NBA Southwest Division Outlook: Will The San Antonio Spurs Reign Continue?

Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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NBA Southwest Division
Feb 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With Tim Duncan retiring,teams could see an opening to take control of the NBA Southwest Division, but can they slow down Kawhi Leonard and Lamarcus Aldridge?

Once considered to be one of the best divisions, the NBA Southwest will have some teams taking a step back in 2016-17.

The San Antonio Spurs have been part of the upper echelon of the Western Conference for well over a decade now and don’t look to be slowing down. As they continue to improve, the other four teams are going through a transitioning phase.

Albeit, in an interesting place.

Will the new offensive system help James Harden and the Houston Rockets? Are the Memphis Grizzlies really making the transition to pace-and-play style? Dirk Nowitzki only has a few years left with the Dallas Mavericks; with talent around him, can they make a playoff run? Anthony Davis needs to stay healthy so New Orleans Pelicans can see what they have.

The Spurs may be the NBA’s only hope in stopping the new look Golden State Warriors, however will need some young players to take the next step forward.

Can anyone come close to competing with San Antonio in the Southwest Division this season?