With only six more weeks to go until the NBA season, it appears that the bulk of every roster in the league has been set. However, it will be interesting to see how each team performs based on the expectations that were given in the preseason. There will always be questions with every NBA team, whether they are rebuilding or a title contender. Some of these questions can be based on free agency moves, storylines, and much more. The first edition will be on the Southwest Division. This division has the reigning Western Conference Champs, the Dallas Mavericks, the up-and-coming Houston Rockets, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, and the generational talent in Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Look out for the next edition of the Pacific Division.
One Question For Each NBA Southwest Division Team
Dallas Mavericks: Was Their Second-Half Surge For Real or a Fluke?
The Mavericks were no question the better team after the all-star game. Before the trade deadline, the Mavericks were 28-23 and were currently the eighth seed. Before the deadline, Dallas ranked 11th in offensive efficiency and 22nd in defensive efficiency. After the trade deadline, the Mavericks went 22-9 and ranked seventh in offensive and defensive efficiency. The Mavericks got hot at the right time, resulting in an unexpected appearance in the NBA finals. It’s expected that Dallas should be a much better squad, especially with having a full summer to build chemistry. But is it possible to see a team come back down to Earth after a miraculous Cinderella run? It wouldn’t be surprising if the Mavericks finished somewhere in between, which would be a disappointment with big expectations as the reigning Western Conference Champs.
Houston Rockets: Who Will Get the Extension, Green or Segun?
Last year proved to be a turning point for the Rockets, who went from the laughing stock franchise to winning 11 consecutive games to almost sneak into the postseason. I think it had a lot to do with Ime Udoka, one of the best coaches in the game, along with solid veteran leadership. The other reason was the rise of young stars Alphren Segun and Jalen Green. Although the Rockets have plenty of young talent, it will be interesting to see if the Rockets will extend Segun or Green. Who will the Rockets decide on? Who will be the next Rockets franchise player? Segun was the Rocket’s most consistent young star, who finished third in Most Improved Player. Green, the number two overall pick, was extremely inconsistent and looked like a bonafide superstar in March. Is it consistency with a lower ceiling or the player with the higher potential? It will be interesting to see as the Rockets are pushing to get back into the playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies: Can Zach Edey Contribute Right Away for a Playoff Contender?
Before 2023, the Grizzlies were one of the up-and-coming teams. Morant was one of the rising stars in the league, showing a glimpse of Derrick Rose and Allen Iverson. Yet, a season-ending shoulder surgery and a 25-game suspension resulted in the Grizzlies missing the postseason entirely. As long as Morant is playing, the Grizzlies should have no question about returning to the postseason, even with the playoff tournament. Zach Edey will bring some attention, as he was one of the top college players last year. Yet, Edey has had questions about his overall ceiling as a prospect. However, Memphis was in the middle of a gap year, and Eddy should be an excellent fit, as the Grizzlies were one of the worst teams at scoring last year and the team had a glaring hole in the middle.
New Orleans Pelicans: Can a Slimmer Zion Elevate the Pelicans Into a Title Contender?
Everyone has talked about the weight loss of Zion Williamson this past summer, and this could be a game-changer for how Zion’s season plays out. Zion is only 24 and is just entering his prime, but so far he has only proved he is a talented player who has struggled with conditioning and staying healthy on the court. As far as the Pelicans, they have been a team with a high ceiling but have somewhat underperformed and have struggled with injuries. In the past 5 seasons, New Orleans has only captured the number eight seed twice, with Zion only playing more than 50 games, two of those seasons without a playoff appearance. The Pelicans have the talent, but is this finally the year they break out? Can Zion become an All-NBA player? Perhaps there is a trade in the works for Brandon Ingram to help build a more rounded team around Zion and address their glaring need in the center.
San Antonio Spurs: Can Victor Wembanyama Lead the Spurs to the Postseason?
Don’t let last season’s record deceive you. Sure, the Spurs were bad and went 22-60 in two consecutive seasons, but the Spurs were playing close to.500 basketball after the All-Star Break. That being said, the Spurs are a favorite this season to take that giant leap. Wembanyama proved that he was worth the hype by meeting expectations winning Rookie of the Year and runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. With the additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, San Antonio has added veteran leadership and a competent point guard, which should help them rack up more wins. If Wemby can enter the MVP conversation and make the All-NBA team, maybe the Spurs can contend for the postseason. All they need to do is be a top-10 seed and win 2 games to get into the playoffs. Yet, the West is extremely tough, but the parity is greater than anticipated.
Main Image: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
