Overlooked again?

[slimjimzv]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I've been a Thunder fan since day 1. While listening to all of the talking heads (and talking to my friends about the upcoming season), people keep talking about the threats for the WCF in the following order:

1. Lakers
2. Thunder
3. Clippers!?
4. Spurs

I keep asking them if I'm the only one who remembers how unbeatable the Spurs looked last season and I typically get a revisionist history that the Thunder 'had them all along'. What? I don't want to bring up painful memories here, but my recollection is that the Thunder looked like they had no chance in games 1 and 2, handlily won game 3, needed 12 for 12 shooting from Ibaka and 4th quarter heroics from Durant in game 4, eeked out a win thanks to a missed 3 from Ginobli in game 5 and got an off game from Ginobli in game 6. The officiating was terrible on both sides, but slanted in the Thunder's favor.

So, that brings me to my question. Did something happen that I'm not aware of? Is there a reason so many people aren't considering the Spurs the #1 or #2 team in the WC?

[ChuckD]

As good as our offense was last year, apparently, they're expanding it to the full playbook with a full training camp and preseason available this year. That should terrify a few people.

[Brazil]

it seems timvp or kori have validated a bunch or new posters / trolls

[slimjimzv]

it seems timvp or kori have validated a bunch or new posters / trolls

So, new poster = troll?

Or Thunder fan = troll?

I don't see anything in my post that = troll. Your post, however . . .

[racm]

You know why? Because it boils down to name recognition. Clippers got a bunch of guys who would make them stacked... five years ago.

Meanwhile Spurs got back the gang and that's it.

[Leetonidas]

As good as our offense was last year, apparently, they're expanding it to the full playbook with a full training camp and preseason available this year. That should terrify a few people.

I've been trying to point this out. People have a negative outlook on the season but when you take into account the shortened playbook last season coupled with no training camps for Diaw, Mills, and Jackson (got dammit Splitter) as well as we have some new additions in De Colo, not to mention the expected growth of Kawhai, I think the Spurs have a good chance to be where they were last season and to initiate one of the most potent offenses in NBA history. We were lucky with the injury bug last year though, so that's a big question mark.

[Leetonidas]

By the way, who did the Clippers add that are supposed to be big name additions? Nick Young? Grant Hill? Lamar "Fatass" Odom? :lol Crawford was a decent addition but I am not convinced that these additions are enough to take them from getting their punk asses swept to being a challenger for the Lakers

[slimjimzv]

I am admittedly biased, but I'd rank the WC in the following order:

1. Thunder
2. Spurs
3. Lakers
4. Grizzlies

I don't think the Clippers could beat any of those teams. Frankly, I think the Lakers marginally upgraded at Center (they went from the 2nd best center in the NBA to the best center in the NBA), and we have no idea how Nash will fit in with Kobe et al. Defensively, Nash can't stay in front of Parker or RW0, so Howard is likely to get in foul trouble against either team in a 7 game series.

[Leetonidas]

Lakers are on top bro, to think otherwise is kinda silly. They added Meeks and Jamison to the bench who will improve their shooting tremendously and Howard is much more consistent than Bynum. Plus next to Gasol, a legit 7 foot player, he is going to be a terror on the glass and on defense. I'd put OKC right under them and SA behind them but right now Lakers are easily the favorite imo

[racm]

By the way, who did the Clippers add that are supposed to be big name additions? Nick Young? Grant Hill? Lamar "Fatass" Odom? :lol Crawford was a decent addition but I am not convinced that these additions are enough to take them from getting their punk asses swept to being a challenger for the Lakers

Tbh the Clips could have upgraded simply by starting Bledsoe... getting TOSB Hill/Odom and :lol Turiaf won't change the game. And Nick Young is in Philadelphia...


I am admittedly biased, but I'd rank the WC in the following order:

1. Thunder
2. Spurs
3. Lakers
4. Grizzlies

I don't think the Clippers could beat any of those teams. Frankly, I think the Lakers marginally upgraded at Center (they went from the 2nd best center in the NBA to the best center in the NBA), and we have no idea how Nash will fit in with Kobe et al. Defensively, Nash can't stay in front of Parker or RW0, so Howard is likely to get in foul trouble against either team in a 7 game series.

Kobe played a lot off-ball in the recent pre-season game. Sure, he went 2-7 but it seems like he didn't chuck up a contested jumper with the shot clock winding down.

[slimjimzv]

Lakers are on top bro, to think otherwise is kinda silly. They added Meeks and Jamison to the bench who will improve their shooting tremendously and Howard is much more consistent than Bynum. Plus next to Gasol, a legit 7 foot player, he is going to be a terror on the glass and on defense. I'd put OKC right under them and SA behind them but right now Lakers are easily the favorite imo

Maybe. I'll have to see them on the court first. I just don't see Howard over Bynam as a massive upgrade. An upgrade, yes, but it's not like he's replacing Darko.

[Leetonidas]

Maybe. I'll have to see them on the court first. I just don't see Howard over Bynam as a massive upgrade. An upgrade, yes, but it's not like he's replacing Darko.

I agree with this completely, but Howard is more consistent, and they have plenty of offense which is where Bynum's clear advantage over Howard is, but the Lakers, especially with Nash at the helm, will have plenty of offense. It's their defense that will be scary. If Howard could turn a team wit Lewis, Turkoglu, Nelson, and Richardson starting next to him into one of the elite defensive clubs in the league, I shudder to think what will happen with Gasol next to him and MWP in the starting lineup

[slimjimzv]

I agree with this completely, but Howard is more consistent, and they have plenty of offense which is where Bynum's clear advantage over Howard is, but the Lakers, especially with Nash at the helm, will have plenty of offense. It's their defense that will be scary. If Howard could turn a team wit Lewis, Turkoglu, Nelson, and Richardson starting next to him into one of the elite defensive clubs in the league, I shudder to think what will happen with Gasol next to him and MWP in the starting lineup

I really hope you're wrong. If the Thunder can't win it, I'd MUCH rather see the Spurs have a shot at another championship than the Lakers.

[racm]

The problem is that Nash can't play 48 minutes. And they'll still get killed by a team that gets hot from beyond the arc - there's been no upgrade with regard to perimeter defense except hoping MWP turns back the clock.

[Brazil]

So, new poster = troll?

Or Thunder fan = troll?

I don't see anything in my post that = troll. Your post, however . . .

:lol don't be so sensitive or you are not going to enjoy the ride on this forum

My message was not directed to you it was just a general comment and I said new posters / troll, didn't say in what category I think you are

[TDMVPDPOY]

those teams have address their issues and improved the roster

while the spurs resigned its players but havnt improved shit, we are relying on last seasons play where this team is at.....we are probably 1-2 pieces away from really making any noise...

lol toe nail clipperrs have no business being top4 fav in the west to come out

[Kuestmaster]

of course we're overlooked, we are the spurs. But I expect us to be up there with the thunder and lakers at the end if there aren't any injuries.

[slimjimzv]

:lol don't be so sensitive or you are not going to enjoy the ride on this forum

My message was not directed to you it was just a general comment and I said new posters / troll, didn't say in what category I think you are

My bad. I have family in SA and they are my 2nd favorite team, so let it be known I'm not planning on being an a-hole or troll. I'll cheer for the Thunder in the series between the two, but I would never go on another team forum to be a jerk if my team wins.

[slimjimzv]

those teams have address their issues and improved the roster

while the spurs resigned its players but havnt improved shit, we are relying on last seasons play where this team is at.....we are probably 1-2 pieces away from really making any noise...

lol toe nail clipperrs have no business being top4 fav in the west to come out

Seeing as how the Spurs won 20 games in a row at the end of the season and through the playoffs, I don't see why they need to make any roster changes. IMO bad luck and rediculous Thunder shooting is all that stopped them from representing in the Finals. If that happens, everyone looks at the Spurs differently.

[DD]

Clippers are fool's gold

[Axegrinder]

My bad. I have family in SA and they are my 2nd favorite team, so let it be known I'm not planning on being an a-hole or troll. I'll cheer for the Thunder in the series between the two, but I would never go on another team forum to be a jerk if my team wins.

Respect for Thunderfan taking the high road..too bad more LA fans don't have the same integrity

[Obstructed_View]

Monkeyball R awesom!!1!

[xellos88330]

The Spurs are always overlooked. For example, last year. The only reason why people started to notice them was because of their win streak. That is all. Thank the small amount of media coverage and lack of a high flying superstar. The Thunder at least have Westbrook and Durant that are pretty high profile because they dunk. I am curious to see what the Spurs will do with a full season. I can't wait for it to begin!!!

[TD 21]

You know why? Because it boils down to name recognition. Clippers got a bunch of guys who would make them stacked... five years ago.

Meanwhile Spurs got back the gang and that's it.

Exactly.

I probably shouldn't be, but I'm surprised at how many idiots have the Spurs either third or in some cases fourth in the West. I'd be surprised if they're not first or second, for the simple fact that their continuity and depth is vastly superior to the Lakers' (and depth-wise, they've got the Thunder beat, too). And as evidenced by them being tied for the best record in the league the past two regular seasons, as long as the talent is good-very good, that wins out in the regular season. Yet it's as if most people are too dumb to distinguish that from who's most likely to win the championship.

As far as the Clippers, the only way I could see them taking a significant step forward, is if Griffin takes a significant step forward. Not because of the cadre of past their prime, overrated big names they brought in.

[Gagnrath]

You know why? Because it boils down to name recognition. Clippers got a bunch of guys who would make them stacked... five years ago.

Meanwhile Spurs got back the gang and that's it.


I have to think he just mis-typed his LA teams there.

[Solid D]

Any time a team whose core is in their 30s, age becomes a discounting factor for many people. They are perceived to be on the down-slope of their potential. In decline.

Even though the Spurs have had the best regular season record in the West the past 2 years, playoff success is what everyone remembers. No one expected the Spurs to do much last season, much less make it to the conference finals. Why not? Same reason as this season. Old and declining core.

The truth is, the Spurs have their obvious weaknesses. Size and mediocre interior defense. What people underestimate about them is the offensive schooling and precision they lay on most teams.

[Solid D]

...and with that said, John Hollinger is saying the Heat and the Spurs are the top teams in the East and West respectively. :)

[thunderup]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I've been a Thunder fan since day 1. While listening to all of the talking heads (and talking to my friends about the upcoming season), people keep talking about the threats for the WCF in the following order:

1. Lakers
2. Thunder
3. Clippers!?
4. Spurs

I keep asking them if I'm the only one who remembers how unbeatable the Spurs looked last season and I typically get a revisionist history that the Thunder 'had them all along'. What? I don't want to bring up painful memories here, but my recollection is that the Thunder looked like they had no chance in games 1 and 2, handlily won game 3, needed 12 for 12 shooting from Ibaka and 4th quarter heroics from Durant in game 4, eeked out a win thanks to a missed 3 from Ginobli in game 5 and got an off game from Ginobli in game 6. The officiating was terrible on both sides, but slanted in the Thunder's favor.

So, that brings me to my question. Did something happen that I'm not aware of? Is there a reason so many people aren't considering the Spurs the #1 or #2 team in the WC?
Thunder fan here too. First post.


What's happened, as expected, the Spurs have been overlooked again. While they are a year older, it's still basically the same team that caught fire and won 20 games in a row. People just don't understand how hard that is to accomplish. Now the Thunder caught a break in the playoffs, and I'm admitting that as a homer fan. You guys will be a force to reckon with this coming season and I wouldn't be surprised to see you all representing the West.

[therealtruth]

Exactly.

I probably shouldn't be, but I'm surprised at how many idiots have the Spurs either third or in some cases fourth in the West. I'd be surprised if they're not first or second, for the simple fact that their continuity and depth is vastly superior to the Lakers' (and depth-wise, they've got the Thunder beat, too). And as evidenced by them being tied for the best record in the league the past two regular seasons, as long as the talent is good-very good, that wins out in the regular season. Yet it's as if most people are too dumb to distinguish that from who's most likely to win the championship.

As far as the Clippers, the only way I could see them taking a significant step forward, is if Griffin takes a significant step forward. Not because of the cadre of past their prime, overrated big names they brought in.

We also started dropping the ball when people started believing we could win it all. That's the wrong way to reward their faith in us.

[TDMVPDPOY]

some of you clowns seriously....want the team to get some respect, i prefer them to stay under the radar

[racm]

We also started dropping the ball when people started believing we could win it all. That's the wrong way to reward their faith in us.

Mostly because even the team bought into the hype and stopped trying, tbh.

[DPG21920]

Spurs seem to get a ton of respect IMO. I think there are many pundits that buy into the Spurs but most have them pegged properly - a very dangerous team that does not appear to have a team built for the playoffs and can't beat the truly elite. That is not knocking the Spurs - it's being honest about who they are based on what they do/have done. They are aging, rely on depth which has traditionally been a no-no for a contender, they have no true superstar any more, their defense is below average (don't care where they rank) and HCA doesn't seem to really help them either.

[Seventyniner]

Spurs seem to get a ton of respect IMO. I think there are many pundits that buy into the Spurs but most have them pegged properly - a very dangerous team that does not appear to have a team built for the playoffs and can't beat the truly elite. That is not knocking the Spurs - it's being honest about who they are based on what they do/have done. They are aging, rely on depth which has traditionally been a no-no for a contender, they have no true superstar any more, their defense is below average (don't care where they rank) and HCA doesn't seem to really help them either.

That's pretty much the book on the Spurs, and it's right. Hard to argue with results. I can't see the Spurs as presently constituted taking down the Thunder or Lakers in a 7-game series. Injuries and trades obviously would change the equation, but relying on depth just doesn't get you far enough in the playoffs, as Hollinger and many posters here would agree.

[DPG21920]

But honestly, overall, in the past two years I have seemingly seen an uptick in the national media really giving the Spurs props. Some really gush over them (see Bill Simmons "Zombie Spurs" article last year) & a lot of others heap tons of praise on Pop and the Spurs.

[therealtruth]

That's pretty much the book on the Spurs, and it's right. Hard to argue with results. I can't see the Spurs as presently constituted taking down the Thunder or Lakers in a 7-game series. Injuries and trades obviously would change the equation, but relying on depth just doesn't get you far enough in the playoffs, as Hollinger and many posters here would agree.

The Spurs have to figure out who the new big 3 is now. TD and Ginobili can't play as many minutes. TP plus Kawhi and probably Diaw are going to have to be able to play more minutes and take on a more prominent role. We really need guys who can step up so we don't over rely on TD and Ginobili.

[ChuckD]

Any time a team whose core is in their 30s, age becomes a discounting factor for many people. They are perceived to be on the down-slope of their potential. In decline.

Even though the Spurs have had the best regular season record in the West the past 2 years, playoff success is what everyone remembers. No one expected the Spurs to do much last season, much less make it to the conference finals. Why not? Same reason as this season. Old and declining core.

The truth is, the Spurs have their obvious weaknesses. Size and mediocre interior defense. What people underestimate about them is the offensive schooling and precision they lay on most teams.

* Unless you're the Lakers.

[Solid D]

* Unless you're the Lakers.

Haha, absolutely!

[patricknapier]

If anyone is getting overlooked...its the damn Brooklyn Nets.

[Drom John]

If anyone is getting overlooked its the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson to the damn Brooklyn Nets was an improvement for the Hawks.

[racm]

Only if Josh Smith stops taking too many long 2s.

[Drom John]

Only if Josh Smith stops taking too many long 2s.

Agreed, with fingers crossed.

So says Drom John who wants the Spurs to beat the Hawks in 7.