NBA Southwest: Western Conference

Posted by Tom Blaz on 11/07/2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley Jr., Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman, O.J.Mayo, Darren Collison, James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, AnthonyDavis, Greivis Vazquez, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu

As we roll into the 2012-'13 NBA season, we're going to take you through an overview of each of the six divisions. Who are key newcomers? Who are notable for your fantasy team? Last season was brutal with a late and sudden December start to an abbreviated season. We continue our previews in the Western Conference, with a look at the Southwest Division. San Antonio's big three are back for another run, do Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan have anything left in the tank? The Memphis Grizzlies continue to ascend and may be poised to take over the Division with Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay among the best in the West at their positions. O.J. Mayo is finally showing his potential, but can Dallas stay competitive until Dirk Nowitzki returns? Wow, that's all I can say about Houston and new leading man James Harden. Lastly, New Orleans rebuilds around Anthony Davis but the process has a long way to go.

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Projected Order Of Finish

1) San Antonio Spurs- I had Duncan last season and he put up very solid numbers. The down side... he sits out entire games without notice, which are costly in just about any fantasy format. Ginobili is an old 35 and may spend as much time on the bench this season as he does on the hardwood. Tony Parker remains in his prime and the Spurs may have to move him after this season to help jump start the rebuilding process. Kawhi Leonard was a draft bargain a year ago and if he can get 30 minutes per game, he will be a very valuable asset. DeJuan Blair can really help you on the boards, but its hard to rely on a player with basically no ligaments in either knee. Boris Diaw may deserve a look, in his prime he could really fill a stat sheet, but never has been a scorer. Danny Green is getting Ginobili's minutes for now, but isn't really solid fantasy material.

2) Memphis Grizzlies- Is this the season the Grizzlies take over as the big dog in the Southwest Division? Gasol has really emerged as an All-Star caliber center, more power with less finesse than his more famous brother Pau. Zach Randolph is a reliable scorer and rebounder and a nice compliment to Gasol at the four. I really like Rudy Gay who appears ready to take that next step into the elite forward level alongside Carmelo, just below LeBron. Mike Conley Jr. has emerged as a capable point, worthy of leading Memphis deep into the post season, as well as your fantasy squad. Tony Allen is a workmanlike player at the two, keep an eye on youngsters Jerryd Bayless and Josh Selby as both have a far greater upside. Marreese Spreights was a nice pickup mid-season and provides insurance in the post. Quincy Pondexter has some talent, but not enough PT behind Gay.

3) Dallas Mavericks- It appears Mayo may be emerging as the star that many predicted when he came out of high school. Mayo and Darren Collison are the new look Dallas backcourt as the Mavericks had to "recreate" a roster after clearing the decks for free agent talent like Deron Wiliams. Chris Kaman is a very capable big and should be a nice partner for Dirk.... when he returns from injury. Brandan Wright is filling Nowitzki's spot at the four and although he was a high lottery pick, doesn't bring enough to warrant fantasy attention. Shawn Marion and Elton Brand round out the starters... Marion was once fantasy gold, but is only a fraction of the player he once was. Brand is playing on a one-year contract and has already expressed interest to remain longer in Big D so he will be a man on a mission. We should mention Vince Carter, once a fantasy staple, now more a side show and occassionaly crowd pleaser.

4) Houston Rockets- Were you lucky enough to stumble into James Harden in your draft? I was fortunate to have him as a potential keeper from my auction last year. While I believe his "breakout" performances out of the gate will certainly not be the norm, he appears to be capable of 20-25 points per game as the clear number one option in Houston. Its apparent that free agent acquisition Omer Asik is going to rebound, maybe enough to lead the Association. Jeremy Lin is certain to draw crowds, both home and away and is a nice backcourt mate for Harden for years to come. Marcus Morris and Patrick Patterson figure to split time at the four, enough so to make them fantasy duds. I like the potential of Chandler Parsons at the three and backup Terrence Jones is an intriguing talent. Royce White is an interesting talent with "point forward" skills, but will his reluctance to fly be a problem? If you need a swingman, Carlos Delfino is probably available or could come cheap in your league.

5) New Orleans Hornets- Everybody seems to love top draft pick Anthony Davis. Davis is young, but was helped immensely by participating in the Olympics this Summer. Robin Lopez has done a nice job as Davis recovers from injury, perhaps he can be a player after an invisible period in Phoenix. Ryan Anderson is the best stretch four in the Association, no power player comes close to his range or accuracy. Keep an eye on Al-Farouq Aminu, I have already grabbed him in several leagues. A forgotten lottery pick, Aminu never got untracked with the Clippers, but is loaded with talent. Greivis Vazquez is off to a great start at the point and is definitely worthy of a roster spot. I had the opportunity to watch him develop in college at Maryland and he is talented. Eric Gordon is still out with injury, but when healthy can light it up from the two spot. Austin Rivers figures to be a good one, but maybe not this season.

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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.