National Basketball Association

NBA Southwest Division Outlook: Will The San Antonio Spurs Reign Continue?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:43 p.m. ET

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Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With Tim Duncan retiring,teams could see an opening to take control of the NBA Southwest Division, but can they slow down Kawhi Leonard and Lamarcus Aldridge?

Once considered to be one of the best divisions, the NBA Southwest will have some teams taking a step back in 2016-17.

The San Antonio Spurs have been part of the upper echelon of the Western Conference for well over a decade now and don’t look to be slowing down. As they continue to improve, the other four teams are going through a transitioning phase.

Albeit, in an interesting place.

Will the new offensive system help James Harden and the Houston Rockets? Are the Memphis Grizzlies really making the transition to pace-and-play style? Dirk Nowitzki only has a few years left with the Dallas Mavericks; with talent around him, can they make a playoff run? Anthony Davis needs to stay healthy so New Orleans Pelicans can see what they have.

The Spurs may be the NBA’s only hope in stopping the new look Golden State Warriors, however will need some young players to take the next step forward.

Can anyone come close to competing with San Antonio in the Southwest Division this season?

Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich greets center Tim Duncan (21) as Duncan leaves the game during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the AT&T Center. The Spurs defeat the Raptors 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

2015-16 Record: 67-15, 2 seed in Western Conference

If it wasn’t for the Golden State Warriors, the NBA media would have been all over the San Antonio Spurs. At times it looked as if the Spurs could break the single-season wins record, but Gregg Popovich knew that the postseason was his number one priority.

The most interesting aspect of the Spurs this season will be the frontcourt. Losing a future Hall of Famer, a critical role player, wily veteran, and 7-foot-3 monster in one offseason can be tough to replace. Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw, David West, and Boban Marjanovic each brought a different skill set to this team.

Replacing them will be another future Hall of Famer in Pau Gasol, Dwayne Dedmon, and David Lee. The pairing of Gasol with LaMarcus Aldridge presents a nice high-low post combination, as both big men can stretch out and hit a jumper if defenses slack off.

The back-court rotation will essentially be the same. All eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard, as many will watch to see if he can next the next step in his career. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will play their first season without Tim Duncan along their side. They are expected to play big roles once again will Patty Mills, Danny Green,  Jonathan Simmons, and rookie Dejounte Murray on the back-end of the rotation.

The moment you think the Spurs will start to decline, they reload. The addition of Aldridge and Gasol in the past two offseasons have kept San Antonio in the conversation with the Warriors as far as competing for a Western Conference title goes.

Mar 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

2015-16 Record: 42-40, 7 seed in Western Conference

There was no other team as happy as the Grizzlies were to see last season end. The Memphis Grizzlies managed to make the playoffs and stay competitive within the NBA Southwest Division despite numerous injuries, having a league-record 28 different players donning a Grizzly jersey.

The big news out of Memphis in the offseason was a large contract handed to point guard Mike Conley, and the firing of head coach Dave Joerger. Assistant coach David Fizdale was promoted to the head position. Some believe this team will start trending towards a faster paced offense in 2016-17.

The signing of forward Chandler Parsons will certainly help if he can stay on the floor. Memphis has badly needed shooting in past seasons, Parsons provides that. All-star big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph will continue to bang in the paint wearing down defenders. Randolph will reportedly come off the bench, according to Fizdale.

The free agent losses of Chris Andersen, Matt Barnes, Jordan Farmar, and Lance Stephenson provides more opportunities for youngsters, such as rookies Wade Baldwin and Deyonta Davis.

Health is the major concern here, however the Grizzlies have plenty of pieces to make the playoffs once again, and possibly win a series or two if they can avoid the Warriors. Much focus will be on Conley to see if he “earns” that five year, $150 million contract.

Oct 1, 2016; Bossier City, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) dribbles on New Orleans Pelicans forward Solomon Hill (44) during the first half at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

2015-16 Record: 42-40, 6 seed in Western Conference

Entering last season, many thought that the Dallas Mavericks could be a tanking candidate after they lost out on DeAndre Jordan in that whole emoji saga. However, the Mavericks put together an excellent season, considering the amount of talent on their roster.

The front office went to work again this offseason, and was able to keep players once they agreed to a contract. The major signing is Harrison Barnes after he was castaway from Golden State. He is another guy that people will judge this season, whether he is worth the max contract he received. Barnes will expect to be a playmaker, rather than a shooter in the corner.

Dirk is back again, thanks to a two year extension, and should be the focal point of the offense until he shows signs of slowing down. Second-year guard Justin Anderson will be looked upon to shoulder a heavier load as he could be on of the team’s starters at times this year. The wildcard signing of Seth Curry could provide a nice punch off of the bench.

Can they compete with the Spurs and Grizzlies? Eh, probably not. The talent is there, but right now there is a lot remained to be seen. For basketball fans infatuated with Dirk’s game like myself, hopefully they will be competing in late April and June.

Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) on the bench against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

2015-16 Record: 41-41, 8 seed in the Western Conference

After a dysfunctional season in 2015-16, the Houston Rockets are revamped, both roster wise and with new head coaching bringing in his fast paced offensive style. This type of system is perfect for James Harden to succeed in, and could be looking at a potential MVP-caliber season.

Losing Dwight Howard will hurt defensively, but it will open up the offense much more, especially with free agent addition Ryan Anderson. Anderson, a stretch power forward, had a good season for the Pelicans last year shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc. Health is the x-factor when discussing him as he has played over 66 games just once in his career.

Other additions include Eric Gordon, Nene, Pablo Prigioni, and Tyler Ennis. Gordon and Nene also bring injury concerns, but can be productive enough to help the team be solid.

The Rockets may end up the worst team in the NBA’s Southwest Division, if the Pelicans can play up to their potential. However, Houston will be fun basketball to watch. If you remember the ‘7SOL’ Suns, then you know what D’Antoni’s offense brings. Harden moves to point guard this year, which could open up the lineup for younger guards to have their opportunity.

Mar 7, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) celebrates with guard Toney Douglas during the fourth quarter of a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 115-112. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

2015-16 Record: 30-52, 12th in the Western Conference

Like Memphis, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered their fair share of injuries. Despite keeping the group that many pegged to be a potential playoff threat together, the Pelicans lost two of their starters and went to work in free agency.

The biggest signing was probably Terrence Jones from division foe, Houston. Jones could be a nice complement to Anthony Davis, especially if they want to play Davis at center. Other additions include: Alonzo Gee, Langston Galloway, Solomon Hill, and Lance Stephenson. Stephenson, though not as great as he was in Indiana, showed brief flashes of brilliance while in Memphis, but barely garnered interest as a free agent

The biggest addition came through the draft in lottery pick, Buddy Hield. Hield is praised for his work ethic and sniper three-point shooting ability. New Orleans also drafted Cheick Diallo, who was highly rated out of high school, but never flourished at Kansas so he could develop well.

Anthony Davis was anointed a top three player by many experts heading into the year and was expected to carry his team. Unfortunately, he dealt with nagging injuries for most of the year, like the rest of his team, and finished 22 games under .500 in Alvin Gentry’s first year as head coach.

Can they compete? Nothing is out of the realm with a talent like Davis on the roster, in what can be considered a down Western Conference. I see another lottery year in their future, but will be one of many teams competing for the eighth seed in the West.

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