Both Houston and Denver have gone backwards this offseason. Houston, more so with Yao's injury, but they've lost Artest and now Wafer and McGrady is a big question mark (as always).
It will be interesting to see what happens in Utah with Boozer. He doesn't want to be there, and they don't want him, but can't seem to move him in a trade. If he stays, there's bound to be problems. He'll be playing for his next contract (somewhere else) and that can't help team chemistry.
I think NO might be a little better this season, but not as good as they were in 2007-08. The Suns lost Shaq and Nash and Hill are both now eligible for AARP membership. If San Antonio can stay healthy, a big if with Timmy's knees, they should be tough, they should be better than last season. Dallas looks about the same to me. Adding Marion could help, but he hasn't exactly lit the world on fire after leaving Phoenix.
So, I think it will come down to the Blazers and the Spurs for the No. 2 seed in the West.
BNM