Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley
Conley seems to finally be getting some of the respect that he deserves. He is one of the best point guards in the league, but he has yet to make an All-Star team due to the amazing depth of guards in the West. Conley may not be at the level of Curry or Paul, but he is close and I have a feeling that he is going to get more attention this year. He has been unleashed by David Fizdale and the Grizzlies are going to need a big year from him in order to compete because the West is pretty good.
Atlanta Hawks
Kent Bazemore
Bazemore had a rough year last season. He struggled mightily on the offensive end. He signed a huge contract and is now on a rebuilding team that I think will be better than people assume. He is going to be needed more on the offensive end for a Hawks team that does not have a great deal of scoring. Bazemore is a good defender and will continue to guard the other team's best guard on a nightly basis. He is going to need to shoot better from three and will need to shoulder more of the offensive burden. The Hawks do not look like a playoff team and they may decide to try to move Bazemore, but that might be difficult with his contract.
Oklahoma City
Patrick Patterson
I had hoped that this was the year that Patterson would get to be a full time starter. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. However, the Thunder are going to need a big season from Patterson. He will be their 6th man and his shooting and defense is going to be vital to the Thunder's success. Patterson is a team first high character guy that does not seem to worry about his stats, but only about winning. He will help the Thunder do that and without a good year from him, the Thunder will struggle when they rest their stars.
Washington Wizards
Otto Porter
Porter signed a huge deal this summer and the expectations for him are going to be higher for a Wizards team that lost some valuable bench guys without really adding anyone of significance. The Wizards have a win now mindset and Porter is part of their starting five, which was one of the most consistent of last season due to some extreme luck on not having any significant injuries. Porter is a glue guy, but he is going to need to become more of an offensive option to take some of the load off of Beal and Wall.