duncan228
10-20-2009, 02:44 PM
Southwest preview: Spurs re-tool without losing step (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/12389429)
By Ken Berger
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Is life fair? No, life isn't fair. The San Antonio Spurs had their moment in the sun; actually, they had nine years in the sun. They won four championships during that time, boring everyone but the purest basketball fans along the way. This era should be over, the chapter closed.
But, no. Como una cucaracha, the Spurs are back. They refuse to die. And there's a chance they could be better than ever.
Look past Tim Duncan's knee brace and Manu Ginobili's medical history, and the Spurs look poised for one more title run. For years, stability has been the San Antonio way. But with an aging core and the knowledge that the West isn't getting any easier, the Spurs wisely took advantage of the economic tsunami, which made Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess available to them at cash-for-clunker prices.
Give the Spurs this: When they finally decide to revamp their roster, they do it the right way. McDyess gives Gregg Popovich a viable option when Duncan is resting his weary legs. Jefferson brings legendary, Spur-like toughness; he's played through ankle injuries that would've ended most players' seasons. He also contributes a Finals pedigree and scoring/slashing element that makes the Spurs more difficult to defend.
We haven't even gotten to second-round pick DeJuan Blair, who has been a model of rebounding and low-post efficiency during the preseason. Determined to make the 29 teams that passed on him pay, Blair appears to be on a mission to make sure everyone knows his name -- including those voting for Rookie of the Year.
The Spurs, coming off their 16th division title but first since 2005-06, did not improve in a vacuum. The Mavericks, who eliminated the Spurs 4-1 in the first round last spring, are more potent and versatile with the addition of Shawn Marion. The Hornets got the better of the Emeka Okafor-Tyson Chandler trade, and can't be ignored as long as Chris Paul is running the pick-and-roll.
The Rockets? Everyone is writing them off completely without Yao Ming, but they're forgetting how smart and adaptable this organization is. Don't be surprised to see the Rockets morph from a plodding, inside-out team to one that gets out in transition and bombards opponents with 3-pointers in an effort to keep their streak of three straight playoff appearances alive.
The Grizzlies? See below.
Predicted order of finish (2008-09 records)
1. San Antonio Spurs (54-28)
2. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
3. New Orleans Hornets (49-33)
4. Houston Rockets (53-29)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (24-58)
San Antonio Spurs
If it all goes according to plan: Duncan gets the rest he needs during the regular season, Ginobili's ankles hold up, and the Spurs ride the addition of Jefferson deep into the playoffs. McDyess and Theo Ratliff provide the right mix of experience and toughness, while Blair brings youth and the determination of a potential lottery pick who was snubbed. Despite Bruce Bowen's retirement, the Spurs are loaded with backcourt depth, including Roger Mason Jr., George Hill, Keith Bogans and Michael Finley.
What could go wrong: Age and injuries. All the aforementioned additions will mean little if the Spurs fail to get healthy, productive seasons from their Big Three.
X-Factor: Blair was the Spurs' leading scorer during the preseason, shooting 61 percent in the first five games. This is most assuredly a trend that will not continue during the regular season, but Blair could quickly become a fan favorite and major contributor off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks
If it all goes according to plan: Dirk Nowitzki shakes off a distracting offseason and continues to thrive as the centerpiece -- but one who no longer has to do it all. The reunion of Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion, a decade after they first hooked up in Phoenix when Marion was a rookie in 1999, gives the Mavs the versatility and quick-strike ability they've been lacking. Josh Howard bounces back from offseason ankle surgery and recaptures the form that made him an All-Star in 2007.
What could go wrong: Until the Mavs actually see what they are with Howard and Marion on the floor together -- a phenomenon that had yet to take place through five preseason games -- it's wise to reserve judgment. Veterans Tim Thomas and Drew Gooden could make Mavs fans realize how much they miss Brandon Bass, who bolted for Orlando.
X-Factor: Rookie Rodrigue Beaubois played like a superstar at the Las Vegas Summer League and continued to show flashes during preseason. Along with JJ Barea, Beaubois gives Rick Carlisle another option when he needs to get Kidd some rest.
New Orleans Hornets
If it all goes according to plan: CP3 picks up with Okafor where he left off with Chandler. David West and James Posey avoid nagging injuries that affected them at times last season. Byron Scott finds the right combination of shooting and defense from the two-guard spot, which is up for grabs between Mo Peterson and impressive rookie Marcus Thornton.
What could go wrong: A team that looked ready for a breakthrough two years ago with a 56-win season and trip to the conference semifinals takes another step backward if injuries and fatigue continue to weigh them down. An ominous sign: Okafor, who didn't miss a game the past two seasons, has been out all preseason with a toe injury. Can Scott get enough production out of veterans Posey (offseason knee surgery) and Peja Stojakovic (adjusting to a reserve role) to keep New Orleans in the hunt?
X-Factor: Thornton faces stiff competition for minutes, but had an eye-opening preseason with 43 percent shooting from beyond the 3-point arc in the Hornets' first five games. With Julian Wright sliding to the starting small forward spot, Thornton could force his way into the rotation and give Scott another deep threat.
Houston Rockets
If it all goes according to plan: Well, the plan always revolved around Yao, and that plan is out the window with the big fella done for the season with yet another foot injury. So the Rockets have to adapt -- and few teams understand their own strengths and weaknesses better. Instead of playing through Yao, look for the Rockets to get out in transition more and take advantage of newcomer Trevor Ariza's athleticism and 3-point shooting. Defensively, Houston will try to get by in the paint with undersized Chuck Hayes, versatile Luis Scola and resourceful Carl Landry. Offensively, Aaron Brooks will play a more assertive role.
What could go wrong: Lots. You don't lose your 7-foot-6 anchor without taking a significant step back. Once Tracy McGrady (remember him?) gets back on the floor after microfracture surgery, the Rockets have to hope he's productive enough to persuade a 2010 player to take on his $23 million expiring contract. That's asking a lot. Are the Rockets also asking too much of Ariza? His 48 percent 3-point shooting in the playoffs was more likely an aberration than a sign of things to come.
X-Factor: Chase Budinger slid all the way to the 44th pick, but the Arizona product has looked like a keeper in summer league and preseason. The Rockets are going to need contributions from unlikely sources to make up for the loss of Yao.
Memphis Grizzlies
If it all goes according to plan: With Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson added to the mix, the Grizzlies have enough offensive firepower to remind people that there's a basketball team in Memphis not called the Tigers. O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol gladly accept reduced numbers to be part of a more potent, interesting team. Hasheem Thabeet blocks enough shots and grabs enough rebounds for critics to forgive his nonexistent offensive skills.
What could go wrong: Where do we begin? At 34, Iverson's first step into decline was evident last season, when he had trouble finishing at the rim. In his mind, it's still 2001 and he's an MVP candidate. Wait until he throws the ball into Randolph and has to stand around for 20 seconds while Z-Bo shows off his post moves. Oh, did we mention that Iverson has been out for the entire preseason with a hamstring injury? Yeesh.
X-Factor: There's little doubt that Iverson will shake off a hamstring tear and be ready to "play every game like it's my last," as he loves to say. But what happens if Iverson comes back and still can't beat out Mike Conley for the starting point guard job? Bad things, Lionel Hollins. Very bad things.
By Ken Berger
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Is life fair? No, life isn't fair. The San Antonio Spurs had their moment in the sun; actually, they had nine years in the sun. They won four championships during that time, boring everyone but the purest basketball fans along the way. This era should be over, the chapter closed.
But, no. Como una cucaracha, the Spurs are back. They refuse to die. And there's a chance they could be better than ever.
Look past Tim Duncan's knee brace and Manu Ginobili's medical history, and the Spurs look poised for one more title run. For years, stability has been the San Antonio way. But with an aging core and the knowledge that the West isn't getting any easier, the Spurs wisely took advantage of the economic tsunami, which made Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess available to them at cash-for-clunker prices.
Give the Spurs this: When they finally decide to revamp their roster, they do it the right way. McDyess gives Gregg Popovich a viable option when Duncan is resting his weary legs. Jefferson brings legendary, Spur-like toughness; he's played through ankle injuries that would've ended most players' seasons. He also contributes a Finals pedigree and scoring/slashing element that makes the Spurs more difficult to defend.
We haven't even gotten to second-round pick DeJuan Blair, who has been a model of rebounding and low-post efficiency during the preseason. Determined to make the 29 teams that passed on him pay, Blair appears to be on a mission to make sure everyone knows his name -- including those voting for Rookie of the Year.
The Spurs, coming off their 16th division title but first since 2005-06, did not improve in a vacuum. The Mavericks, who eliminated the Spurs 4-1 in the first round last spring, are more potent and versatile with the addition of Shawn Marion. The Hornets got the better of the Emeka Okafor-Tyson Chandler trade, and can't be ignored as long as Chris Paul is running the pick-and-roll.
The Rockets? Everyone is writing them off completely without Yao Ming, but they're forgetting how smart and adaptable this organization is. Don't be surprised to see the Rockets morph from a plodding, inside-out team to one that gets out in transition and bombards opponents with 3-pointers in an effort to keep their streak of three straight playoff appearances alive.
The Grizzlies? See below.
Predicted order of finish (2008-09 records)
1. San Antonio Spurs (54-28)
2. Dallas Mavericks (50-32)
3. New Orleans Hornets (49-33)
4. Houston Rockets (53-29)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (24-58)
San Antonio Spurs
If it all goes according to plan: Duncan gets the rest he needs during the regular season, Ginobili's ankles hold up, and the Spurs ride the addition of Jefferson deep into the playoffs. McDyess and Theo Ratliff provide the right mix of experience and toughness, while Blair brings youth and the determination of a potential lottery pick who was snubbed. Despite Bruce Bowen's retirement, the Spurs are loaded with backcourt depth, including Roger Mason Jr., George Hill, Keith Bogans and Michael Finley.
What could go wrong: Age and injuries. All the aforementioned additions will mean little if the Spurs fail to get healthy, productive seasons from their Big Three.
X-Factor: Blair was the Spurs' leading scorer during the preseason, shooting 61 percent in the first five games. This is most assuredly a trend that will not continue during the regular season, but Blair could quickly become a fan favorite and major contributor off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks
If it all goes according to plan: Dirk Nowitzki shakes off a distracting offseason and continues to thrive as the centerpiece -- but one who no longer has to do it all. The reunion of Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion, a decade after they first hooked up in Phoenix when Marion was a rookie in 1999, gives the Mavs the versatility and quick-strike ability they've been lacking. Josh Howard bounces back from offseason ankle surgery and recaptures the form that made him an All-Star in 2007.
What could go wrong: Until the Mavs actually see what they are with Howard and Marion on the floor together -- a phenomenon that had yet to take place through five preseason games -- it's wise to reserve judgment. Veterans Tim Thomas and Drew Gooden could make Mavs fans realize how much they miss Brandon Bass, who bolted for Orlando.
X-Factor: Rookie Rodrigue Beaubois played like a superstar at the Las Vegas Summer League and continued to show flashes during preseason. Along with JJ Barea, Beaubois gives Rick Carlisle another option when he needs to get Kidd some rest.
New Orleans Hornets
If it all goes according to plan: CP3 picks up with Okafor where he left off with Chandler. David West and James Posey avoid nagging injuries that affected them at times last season. Byron Scott finds the right combination of shooting and defense from the two-guard spot, which is up for grabs between Mo Peterson and impressive rookie Marcus Thornton.
What could go wrong: A team that looked ready for a breakthrough two years ago with a 56-win season and trip to the conference semifinals takes another step backward if injuries and fatigue continue to weigh them down. An ominous sign: Okafor, who didn't miss a game the past two seasons, has been out all preseason with a toe injury. Can Scott get enough production out of veterans Posey (offseason knee surgery) and Peja Stojakovic (adjusting to a reserve role) to keep New Orleans in the hunt?
X-Factor: Thornton faces stiff competition for minutes, but had an eye-opening preseason with 43 percent shooting from beyond the 3-point arc in the Hornets' first five games. With Julian Wright sliding to the starting small forward spot, Thornton could force his way into the rotation and give Scott another deep threat.
Houston Rockets
If it all goes according to plan: Well, the plan always revolved around Yao, and that plan is out the window with the big fella done for the season with yet another foot injury. So the Rockets have to adapt -- and few teams understand their own strengths and weaknesses better. Instead of playing through Yao, look for the Rockets to get out in transition more and take advantage of newcomer Trevor Ariza's athleticism and 3-point shooting. Defensively, Houston will try to get by in the paint with undersized Chuck Hayes, versatile Luis Scola and resourceful Carl Landry. Offensively, Aaron Brooks will play a more assertive role.
What could go wrong: Lots. You don't lose your 7-foot-6 anchor without taking a significant step back. Once Tracy McGrady (remember him?) gets back on the floor after microfracture surgery, the Rockets have to hope he's productive enough to persuade a 2010 player to take on his $23 million expiring contract. That's asking a lot. Are the Rockets also asking too much of Ariza? His 48 percent 3-point shooting in the playoffs was more likely an aberration than a sign of things to come.
X-Factor: Chase Budinger slid all the way to the 44th pick, but the Arizona product has looked like a keeper in summer league and preseason. The Rockets are going to need contributions from unlikely sources to make up for the loss of Yao.
Memphis Grizzlies
If it all goes according to plan: With Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson added to the mix, the Grizzlies have enough offensive firepower to remind people that there's a basketball team in Memphis not called the Tigers. O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol gladly accept reduced numbers to be part of a more potent, interesting team. Hasheem Thabeet blocks enough shots and grabs enough rebounds for critics to forgive his nonexistent offensive skills.
What could go wrong: Where do we begin? At 34, Iverson's first step into decline was evident last season, when he had trouble finishing at the rim. In his mind, it's still 2001 and he's an MVP candidate. Wait until he throws the ball into Randolph and has to stand around for 20 seconds while Z-Bo shows off his post moves. Oh, did we mention that Iverson has been out for the entire preseason with a hamstring injury? Yeesh.
X-Factor: There's little doubt that Iverson will shake off a hamstring tear and be ready to "play every game like it's my last," as he loves to say. But what happens if Iverson comes back and still can't beat out Mike Conley for the starting point guard job? Bad things, Lionel Hollins. Very bad things.