The Pelicans

Nawlins will have a new monicker next season, as they will officially become the Pelicans instead of the Hornets.

Logo looks good. Like the "Bird-de-Lis."

Wonder if they will cede the (non-New Orleans) history of the Hornets to Charlotte if the Bobcats return to that nickname.

The Southwest Division NBA Preview

Dallas Mavericks - 36-30 record last season. 7th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 1st Round of the Western Conference Playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Darren Collison, Vince Carter,  Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Kaman / Rodrigue Beaubois, OJ Mayo, Dahntay Jones, Jae Crowder, Elton Brand

Storyline/s: Mark Cuban had a plan for the offseason, but Dwight Howard and Deron Williams were not in on that plan, so plan B netted them Mayo, Brand and Kaman, then traded for Darren Collison. Dirk is going to be unavailable for the start of the season. Has the window of opportunity closed for them, considering that Dirk, Beaubois and Dominique Jones are the only players from the 2010-11 season still with the team (and the latter two did not even figure at all in the postseason title run)?

X-Factor/s: Can OJ Mayo prove himself to be a top-caliber-esque player? Can either Brand or Kaman come close to their 2006 Clippers form with the Mavericks?

Prognosis: Exiting first round of the playoffs.

Houston Rockets - 34-32 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Jeremy Lin, James Harden, Chandler Parsons, Patrick Patterson, Omer Asik / Toney Douglas, Scott Machado, Carlos Delfino, Terrence Jones, Donatas Montejunas

Storyline/s: Just before the buzzer sounded, the Rockets traded for what they believe will be a true go-to-guy option in Harden. This after Orlando spurned their interest in Dwight Howard.

X-Factor/s: Lots of newcomers, but can the two key holdovers (Chandler and Patrick) steady the ship with all the new faces?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies - 41-25 record last season. 5th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1st Round of the Western Conference Playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol / Jerryd Bayless, Wayne Ellington, Quincy Pondexter, Darrell Arthur

Storyline/s: The indelible stigma from last season was their collapse against the Clippers in Game 1 of the playoffs. They did however stretch their matchup to the full seven games. Can these guys make the next step?

X-Factor/s: They missed Darrell Arthur's contributions last season. He returns, now recovered from the injury that he incurred. They were really bad from shooting outside, so they acquired Ellington to hopefully fix that hole. Wayne and Quincy are expected to plug the hole left by OJ Mayo.

Prognosis: Exiting the first round of the playoffs.

New Orleans Hornets - 21-45 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Greivis Vasquez, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Anthony Davis, Robin Lopez / Austin Rivers, Xavier Henry, Hakim Warrick, Ryan Anderson, Jason Smith

Storyline/s: The Hornets naturally struggled last season after having to deal with the Chris Paul trade drama in the short offseason. It did not help matters that one of the assets they managed to secure missed a chunk of the season due to injury. They lucked out on securing new ownership, then the rights to the top overall selection in the draft.

X-Factor/s: Greivis gets the starting job while Austin gets mentored on how to run the offense. AFA got some playing time from his Olympic run with Nigeria. Will it translate to an improved game this season?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

San Antonio Spurs - 50-16 record last season. Division Champions. Lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

Ideal Rotation: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Boris Diaw / Gary Neal, Danny Green, Stephen Jackson, Matt Bonner, Tiago Splitter, Dejuan Blair

Storyline/s: Do they still have one more run in them? They'll have to start it without Manu. They stood pat while the other contenders re-armed. Can they stay healthy?

X-Factor/s: Can Danny Green, Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal collectively step up in Manu's absence at the start of the season?

Prognosis: Division Champs. Exiting in the Conference Semifinals

TWTWTNBA: The Southwest Division All-Star Roster Pool

All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.

Now, if the Southwest Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:

Dallas Mavericks - Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler

Houston Rockets - Kevin Martin, Luis Scola

Memphis Grizzlies - Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol

New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul, David West, Emeka Okafor

San Antonio Spurs - Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan


Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.

Coach: Gregg Popovich - Pop reinvented how the Spurs roll this season unlike before, now using its speed.

Starters:

Guard: Chris Paul - Arguably the best amongst all the point guards out there, although there are still concerns regarding that huge knee brace that he has on.

Guard: Manu Ginobili - With Duncan slowing down / aging gracefully, this is now Manu's team.

Forward: Rudy Gay - Has taken the next step. He's Memphis' go to guy in the clutch. Could have had the Game-Winner-Of-The-Year if not for the Tyreke heave.

Forward: Dirk Nowitzki - We credit him for the great start Dallas had this season. Also the reason why the Mavs have slumped as of late, due to his injury.

Center: Zach Randolph - He's averaging 20-10 again, proving the previous season was not exactly a fluke.


Reserves:

Guard: Tony Parker - Free from Eva's grasp, he's the straw that stirs the uptempo Spurs.

Guard: Kevin Martin - The perennially underrated small-school standout is probably one of the most efficient players in the NBA. Might be the personification of what Daryl Morey wants in his version of Moneyball.

Forward: Luis Scola - He's Mr. Do It All for Houston. No Yao, he took on his load and then some.

Center: Marc Gasol - Surely, the Pau Gasol deal giveaway killed Chris Wallace's reputation, but the Wendigo has proven to be a positive for the Grizzlies

Forward: Tim Duncan - Slowly descending into the graceful exit mode that David Robinson took in the latter stages of his career.

Forward: David West - Can't let a fellow Jesuit alum down. (He's from Xavier). Has the numbers to back it up, too.

Guard: Jason Kidd - Because he might be one ahead of his time back in the day, with all the quality point men prevalent in the Association right now. It's hard to imagine an All-Star game without J-Kidd's flashiness. (although that time is coming soon)


Inactive Roster:

Center: Emeka Okafor -  Arguably one of the best Centers on the Western Conference ballot.

Guard: Caron Butler - Was on his way to possibly his last big payday before he innocently got injured to (in all likelihood) end his season.

Guard: Jason Terry - The former Sixth Man of the Year winner has ably stepped up in both Dirk and Caron's absence.

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Christmas / New Year Wish List

It's the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 and we already know the good, the bad and probably the ugly in the current 2010 season. So, it is appropriate to compose the not-so-weekly-post that I do. The center of conversation would be what Santa Stern would give to the teams in theory for Christmas? Or what would their New Year's resolution would be? Here's a small sample size.

Northwest

Denver - To secure what really is the most beneficial solution involving Carmelo Anthony. Then proceed accordingly.

Minnesota - For them to really figure out what they ought to be doing with the rights to Ricky Rubio. For Kevin Love to possibly win the rebounding title. Peace of mind for Michael Beasley.

Oklahoma City - Air Congo possibly making a surprise presence at the Dunk Contest. Maintaining team chemistry as the kids get better.

Portland - A top tier medical staff to address specifically the needs of Greg Oden and Brandon Roy and in Greg's case, a sports psychologist. A new team for Rudy Fernandez (and possibly Andre Miller). Probably the wherewithal to tell Brandon Roy to rest.

Utah - A Jerry Sloan Coach of the Year Trophy. Find the true successor to Jeff Hornacek.

Southwest

Dallas - As of the moment, with Dirk on the mend, the last thing they need is another injury. And then Caron happened.

Houston - A return on investment for Yao Ming.

Memphis - To be more mature and handling chemistry issues. Fights like what happened between OJ Mayo and Tony Allen need to be avoided.

New Orleans - For everything to be right with Chris Paul's knee. For the NBA to do the right thing with how they are to handle their ownership of the Hornets.

San Antonio - Quite simply, for the health of their key guys. Duncan is obviously is slowly into the David Robinson fade phase.

Pacific

Golden State - An All-Star berth for Monta Ellis. And a constant effort from everyone on the defensive end. Credit for Dorell Wright earning his paycheck with his play.

Defending Champs - For Andrew Bynum to just get it. And after how they got blown out by the Grizz, for someone to knock some sense into them, as per Phil.

Los Angeles - For Blake Griffin to continue to be the gift that keeps on giving. A Baron Davis that is happy to accept the role as a facilitator and defer to Eric Gordon and Blake.

Phoenix - A Vince Carter that would be reinvigorated via the Steve Nash osmosis. Marcin Gortat being the guy that Mark Cuban wanted to get.

Sacramento - A Demarcus Cousins with his head screwed on straight.

The West on a Tier - An Alternative Look at the Western Conference

You have seen the Pacific, Northwest & Southwest Divisions as previewed by someone. Time to put in my two cents on the picture.

Yes, I know the season has started. Been a little busy. And as per someone's wishes, the Miami admiration / bashing via the one-off posts will be kept at a bare minimum.

Here we go.

1st Tier: The Champs

Los Angeles Lakers

What I Like: Adding Steve Blake, Theo Ratliff and Matt Barnes is certainly a huge upgrade.

What I do not Like: Injury woes with Andrew Bynum still dogging them.

The one key factor: Pau Gasol. He's gonna carry this team (especially early on) with Kobe taking it nice and easy due to his knee issues. I think he will be in the 20-10 range this season.

2nd Tier: The Wily Veterans

Dallas Mavericks

What I Like: Having Tyson Chandler to lob to for Jason Kidd. Dirk being Dirk. Mark Cuban. The possibility of Mavs games at the Jerryworld.

What I do not Like: Kidd is 38. He's reduced to shooting threes at this point.

The one key factor: Do the veterans still have it in them? They always seem to come up short. Dirk has logged in a lot of minutes as well and can he withstand the long season (although he did not participate in Istanbul).

San Antonio Spurs

What I Like: They are the most fundamental team on earth. They'll bore you to death.

What I do not Like: Injury concerns with Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

The one key factor: DeJuan Blair as the starting center of the Spurs. Timmy D's is in the downward slope of his career. He needs to help him carry the weight, so to speak.

Utah Jazz

What I Like: How the Jazz stole Al Jefferson the way the Lakers stole Pau Gasol. A stud PG in Deron Williams. Jerry Sloan still coaching the pick & roll.

What I do not Like: The hole in their shooting guard position, because Portland millsap'd Wesley Matthews after his playoff performance. All up to CJ Miles and Raja Bell.

The one key factor: Whether AK-47 will return to his peak form. If not with the Jazz, he's a good expiring contract to use as an asset.

3rd Tier: The Wildcard

Oklahoma City Thunder


What I Like: Pretty much everything. I got a mancrush on this team, have to admit.

What I do not Like: They don't have a savvy veteran leadership who would say, "I've been here before." Does Mo Pete apply in this case? Law of averages? (They were pretty much injury-free last year.)

The one key factor: Can they handle the pressure of being one of the top teams in the conference? Lots of eyes are on them. Will they live up to the expectations? Remember, they were one-and-done last time.

4th Tier: Central Question Marks

Portland Trailblazers

What I Like: Brandon Roy. Their head coach Nate McMillan. The mix of good veteran leaders and youngsters.

What I do not Like: Greg Oden going the Sam Bowie route. And he did the Brett Favre (even though he predated it). The lingering row between Miller and Roy.

The one key factor: Injuries have kowtowed their chances to succeed the past few seasons, especially last year. I know Sam Presti has seen what the Blazers have gone through, because what Portland was before, Oklahoma City is now.

Houston Rockets

What I Like: Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks shooting lots and lots of FT attempts. That and Luis Scola.

What I do not Like: None, really. But if pressed, probably the Chinese obsession in All-Star voting.

The one key factor: What Yao Ming can do in 24 minutes/game. Career wise, that would be translating into 14-7 with 1 blk.

Denver Nuggets

What I Like: The altitude factor. Chauncey Billups. The promise of Ty Lawson. The Fight against Cancer by George Karl.

What I do not Like: The atrocious neck tattoos on Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen.

The one key factor: The Carmelo situation, also known as the white elephant in the room. Everything follows once that is settled. Could last as long as Lebron's.

5th Tier: Good, but not THAT Good

Phoenix Suns

What I Like: Alvin Gentry's version of the SSOL. Steve Nash. Jared Dudley. Josh Childress. Sideshow Mel a.k.a Robin Lopez. Alvin Gentry's daughter (she's an avid tweeter.)

What I do not Like: Too much wings, which may result in Hedo playing PF. God held him.

The one key factor: As always, the medicine men of the Suns. Grant Hill was finally healthy. Imagine that.

New Orleans Hornets

What I Like: Current GM Dell Demps used to play in the Philippines as a reinforcement. The Skip Prosser connection (CP3 / David West)

What I do not Like: Still bogged down by bad contracts (although not as much as before). Marco Bellinelli starting alongside CP3. I still remember Marco as the Summer League stud.

The one key factor: How Monty Williams fares in his head coaching debut. I think I still have his NBA trading card. My how old I am.

6th Tier: On the Cusp

Los Angeles Clippers

What I Like: Admittedly biased, I like almost everything with them. Starting with Blake Griffin.

What I do not Like: Knowing that the Clipper malaise is just around the corner, waiting and waiting. Losing Steve Blake to the other side of Staples.

The one key factor: Baron Davis. All I ask him is to Getcha Head in the Game. And stay healthy, too.

Memphis Grizzlies

What I Like: How these guys can go up and down the court and showcase their athleticism.

What I do not Like: They'll be making a lot of financial decisions this coming offseason, starting with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Still think they overpaid Rudy Gay.

The one key factor: Will Mike Conley be the PG that can run this team? They need a capable PG to run an offense.

Sacramento Kings

What I Like: The young cast of characters. The uptempo nature of Paul Westphal.

What I do not Like: Logjam with Cousins, Dalembert, Landry, Thompson at the bigs and Garcia, Greene, Casspi at the wings.

The one key factor: #Reke4ROY is over. What's the next step for Tyreke? His development will determine if they would be able to go up to the tier above within the next two years.

7th Tier: Needs Reimaging

Golden State Warriors

What I Like: Steph Curry, who is one of the smartest young studs out there. The fans who stood by with this team even when they stink, and out here, there are a lot of people I know who trace their links to the Bay Area who love them as well.

What I do not Like: How this team is really that bad defensively. Dorell Wright starting at the 3. Monta Ellis, because he really is overrated.

The one key factor: How Keith Smart will do in his first head coaching job. Will he keep the Nellieball concept? Based from how things are, he just might.

Minnesota Timberwolves

What I Like: As a Clipper fan, having their first round pick in 2012 (Thank you, Marko). Kevin Love.

What I do not Like: David Kahn running this franchise, knowing Stephen Curry could have made wonders.

The one key factor: The potential of Michael Beasley could be realized. Or it could set them back so far...