For years, the Southwest division was one of the toughest divisions in the NBA. The strength of the division was largely based on the “Texas triangle” of the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.
The Spurs are no longer the power they once were, and the Rockets are clearly rebuilding after the James Harden trade. The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies join the Texas teams in what has become a less than stellar division. However, teams should enjoy the respite while they can. This division features some fantastic young players in Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Jalen Green who should help the division return to its former glory.