Ranking the NBA's divisions: Northwest in a tier of its own
By Austin McGee
4. Southwest
Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs
2023-23 Combined Win Percentage: .461
They might not currently be better than the Central Division, but the Southwest has far more potential. The Dallas Mavericks made the NBA Finals, and the rest of the teams will certainly be better next season. Also, Dallas didn't just stand pat after a finals appearance, they added one of the best shooters of all time, Kaly Thompson, to flank the elite backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
This division only saw one team win a playoff game a season ago, as the New Orleans Pelicans were bounced in the play-in. Nevertheless, New Orleans won 49 games and missed the playoffs largely because of injuries. The Houston Rockets won 41 games and roster one of the best up-and-coming lineups. The Memphis Grizzlies were one of the most unlucky teams in the association—with Ja Morant only playing nine games. Finally, the San Antonio Spurs roster Victor Wembanyama.
There's a good chance each squad wins more games than they did a season ago. Continuity plus savvy offseason additions have made the Southwest Division formidable for years to come. After a fifth-seed and a play-in team a year ago, this division may see all five teams make the playoffs outright or at least fight for a seven or eight-seed.
3. Atlantic
Teams: Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors
2023-23 Combined Win Percentage: .532
The Boston Celtics' 2023-24 season alone forced the Atlantic Division to be one of the most highly regarded groupings. Additionally, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers saw plenty of success a year ago. Despite last year's achievements, the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors will significantly hamper the Atlantic's win percentage.
Boston should once again cross the 60-win plateau after retaining its entire core. Following a strong season in 2023-24, the Knicks took a swing in the offseason by trading for do-it-all forward Mikal Bridges, reuniting the wing with his Villanova teammates. While a college reunion wasn't in the plans for the Sixers, they brought in nine-time All-Star Paul George to pair with incumbents Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
It can be said that the three aforementioned teams are enough to have the Atlantic Division atop these rankings, but the Raptors and Nets are that much of a detriment. Brooklyn will be lucky to win 25 games next season while Toronto is running it back with the same 25-win team from last season.