NBA Basketball in Texas: The Good (Mavs), the Bad (Rockets) and the Ugly (Spurs)

The Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs frequently compete against each other in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference. These games often determine playoff standings, and in recent years, the teams have met in the playoffs of many occasions.

This 2011 season has a unique feel to it with teams having different expectations—defending champion Dallas Mavericks, the once dynastical San Antonio Spurs and the lackluster Houston Rockets.

While the Mavericks are on a repeat quest, the Spurs are struggling to find an identity, while the Rockets are struggling to find wins. Let’s see who is The Good, The Bad and The Ugly among Texas basketball teams this year.

The Good: Dallas Mavericks

While losing Tyson Chandler and JJ Barea will likely doom their strong defense and unique slashing ability on offense, the Dallas Mavericks are the strongest Texas team.

With future Hall of Famers in Dirk and Kidd, the Dallas offense will have no problem succeeding, especially with the continued presence of Terry and Marion, and the added personalities of Vince Carter and Lamar Odom.

Having the two best sixth men in the NBA will allow Coach Carlisle to have great flexibility with the starting lineups.

The team will struggle on defense simply because of the gaping hole that Chandler leaves, but Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd proved in the playoffs that they can shut down top offensive talent.

The addition of Odom’s length and Delonte West’s tenacity should also help. Overall, this Mavericks team is the strongest in Texas and will try to continue its momentum from last year’s Championship.

The Bad: Houston Rockets

Talk about a series of unfortunate events. Yao Ming is no longer a Houston Rocket due to a handful of chronic injuries.

Additionally, a trade that effectively told Luis Scola and Kevin Martin that they were no longer needed in Houston, was suddenly botched, and now these two players find themselves on a weak Rockets team.

Unfortunately, the Rockets have remained third fiddle to the Spurs and Mavericks over the last ten years. With Memphis' recent run in the playoffs, these Rockets will be the fourth or fifth team in the Southwest Division, and likely will be in the bottom few teams in the Western Conference.

Expect this trend to continue until the Rockets make a big free agency splash (who wants to play for the Rockets?) or until they develop talent through the annual NBA draft.

The Ugly: San Antonio Spurs

The Unpredictable is a better name for the Spurs. The Spurs still retain the core nucleus of Duncan, Ginobli and Parker while watching young talent like George Hill and DeJuan Blair develop.

The problem with the Spurs is the same problem they faced last year during their improbable run to the top of the Western Conference rankings. Although their season had natural ups and downs, their first round playoff exit against the surging Memphis Grizzlies foreshadows things to come for this Spurs team.

With an aging Duncan, questionable Parker and a play-making superstar in Ginobli, the Spurs have obvious Championship experience. But, to make a difference and get back to glory, the Spurs must rely heavily on Neal, Hill and Blair.

Will these young players develop into the next Big Three for the Spurs, or will it take a few years for San Antonio to get back to Championship form?