NBA: Ranking the teams in the Southwest Division for 2017-18

The NBA’s Southwest Division is loaded at the top and will have three teams battling to stay out of the divisional basement. Regardless, there promises to be lots of drama.

The Southwest Division might have the best collection of players in the entire NBA. Each team has at least one iconic player on their roster and most of them have two.

Moving past the All-NBA players is what separates the contenders from the pretenders in this division.

The New Orleans Pelicans have the best frontcourt duo in the league between Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Behind them though, is very slim pickings. How far they go this season will really depend on how much their role players are able to contribute this season.

The Memphis Grizzlies also have a great one-two punch in Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. They continue to remain two of the most underrated stars in the game, despite putting up amazing numbers. Similar to the Pelicans, their supporting cast will have a big say in how many wins they rack up.

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The Houston Rockets will get to see what their star backcourt can really do. Chris Paul joined James Harden in the backcourt this offseason, creating another amazing duo. The Rockets’ supporting cast, however, seems well equipped to ease some of the pressure and help carry some of the load.

Unlike the first three teams, the San Antonio Spurs only have one star to carry them, Kawhi Leonard. LaMarcus Aldridge used to be in that same conversation, but had a rough 2016-17 campaign. If he can return to form, it will be a welcome surprise.

The Dallas Mavericks are another team with only one icon, although it would be unfair to put him in the same category at this point in his career. Dirk Nowitzki is well past his prime and is only a shadow of his former self. However, if he can string together another successful season, the Mavericks may be able to surprise some folks.

All of this talent gets me pumped up to rank the teams, so let’s get started.