While the Midwest is probably not the league's strongest conference, it may be one of the most competitive, as several teams could vie for the division title this year. With John Stockton and Karl Malone at the helm, the Utah Jazz have been the strongest team in the division for much of the past decade. Depending on the tandem's health, the Jazz may come away with another division title this season.
For the similarly successful Houston Rockets, the recent departure of centerpiece Hakeem Olajuwon will undoubtedly have a significant impact. And as the Jazz and the Rockets begin their downhill slide, the San Antonio Spurs may be presented with their last chance for another title. David Robinson is rumored to be near retirement, meaning next year might be a rebuilding one at the Alamo Dome.
The sleeper team this year in the Midwest is the Dallas Mavericks. whose main obstacle will be finding a center to guard against the league's best big men. Still, with Juwan Howard leading the way, this team will cause problems for its opponents.
Fantasy Stars:
While the teams in the Midwest don't have the well-rounded talent necessary to win an NBA title, many teams boast stars on their rosters. Tim Duncan of the Spurs is already established not only as one of the league's most dominant centers, but also as one of its best players. And while Robinson may be a fan favorite in this city, the Spurs did not become a contender until Duncan joined their family. Ranking fourth in the NBA with 13 rebounds per game, Duncan represents the team's best hope at winning a championship.Meanwhile, without Hakeem in Houston, this may be the year the Steve Francis actually plays to his potential. As one of only 18 players in NBA history to lead a team in points, rebounds, and assists, the search for a star in Houston could end with Francis. Lastly, Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves is, as always, a player to watch. Averaging 12 points per game and five assists last season, Garnett is Minnesota's most steady and exciting player.
Moving Around:
There hasn't been too much change in this division over the off-season, with the most notable departure being Olajuwon's having left for the Toronto Raptors. And though Houston hasn't replaced Olajuwon with a quality center, three-point specialist Glen Rice did come over in a trade from the New Your Knicks...Despite losing Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Mike Bibby, the Memphis Grizzlies landed Shane Battier in the draft and also acquired Jason Williams and Nick Anderson from the Sacramento Kings...Tim Hardaway will be donning a Mavs uniform this season, the first time in recent memory that a quality point guard will run the floor in Big "D."Questions:
The major question facing this conference is which superstar will step up to lead his team to the division title. Stockton and Malone have done it before and can do it again, but that depends on how much youth remains in their legs. Meanwhile, if Juwan Howard can finally put together a consistent season, the Mavericks may prove not only the surprise of the division, but also the surprise of the league.And the Award goes to...
MVP: Tim Duncan, Spurs. If San Antonio can put together another season like it did in Duncan's rookie year, the Spurs will be the team to beat. For this to happen, though, Duncan needs to have an MVP year, a feat not out of his reach.Coach of the Year: Gregg Popovich, Spurs. Hat's off to a guy who deserves the long awaited recognition.
Rookie of the Year: Shane Battier, Memphis. Surprise, surprise, another quality player who not only played at Duke, but also got a degree there before arriving in the NBA. This 6'10' defensive wizard will make his presence felt very quickly.
