NBA, the Southwest Division: from Memphis to San Antonio, the guide

Question marks and open construction sites. If elsewhere the teams are ready to battle for the ring, uncertainty reigns in the Southwest Division. For one reason or another, the 5 teams have doubts to resolve. New Orleans and Memphis have them, waiting to understand how the careers of Ja Moran and Zion Williamson will evolve. The Mavericks have them, waiting for answers from the Doncic-Irving duo. While Spurs and Rockets enjoy their young players, waiting to reap the benefits.

THE QUINTET

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Morant*, Smart, Bane, Jackson Jr., Adams.

(*Suspended for 25 games)

THE STAR

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Ja Morant is the most electrifying player and, at the same time, the great doubt of Memphis. To compete, this team needs the best Ja, who will however be forced to watch the first 25 games from the sofa. The point guard was suspended for appearing in possession of a firearm on several occasions on his social media channels.

MAIN RESERVATIONS

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Rose, Kennard, Konchar, Aldama, LaRavia, Roddy.

TRAINER

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Taylor Jenkins (confirmed).

OBJECTIVE

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Conference semifinal.

BECAUSE YOU CAN

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If Ja Morant can stay out of trouble, the Grizzlies have the talent to aim for the conference semifinals. Smart adds leadership and will give a great hand in defense: if they were to win a first round within reach, they can aspire to win at least one series.

WHY NOT

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Because Morant, today, is anything but a guarantee. Without him, the Grizzlies have little chance against the superpowers of the West. And in the summer, Dillon Brooks and Tyus Jones left, integral parts of coach Jenkins’ rotation.

THE QUINTET

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VanVleet, Green, Brooks, Smith Jr., Sengun.

THE STAR

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By seniority and contract it would be VanVleet, but the new one moving forward is called Jalen Green. In a team full of young promises, he is the one expected to make the big leap in his third year in the league.

MAIN RESERVATIONS

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Thompson, Bullock, Eason, Tate, Whitmore, Landale.

TRAINER

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Ime Udoka (new).

OBJECTIVE

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Develop youth, play-in.

BECAUSE YOU CAN

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Many young people looking for space, some veterans and a coach who reached the Finals in his first (and only) year as head coach. The ingredients to amaze are there. VanVleet will help Green in attack, Amen Thompson can be a revelation. If they “click”, as they would say in the US, they can also cause trouble in the play-in area.

WHY NOT

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Because a reconstruction takes time and wanting to skip ahead at all costs can be dangerous. And there are many young people, perhaps even too many: Eason, Thompson, Whitmore, Sengun, Smith Jr., Green himself. The balances are all to be discovered. It takes calm.

THE QUINTET

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Jones, Vassell, Johnson, Wembanyama, Collins.

THE STAR

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The most anticipated prospect in history, second only (perhaps) to LeBron James. Victor Wembanyama has finally landed in the NBA: the potential to be an unprecedented talent is there. It remains to be understood how coach Pop will use him, whether as a center or more external, as he would like.

MAIN RESERVATIONS

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Sochan, Branham, Champagnie, Graham, Bassey.

TRAINER

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Gregg Popovich (confirmed).

OBJECTIVE

—

Develop youth, play-in.

BECAUSE YOU CAN

—

The draft brought Wembanyama to San Antonio, who with a master like Popovich can develop his game in the best possible way. The fate of the franchise depends on his impact on both sides of the pitch. He has potential never seen before: if he were to immediately establish himself in attack and defense, they could join the fight for a place in the play-ins.

WHY NOT

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Wemby has limitless talent, but more than one has doubts about his physical fitness. And Pop, master of load management, will try to keep him at rest whenever possible. The goal is to return to competition in the long term: no risks will be taken. Even at the cost of sacrificing victories.

THE QUINTET

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McCollum, Jones, Ingram, Williamson, Valanciunas.

THE STAR

—

The Pelicans’ hopes are all pinned on Zion Williamson. His talent is limitless when he takes the field, but unfortunately in recent years it has rarely happened: in 4 seasons, he has played just over 100 official matches.

MAIN RESERVATIONS

—

Alvarado, Murphy III, Nance, Marshall, Daniels.

TRAINER

—

Willie Green (confirmed).

BECAUSE YOU CAN

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If Zion Williamson can overcome his physical problems, they become an uncomfortable customer for everyone. Last season ended in the play-in: without injuries, they can overcome the obstacle and officially appear in the playoffs.

WHY NOT

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Everything depends on Zion, for better but also for worse. And so far, he hasn’t been able to make a difference due to too many injuries. From a physical point of view he must provide answers this season, or the entire future of the franchise could be reconsidered.

THE QUINTET

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Doncic, Irving, Hardaway Jr., Williams, Lively II.

THE STAR

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Luka Doncic is the present and future of the franchise. In his first 5 NBA seasons he had superstar averages: the last one ended with 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8 assists. Not bad.

MAIN RESERVATIONS

—

Prosper, Green, Kleber, Powell, Seth Curry.

TRAINER

—

Jason Kidd (confirmed).

BECAUSE YOU CAN

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How many can boast a pair of talented guards like Doncic and Irving? The former Brooklyn player has signed the renewal, Luka is now a certainty in the NBA. Getting to the playoffs, even through play-ins, is a must.

WHY NOT

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Last season showed that, in the West, nothing is taken for granted. Dallas finished eleventh in the regular season, out of everything. And the trade for Irving has not yielded the desired results so far. Will they be able to find the square?