What happened: The West sweep centers on which team carries better than a puncher's chance into April. The back half adds Jalen Duren and forks in building around non-shooting pieces.

Why it matters: April order decides first-round matchups and which windows stay open in a 15-team field. Duren's future sets frontcourt spending heading into the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Next is whether Duren talks move before camp and how the West tiers settle once play starts.