NBA Free Agency: Impact of Signings so far on the Western Conference Power Rankings

This past week has arguably been one of the most intriguing the NBA's history. LeBron James, Paul George, Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus Cousins have all made massive decisions that will no doubt impact the seeding of the Western Conference going into next seasons playoffs.

In this article, I will evaluate and analyze who I believe to be the 4 Western Conference teams most likely to earn home-court advantage going into next year’s NBA Playoffs.

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder

Paul George and Russell Westbrook

Likely Starting 5:

Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Adams

Bench Contributors: Jerami Grant, Nerlens Noel, Alex Abrines, Patrick Patterson

Despite an extremely underwhelming year in 2017/18, The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the best position to take out the number 4 seed in the West. They take this spot because of the fact they have retained their core squad of players, who with a year together under their belt should only get better.

The sticky issue for the Thunder is what to do with Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has refused to come off the bench, despite him running their second unit being a very solid option. Excluding Anthony, a core that includes Westbrook, George, Adams, Roberson surely is talented enough to earn the Thunder the number 4 seed. Add in the ever-improving Jerami Grant and Alex Abrines, some handy minutes from Patrick Patterson and Nerlens Noel and you have an extremely versatile roster.

The key for the Thunder will be their defense. With George, Adams, Westbrook, Roberson, and Grant on the floor, they possess one of the best defensive lineups in the NBA.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James and Lonzo Ball

Likely Starting 5: Lonzo Ball, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JaVale McGee

Bench Contributors: Rajon Rondo, Mortiz Wagner, Lance Stephenson

The Lakers are a hard team to write about given they are more than likely to add to their squad before the end of free agency. However, even if they end up with Kawhai Leonard I would still rank them in this position. Acquiring LeBron James is no doubt GM Magic Johnson’s biggest achievement since retiring from the franchise as a player. LeBron instantly turns this team into a Western Conference contender.

However, there is a lot to like about this young Lakers contingent as well. Kyle Kuzma showed last season that he has what it takes to be a solid scorer in the NBA in years to come. Kuzma makes good decisions with the ball and I feel will work well in tandem with James. Lonzo Ball is another one to watch out for. If Lonzo is able to accept that he will play second fiddle in ball carrying duties to James then there is no reason he couldn’t be a solid piece in the Lakers puzzle.

I would have mentioned Brandon Ingram, however, I don’t think he will be around in Lakers uniform come the start of the season. In my opinion, and extremely underappreciated signing for the Lakers is Rajon Rondo. Rondo won't be intimidated by James and will happily provide another point of view in team discussions to that of the King’s. Add in his all-around solid play and team-first attitude and its safe to say the Lakers are building a very nice roster.

#2 Houston Rockets

James Harden and Chris Paul

Likely Starting 5:

James Harden, Chris Paul, PJ Tucker, Ryan Anderson, Clint Capella

Bench Contributors: Eric Gordon, Nene, Joe Johnson, Tarik Black

You would be a brave person to bet against the Houston Rockets next season. This is a team that was all over the eventual champion Warriors until Chris Paul got injured. If Paul doesn’t injure his hamstring then the whole NBA picture could be entirely different right now. Looking ahead to next season Houston retains mostly the same core of players.

The loss of Trevor Ariza will hurt them, however, they have similar 3-and-D players on their roster who should be able to step up and fill his minutes. Clint Capela resigning was huge for the Rockets. Capela is so pivotal to the Rockets game plan. His offensive rebounds and the way he anchors their defense with his versatility is a big reason for the Rockets success.

Look for the Rockets to continue in the same vein next season both offensively and defensively. They will continue to switch screens against most teams, and as for their 41.9 3pt attempts per game, don’t expect that to change.

#1 Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins

Likely Starting 5: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, DeMarcus Cousins

Bench Contributors: Andre Iguodala, Patrick Mccaw, Jordan Bell, Shaun Livingston

There are not many words to describe this Warriors starting 5 other than ‘wow’. It’s easy to bag them by saying that they are a team of sellouts, but yet 3 of their all stars are draft picks. The inclusion of DeMarcus Cousins on a tiny 5.3 million per year deal is huge. A quality center is all they were lacking.

It is scary to think the Warriors won the NBA with JaVale McGee as their starting center, you can only imagine what impact Cousins is going to make. The Warriors will need to make sure they keep their team chemistry together though. Cousins has been known to have an abrasive personality, and given the Warriors had issues without him, it is something they will need to carefully manage.

Don’t expect much to change with this Warriors game plan though. Cousins will be expected to take what's on offer, there will not be many plays drawn up for him. What he does add is an inside presence capable of scoring in the post. When you include the quality of Iguodala off the bench, its hard to see Golden State not making it out of the Conference for a 5th straight year.