There will certainly be more significant trades and free-agent signings before training camps open in October. Even so, on the basis of changes already made and not made, here's a perusal of the league's seven most potent teams.
Lakers
The champs will remain the champs until another team usurps them. Meanwhile, the Lakers are arguably the most intelligent team in the league, and Kobe Bryant's position as the NBA's best player is beyond argument.
During the series, J. R. Smith demonstrated all-star capabilities at both ends of the court. But despite the fact that Chauncey Billups was able to instill a certain degree of control to his teammates, the influence worked both ways — with Billups taking more ill-advised shots in the playoffs than he had during a season's worth of games with Detroit.
With more maturity, focus, and self-control, the Nuggets could easily mount a serious challenge for the championship.
WHAT THE NUGGETS STILL NEED: Big back-ups who will demand double-teams in the pivot. Another small forward who can create his own shots.
Spurs
The Spurs can regain the championship under the following conditions:
Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili can stay healthy for the duration.
They can stop the clock so that TD (33) and Michael Finley (36) don't age as quickly as they seem to be doing.
Youngsters like Ian Mahinmi, DeJaun Blair, and George Hill can make major contributions.
Richard Jefferson is as good as he's supposed to be.
Roger Mason doesn't get worn out.
If most of these requirements work out, the team's overall discipline and attention to defense assures that they'll be legitimate contenders.
WHAT THE SPURS STILL NEED: A couple of quality big men.
Trail Blazers
Now is the time for the Blazers to transform their potential into actuality. Greg Oden has mastered his impersonation of LaRue Martin — now he must prove that he's at least better than Joel Przybilla. Without an inside presence, the Blazers offense will remain predictable and powerless.
Otherwise, with established veterans like LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, and Brandon Roy, along with improving youngsters like Nicholas Batum, Rudy Fernandez, and Jerryd Bayless, Portland has the tools to be a big-time player in the playoffs.
But the immediate future continues to depend on Oden.
WHAT THE BLAZERS STILL NEED: More power players up front.
