A few months have gone by now since the end of the regular season.  Though it was pointed out numerous times both during the season and after its conclusion, it is still hard to believe that Golden State did not make the playoffs with 48 wins.  Is there a chance that any of the non-playoff teams can crack the top 8 this year in the West?  Here are the four teams with the best chance to move up:

1. Golden State:  The most logical choice, considering they finished #9 and only two games back.  This choice is contingent ONLY if Monta Ellis returns.  Let’s be honest, Ellis was every bit as good as Baron Davis in the second half of last season if not better.  He did average 20.2 pts on 53% shooting…he is the real deal.  Whatever leadership that may have been lost with the departure of Davis was restored with the signing of Corey Maggette.  If Maggette can accept the fact that he can’t take 20 shots a night he will be the perfect fit for Don Nelson’s offense.  Say what you want about Stephen Jackson’s off the court antics but he is loved by his teamates…and he averages 20 ppg.  With Ellis penetrating Jackson & Magette should be able to sustain their high level of play from last year.  The knock on the Warriors was their lack of toughness down low.  Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins are both above average players for their position & for this offense but look for either second year player Brandon Wright or rookie first rounder Anthony Randolph to eventually start for Harrington by mid-season.  If Ellis comes back and Maggette transitions smoothly to this offense I see no reason why the Warriors not only should make the playoffs but make some noise once they get there.

2. Portland:  Did everyone forget about Greg Oden?  Oden will be ready to play this year and he will make a difference.  Portland was a team that had an 11 game improvement from 2006 to finish right at .500 last year without the #1 overall pick from two years ago.  Start with Oden who should grab 10-13 boards, a couple of blocks, probably score around 10 ppg and will make a huge impact on the overall defense.  Than add 2006 Rookie of the Year and 2007 All Star Brandon Roy and his 19ppg, 5 rbs, 5 assists per game.  What makes this team truly intersting is the supporting cast.  All LaMarcus Aldrige did was average 18 and 8 in his second full season.  I see no reason, even with Oden in the mix, that his numbers will slip.  The PG position was solified in the draft with the selection of Jarryd Bayless.  Steve Blake will man the ship until Bayless is ready to run the offense.  Throw in Martell Webster (coming off a career season), Sergio Rodriguez, Ike Diogu and Rudy Fernandez and you have a young, athletic team that will make an impact not only next year but for years to come.

3. Minnesota:  I will admit I don’t see the T’Wolves contending for a playoff spot this year.  But I do think that .500 is not out of the question, which considering they were 22-60 last year would be quite an accomplishment.  I am of the opinion that Kevin Love will be a 15-18 point scorer with 10 rbs for the next 10 years.  I don’t think his lack of quickness or ball handling will be much of a detriment at the next level.  He did play in the Pac-10 and if you watched him play he made more 3 pointers as the year went on.  He has excellent range and will grow into the the leader of that team.  Say what you want about the KG trade but Al Jefferson did have an all-star type year averaging 21 ppg and 11 rbs.  Jefferson and Love will make up a solid frontline for the next 5-10 years.  Newly acquired Mike Miller (16.4) is a proven scorer & Rashad McCants had a breakout year (14.9).  Randy Foye is ready to take the next step at PG.  Corey Brewer was a top 10 pick who can contribute at both ends of the court.  Add Craig Smith, Rodney Carney, Kirk Snyder and Ryan Gomes and you have a team that can defend and get up and down the court.  Again, I can’t see them going all the way into the playoffs but I can see them making an improvement like Portland did this year setting them up for a playoff push in 2010.

4. Memphis:  Stop laughing, I’m serious.  OK, OK…they will not make the playoffs, I’m dumb but I’m not stupid,  but like Memphis. I can see them making a 10+ win improvement over last year.  Start with O.J Mayo who even at 3 may be the steal of the draft.  He was forced to do it all for USC last year and was rountinely double and triple teamed.  He is a proven scorer and a very underated passer.  He will start on day one in Memphis.  Michael Conley may get his chance to run the team, if he’s not traded to Portland first, and will thrive.  I envision a 14 ppg and 7 assist year out of him.  Rudy Gay is going into his 3rd year coming off a 20ppg season.  Hakim Warrick is a steady 12 ppg and 5 rb guy.  Kyle Lowry, Darko Milicic, Darrell Arthur, and even Kwame Brown make up a serviceable bench.  Make no mistake about it: Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will make a legit one-two combo that will sneak up on a few teams this year.