The beginning of every NBA season is a time for optimism. It’s a time to put behind a poor previous season or to carry momentum from a positive one. It’s a time to be excited for the growth potential of players and fantasize about how much work they got in during the offseason.

It’s the one time of year fans of almost every team can conceivably convince themselves that this year will be a good one. One of improvement, one of playoff chances, one of fun.

Here are reasons your favorite team will be improved, starting with those of the Western Conference.