The addition of Allen Iverson instantly makes the perennially awful Memphis Grizzlies a legitimate threat, but still will be looking up at San Antonio, Dallas and New Orleans.
Chris Paul will continues his quest to solidify himself among the best in the league, but will it be enough for New Orleans to surpass San Antonio?
The Spurs, led by the vastly under-appreciated Tim Duncan will once again own the Southwest Division.
Southwest Division
San Antonio Spurs (51-31)
Richard Jefferson, last year in Milwaukee
It’s amazing to think about how underrated Tim Duncan remains. Even with four championships, solid career averages of 21.4 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, it’s all been canceled out by his boring style of play. Expect more solid numbers from Duncan and a deep playoff run from his team.
Oh yeah: San Antonio probably made the best move of the off season by landing Richard Jefferson. Another proven scorer that can handle playoff pressure, Jefferson could be the key for the Spurs once May begins.
Oh no: By letting Fabricio Oberto go to Washington, there is no one in the middle alongside Duncan except for the ancient Theo Ratliff. San Antonio is still waiting for Tiago Splitter, a former first round selection, to leave his Brazilian team and Duncan has never played without a semi-effective center before.
Watch out for: George Hill. Really should be the starting two-guard so Manu Ginobili can come in off the bench. Hill has shown some flashes and on this team, any scoring would just be considered a bonus.
New Orleans Hornets (47-35)
Chris Paul’s Top 10 plays of 2009
Chris Paul already has been crowned the best point guard in the league, but this season he will establish himself as the best player in the NBA. The championship expectations from the media are gone, but Paul will single-handedly drag the Hornets to championship contention.
Oh yeah: By swapping Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor, the Hornets should have a stronger presence in the middle. Okafor provides some much needed toughness and should have the best season of his career.
Oh no: New Orleans fell by 58 to the Nuggets during game five in the opening round of the playoffs last season. How is Byron Scott still the coach? If New Orleans wants to become a better team, a switch at head coach is necessary. Expect Scott to be gone before January.
Watch out for: Julian Wright. The 6’8 forward has been a disappointment early in his career, but as the primary backup to Peja Stojakovic, Wright could see an increase in playing time.
Dallas Mavericks (44-38)
Shawn Marion, last year in Toronto
Following a bitter loss to the Miami Heat in the 2006 finals, the Mavericks have struggled to keep up with their conference foes. Dallas turned to reacquired Jason Kidd, who thrived last season, but simply don’t have enough talent to compete with the likes of the Lakers and Spurs.
Oh yeah: Trading for Shawn Marion was a great decision, he can play both forward positions, guard all five positions and will instantly become the best defender on the team.
Oh no: How many different teams can Tim Thomas disappoint? Philadelphia, Milwaukee, New York (twice), Chicago (twice), the Clippers and now Dallas. Do you think there’s a reason why no one holds onto him?
Watch out for: Drew Gooden. After disappointing stints in Chicago and San Antonio, serving as Dirk Nowitzki’s backup could be his best opportunity to reestablish his talents as a scorer.
Memphis Grizzlies (36-46)
The Grizzlies finally made the right move: bringing in Allen Iverson. This isn’t just any Iverson, this is the version where he’s playing with a giant chip on his shoulder and will do everything possible to prove all the critics wrong. Pay close attention: Allen Iverson isn’t washed up. You heard it here.
Allen Iverson is on the move again
Oh yeah: Everyone is saying the Zach Randolph trade is a giant mistake. Two questions: who did they give up and what can you expect from Randolph? Answers: Quinton Richardson (crap) and 20-10 from Randolph. Sure he’s really crazy and hates passing the ball, but he’s playing in Memphis, so you’ll forget all about him by November.
Oh no: Was that last paragraph defending Zach Randolph? Anyway, drafting Hasheem Thabeet will prove to be a mistake, if you want proof, look up what Roy Hibbert is doing with the Indiana Pacers.
Watch out for: Mike Conley. Many have written him off as a bust, but with O.J. Mayo, Iverson, Rudy Gay and Randolph to pass to, Conley is poised for a breakout season.
Houston Rockets (29-53)
Houston's Yao Ming and Tracy Mcgrady
Having lost Yao Ming for the season and Tracy McGrady not expected to play until January; the Rockets will suffer through a long season. In the end, it could be worth it. Remember how the Spurs struggled for one season and landed Tim Duncan? What if the Rockets land a top-3 pick and are able to flank two superstars around him? See, not all is bad in Houston.
Oh yeah: Trevor Ariza may be the best defender in the league not named Shane Battier. And who does Battier play for? The Rockets, so scoring in Houston should be one of the most difficult challenges for every opponent.
Oh no: With Ming out for the season, who are the Rockets turning to in the middle: David Anderson. Who the hell is David Anderson? Some Australian guy, and from personal experience, if you replace a Chinese guy with an Australian guy, crappy basketball ensues.
Watch out for: Aaron Brooks. Now the starting point guard position is his, the speedy Brooks was the Rockets second leading post season scorer in 2009. Look for him to build upon that success and become Houston’s best player.
Other division previews:
Atlantic Division; Central Division; Southeast Division; Northwest Division; Pacific Division
