2019 NBA Free Agency Southwest Primer: Analytics, upstarts and perennial contenders

Depending on how the 2019 NBA Free Agency moratorium plays out the Southwest Division could experience the greatest shifts within its own division.

The Southwest Division doesn’t have numerous top tier talents hitting NBA free agency, but is projected to be one of the most active in the offseason. Dallas and Houston are both making noise about signing key stars and that could have a roll out effect across the Association.

As you know I simply won’t move away from ever believing a team coached by Gregg Popovich won’t make the postseason. And, in truth with some of the youngsters they either added or will be returning it gives me no reason to abandon ship (yet).

That said, this division has the greatest potential to experience a shift within its own rankings. The addition of Zion Williamson to the Pelicans makes them interesting at the very least but it’s the prowess of David Griffin at the helm which already has many sitting up and taking notice.

Daryl Morey is back at it in Houston, once again expected to swing for a big free agent even if it means upsetting all the existing assets (outside his two max players) in the process.

Meanwhile, Memphis has finally decided to rejigger the Grit and Grind era while the Dallas Mavericks appear poised to re-enter the fray of yearly playoff contenders.

Reflecting back, in the year 2014-15 this division had all five teams enter the postseason. This past year only two (Spurs/Rockets) made the cut. Just goes to show how quickly things change in the Association.

And, in spite of the shifts expected to occur within the Division, I’m not sure there will be much upheaval of the top eight squads who’ll land back in next spring’s annual rite of passage.

With that let’s dive into the free agency primer for the Southwest Division.