NBA Power Rankings: Western Conference Post Kevin Love

They are the reigning world champions and have their entire roster back intact. Provided age and injury don’t infect them, the San Antonio Spurs remain the class of the West.. . San Antonio Spurs . 1. 29.

Oklahoma City Thunder . 2. 149. . The return of Serge Ibalka came too lake to save the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals but with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook still there, this team is dangerous as ever..

. Doc Rivers no longer has the distraction of Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers spent the off-season adding some quality depth such as Spencer Hawes to their bench.. . Los Angeles Clippers . 3. 77

4. 41. . They didn’t manage to land Kevin Love but they still have Klay Thompson. Together with Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala, the Golden State Warriors are a formidable team.. . Golden State Warriors

5. 169. . They missed on Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh and also lost Chandler Parsons. Hopes are that Trevor Ariza can cover up those disappointments and help compliment star Houston Rockets tandem James Harden and Dwight Howard.. . Houston Rockets

79. . Parsons instead choice to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, who retained Dirk Nowitzki and pulled off a trade for veteran center Tyson Chandler. It is a trio that looks awfully good on paper. If anything else, they are definitely one of the top dark horses of 2014-2015.. . Dallas Mavericks . 6

Portland Trail Blazers . 7. 34. . Damian Lillard came into his own last season and he still has Lamarcus Aldridge by his side. The Portland Trail Blazers are definitely a playoff team in the West..

. Memphis Grizzlies . 8. 211. . This veteran roster led by Marc Gasol is in the playoff mix every year but age may be catching up to the Memphis Grizzlies. Time will tell how much that affects them in this conference.

. Denver Nuggets . 9. 73. . Injuries really crippled the Denver Nuggets before their season even began last year. With guys coming back healthy they have enough young talents like Kenneth Faried to reach May.

10. 86. . The loss of Kevin Love should’ve crippled the Minnesota Timberwolves, but thanks to some sly maneuvering they have at least two quality pieces coming to town in Andrew Wiggins and Thaddeus Young. Paired with Ricky Rubio, this team has a chance to surprise now and in the future.. . Minnesota Timberwolves

. The ongoing saga with Eric Bledsoe really hurts the stock of the Phoenix Suns. They have the look of a team that can put together a really good year but without their point guard and any conformity it won’t matter.. . Phoenix Suns . 11. 66

. New Orleans Pelicans . 12. 69. . Anthony Davis has the fans in the Big Easy exciting, and for good reason. The kid is emerging into the star the New Orleans Pelicans hoped he’d be. They aren’t ready for primetime yet, but that day is drawing closer.

Retaining Gordon Heyward and putting together a nice draft was a shot in the arm for the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately they have a ways to go before they’re in the picture again out West. More pieces are needed, as well as time.. . Utah Jazz . 13. 118.

Sacramento Kings . 14. 67. . Talent really isn’t the problem for the Sacramento Kings with names like DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore on board. The issue is they have no leadership and that is why they continue to underachieve..

. Pau Gasol is gone and Carlos Boozer is in his place. Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are nearing their career ends. Julius Randle will eventually be a player, but he can help the Los Angeles Lakers this year. Nobody can.. . Los Angeles Lakers . 15. 20