Over the past three years, the NBA landscape has seen significant shifts, with several top-tier players making impactful moves between conferences. This period was marked by the migration of five top-30 talents—Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton—from the West to various Eastern Conference teams. These relocations have undeniably reshaped team dynamics and altered the balance of power within the league.
Jaylen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell, in particular, have made substantial contributions to their new teams, setting the stage for changed fortunes. Brunson's and Mitchell's influence goes beyond statistics; they have infused their teams with a competitive edge, pushing them into playoff contention and, in some cases, deep playoff runs.
Despite these notable shifts, the Western Conference continues to boast a majority of the league’s elite talent. Nine of the NBA's top 12 players are still in the West, underscoring the concentration of high-caliber talent in the conference. Further emphasizing this, the Top 100 list favored the West with 54 players compared to the East's 46—a testament to the enduring strength of the Western Conference rosters.
The West also saw significant inbound movement. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis have all returned to the Western Conference, making significant impacts on their respective teams. Kevin Durant, for instance, put up impressive averages of 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists last season while shooting an impressive 41% from the three-point range. Such numbers solidify his status as one of the league's premier players.
Dominance of the West
The West's dominance is not just in the quantity of talent but in the quality too. Nikola Jokic is widely regarded as the best player in the league, with Brad Botkin noting, "His defense has made great strides. The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player.”
Resilience and Rising Stars
Desmond Bane's performance amidst increased usage to 27.3% in his fourth year showcased his resilience and ability to maintain efficiency under pressure. With Ja Morant having missed nine games last season, Bane stepped up, averaging 24.6 points in Morant's absence—a clear indication of his growing prominence within the Grizzlies' roster. As James Herbert observed, even when sharing the floor, "The Grizzlies' franchise player was willing to defer to Bane at times."
Rudy Gobert's achievement of his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award further cements his reputation as a defensive powerhouse. The Timberwolves, buoyed by the stellar performance of Anthony Edwards, reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004. Edwards not only led his team but also earned his first All-NBA appearance—a milestone heralding his arrival on the biggest stage.
Challenges and Changes Ahead
The Clippers face a new challenge with the incorporation of James Harden into their lineup following Paul George's departure to Philadelphia. Integrating Harden’s unique skill set into their existing framework presents both an opportunity and a trial for the franchise.
Another rising star, Jalen Williams, has shown exceptional potential. His statistics without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the court were reminiscent of Kevin Durant's numbers, highlighting his capability as a versatile scorer and defensive asset. As James Herbert aptly put it, “His future looks bright with All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time.” The Mavericks could certainly use a player of Williams' caliber, but for now, they can rely on Luka Doncic, who, even after six years in the league, continues to leave fans and analysts in awe. Jasmyn Wimbish captures this sentiment perfectly: “Even after six years in the league, it's not uncommon to walk away from watching Doncic play and still think, 'How is he doing this?'”
The NBA remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. With shifts in player placements and emergent talents rising to the occasion, fans can look forward to yet another riveting season filled with unexpected twists and remarkable performances.