NBA Division Preview: Northwest

The Northwest Division could be a runaway train with the Oklahoma City Thunder being the best team by far. They get former MVP Kevin Durant back to go with Russell Westbrook who had an MVP-like season last year. The rest of the division is a question mark but hey, you never know. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: It’s simple for the Thunder, have Durant and Westbrook play like MVP’s and Billy Donovan not get in the way. The new guy in charge is coming from the college game so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the difference in culture and dealing with two superstar players like Durant and Westbrook.
Player to watch: Steven Adams
Prediction: 55-27

Minnesota Timberwolves: After having the last two top overall picks the Wolves are bound for some success, right? They’ll head into the season with heavy, heavy hearts after the passing of head coach Flip Saunders Sunday afternoon. One person on the team who will have the heaviest of hearts and will play this season for one reason, Flip Saunders, is Kevin Garnett. KG came back to where his career started because of Flip and KG will look to teach the young duo of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns how to be great and will look to give the T-Wolves some life again. 
Player to watch: Andrew Wiggins
Prediction: 35-47

Utah Jazz: The Jazz are still trying to build a contending team and have some of the pieces falling into place. Second year big man Rudy Gobert is the anchor for the team going forward under second year coach Quin Snyder. The frontcourt along side Gobert of Gordon Hayward and Derek Favors will have to be the reason for the team’s success. Trey Burke looks to take the next step in becoming a top tier point guard. 
Player to watch: Trey Burke
Prediction: 32-50

Portland Tail Blazers: Portland has one starter coming back from last year’s team that won 51 games. All-Star Damian Lillard is the lone guy returning. The production is sure to drop but not as much as people might think. The loss of LaMarcus Aldridge to free agency is huge, but Meyers Leonard and Mason Plumlee look to take charge for the Trail Blazers. The division will go through the Thunder but second place is up for grabs. 
Player to watch: C.J. McCollum
Prediction: 30-52

Denver Nuggets: Emmauel Mudiay is going to be the guy. The rookie is going to be asked to do too much at times which will lead to rookie mistakes. The Nuggets don’t have any other firepower to compete in the division, let alone the conference. Forward Kenneth Faried will have to be much more than a 12 and 8 player if they want to stay relevant. 
Player to watch: Emmanuel Mudiay
Prediction: 20-62. 

Stephen Springer, Follow him on Twitter @stephen_springs