily in the offense.
F – Kevin Durant – His move to the Warriors may hinder his production slightly due to the amount of talent on the roster, but that will not stop Durant from being a dominant force in this league. He is the best forward in the West, and is a lock to start.
F – Kawhi Leonard – Leonard finished second in MVP voting last season, and while I do not see him finishing quite as high this year, his growth each season has been very impressive. The Spurs are officially his team now, and he will have to have a huge season if they want any chance at knocking off the Warriors for top spot in the West.
C – Demarcus Cousins – The Kings have made no progress this offseason in becoming a better team, and without Rondo, Cousins will have an even bigger role in the offense than he already does. He is without a doubt the best center in the league, and this year he’s going to have to prove it to make the Kings relevant.
Bench:
G – James Harden – With Dwight Howard out of town and numerous new additions to the lineup, Harden looks to contend for the MVP award this season. Due to the starting lineup being voted on by fans, it is doubtful that he will beat out fan favorites Curry and Westbrook, but expect a monster year from the best shooting guard in the NBA.
G – Chris Paul – Paul is another guy who could be in contention to win the MVP award based on his team’s success. The Clippers are favorited to be second in the West, and if Paul plays the way he is capable of playing, he will easily make the roster for the West.
G – Damian Lillard – It is about time people start respecting Lillard as one of the best players at his position, and after being snubbed from the team last year, Lillard will prove to everyone why he deserves to represent the West. The Trail Blazers look to add to their unexpected previous success this season, and Lillard will be looked upon to lead them to success.
F – Anthony Davis – The Pelicans probably won’t be very good this season, but that wont stop their young star from flourishing. Assuming he stays healthy, he has a great chance to once again represent the West. He is a once in a generation talent who is hoping to take his game to superstar status this year.
F – Blake Griffin – The Clippers are the favorites to get the two seed in the West, and that is mostly due to Griffin returning to 100% health. If he stays healthy all year, he could put up some huge numbers on a very good Clippers team.
WC – Klay Thompson – Thompson will more than likely get the short end of the stick on the offensive end for the Warriors this year, but he is still capable of putting up huge numbers at any moment. His production will decrease, but he is still a good enough player to make the West roster.
WC – Karl Anthony-Towns – After a fantastic rookie season, Towns could possibly take a huge step forward with his play this year. He can do it all on both ends, and if he puts it all together he is a matchup nightmare for anyone. With the Timberwolves finally looking ready to make a playoff push, Town has to be up for the challenge of becoming a go-to guy as a second year player.
