The latest news and notes from around the Southwest Division on New Year's Day:
- Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com thinks the Mavericks should start Dirk Nowitzki. They had previously been bringing him off the bench to ease his integration back into the rotation.
- Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes that the Rockets are considering suspending suspending Royce White for his recent refusal of their D-League assignment.
- Hornets coach Monty Williams understands that the development of his young players is more important that making the playoffs in the short term.
- Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News praises Kawhi Leonard's recent defensive impact for the Spurs.