The Southwest division is one of the most competitive in the NBA, and this will certainly be the case next season as all five teams look to return to the postseason. Every team is chasing the Golden State Warriors, who knocked out three of the five teams in this division in the playoffs. While all five teams look to reload for next year, let's see how they fared in the NBA draft, and if they bettered or worsened their futures.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets found themselves in an interesting situation. Sam Dekker wasn’t supposed to fall to them, but they needed a point guard with no viable backup to Patrick Beverley, and at the time not even knowing if he’d be back. Ultimately, Beverley did re-sign, and the team passed on Jerian Grant to go with Dekker at 18. Now, Dekker joins a corps of wing players that can help him grow and learn the game at his position. He adds depth at the 3 and a small-ball 4, and knows how to play the game intelligently. In the second round, Houston went with Montrezl Harrell, an athletic power forward who could make the team based on his motor and energy. The Rockets learned from their mistakes last year and are now loaded up on frontcourt talent in case anyone gets hurt again. Overall, the team made two solid picks, but they could have addressed more needs in the process.
Grade: B+
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has had a somewhat tumultuous offseason, but at 21 they pretty much nailed their pick by drafting Justin Anderson. Anderson is a true 3 and D winger, who shot 45% from beyond the arc last year and can lock down multiple positions. He has the potential to develop into a Draymond Green type, if he can improve his playmaking ability. He should slide in immediately on the bench on the wing to spell Chandler Parsons, and he provides a defensive presence that was lacking last season. In the second round, Dallas drafted Satnam Singh, a center from India who would be the first Indian-born NBA player ever if he should make the roster. He is still very young and has displayed a solid shot for a 7’2” center, and though he’s no DeAndre Jordan, he could be a solid player in a few years.
Grade: A-
Memphis Grizzlies
Last season, Memphis was considered to be a title contender most of the way, and bowed out in the second round to the eventual champions. One of their main weaknesses was scoring off the bench, specifically in the frontcourt. They may have addressed that issue by drafting Jarell Martin from LSU, an explosive, athletic power forward. Martin showed in college he can live above the rim but can also occasionally step out and hit a three, and if he improves his shooting and offensive versatility, he can be a real asset in Memphis. The Grizzlies will teach him to play defense more effectively, and he’ll have to step up to find minutes. Memphis also traded for Andrew Harrison, one of the twins from Kentucky who many didn’t know what to make of. Harrison can shoot from range and has the chance to carve out a bench role as well. Overall, Memphis went for calculated risks that could pay off in the long run.
Grade: A-
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio knew they needed to save money to accomplish their goals for this offseason. With so many free agents to re-sign or recruit, the Spurs decided to save money and draft a stash-prospect who they wouldn’t have to pay. They selected Nikola Milutinov, a 7-footer who showed some promise late in the Eurocup and his domestic league. The Spurs certainly like their European big men, and Milutinov could make a difference in a couple years. The Spurs also selected Cody Lalanne from UMASS, who could surprise if his offense can improve over the next couple of years. Either way, he is a low-risk pick and makes sense given how late the pick was. The Spurs did what they needed to, but once again means they didn’t do much to help in the draft.
Grade: B-
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans traded their 56th pick to the Clippers in return for cash considerations. The Pelicans could have made moves to get into the earlier parts of the draft, but it’s hard to blame them for choosing money over a late second-round pick, which usually end up being lottery tickets.
Grade: N/A