Of all divisions in the NBA last season, the Southwest division was the best and the most competitive. Four of the five teams won at least 50 games and reached the postseason. As loaded as the Western Conference is, this division alone is responsible for its parity.
As of now, it looks as if things will be the same this upcoming season. The winners of the division, the New Orleans Hornets, took just about everyone by surprise last season by winning 56 games, and they now have James Posey—who signed with the team as an unrestricted free agent during the summer.
San Antonio didn't make any big offseason moves, but as always, they are expected to be contenders. Houston added firepower to their solid lineup when they acquired Ron Artest.
Dallas will have Jason Kidd for a full season. Last and certainly least, the Memphis Grizzlies, who only won 22 games last season, ended up with a high draft pick—but aren't expected to compete for the division crown.
Now that the small talk is out of the way, let's take a look at the Southwest Division team-by-team:
San Antonio Spurs
2007- 2008 Record: 56-26
Since 2003, the Spurs have won an NBA championship every other season. Will it happen this year?
The savvy Spurs will enter the season with the same mentality they've had the last six seasons or so: championship or bust. San Antonio didn't make any major acquistions, but they lost a vital role player—Brent Barry—to their division rivals in Houston.
Their leading scorer, Manu Ginobli, wasn't 100% in the Western Conference Finals after hurting his ankle in the previous series. He re-injured the same ankle during the Olympics and won't be back until November or December.
TO THE SPURS, AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER
At times, the Spurs looked like an old team last season, but still managed to reach the Conference Finals.
San Antonio may be championship built, but they aren't getting any younger. Ginobli is 32, and Tim Duncan will turn 33 before the season's end. Bruce Bowen is 37, and Michael Finley and Kurt Thomas will both enter the season at 35.
HOW WILL THE SEASON PLAY OUT FOR SAN ANTONIO?
The Spurs tied New Orleans last season in the division winning 56 games, but they finished in second place because the Hornets had a better record out West.
Expect for San Antonio to win at least 50 games, and to look their best after the All-Star break. That's just how they roll.
2008-2009 Projected Record: 51-31
Division Standing: Third
New Orleans Hornets
2007-08 Record: 56-26
James Posey decided to leave Beantown after winning his second NBA Championship and now hopes to do the same in the Big Easy. Posey isn’t All-Star material, but his defense and three-point shooting were key components in Boston’s championship run.
Byron Scott did a tremendous job coaching the Hornets last season. Chris Paul had a breakout season and earned his first All-Star appearance and runner-up for MVP. David West joined him for his All-Star debut as well.
Tyson Chandler, a beast on the boards who was among the league leaders in blocked shots, also returns.
ARE THE HORNETS CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND?
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