The Southwest will once again prove to be the most dominant division in the NBA this year. All five teams will be fighting for the top spot. Regardless who comes out on top, each team (with the exception of Dallas) should easily make the playoffs. There is so much firepower residing in the Southwest it’s almost unfair.
Houston Rockets- The Rockets are dripping with star power and roster depth. The addition of Ty Lawson (despite his legal troubles) is everything they need to make a run at the title. With Lawson and Harden both finishing in the top ten in assists per game, they should not have much trouble moving the ball around. If Harden can reduce his turnover rate, and lead the league in scoring this season, the Rockets might see themselves in the finals. The only weaknesses that might get in the way are turnovers and rebounding. After being only three wins away from the finals last year, you know the Rockets are determined to do whatever they can to make it there. They just have to stay healthy, rotate players accordingly and not turnover the ball in big game situations.
Player to watch: Ty Lawson
Prediction: (60-22)
San Antonio Spurs- Where do I even start with the Spurs? It’s almost unfair how much star power they have on their team. They signed the biggest free agent, Lamarcus Aldridge, who alongside the rest of the team will do some serious damage on the court. The team is so well run, David West walked away from $10 million to come to San Antonio to chase a ring. With Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Green and Leonard returning and the addition of Lamarcus Aldridge and David West, this Spurs team is on it’s way to at least 3-4 championships in years to come.
Player to watch: Kawhi Leonard
Prediction: (59-21)
Memphis Grizzlies- Coming off a disappointing yet exciting season, the Grizzlies should prove to be a bigger threat than last year. The re-signing of powerhouse Marc Gasol was huge for them. Alongside Zach Randolph, Gasol should have a lot of fun putting on a clinic this season. Look for Mike Conley to step up and cement himself as one of the all time greats to run the point. Conley is severely underrated, expect an average of at least 17 PPG and 8 APG. He has a lot of targets to get the ball to, and we saw what he can do last year against the 76ers, putting up a career-high 36 points. The Grizzlies proved last year that they can hang with the best of them, let’s just hope their older group of guys can make a run at the title now before it’s too late.
Player to watch: Brandan Wright
Prediction: (54-28)
New Orleans Pelicans- The Pelicans did about as much in the offseason as Frank Ocean has done since releasing his first album. It seems as if they are dead set on putting all their focus on Anthony Davis, which is probably the smartest thing they can do right now. Davis has proved since arriving in the NBA that he is one of the top three players in the league. He can hit from anywhere on the court, but it seems as though he may be hampered by a somewhat mediocre supporting cast. The most exciting acquisition for the Pelicans is former Golden State assistant head coach, Alvin Gentry. You remember Alvin, he used to coach the Suns and most recently helped Golden State win a title. This should increase their chances at developing into a championship calibre team.
Player to watch: Anthony Davis
Prediction: (53-29)
Dallas Mavericks- One of the biggest stories of the offseason was the entire DeAndre Jordan debacle. Jordan would have certainly improved The Mavs’ chance at another playoff appearance, but do they really need him? They acquired a somewhat decent Center in Zaza Pachulia who has been in the league long enough to provide a good sense of security. The loss of Tyson Chandler will most likely prove to be more painful than the screw-job Jordan pulled on them. The signing of a frustrated Deron Williams should give them a glimpse of hope. Don’t count out Dallas just yet. A lot of older players have joined the organization in years past and have worked hard, contributed and made the team a lot better than years before. It’s almost as if Dirk brings out the best in everyone, not to mention Rick Carlisle might be one of the best coaches in the league. Look for a mediocre start, and a strong finish from the Mavs this season.
Player to watch: Justin Anderson
Prediction (46-36)
Matt Conner, Follow him on Twitter
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