NBA: Predictions For The Southwest Division In 2016-17

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Mar 19, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) talks to his teammates in the game against the Golden State Warriors at the AT&T Center. Spurs won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /

1. San Antonio Spurs

2015-16 Record: 67-15 (1st in Southwest Division)

2016-17 Prediction: 60-22 (1st in Southwest Division)

It’s a new day in San Antonio for the Spurs.

The most iconic player in the history of the franchise announced his retirement this summer — but not before he left them in prime position to continue to contend for championships in the future.

Tim Duncan could retire in peace knowing that the team can rest its laurels on a perennial MVP and Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Kawhi Leonard and an All-Star caliber forward in LaMarcus Aldridge.

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The Spurs also were able to lock up Manu Ginobili for another season and once again boast one of the deepest benches in basketball, despite losing key players like Boris Diaw, Boban Marjanovic and David West.

The Spurs also caught a big fish in free agency, netting Pau Gasol as the short-term replacement to Duncan. While Gasol isn’t quite the defender Duncan is, his 2.0 blocks per game last season were the fifth best in the league and his offensive versatility will make him a seamless fit in San Antonio.

Young players like Patty Mills, Kyle Anderson and Jonathan Simmons will have more responsibilities next season and have shown that they’re up to the task. New additions in Dewayne Dedmon and Dejounte Murray will also help to bolster the bench unit and give the Spurs new dimensions of offense.

More hoops habit: San Antonio Spurs: 2016 Offseason Grades

The Spurs won’t necessarily be breaking records like they were last season, but they will definitely reign atop the Southwest Division once again and be the top competition to the juggernaut that is the Golden State Warriors in the West.