West Coast NBA: What's going on?

The NBA season is almost over, and what does the West Coast have to show for it?

Last month, I wrote about how the West Coast does not shine very bright right now when it comes to college basketball. The same appears to be case in pro ball... at least there's a momentum shift. There might be a bit of a talent migration, too... With two regular season games left, we'll analyze.

We'll start in Portland. Rip City became nip-tuck city this year. I hardly recognize this team now. It looks like the Blazers got a face lift, but only time will tell if this team is heading in the right direction. The changes made did not appear to improve their play. With no home games left, Portland is out of the playoff picture. Current record: 28-35

Sacramento is also out of the playoff picture. Although the Kings have been out for awhile, and this type of play is nothing new, have they thrown in the towel? Do they want to relocate? You'd think a team with a fanbase desparately trying to keep the team in Sactown would be a little better. Bottom line: small market = can't afford the talent. Current record: 20-42

Golden State. This is another franchise that has a history of medicority at best. They're just a shoulder shrug above Sacramento right now in the Pacific division. The Warriors appeared to have things heading in the right direction at the beginning of the year, but like Portland, fell and fell hard. They're out this year, and if they don't get it together soon, next year as well. Current record: 22-39

Phoenix. Finally, a team with a chance. The Suns aren't in the playoffs yet, but they're a game behind Utah for the final spot. Houston is tied with Phoenix, so once again, this might not happen. Current record: 32-30.

The Los Angeles teams are the highlight of the pack. The Lakers AND Clippers are doing great. Large market teams make large amounts of money and have large success. But what's weird is how these two teams have changed. We're no longer in the era of Laker dominance. In fact, the Clippers are only a half game behind the Lakers. Oh the times have changed. The Lakers (40-23) are 3rd in the west, the Clippers (39-24) are 4th. They could make a run in the playoffs.

That said, I don't think there's a team in L.A. who can even make the conference finals.
Short season or not, this is sad. If only the OKC Thunder were still playing in Seattle...

Track the playoff picture and the playoffs at NBA.com.