Hoops in the West: Big States, Big Stakes

The West is wide open—and bigger than ever. In this episode, we break down the “Everything Is Bigger” tier, where all three Texas teams have leveled up. How far can Luka’s Mavs, Wemby’s Spurs, and Jalen Green’s Rockets really go?
Then we stamp the passports and talk the “Passport Bros Tier,” headlined by Jokic and Shai—two foreign superstars trying to build dynasty-level résumés with the Nuggets and Thunder.
Next, we dive into the “Geographically Challenged Tier”—the Minnesota Timberwolves, who’ve made two straight WCF trips. Can their youth push them over the top? Are we truly sold on Zion and the Pelicans, and can Ja Morant stay on the floor long enough to matter for the Grizzlies?
From there, we take a budget flight on the Jet2Holiday Tier with the Suns, Blazers, and Jazz, where chaos and uncertainty live.
And finally, the California Collapse Tier: The glow has faded. The Kings are losing hope, the Lakers are still asking if Father Time can’t guard LeBron, and are the Clippers or Warriors even worth trusting until the playoffs?