NBA Southwest Division Preview
Spurs, Hornets, and Mavericks Have Sights On Division Title
Oct 27, 2009
The Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, and San Antonio Spurs will all do battle in what figures to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NBA this year.
Dallas Mavericks Season Preview
Dallas is expected to be a strong team in the West once again. They are led by Dirk Nowitski and Jason Terry, one of the top scoring duos in the NBA. The additions of Drew Gooden and Shawn Marion will give this team some much needed athleticism and versatility up front. Among their concerns, though, is Josh Howard's health and Jason Kidd's age. Howard is expected to miss some time to start the season. Kidd's scoring was down last year and he has trouble defensively against quicker point guards and there are many of them in the NBA. If he doesn't play well, expect J.J. Barea to get more playing time at the point. They have more than enough to make the playoffs but don't consider them a real threat to come out of the West or even win this division.
Prediction: Third Place
Houston Rockets Season Preview
The Rockets are coming off an impressive showing in last year's playoffs, taking the eventual champion Lakers to seven games. However, it was in that series that Yao Ming hurt his foot and he is expected to miss the entire season. That is a devastating blow to this team. Their roster seems to be poorly constructed this year as three of their best players (Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, and Trevor Ariza) are all small forwards. It looks like one of those guys may move to the shooting guard. Luis Scola is a solid power forward and Aaron Brooks played well at the point late last season but without Yao, they have a huge void in the middle. If Mcgrady stays healthy, which is a big if, this team could sneak into the playoffs, but they are not better than fourth in this tough division.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Memphis Grizzlies Season Preview
The Grizzlies are coming off a disappointing year in which they only won 24 games. However, there is some good young talent on this team with guys like Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol. Hasheem Thabeet figures to add a much needed defensive presence with his size, rebounding, and shot-blocking. The additions of Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson, though, are puzzling. Randolph is a good scorer and rebounder but has never played on a winning team. Iverson's play has declined dramatically in recent years. There is no question that these guys will make the team better this year but they still aren't making the playoffs and their additions will take minutes away form their young players and may delay their growth. This team could have a 10 win improvement this year, but that still leaves them last in this division.
Prediction: Fifth Place
New Orleans Hornets Season Preview
The Hornets are coming off a disappointing first round exit in last year's playoffs. Chris Paul struggled in that series, but he is still the best young point guard in the game and that's saying a lot. David West is a legit All-Star and a very underrated power forward. Emeka Okafor should give them an inside presence. They also improved their depth adding Ike Diagu, Darius Songalia, and rookie Darren Collison. With their additions. this team should be better than last year and figures to just edge out Dallas for second in the division.
Prediction: Second Place
San Antonio Spurs Season Preview
The Spurs are coming off a very disappointing first round loss in last year's playoffs. They added some much needed scoring and overall athleticism by trading for Richard Jefferson and signing Antonio McDyess. Tim Duncan is getting up there in years but is still the best power forward in the game. Tony Parker is one of the best point guards in the game and getting better every year. DeJuan Blair was an excllent pickup in the second round of the draft. The key for this team, though is Ginobli's health. If he can stay on the court, the Spurs are the best team in this division and have a legitimate chance of dethroning the Lakers in the Western Conference.
Prediction: First Place
