DALLAS MAVERICKS: B+
I think the Mavs have done a decent job beginning to quote/unquote build a team "around" Cooper Flagg. The additions of Saldama and Risacher are noteworthy, even if not game changing, as this team now has more tall, skinny, rotation-worthy dudes than they even had in the Luka days.
As for Flagg, I'm still not 100% convinced of his greatness. There are a number of rookies from last season who, if given the keys to car, I'm sure could have averaged just as many points. But he's also a formidable rebounder, obviously. And furthermore, it's more than apparent that the NBA actually wants him to succeed. It kinda reminds me of how the Pelicans got Zion Williamson after AD bounced. But even better, Cooper doesn't look like the perennially-injured type (fingers crossed).
Also, I doubt if he's going to be able to establish himself as an undisputed alpha with Kyrie around. An undisputed alpha is someone who's inarguably better than his teammates, which isn't the case when comparing Cooper to Irving, unless the latter ends up (re-)injured which, all things considered, is bound to happen sooner or later.
But in the meantime, that's actually my favorite move, or lack thereof, concerning Dallas's offseason, that they opted to keep "Fievel" around. And whereas it doesn't look like they'll be reaching the Finals again anytime soon, I would say there's no more hope for the future, with this roster, than when Doncic was around.
HOUSTON ROCKETS: B+
Make no mistake about it - the Rockets are contenders. I'm surprised by how much pundits are sleeping on this team. But while on the subject, let me get this off my chest, why I don't think they'll actually win it all. It's my belief - pure conjecture conspiracy-theory type shit - that the NBA doesn't want KD to win another championship, at least not as an alpha but maybe, you know what I'm saying, later in his career when he's more like a role player.
All the Rockets have to do is figure out how to play together with all of their pieces healthy, because there's only one ball to go around. They had another quality offseason, adding Bogdanovic and Smart. Injuries aside, they're just as deep, if not deeper, than San Antonio and OKC.
This is what I was talking about, the difference between a team like the Rockets and, say, the Suns. Houston hasn't won a championship in over 30 years, but still, it's like dudes actually want to play for them, or something like that.
But that said, it eventually reaches a point that if you keep fielding superior rosters yet getting bounced in the 1st Round type shit, like it ain't a good look at all. And if this team does flunk yet again which - they probably will, considering that the powers-that-be don't appear to be on their side - then what's next for KD?
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: B
The Grizzlies' lineup reminds me of that of the Heat - a noteworthy frontcourt, but something to be desired in the back. And as for their frontcourt, as sizable as it may be, it's not actually intimidating, at least not yet.
Also, speaking of players the powers-that-be may not be too fond of - anyone remember Carlos Boozer? You know, the guy who stabbed Cleveland (and by extension Lebron) in the back? I'm just saying that, yeah. I do find a bit odd that his son isn't getting more press, considering he was like the top-ranked college player or whatever.
What Memphis definitely loss of late, especially with the departure of Morant, is star power. So unless they get to winning, which isn't particularly likely, at least not immediately, no one is really going to give AF about this squad.
But of course, none of us can see the future. And you have to give to the Grizzlies for at least respectably rebounding from, just a few short years ago, being the top young up-and-coming team in the league, to losing all of the stars from that roster, to now being engaged in a noteworthy rebuild.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: B
I had a wise dude once tell me that 'people are always looking for external solutions to internal problems'. And on that note, unlike most pundits, I agree with Dumars and co. opting to basically stand pat.
A couple of short years ago, the Pelicans entered the season with the most talented starting five in the league - Williamson + McCollum + Murray + Ingram + whoever they used for that final spot - probably Trey Murphy III, whose been a coveted player for years - besides boasting a deep bench. Yet somehow, they still managed to finish at the bottom of the standings. Granted, that lineup may have had compatibility issues. But still, it's been pretty obvious, at least to me, that this organization's problem hasn't been lack of talent.
Zion's health of course deserves some of the blame. But since he's been hobbled from day one, the braintrust should've found a way to at least try to compensate by now. And as far as standing pat is concerned, if there's anything to criticize, it's their questionable (and expensive) commitment to Williamson.
Let dudes focus on at least trying to stay healthy and making the playoffs type shit. Then, we can take it from there. Rushing out and trading Murphy, for whoever, isn't likely the solution unless the objective is to rebuild. And giving that New Orleans now has quite a few old dawgs on the roster, that doesn't seem like a viable option.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS: B+
As it currently stands, I agree with analysts who argue that the Spurs are the favorites entering next season because, unlike their main competitors (i.e. the Knicks and Thunder), at least they've upgraded.
Tobais Harris may not have been the player they needed per se, given that his skillset/style is similar to Champagnie. But the more the merrier, I guess. And his presence will make it easier if the Spurs decided to move De'Aaron Fox to the bench, which is something I sorta advocate, especially come the postseason.
Tobias has his moments on occasion, but conventionally speaking, he isn't a gamechanger. However, you have to give it to San Antonio for at least getting deeper. They acquired a quality, starter-worthy rotation player while not losing anyone of note, at least not as far as I can see
CONCLUSION
The Southwest has two contenders, and it amazes how few pundits seem to be able to recognize that even if, at the end of the day, there's only one Wemby. But ultimately, the division is balanced by a couple of bottom-feeders. And in the middle lies the Mavs, who may also prove garbage but at least, unlike the Grizzlies and Pelicans, have more of a foreseeable future. And as far as offseason moves in general, Southwest teams didn't really do much but still come out looking wiser than perhaps any other division.
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