I figured that I need to get these postseason "Power Stinkings" over and done with, since the NBA preseason is about to start. Many analysts like to argue that the preseason is inconsequential, but I beg to differ, because it's during the preseason where teams with new pieces get to first see which lineups are compatible, and vice versa. For example, I'm sure I mentioned around this same time last year that the Lakers going winless during the 2021-22 preseason was quite telling. So what that means is that I can't do my true, final predictions for the upcoming season until post-preseason, hopefully, if like I have the time to write an article that long.
But until then, I can still blab about how franchises look as we currently speak. And these are the Power Stinkings, meaning that we're not going to start this list off with the Grizzlies but rather the...
1. CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Fullcourt basketball is largely a test of endurance, and that's especially true when you're playing over an 82 game season. So at the beginning of last season the Hornets - young, dumb and full of cum - looked like a team on the rise. Then as those long months progressed, they were exposed. And now Miles Bridges, who I personally feel is their best player, well, it doesn't look like he'll be suiting up anytime soon. In fact I personally believe that one of the reasons the Hornets fell off last season is because after the All-Star break, Bridges seemed more disinterested, probably because he got snubbed or whatever.
The Hornets also didn't re-sign Montrezl Harris, which would have really made sense esp now that Bridges ain't around. So, I guess it's back to putting our faith in Gordon Hayward.
2. HOUSTON ROCKETS
I don't particularly believe in youth movements, though they may be necessary at times. Or let me say that youth movements only tend to be successful when you're dealing with teams that have really wise braintrusts, which are so few that you can like count them on one hand, and then most of those already have established rosters. So the Rockets may be exciting to watch, but I have yet to come across anyone predicting that they'll even make the upcoming playoffs.
But another thing about these young, energetic squads is that if somehow they are able to get their shit together and overachieve, then watch out, because those wise, established rosters are usually filled with vets who may lack the energy to be chasing young dudes around for 48 minutes every night.
3. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
It pains me that I was even tempted to put the Spurs, as in the team with the highest winning percentage in NBA history, at the top of this list. Coming into this season, they have perhaps the most mediocre roster in the Association. But this is the Spurs, and Gregg Popovich is still around, so you have to give them the benefit of the doubt, that they may end up with a better records than the Hornets or Rockets. And you know, the Spurs are such a proven organization that for whatever reason they're never mentioned in tanking conversations, even though it's kinda obvious that's what they're doing. And if Popovich is able to stick around until they get a new crop high draft picks, then it's like look out.
2. DALLAS MAVERICKS
I'm almost tempted to say that the Mavericks took one step forward but two steps backwards in acquiring Christian Wood yet losing Jalen Brunson, but JaVale McGee ain't no slouch either. My biggest issue with the Mavs is that Luka, as great of a player as he may be, seems sorta like a despondent superstar, i.e. one who doesn't bring out the best in his teammates and may even have the opposite effect. But he's like the most naturally-talented basketball player in the world, so once again it is up to Cuban and them to construct a roster around him that works. And if Doncic stays healthy, it is possible that this team will be better than last season, though it's really hard to imagine them once again making it to the WCF.
1. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The problem with the Grizzlies is that besides losing key role players in Kyle Anderson and De'Anthony Melton, it doesn't look like they got anything in return, unless Danny Green proves healthy enough to remain on the court. So it's like Memphis didn't upgrade and may have even degraded. The good news though is that they have the best young core in the West. So what I'm presuming is that the braintrust is like okay, all of these guys, including Ja Morant, will be better this season than they were last, and that's what they're banking on. Like, there's only so much talent floating around the NBA anyway. But there's still a few quality vets in free agency, as I can really see DeMarcus Cousins as part of this roster.
CONCLUSION
The Southwest Division was one of the more intriguing last season, but it may not be that way this time around. While other teams were out upgrading, the likes of the Hornets, Spurs, Grizzlies and Mavs were either standing pat or losing key players. It speaks volumes to conclude that the Rockets may have had the best offseason in Southwest Division, but we have to see how things play out in Dallas especially, as now Doncic truly has the type of supporting cast that not only compliments his style but also shouldn't step on his toes too much.
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