The NBA Southwest Division had a dynamic and eventful offseason, with teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters and position themselves for success in the upcoming 2023 season. From star player retentions to key acquisitions and departures, the division saw an array of exciting changes that have set the stage for intense competition on the court. With several teams making significant improvements, the Southwest Division is poised to be a battleground of talent, as title contenders emerge and rising stars aim to make their mark. As we recap the offseason moves, it becomes clear that the NBA Southwest Division is primed for an exhilarating and competitive season ahead. Lets take a look at what the teams did in the offseason.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for an exciting 2023 season with a loaded roster. The team’s trio of star players, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, are healthy and ready to lead the charge. With this talented trio back in action, the Pelicans have high hopes of making significant strides in the highly competitive Western Conference and securing a spot in the playoff picture. To further solidify their roster, the Pelicans made strategic moves in the offseason, starting with the re-negotiation of terms with Herb Jones, widely regarded as their best defender. The team agreed on a four-year, $54 million deal with Jones, ensuring that his defensive prowess and versatile skills will be a crucial asset on the court.
In addition to retaining key players, the Pelicans made smart signings to strengthen their lineup. Cody Zeller, fresh off a run to the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, joins the team as their third-string center, providing valuable experience and depth in the frontcourt. This addition will give the Pelicans flexibility and options in their lineup rotations. Furthermore, the Pelicans secured the services of EJ Liddell, a standout player from their two-way contracts last season, with a three-year, $6.2 million deal. Liddell’s potential and growth impressed the team, and his signing adds even more promise to the Pelicans’ talented core.
With a star-studded roster and strategic signings to bolster their depth, the New Orleans Pelicans are poised for an exciting and competitive 2023 season. Fans eagerly await the team’s performance on the court, with hopes that the trio of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum will propel the team to new heights in the playoff race. With Herb Jones anchoring the defense and emerging talents like EJ Liddell adding to their firepower, the Pelicans are primed to be a formidable force in the NBA’s Western Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies
The 2023 season promises to be an eventful one for the Memphis Grizzlies, both on and off the court. Last season, the team had to navigate through various off-court dramas, including a 25-game suspension for their superstar, Ja Morant, due to conduct detrimental to the NBA. Despite this setback, the Grizzlies have made significant moves to strengthen their roster for the upcoming campaign. In a trade with the Boston Celtics, Memphis acquired guard Marcus Smart, adding defensive tenacity and playmaking skills to their backcourt. Additionally, the team made a bold move by signing 34-year-old veteran and former MVP Derrick Rose to a two-year deal, bringing in a seasoned presence to mentor and guide young star Ja Morant.
To secure the future of their talented core, the Grizzlies demonstrated their commitment by signing Desmond Bane, one of the team’s standout players, to a lucrative five-year, $207 million extension. This move ensures that the talented trio of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Bane will remain together and continue to lead the team on the court for years to come. With this formidable trio locked in, the Grizzlies are poised to become a force in the league and compete at the highest level.
The addition of Derrick Rose as a veteran mentor is expected to have a positive impact on the team’s development, especially for young star Ja Morant. Rose’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and maturity of the team’s rising talent. As the Grizzlies navigate through the 2023 season, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the synergy between the seasoned veterans and emerging young stars, as the team looks to rise to new heights and establish themselves as a formidable force in the competitive NBA landscape.
Houston Rockets
The 2023-2024 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Houston Rockets, as they welcome former Boston Celtics Head Coach Udoka to lead the team’s charge. After years of rebuilding, the Rockets are now on the cusp of emerging as a formidable force in the league. The team’s draft picks have injected a new level of talent and potential into the roster, headlined by Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Thompson’s athleticism and scoring ability make him a valuable asset in the backcourt alongside the dynamic Jalen Green, forming a promising young duo for the Rockets.
In addition to their draft success, Houston made a splash in NBA free agency by securing Fred VanVleet on a lucrative three-year, $130 million contract. The experienced point guard brings leadership and playmaking skills that will undoubtedly elevate the team’s performance on the court. To add depth and experience, the Rockets also acquired Aaron Holiday, Jock Landale, and Jeff Green, who will provide valuable contributions in key areas.
Another significant addition to the team is Dillon Brooks, who brings a mix of offensive versatility and defensive prowess. Brooks’s ability to impact both ends of the floor will bolster the Rockets’ chances of making a strong playoff push this season. With a promising blend of young talent, experienced veterans, and a seasoned head coach at the helm, the Houston Rockets are poised to take a leap forward and become a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming NBA campaign.
San Antonio Spurs
The 2023 season holds great promise for the San Antonio Spurs, as their legendary head coach and president of basketball operations, Gregg Popovich, has committed to a new five-year contract. This lucrative deal, valued at over $80 million, solidifies Popovich’s position as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. With a remarkable record of 1,366 wins and 761 losses under his guidance, Popovich recently surpassed Don Nelson to become the winningest head coach in the league’s history. His unparalleled .642 winning percentage ranks second among coaches with at least 1,000 victories, showcasing his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess.
In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Spurs made a game-changing move by selecting Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick. This young prospect’s arrival instantly elevates the team’s potential and sets them on a path to success. Additionally, San Antonio made crucial moves in the offseason to retain key players. The re-signing of starting point guard Tre Jones to a two-year, $20 million deal ensures the team maintains a critical piece that has emerged as a linchpin in their lineup. Furthermore, securing Julian Champagnie on a four-year, $12 million deal demonstrates the organization’s commitment to nurturing young talent and securing their future. To bolster their depth, the Spurs wisely brought back Sandro Mamukelashvili, a low-risk signing that adds valuable support behind the young stars of Wembanyama and Zach Collins.
With Gregg Popovich’s legendary coaching, the acquisition of top talent like Wembanyama, and strategic contract signings, the San Antonio Spurs have laid the foundation for an exciting and promising 2023 season. Fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the team’s growth and development as they embark on a journey to reclaim their position among the league’s elite. As the Spurs’ storied legacy continues, the future looks bright with the masterful Popovich at the helm and a dynamic roster ready to make their mark on the NBA stage.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are heading into the 2023 season with high hopes and some significant roster changes. Acquiring Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline was a bold move for the team, but it didn’t yield the immediate success they had hoped for, as they missed the postseason with an 8-13 record with Irving on the floor. However, the Mavericks saw potential in Irving’s talent and decided to commit to him with a massive contract worth $40 million per season, plus $6 million in incentives. When Irving is at his best, he remains a terrific player, and the team is optimistic that a full offseason will allow him to find his rhythm and gel with the roster.
To bolster their roster further, the Mavericks made shrewd moves in the offseason, starting with the addition of Duke center Dereck Lively II through the draft. Lively’s presence in the paint will provide valuable rim protection and an inside scoring threat that complements Luka Doncic’s playmaking abilities. In addition to the draft pick, the Mavericks brought back veteran sharpshooter Seth Curry on a two-year, $9.2 million deal. Curry’s prowess as an off-ball shooter, with a career 43.5% three-point shooting percentage, will undoubtedly add a lethal shooting dimension to the team’s offense.
In free agency, the Mavericks orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics, acquiring 24-year-old forward Grant Williams. Williams is a versatile player who fills up the stat sheet and excels on both the boards and the defensive end of the floor. The team also secured the services of C Dwight Powell for three years at $12 million, ensuring a consistent and familiar presence alongside Doncic. Head Coach Jason Kidd will have an intriguing team to work with in 2023, and Mavericks fans eagerly anticipate seeing how these pieces come together to create a competitive and dynamic squad.
