Which Texas team will return to prominence first in the NBA?
This season has been far from kind for the trio of Texas teams in the NBA that are not used to irrelevance. However, that’s exactly what is starring the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks square in the eye at the moment.
One question I’ve been pondering is which Texas team is currently sitting in a better position moving forward in their respective builds. In essence, which team would you trust to get back to contention first?
And while on one hand, the easy answer might be the Dallas Mavericks because of Luka Doncic. But if you look at what has transpired so far this season, I’m not sure the answer to that question is that simple.
As it currently stands, the Mavs are 8th at 15-17, the Spurs are 10th at 14-18, and the Rockets are 15th at 10-23.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs should probably be the answer to this question; they have Luka Doncic and are probably one piece away from being a true contender in the Western Conference. If they can move Kristaps Porzingis for a player that fits better, you’d have more confidence in this team as the season progresses. But until that happens, I’m not sure if the Mavs are anything more than a first-round exit this season.
The front office has failed to add to this core and especially this past offseason, Luka has been let down. Question is, can you trust this front office to get it right? I’m not sure; they did it just once with Dirk Nowitzki.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have the young talent that you want, especially in year 1 of their rebuild. Even though Jalen Green hasn’t had the rookie season that many thought he would, he’s still been good and has flashed his excellent potential. Kevin Porter Jr. has also been a revelation that was added at the midway point of the season last season.
I’m not sure if Christian Wood is part of the team’s long-term plans but he’s a solid player that the team could cash in for assets if they want. Alperen Sengun is another player that has already shown promise this season.
The concern with Houston is that there’s no guarantee that they have their head coach of the future and this front office – after the departure of Daryl Morey – hasn’t proved they can build a contender yet. Nevertheless, this team is off to a really good start compared to other teams in their rebuild.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are perhaps the most interesting team of the three. Not even because of the players that they have on the roster but because of the looming transition that is about to take place within the franchise.
The overwhelming expectation is that Gregg Popovich is going to walk away as the team’s head coach at some point over the next couple of seasons. There’s growing confidence that will take place after this season. But that’s no guarantee.
Assuming that happens, I’m not sure anyone is going to trust and be confident in the Spurs moving forward as they continue toward a semi-rebuild.
Despite their underwhelming record this season, disperse have a couple of polytheism rust. Dejounte Murray should puppies are some consideration for an All-Star appearance and Keldon Johnson has made another step in his progression this year.
that said, I still believe that there is very much doubt whether either of those players would be considered franchise cornerstones. without pop at least part of the decision making, I think it’s married easy to question what is a spray Scooby motivate the jump back to contention sooner rather than later.
On paper, it’s easy to favor the Mavs of the three teams in Texas that will likely end up being a contender first. And the only legit reason is Luka.
In fact, there’s a very real chance that all three Texas teams continue to operate in mediocrity for the foreseeable future.