2015 NBA Team Needs - Western Conference
A look at the team needs for each Western Conference NBA team heading into the offseason. Teams may look to fill their needs through the draft, free agency or trade.
Team Needs for the Eastern Conference.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors - PG,PF,C
The biggest need the Warriors is to add depth to their front court. Draymond Green is restricted and even if he were to return, the Warriors still need to add size. Getting another guard would help the Warriors rest their star backcourt.
Los Angeles Clippers - SG,SF,C
DeAndre Jordan is sure to get max offers from other teams. The Clippers already have Chris Paul and Blake Griffin on big contracts and will find themselves deep in the luxury tax especially with Jordan. In the case new owner Steve Ballmer doesn't put up the money, the Clippers will be looking to replace him. Getting perimeter help will always be a need as long as Paul and Griffin remain Clippers.
Los Angeles Lakers - PG,SF,C
Outside of Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle, the Lakers have plenty of holes to fill. Rookie Jordan Clarkson could be an option at point guard, but the team will still need to find some depth. Getting a rim-protector would help the defense tremendously as would getting someone who can keep up with other wing players on the perimeter.
Phoenix Suns - PG,SF,C
While the Suns got rid of two point guards at the trade deadline, the team will need to assess whether or not Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe will be their backcourt of the future. They will also need to add better perimeter players as well as getting front court depth.
Sacramento Kings - PG,PF,C
DeMarcus Cousins is one the league's best centers but needs a complementary frontcourt player to play alongside him. The Kings also need to find a backup for Cousins during the off-season. Their point guard situation will also be up in the air with Darren Collison returning from injury and Andre Miller becoming a free agent.
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks - PG,SG,C
The backcourt situation is interesting in Dallas. Rajon Rondo is an unrestricted free agent but hasn't seemed to be the same player he was in Boston. The could possibly because of fit and playing along Monta Ellis who holds a player option. The Mavericks could look to replace one or both of them in the offseason. They also will be needing a center and size in their frontcourt.
Houston Rockets - PG,SF,C
The Rockets need someone to handle the point. Patrick Beverley is fine on defense and enters the offseason as a restricted free agent. They could also use some shooting along the perimeter as well as more depth in their frontcourt to backup Dwight Howard.
Memphis Grizzlies PG,SG,C
While Marc Gasol is expected to return to Memphis, his backup Kosta Koufos also becomes an unrestricted free agent. For a team that values toughness downlow, either keeping Koufos or finding someone else will be a priority. Getting a better backup for Mike Conley and someone who can score from the wing would help their backcourt.
New Orleans Pelicans - SG,SF,C
The Pelicans need to find a frontcourt mate for Anthony Davis. Whether Omer Asik is the answer will be addressed. They team could always look for younger players to fill in the role or to add depth. The wing players could be improved as well.
San Antonio Spurs - SG,SF,PF
Getting shooters in the offseason will be a priority for the Spurs who have Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Marco Belinelli, and Matt Bonner all becoming free agents. While it is possible the Spurs somehow keep them all, they should be prepared for some departures.
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets - PG,SF,C
Despite the talent on their roster, Denver couldn't pull things together during 2014-15. There are plenty of wings currently on the roster, but none can be depended on for a consistent basis. Finding a point guard off the bench and run an offence will become vital should Jameer Nelson walk from his player option. Behind Kenneth Faried and Jusuf Nurkic, there isn't much depth in the frontcourt.
Minnesota Timberwolves - SF,PF,C
The Timberwolves have a good young core to build around. Their backcourt should continue to grow and develop together, especially when Shabazz Muhammad returns from injury. Frontcourt depth will be addressed over the summer as well as finding someone to play behind Andrew Wiggins.
Oklahoma City Thunder - SG,SF,C
The Thunder addressed a huge need by acquiring Enes Kanter. He will be a restricted free agent over the summer. Getting another wing player figures to part of the Thunder's plan. The team has been trying to fill the void left by James Harden for years now.
Portland Trail Blazers - SG,PF,C
The Trail Blazers enter the offseason with three starters on the market. LaMarcus Aldridge is expected to return, but the team will still need to improve their frontcourt. Wesley Matthews remains an interesting situation after suffering a torn achilles.
Utah Jazz - SF,PF,C
Utah was one of the best teams after the All-Star break. They traded away Enes Kanter which freed up time for Rudy Gobert. Their young core remains intact, but some perimeter depth will be needed. Finding capable bench players to play behind Gobert and Derrick Favors also would be nice.
