In a league defined by constant evolution, the past three years have seen significant shifts within the NBA landscape, most notably the migration of top-tier players between conferences. Among the most impactful moves, five of the top-30 players, namely Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton, have transitioned from the West to the East. This Eastward migration has brought profound changes to the dynamics of their new teams and the conference as a whole.
Brunson and Mitchell, in particular, have had transformative impacts on their respective teams. Their relocations have not only bolstered their teams' performance but have also intensified the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference. Yet, despite these high-profile departures, the Western Conference remains home to nine of the top 12 NBA players. This retention of elite talent underscores the conference's enduring strength.
The balance of talent between the conferences is further illustrated by the NBA's Top 100 player list, which favored the West with 54 players compared to the East's 46. While the East has undoubtedly gained significant players, the West continues to flaunt a deeper pool of top-tier talent.
Impactful Returns to the West
The Western Conference has not only managed to retain its supremacy through player retention but has also seen impactful returns. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis are among the high-caliber players who have made their way back to the West during this period. Durant exemplified his sustained excellence last season, averaging 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while boasting a 41% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokic: The Unassuming Best
Nikola Jokic has earned widespread recognition as the best player in the league, a sentiment echoed by analyst Brad Botkin, who noted, "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." Jokic’s humble approach and all-around game place him head and shoulders above his peers.
Individual Brilliance and Team Success
The narrative of individual brilliance extends to several other key players. Desmond Bane, despite an increased usage rate of 27.3% in his fourth year, maintained his efficiency, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Notably, in the absence of franchise player Ja Morant, who missed nine games last season, Bane stepped up impressively, averaging 24.6 points per game. As James Herbert highlighted, “The Grizzlies' franchise player was willing to defer to Bane at times when they shared the floor.”
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert added another defensive accolade to his name, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for the fourth time, further cementing his status as one of the league's premier defenders. Karl-Anthony Towns, another formidable presence in the West, has consistently ranked high on top-100 lists, even reaching as high as No. 11 in previous seasons.
Western Conference Dominance
The Western Conference's dominance is also reflected in team achievements. The Timberwolves celebrated a significant milestone by reaching the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge and earning his first All-NBA appearance. The Clippers, on the other hand, face the challenge of integrating James Harden into their offense following Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia.
The consistency and growth of players like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard further highlight the conference's strength. Durant’s stellar shooting and scoring consistency alongside Leonard’s reliable 23 points per game and impressive true shooting percentage—over 62%—demonstrate the high caliber of talent in the West.
Emerging Stars and Future Potential
Amid these seasoned veterans, rising stars are also making their mark. Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been compared to Kevin Durant in terms of statistical output when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is off the court. Williams is recognized not only as a versatile scorer but also as a defensive asset, with his future looking bright and All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time, as emphasized by James Herbert.
In Dallas, Luka Doncic continues to enthrall audiences with his performances, consistently leaving spectators in awe. Jasmyn Wimbish’s remark 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?'” Doncic's exceptional play underscores the depth and richness of talent in the Western Conference.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the ongoing shifts and moves among players bring renewed excitement and anticipation for fans. Whether it's enduring excellence or emerging talent, the league remains a captivating and dynamic spectacle.