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Golden State Warriors: Ranking every Western Conference team

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on March 8, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on March 8, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

10. New Orleans Pelicans

Everyone, including myself, is eager to crown the New Orleans Pelicans as the next dynasty. There hasn’t been this much young talent on a team since the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Can the Pelicans capitalize on all of this talent?

Zion Williamson is a once-in-a-generation prospect, there’s no debating that. However, the man hasn’t been able to play longer than a few minutes at a time. He has a lot to prove in terms of durability before being named a top player.

Luckily, the Pelicans have an All-Star in Brandon Ingram and a dormant volcano in Lonzo Ball that is waiting to erupt. If these two make another leap next season, the Pelicans could find themselves battling for playoff position.

9.  Houston Rockets

Uncertainty lays ahead of the Houston Rockets. If the damage done by James Harden is repaired, and the MVP remains on the roster, the Rockets will undoubtedly be a playoff team. However, it seems Harden is destined to be traded – so what’s next?

Well, the Rockets will have to ride John Wall as far as he can take them. The speedy guard appeared to be fully healthy in his first preseason game in two years – but injuries will continue to be a concern for both he and DeMarcus Cousins.

Houston made a solid pickup in Christian Wood, a versatile big that can play multiple styles. If Wall is anywhere near his old self, and the rest of the supporting cast steps up, the Rockets will avoid falling off the map completely in Harden’s absence.

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