Health, a probable change and the development of rising stars would be the keys to the outcome of a closed Southwest Division of the Western Conference in NBA basketball that would see a perennial candidate for the title out of competition.
If Kristaps Porzingis can come back from his injuries, then the Dallas Mavericks would be a solid candidate for first place with the presence of Luka Doncic, already a superstar at age 21. To round out, coach Rick Carlisle will feature Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Richardson, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson.
If James Harden stays (even against his will) the Houston Rockets who will have the debut of coach Stephen Silas cannot be ruled out. John Wall came in in exchange for Russell Westbrook, they signed DeMarcus Cousins and Christian Wood and also have Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker as their main contributors.
If the rising stars line up, then the New Orleans Pelicans will have to take into account the new coach in the person of veteran Stan Van Gundy. With the trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball in full swing of their faculties, the arrival of Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe and Willy Hernangómez and the permanence of JJ Redick form an interesting nucleus to compete.
And what can you expect from the Memphis Grizzlies, a revelation who made it to the play-in before losing to the Portland Trail Blazers. It presents a similar picture to New Orleans with the presence of rising youngsters Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. who will need more offensive help from Dillion Brooks and Brandon Clarke to aspire to go beyond the regular series.
The five-time Spurs champions from San Antonio appear to be entering a rebuilding phase after being missed out of the playoffs for the first time since 1997. It remains to be seen what direction they will take whether to fight to qualify in the last places or trade DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, veterans who will attract the attention of many contenders. Rudy Gay and Patty Mills could follow in his footsteps and leave fate in the hands of young Dejounte Murray, Jakob Poeltl and raffle winner Devin Vassell, who will receive the latest insights from the legendary Gregg Popovich.
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