The Southwest division supplied five of the eight Western Conference playoff teams this season. This impressive feat had not been accomplished since 2006, when the Central division unleashed its five-headed snake on the first round of the Eastern Conference side of the bracket.
Now, with all five franchises out of the playoffs, it seems appropriate to evaluate each team's needs going into this year's draft. Let's breakdown each team, in order of their regular season records (worst to best).
New Orleans Pelicans
Picks in the 2015 NBA Draft: No. 56
Area(s) of need: Small forward
It seems as though the Pelicans get stung by the injury bug every season. This year, injuries affected point guard Jrue Holiday, combo guard Tyreke Evans, and shooting guard Eric Gordon.
When healthy, the Pels have a talented back court. However, they lack the long, athletic small forward that so many teams covet. While 3-and-D specialist Quincy Pondexter did an admirable job this season, incoming coach Alvin Gentry might welcome a perimeter player who can pack a punch on the wing.
With only one pick - a late second rounder - the Pels have their work cut out for them. It is unlikely that they'll be able to nab a premier player at No. 56. Some clever maneuvering might enable general manager Dell Demps to purchase a higher pick or put a package together to move up in the draft - but these options seem unlikely.
Potential targets: Cedi Osman, SF, International; Daniel Diez, SF, International; Nedim Buza, SF, International
Dallas Mavericks
Picks in the 2015 NBA Draft: No. 21, No. 52
Area(s) of need: Point guard, rim protection
The Mavericks logged yet another 50-win season this year. However, they were dispatched convincingly by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.
Rajon Rondo has burned his bridges in Dallas, Raymond Felton is no longer a young, promising prospect, and J.J. Barea will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. This leaves the Mavs with one point guard - defense-first Devin Harris - who is locked up through 2016-17. Since Harris is no spring chicken at 32, it would be wise for Dallas to look to draft a point man. The team's chances of landing a decent floor general are legitimate with its No. 21 pick.
As rumors swirl regarding the possibility of DeAndre Jordan joining Dirk Nowitzki and company via a Tyson Chandler swap, it seems that the Mavs are hoping to shore up their front line as well. With the team finishing the regular season ranked 20th in blocks and 23rd in defensive rebounding, it's evident that it's in need of more productive big men.
Potential targets, No. 21: Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame; Tyus Jones, PG, Duke; Delon Wright, PG, Utah; Christian Wood, PF, UNLV; Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse
No. 52: Andzejs Pasecniks, C, International; Moussa Diagne, C, International; Olivier Hanlan, PG/SG, Boston College
San Antonio Spurs
Picks in the 2015 NBA Draft: No. 26, No. 55
Area(s) of need: Shooting guard, front court depth
Every year, regardless of their roster flaws and the ever-changing Western Conference landscape, the Spurs seem to make the most of what they have. However, despite a valiant effort against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, they were sent packing after a Game 7 loss.
With the point guard, small forward, and power forward spots seemingly shored up, the Spurs may want to strengthen their shooting guard position and add some big bodies to their front line - Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, and Marco Belinelli are no longer under contract, and Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter aren't getting any younger.
Potential targets, No. 26: R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State; Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV; Christian Wood, PF, UNLV; Chris McCullough, PF, Syracuse
No. 55: Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston College; Joseph Young, SG, Oregon; Pat Connaughton, SG, Notre Dame; Robert Upshaw, C, Washington; Moussa Diagne, C, International
Memphis Grizzlies
Picks in the 2015 NBA Draft: No. 25
Area(s) of need: Perimeter scoring, post scoring
If you combine the shooting of a streaky Courtney Lee, an aged Vince Carter, possible free agent Jeff Green, and offensively-challenged Tony Allen, you still don't have enough consistent production coming from the Grizzlies' perimeter. As Memphis finished 22nd in the league in 3-point field goal percentage, it is in need of a consistent wing scorer - especially if Green decides to opt-out of the final year of his contract.
When Zach Randolph or Marc Gasol go to the bench, coach David Joerger doesn't have the deepest reserve of bigs to choose from. Kosta Koufos is a serviceable back-up, but he's a UFA this summer and may be searching for a starting gig or more playing time. Although many believe that Gasol - also a UFA - will ultimately remain a member of the "Grit and Grind" crew, GM Chris Wallace might be eyeing a big bruiser who can rebound and finish around the rim.
Potential targets, No. 25: Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia; Christian Wood, PF, UNLV; Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville; Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU; Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas
Houston Rockets
Picks in the 2015 NBA Draft: No. 18, No. 32
Area(s) of need: Point guard, post scoring
Entering the off-season, the Rockets' point guard situation will surely demand the attention of GM Daryl Morey. Lead guard Patrick Beverley will be a restricted free agent and Pablo Prigioni, 38, is a senior citizen by NBA standards. The hobbled Rockets were forced to play point guard by committee throughout the playoffs, which was less than ideal for James Hraden and head coach Kevin McHale.
The Rockets also need post production from players not named Dwight Howard. Josh Smith (UFA) and Terrence Jones can be used as power forwards from time to time but are sometimes relegated to SF/PF "tweener" status depending on the matchup, and Donatas Motiejunas improved considerably but was lost to a season-ending back injury. A true big man who can create his own shot in the paint would be a helpful addition to this squad.
Potential targets, No. 18: Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame; Tyus Jones, PG, Duke; Delon Wright, PG, Utah; Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas; Montrezl Harrell, PF, Louisville; Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky
No. 32: Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville; Olivier Hanlan, PG, Boston College; Jordan Mickey, PF, LSU; Jarell Martin, PF, LSU; Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas
