The Houston Rockets were able to narrowly hold off both the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the Southwest division last season and with all five teams from that group making the playoffs, there is no doubt that this is the toughest division in basketball. After the Spurs were the biggest offseason winners this season, they are now the obvious favorites to win the division. Here is a look at the biggest hole to fill for all five teams from the NBA’s Southwest division.
Houston Rockets: Power Forward
With the addition of Ty Lawson from the Denver Nuggets, the Rockets roster is pretty stacked. However, they did lose Josh Smith and while Terrence Jones steps in as the starter at the four spot, neither Donatas Motiejunas or Jones brings to the table what Smith did last season. Smith actually went from a backup role to a starting job in last year’s playoffs when Houston needed his scoring and while they are set at every other position, an upgrade at the four spot could help the Rockets solidify their status as NBA title contenders this season.
Memphis Grizzlies: Perimeter Scoring
Memphis was able to bring back veteran center Marc Gasol, who they will continue to team with Zach Randolph to form one of the most dominant big man tandems in the NBA, but they didn’t address their perimeter scoring this offseason and that is once again their biggest weakness. The Grizzlies added Matt Barnes and are banking on Jeff Green finally breaking through, but neither is a reliable outside shooter and they would definitely benefit from bringing in a veteran wing or guard who can shoot the three and really stretch out opposing defenses.
Remember, the Grizzlies ranked second-last in the NBA in three-pointers made last season as they averaged just 5.2 per game. And it’s not the quantity as they were still attempting 15.2 but their quality was off. They shot just 33.9% from distance, which was good for 22nd in the NBA. They need someone to space things out on the outside while Gasol and Randolph go to work in the paint. Unless that happens, this team won’t take the next step.
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San Antonio Spurs: Point Guard Scoring
The Spurs reloaded this offseason with the additions of Aldridge and David West in addition to the re-signing of Tim Duncan and Danny Green, so it’s no surprise they are being talked about as NBA title favorites. However, Tony Parker really slowed down last season as a result of both age and injuries. His 14.4 points per game last season were his fewest since his rookie season and his numbers have now declined year-over-year for three seasons. While Patty Mills is a decent option off the bench, the point guard position could hinder San Antonio’s potential if Parker isn’t at his absolute best this season.
Dallas Mavericks: A Starting Center
The DeAndre Jordan debacle left the Mavericks absolutely reeling in the NBA’s most loaded division where they now appear to be the team most likely to miss the playoffs next season. Jordan went back on his word, Tyson Chandler left for the Phoenix Suns and now the best two current center options on the Dallas roster are Zaza Pachulia and Satnam Singh Bhamara. The Mavericks have an obvious need at the center position and unless they fill it they could be in big trouble this season.
New Orleans Pelicans: Quality Depth
It looks like the Pelicans have a quality starting lineup with Anthony Davis surrounded by some decent players like Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. However, the issue is what happens when they start getting to the second unit? Guys like Quincy Pondexter, Norris Cole, Alonzo Gee, Alexis Ajinca and Toney Douglas are the names they’ll be calling off the bench. They can move Tyreke Evans to the bench – as they did last season – but he alone isn’t enough. The teams ahead of them in the West have quality depth and the Pelicans are missing that right now.
