NBA 2008-09 Preview: Southwest Division

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?

Playoff bound? Yes. Championship bound? Maybe. The addition of Posey won't show up on the stat sheet, but his presence puts the Hornets closer than they were last season. They will be favored to win the Southwest, but one team may stand in their way.

Projected Record: 54-24

Division Standing: Second

Houston Rockets

2007-2008 Record: 55-27

The Rockets made the big move in the division during the offseason by acquiring Ron Artest. Though people may not like him because of his history, Artest is one of the most indispensable players in the league.

On paper, Houston doesn't have many weaknesses and their defense just got better with Artest. And if Luis Scola plays the way he did in Beijing, Houston may have the best offense in the division.

The Rockets are championship bound, but everyone will ask the same question:

CAN HOUSTON STAY HEALTHY?

Tracy McGrady tends to have back problems every season, and Yao Ming always breaks something. Also, Shane Battier, their best defender, just suffered a foot injury that will sideline him at least four weeks.

Like San Antonio, health plays a major part in Houston's success. But things are more concerning for this team considering the history of T-Mac and Yao.

Projected Record: 56-26

Division Standing: First

Dallas Mavericks

2007-08 Record: 51-31

The window of opportunity may have already closed for Dallas. After losing a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals in 2006, Dallas has suffered back-to-back losses in the first round of the playoffs.

On the positive side, Rick Carlisle is the new head coach, and they will have Jason Kidd for a full season. With Carlisle on board Dallas should play better team defense, but don't count on much. Kidd, on the other hand, is now 38-years old and struggles to defend quicker point guards.

Their role players—Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones, and Erick Dampier—are aging as well. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard may be the only bright spots for this team, and Howard tends to disappear come playoff time.

Projected Record: 50-32

Division Standing: Fourth

Memphis Grizzlies

2007-08 Record: 22-60

The Grizzlies were one of the worst teams in the Western Conference last season. It didn't help that they gave away their best player, Pau Gasol, too. But Marc Gasol, Pau's brother, will join the team this year. Marc looked pretty solid in the Olympics, but he's no Pau.

While there is good upside to this team, they won’t return to the playoffs this season. Memphis lost one of their key players in Juan Carlos Navarro, who decided to return to Europe to play. Mike Miller was also traded away.

The Grizzlies, however, did get the fifth pick in the draft, and ended up with USC's O.J. Mayo.

They still have Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley Jr; three guys who have tremendous upside. Also, head coach Marc Iavoroni will return in his second year as an NBA head coach.

Memphis will end up dead last in this division once again, but they are a young team on the rise.

Projected Record: 30-52

Division Standing: Fifth

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com