College football's SEC West division has grown a reputation of being the best division in all of sports. That reputation took a hit following a disappointing showing in this year's bowl games. Offices around the country resumed business on January 2nd, and water coolers were filled with sports fans debating the division's downfall.
My job included.
But I would like to back up a bit. Overrated or not, the SEC West was never the best division in sports in 2014. And this division gets no mention as such.
I'm talking about the NBA's Southwest division. San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, and New Orleans. Four of the five teams made the playoffs last year, and the Pelicans...who did not...have assembled some nice pieces around one of the best young talents in the league...Anthony "The Brow" Davis.
After 36 games, no team has a losing record...and three teams have 25 wins or more. An incredible feat given the fact that most of the team's losses have come to one another.
And if the Southwest wasn't already tough enough, Dallas stared acquiring more firepower...setting off a game of follow the leader throughout the division.
Following a near first round upset of the eventual champion Spurs last season, Dallas (26-11) came out swinging...acquiring Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons in the offseason. And just recently they acquired All Star caliber point guard Rajon Rondo from the Celtics. Already one of the best offenses in the league, the Mavs look like serious contenders.
Not to be outdone, Houston (25-11) acquired Corey Brewer and Josh Smith recently. Smith, the jettisoned malcontent from Detroit, gives the Rockets a versatile big man with a playoff edge to him. He can also stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, easing the load for MVP candidate James Harden.
Amid a slump, and looking to keep pace, the Memphis Grizzlies (25-11) traded veteran small forward Tayshaun Prince to Boston for Jeff Green.
Boston is doing a lot of trading huh? Ok...I digress.
Although the name Jeff Green doesn't leap off the page to the casual fan, the trade is significant because it addresses a critical need for a Grizzlies team with few holes. Point guard Mike Conley is playing at an All Star level, and so are big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The defense is as stingy as ever, and there's quality depth on the bench.
But the small forward production....
Memphis is currently getting 6.5 points a game and 28.8% shooting from 3 point range from that position right now. Both are league worsts. Green is currently averaging 17 points a game, and gives the Grizzlies some much needed athleticism. By the way, Tony Allen is no doubt one of the best defenders in the league, but I challenge anyone to find another player that misses more uncontested layups than him.
Digressing.
The defending Champion Spurs have held pat so far. And why wouldn't they? Even while missing half their roster throughout the season they are still 22-15. A healthy Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker returning to the lineup (which should be soon) is just like a talent upgrade via trade. Tim Duncan is still...well...Tim Duncan, and the Spurs will be dangerous no matter where they finish up in the final seeding.
New Orleans (18-18) has also held pat, and are ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. 18-18 after 36 games is a remarkable feat given the bevy of talent listed before them. Anthony Davis is a superstar, and he'll have the Pelicans in the playoffs sooner than later.
The Southwest division is literally stacked from top to bottom. And the scary though is...it could still get tougher. The trade deadline is still six weeks away.
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