SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - There is no debate when it comes to the disparity between conferences. The only real argument is just how much better the NBA’s Western Conference is than the Eastern Conference.

The issue, though, is the assumption that many of the Western Conference playoff teams are good and they’re going to be good for a while, and that the dominance will continue.

Not so fast. A quick look at the landscape suggests otherwise. All eight Western Conference playoff teams won 50 or more games this season. Expect four of those teams to take a step back in 2008-09.

» Dallas: Now that the Mavericks have lost their quarterfinal series to New Orleans, owner Mark Cuban would seem to have little choice but to make wholesale changes — likely starting with coach Avery Johnson.

Think about it. Two years ago, the Mavericks led the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals 2-0 and were in command during Game 3. They lost that game — and the next three.

The following season, the Mavs rededicate, win 67 games, but get exposed by the eighth-seeded Warriors. This season, the Mavs acquired the aging Jason Kidd, but they have not gotten better; worse, in fact.

Their go-to guy, Dirk Nowitzki, has credibility issues and perhaps their best player, Josh Howard, just admitted to offseason marijuana use. If the Mavs bring back Johnson, Nowitzki and Howard, they will be worse next season.

Cuban may consider simply starting over.

» Denver: Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson form the league’s highest-scoring duo, but this roster has maxed out. Iverson continues to be a wonder, but he takes too many shots and is on the downside of his career. Marcus Camby’s tank is running dry.

It’s obvious coach George Karl isn’t crazy about coaching this team and the team doesn’t seem crazy about his coaching. With Anthony, Iverson, Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith, this team is every bit as unpredictable as the Warriors.

The Nuggets aren’t really the kind of team, either, willing to make the necessary sacrifice and commitment to get better.

» Phoenix: Suns president Steve Kerr took a gamble by trading for Shaquille O’Neal. It wasn’t the worst idea in the world, but it’s apparent Phoenix isn’t going to the Finals anytime soon.

O’Neal is now on the Suns’ books for three more seasons at ridiculous money and there is no doubt he is slowing at a rapid rate. Steve Nash is 34 years old, has a troublesome back and has played in a ton of high-intensity games the past few seasons.

Nash is still very good, but he’s certainly not getting any better at this stage.

» Houston: The Rockets had a great regular season — despite the injury to Yao Ming — highlighted by a 22-game winning streak. But what do they do now ... sit tight, wait for Yao to return and go at it again next season?

That doesn’t seem likely. The Rockets were OK when Yao and McGrady were both in the lineup, but just OK. They were terrific in the early stages without Yao, but it seemed obvious it wasn’t going to last.

Matt Steinmetz is the NBA insider for Warriors telecasts on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

Comments from Examiner Readers

9:45 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Lucky Jazz, sorry Mavs"

Examiner Reader said:
So a week ago you state "Do you still think the Rockets are better without Yao Ming?" Yet in todays trash from you you state they go backwards when he comes back. Please tell me you don't get paid for this

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8:19 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Lucky Jazz, sorry Mavs"

AustinBrando said:
Steinputz, I haven't read a single shred of sensible analysis in any of your writing. Spend a little less time at "temple" and more time watching games and perhaps you'd be better at your job. Shabbat Salami!!!

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8:01 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: West's dominance won't last"

Examiner Reader said:
so are all comments that disagree with the article deleted? Doesnt matter, you lost all your credibility when you said Josh Howard was the best player on the mavs. I'm still rolling on the floor over that one.

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7:15 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: West's dominance won't last"

Examiner Reader said:
What you are forgetting is the play of Houston's rookies down the stretch. Add Yao into that mix with Scola and Landry with a year under their belt. Houston is a contender - I cannot see how you say a team will go backwards when you get the most dominant inside presence back in the line-up.

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2:43 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Yinka Dare said:
Actually, Matt, David West played all of 111 minutes in a first-round playoff loss in '04. He is a stranger to the playoffs. Does experience count when you have only experienced losing? Why hate on the Toronto/Orlando series starring two of the league's best young bigs, instead of, say, the Hawks/Celts or Pistons/Sixers?

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11:18 AM MST on Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Examiner Reader said:
"True, the Warriors have yet to lock up a playoff berth, but that is something that is outside of their control." Outside of their control? Isn't it completely in their control? Steinmetz is unbelievable.

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3:17 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 19, 2008 re: "Warriors� worriers missing the point"

Examiner Reader said:
nellie needs to give his bench more playing time and believe in them more. he doesnt have to ride his starters for 40 minutes when the bench is very capable. Lastly, why didnt he leave the same lineup in that got them back within 6 points of the kings?? It was an off night for Jackson and Davis. A comeback was killed off and much need rest for your starters was lost.

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11:31 PM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Frantz: Mullin, Warriors leave well enough alone"

Steve in Concord said:
Perovic just recalled from D-league after avg. 18 rebounds and 35 minutes in two games. Significant?

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9:02 AM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anatomy of a turnaround"

Examiner Reader said:
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay warriors will win it all this year

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9:41 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 26, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

Examiner Reader said:
Hi, Could you please ask Don Nelson why he isn't playing Kosta Perovic?? It's really puzzling. When Kosta came into the game in Milwaukee, he dominated Andrew Bogut. Kosta looks a lot more agile than he's been given credit for and he sure can cover a lot of ground. When the Milwaukee guards were driving towards the basket they thought twice when they saw Kosta's huge presence in the lane and instead kicked it out to Bogut who Perovic got to with 2 large ground covering steps, just enough to disturb Bogut's release point so he missed. Plus, Perovic has professional experience, so he knows what it's like to go up against older guys. Kosta also looks stronger than Brandon and Patrick. I just wish he'd reward Kosta for his impressive defense against Milwaukee. Thank you!

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1:30 PM MST on Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

timgreen79 said:
I know we shouldn't sleep on the Spurs but I think they'll probably have too tough of a road if their record doesn't get better. As a 5 seed they'd play (in current standings): 1st - Utah on road, 2nd - Hornets on Road, 3rd - Lakers or Suns on road. Wow. They have experience on their side but will miss the athleticism and depth that the Suns and Lakers have. (That is if they could even get by Utah)

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1:26 PM MST on Wed., Feb. 20, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Who�s for real in crowded West?"

Bob said:
Good point that we need to wait 20-25 games to evaluate Shaq. Personally I think Phoenix is going to drop in terms of overall record (because their SOS gets tougher), but then will come on in the playoffs. Which really is the only point of the Shaq experiment.

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5:39 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Matt (SF) said:
Matt... are you there? Why are you deleting my comments? Are you that insecure. Okay, then sorry. -MG

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5:36 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Matt (SF) said:
I just posted a comment a few hours ago that was removed. Am I being censored? All I said was that the inclusion of Turkoglu and Noah in this article makes no sense. Steinmetz doesn't know what he's talking about - Hedo's having a great year and Noah has been above average. So why put them on your hate list, Matt? Please censor this comment again. I'm watching.

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4:03 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

J Barnett said:
I know Matt can't write but he was a quality baller for F&M College. And he's quite handsome in person.

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4:00 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Ben R said:
I've already come up with the best solution to problem that is Matt Steinmetz, don't read the column. Go Lakers.

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3:51 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 18, 2008 re: "Steinmetz: Anti-All-Stars"

Caleb B said:
How can you have an anti-NBA player list without including the likes of Stephan Marbury? I can't figure out the pattern in your list but Francis should be given a pass - he's injured and playing for cheap. And Hinrich? He's on team USA. Lot's of former and current knicks made your Top 15. About the only thing I agree with.

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