duncan228
05-07-2009, 01:19 PM
After their early boot, Spurs focus on next season (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/After_their_early_boot_Spurs_focus_on_next_season. html)
Miguel A. Castro - Conexión
Suffering their earliest exit in the postseason since 2000, the Spurs hope to use the long summer to reinvigorate their championship franchise.
And fresh off their dismal first-round, five-game series performance against the Dallas Mavericks, the Silver and Black could use the extra time off even if they weren't counting on it.
To avoid a similar scenario next season and to contend for a fifth NBA title, the Spurs will look to use three second-round draft picks and some leeway in their budget to get the Big Three some much-needed help.
“I don't think at all we are over,” said point guard Tony Parker. “I think with a healthy Manu Ginobili and a couple changes in our role players, we will be right back for another run.”
That is, of course, with the hopes that Ginobili fully recovers from his ankle injury, Tim Duncan rests his banged-up knees and Parker avoids hurting himself this summer while playing for the French national team.
Together the trio played a vital role in carrying the team through a tumultuous season filled with injuries and obstacles and ending with a 54-23 record and a Southwest Division title.
“We're all disappointed when we don't win the whole thing,” coach Gregg Popovich said of his team's finish. “But it can't go without notice that these guys did one hell of a job this year, and I'm really proud of them.”
Also on the Spurs' already extensive offseason to-do list is determining the fate of four unrestricted free agents — Ime Udoka, Jacque Vaughn, Drew Gooden and Michael Finley, who can still exercise his final-year option.
Regardless, the Spurs are eager to return to championship form.
“When you've had the taste of the best of the best and you remember how that feels to be holding that trophy at the end of the Finals, it's a great feeling,” guard Bruce Bowen said. “It's also a feeling you long for again.”
Miguel A. Castro - Conexión
Suffering their earliest exit in the postseason since 2000, the Spurs hope to use the long summer to reinvigorate their championship franchise.
And fresh off their dismal first-round, five-game series performance against the Dallas Mavericks, the Silver and Black could use the extra time off even if they weren't counting on it.
To avoid a similar scenario next season and to contend for a fifth NBA title, the Spurs will look to use three second-round draft picks and some leeway in their budget to get the Big Three some much-needed help.
“I don't think at all we are over,” said point guard Tony Parker. “I think with a healthy Manu Ginobili and a couple changes in our role players, we will be right back for another run.”
That is, of course, with the hopes that Ginobili fully recovers from his ankle injury, Tim Duncan rests his banged-up knees and Parker avoids hurting himself this summer while playing for the French national team.
Together the trio played a vital role in carrying the team through a tumultuous season filled with injuries and obstacles and ending with a 54-23 record and a Southwest Division title.
“We're all disappointed when we don't win the whole thing,” coach Gregg Popovich said of his team's finish. “But it can't go without notice that these guys did one hell of a job this year, and I'm really proud of them.”
Also on the Spurs' already extensive offseason to-do list is determining the fate of four unrestricted free agents — Ime Udoka, Jacque Vaughn, Drew Gooden and Michael Finley, who can still exercise his final-year option.
Regardless, the Spurs are eager to return to championship form.
“When you've had the taste of the best of the best and you remember how that feels to be holding that trophy at the end of the Finals, it's a great feeling,” guard Bruce Bowen said. “It's also a feeling you long for again.”