NBA Southwest Division preview: Best division ever?
Team to beat: The San Antonio Spurs are a model for many NBA franchises, and they reaffirmed that with their fifth championship last season. Coach Gregg Popovich's system minimizes the importance of each player, and everyone was brought back. Another title would surprise no one.
Key story line: Every team in this division should be good enough to make the playoffs. But that doesn't add up very easily, as it would mean only three other teams in the West would make it. With the New Orleans Pelicans ready to take a big step up on the back of the NBA's newest superstar, Anthony Davis, this division might end up being the best in NBA history.
Five best players:
- Pelicans PF Anthony Davis
- Rockets C Dwight Howard
- Rockets SG James Harden
- Mavericks PF Dirk Nowitzki
- Grizzlies C Marc Gasol
Sleeper: With a defense-first philosophy, the Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the NBA's best teams for five years. Their slow pace is unusual among the West's best, and they wear down opponents with physicality. Last season, they got a tough playoff draw when their seeding was hurt by Gasol's injury. Now they've added Vince Carter for offensive punch off the bench and are ready to contend.
Breakout star: Kawhi Leonard came out of his shell as NBA Finals MVP, but the Spurs small forward must convert that production to the regular season. He could average 17 points and six rebounds, and, with his defensive acumen, that should be enough to make him an All-Star.
Best newcomer: With Chandler Parsons staying in-division by leaving the Rockets for the Mavericks, his replacement gets this tag. Trevor Ariza had one of the best years of his career for the Washington Wizards and will help the Rockets' weak defense, even though he's not as versatile on offense as Parsons.
Prediction: The Spurs win at least 50 games for the 16th season in a row and coast into the playoffs as potential favorites. The Grizzlies are the second-best team in the division. The Rockets, Mavericks and Pelicans all are in the scrum for the final few spots in the West playoffs, and ultimately the Pelicans steal one of their rivals' spots.