What’s next for NBA West contenders?

They’re all gone now, left in the Warriors’ dust. The state of the Western Conference heading into summer:

Oklahoma City: New head coach Billy Donovan has to help convince Kevin Durant, a potential free agent, that’s he’s in the right place. If Durant buys in, OKC will be a threat to the Warriors for years to come.

San Antonio: Manu Ginobili might retire, but Tim Duncan is expected back for another season. This team needs some refreshment, and free- agent LaMarcus Aldridge, a Texas native and alum, would be just the ticket.

Dallas: Facing a big decision with Monta Ellis, who has a chance to opt out. That relationship had grown sour by season’s end.

Portland: Signing Aldridge is the top priority. If he leaves, there just isn’t much happening in the frontcourt.

Memphis: Marc Gasol is an unrestricted free agent, but he has been a Memphis resident since his teens and likes the place. Re- sign him, and a worthy contender stays intact.

Clippers: Before addressing the possible acquisition of Paul Pierce, they need to know whether unrestricted freeagent DeAndre Jordan plans to stay. If not, that changes everything. Recent rumor, for what it’s worth: Jordan and Chris Paul are at odds and not so excited about playing together.

New Orleans: Looking for a head coach ( Tom Thibodeau?), with the whole world watching. Anthony Davis has the potential to take over the league, but that halfcourt offense needs a lot of work.

Houston: The latest Kevin Love rumor has him checking out the Rockets, and he’d fit right into a team that’s all about court spacing and three- point shooting. For now, there’s a world of pain and confusion.

Dwight Howard, deemed a wimp by Kobe Bryant in L. A., was the Rockets’ toughest player against the Warriors. James Harden went completely vacant in a terrible, 13- turnover performance in Game 5, then explained, “It is what it is.” No, that says nothing. What

was that? The Warriors’ defense was undeniably superb, but Harden barely looked motivated. Better to say, “It wasn’t what it could have been.”