DALLAS, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks stands for a photo during Dallas Mavericks media day at American Airlines Center on September 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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The 2025-2026 NBA season is less than a month away, so let’s get into some division previews.
Finally, it’s the Southwest Division.
Dallas Mavericks
We could sit here and try to talk about Kyrie Irving, and how his ACL tear is healing. Or, we could talk about Anthony Davis and how he’ll now wear goggles for the rest of his career.
Instead, it’s all about Cooper Flagg. The top pick in the summer draft is bound to get a lot of touches, a ton of responsibility, and likely an enormous amount of minutes right off the bat – and rightly so.
The 6’9 wing big is going to get a chance to explore all avenues of the game, including the role of ball-handler, play-finisher, playmaker, and point-of-attack defender. If nothing else, Flagg’s NBA education will be off to the races.
Houston Rockets
Losing Fred VanVleet to an ACL tear is a rough bit of business for the Rockets, who landed Kevin Durant over the offseason, and are looking to make a push towards the Finals.
Fortunately, this presents a rather unique opportunity for Amen Thompson to become the team’s primary playmaker, and as a result of that, his minutes at the point might open up for even more minutes for Tari Eason, which in turn could turn the Rockets into one of the most potent defensive teams in the league yet again.
Yes, the team still has spacing concerns. And they’re probably still unsure about what Alperen Şengün is long-term, but at least they know what they’re going after this season, and that’s a big plus.
Memphis Grizzlies
Questions still linger as to why the organization doubled down on a primary core consisting of Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. They traded Desmond Bane to Orlando, and have yet to find a suitable replacement.
However, one has to consider a fair amount of those minutes will go to Cedrid Coward, their rookie wing, in an attempt to accelerate his evolution. The Grizzlies, to their credit, are well-known for their ability to hit on guys later in the draft, so the selection of Coward seems right up their alley.
What is ultimately the goal for Memphis this season? There isn’t one answer. The organization seem to wish to remain competitive, while also open to seeing younger players level up. If they find it possible to have a leg in each camp, more power to them.
New Orleans Pelicans
It’s been a rough summer for the Pelicans, no question about it. After Joe Dumars took over basketball operations, the team hasn’t exactly come out on top in the trades they’ve completed, which is concerning.
They’re entering the season with two rookies, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, who more or less need to be good immediately if the franchise has playoff aspirations. Make no mistake – they shouldn’t. In fact, leaning into youth would seem like the smarter idea.
More than likely, most touches will go through Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy this season. Is that enough to make a splash in the Western Conference? Seems doubtful.
San Antonio Spurs
The team is in need of shooting, and still need to find the correct long-term pieces to put around Victor Wembanyama, but this summer they drafted Dylan Harper second overall, with the hope he can become a career-long running mate for their 7’5 superstar center.
We also can’t forget that De’Aaron Fox is around, who is essentially entering his prime. The speedy point guard, who excels at getting paint touches, could open up numerous slashing lanes for Wembanyama, allowing him a new avenue in which to score.
The organization is still trying to find their legs after former head coach Gregg Popovich stepped aside due to the affects of a stroke he suffered in November of 2024. Mitch Johnson, who took over for Popovich last season, will enter this season far more prepared than last year, and with a full training camp under his belt.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
