Best PG

In this division, Chris Paul has a clear lock on this title. Last season, in 46 games with the Kings, Paul averaged 7.5 APG and 15.0 PPG. However, Paul’s problem with the Kings was efficiency, as he shot a career worst 36% from the field with the Kings. This season, though, the Kings have added some talent in Andrew Bynum that should allow Paul to operate much more effectively.

Best SG

Tyreke Evans is really blossoming into a great, young player. In a division devoid of much talent at the SG position, Evans takes the title quite easily. Evans played well last season, averaging 17.7 PPG on 41% shooting. But what is impressive is that so far this preseason he looks as if he is going to try to take a huge leap forward this season. In the first two preseason games Evans is averaging 22.5 PPG on a much improved 47% shooting.

Best SF

DeMar Derozan is playing out of his mind through four preseason games. Once again, there is not much star talent in the wing department of the Pacific Division, but Derozan easily takes hold of the “Best SF” title. Last season Derozan played in all 82 games, averaged 18.6 PPG on an incredibly efficient 50% shooting from the field, and managed to grab 5.2 RPG. In these past four preseason games Derozan has upped the ante even further averaging 25.3 PPG on an even more efficient 52% shooting, and managed to grab 8.0 RPG!

Best PF

In a division with David Lee, Kevin Love, and Carlos Boozer, many of the PFs deserve mention. However, the best of those three, today, would have to be David Lee. Of the three, Boozer is clearly the most experienced player, and Love is the up-and-comer. But through the preseason Lee is playing extremely well, scoring 18.3 PPG on a ridiculously efficient 61% shooting from the field.

Best C

Before the trade between the Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings the answer to this question may have been DeAndre Jordan. However, Andrew Bynum steps in now to fill the void and take the title. He definitely is not wowing in the preseason, but given his current NBA performance, and what he has done the past two seasons with the Raptors, Bynum will be the best center in the Pacific division this coming season, barring injury.

Best trade (so far)

This one seems almost too easy to peg. Early in the offseason, the Lakers acquired Jared Dudley from the Toronto Raptors for practically nothing. While there were definitely many flashier trades, this one was clearly the best deal made so far. The Lakers benefitted greatly at almost no cost to their team.

Worst trade (so far)

Charlie Villanueva was definitely important to the Wizards title run last season. His NBA performance this season, though, which has been nonexistent thus far, has made him a superfluous cog. But the Warriors were still willing to give away both Ersan Ilyasova and Daniel Gibson for him, both of whom are showing more promise than Villanueva. Not to mention that both are younger than Charlie V, which would have helped a rebuilding effort.

Best FA acquisition

Of all the free agent acquisitions so far, I believe that the Suns’ signing of J.J. Redick will have the biggest influence, and will be considered the best. On a team that has Chauncey Billups slotted to start alongside Brandon Jennings it is very likely that Redick will also see tons of time at SG this year. Redick is no steal at $6.5 M, but considering what he may mean to this team he looks to be the best signing thus far.

Worst FA acquisition

The signing of Anthony Carter was definitely not bad because of the caliber of player. Carter likely will be a good, productive player for the Golden State Warriors. And one a one-year deal, he is a good rental for the team. However, the new GM WALLrus jumped the gum and used his MLE to sign Carter to a deal worth the veteran’s minimum.

Team on the rise

This year the Kings will not finish below .500, mark my words. This year the Kings will have a full year of Chris Paul, and improved Tyreke Evans and Kevin Love, and a new center in Andrew Bynum. There is no way this team can’t improve, right? If the team’s other young pieces continue to develop this team could be a force to be reckoned with.

Team on the decline

Looking at this Lakers team, I can’t help but think they will fail to finish any better than they did last season. David Lee has never had to carry a team before this season. DeAndre Jordan, who looks terrible this preseason, may not have improved enough to warrant his big paycheck. And if the potential breakout player listed below does not pay off and live up to that potential this team may be out of luck

Potential breakout player

DerMar Derozan is going to have a great year, there is no doubt. However, Shannon Brown has the potential to make the biggest leap forward. This year Brown will be given every opportunity to start on Day One for the Los Angeles Lakers. And on a team with little scoring talent on the wings, Brown will be asked to do a lot in his new starting role. So while DeMar is certainly headed for a great breakout season, it really is Brown who has the ability to turn some heads this year.

Rookie to watch

With Michael Beasley now out of the picture, Derrick Williams should see a lot of playing time in Golden State. If this team really is trying to rebuild, then there is no doubt that Williams should be the centerpiece in that effort. Only one question truly remains though with Williams: Why is he not in the starting lineup?

GM to watch

The Warriors’ new GM WALLrus is this division’s GM to Watch. So far some of the new GM’s moves seem a bit counterintuitive. At one moment a move may seem to move in the direction of rebuilding, while the next may have the airs of wanting to win now. Whatever the case with the Warriors’ moves, this new GM will be interesting to watch.

Predicted standings

Sacramento 52-30
LA Clippers 41-41
LA Lakers 39-43
Phoenix 33-49
Golden State 28-54