[ESPN.com] Vandeweghe ranks Rox #3 in the West

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-061115a
Fresh challengers in WestBy Kiki Vandeweghe, ESPN.com

After the first weeks of the NBA season, I think we're seeing a Western Conference that is more wide open than people thought.
It's not just San Antonio, Dallas and everybody else.

There are many clubs showing signs of being potential contenders: both Los Angeles teams, Phoenix with a healthier Amare Stoudemire, the rise of Houston, and now Denver showing signs of life. The West has a lot of teams now that can be considered to have a shot at the conference finals.

Here's how I rank them so far.

1. San Antonio Spurs (6-1) -- We know what Tim Duncan and Tony Parker can give. But Manu Ginobili remains the wildcard. When he's good, the Spurs are good.

2. Utah Jazz (7-1) -- A team with great talent. When healthy, Jerry Sloan has the best halfcourt offense in the game. But health is a concern with this team, with Andrei Kirilenko hurt again.

3. Houston Rockets (5-3) -- Is Yao ready to take the torch as the game's best big man? Yao-McGrady-Battier is a potent trio.

4. Los Angeles Clippers (5-2) -- Sam Cassell can still get it done. Once Elton Brand and Chris Kaman start hitting on all cylinders, we'll see how good they can be.

5. Dallas Mavericks (3-4) -- Still trying to integrate the new guys. They're playing better. The guys have to adjust to what Avery Johnson wants defensively without losing their offensive identity on the way.

6. Phoenix Suns (2-5) -- The conditioning of Boris Diaw and Amare Stoudemire hurt them early on, but Steve Nash is the key. As he goes, so goes this team.

7. Los Angeles Lakers (5-3) -- One of the surprise teams. Andrew Bynum is growing up quickly. Is he ready to be the next great post-up center? It's interesting that their record is better without Kobe Bryant. They have hit on something with Lamar Odom as their point forward. If he can continue that while integrating Kobe, they could be very scary.

8. Denver Nuggets (3-3) -- Carmelo Anthony would be leading the league in scoring had he not been ejected from one game. He's been great. I like the energy guys they're using, Reggie Evans, Eduardo Najera and DerMarr Johnson.

9. Sacramento Kings (4-2) -- Quietly one of the better teams around. The emergence of Kevin Martin, a very complete player, has been important. When they get Brad Miller back, they still have one of the best teams in the West.

10. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets (5-3) -- Are the Hornets for real? We'll watch if they maintain this good energy level. Chris Paul and David West are helped by the news that Tyson Chandler seems to have reverted to form as one of the best rebounders in the game.

11. Golden State Warriors (5-3) -- As expected, they're better with Don Nelson. His style will make them even better. Are they going to trade Adonal Foyle?

12. Portland Trail Blazers (4-4) -- Better than expected. Jarrett Jack is a pleasant surprise. Zach Randolph is on a mission. When Brandon Roy is back and healthy, they're even more dangerous. But not a playoff team yet.

13. Seattle SuperSonics (4-4) -- An inconsistent team. Are they going to stay with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis or change direction and build? If the team doesn't play well, look for them to be traded. Earl Watson wants to be dealt already.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-4) -- Looks like Craig Smith is going to have a bigger impact in his rookie year than Randy Foye. Kevin Garnett's still great -- but will the team move him and rebuild?

15. Memphis Grizzlies (1-5) -- Mike Fratello could be one of the early coaching casualties. Playing without Pau Gasol is as tough as it gets.

ESPN analyst Kiki Vandeweghe, who was the Nuggets GM for five years until last spring, played 13 NBA seasons, averaging 19.7 ppg for four teams from 1981-1993.