LA Times Picks Spurs To Win It All in '14

[Russ]

LA Times says it, it must be true . . .

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-bolch-nba-contenders-20130917,0,1820199,full.column#axzz2fCC8DQA3

BEN BOLCH / ON THE NBA

As Miami Heat goes for No. 3, here are six teams that stand in the way

Miami may be the odds-on favorite to win its third NBA championship in a row in June, but The Times' Ben Bolch lists three teams in each conference that could stop the Big Three in their quest.

By Ben Bolch
September 16, 2013, 5:32 p.m.

Three-peat is so 1988.

The term purportedly coined by Byron Scott and definitively trademarked by Pat Riley amid the Lakers' failed bid for a third consecutive NBA title in the late '80s should be discarded like the faded T-shirts bearing the slogan that were once standard attire inside the Great Western Forum.

It's time for a new Rileyism, particularly with the current team president of the Miami Heat chasing another championship to go with the ones his team won in 2012 and '13.

In the spirit of the quest, here's a trio of alternatives for the Heat this season:

Big Three for Three. An homage to the collective success of Heat stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh since joining forces in 2010.

Three Down, Five to Go! A reference to James' infamous tally of how many championships he intended to win in Miami.

Lords of the Rings: The New Trilogy. A sequel to the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy series, with presumably fewer casualties.

Standing in Miami's way are at least a half-dozen teams that intend to break the spell the Heat has cast over the rest of the NBA.

Oddsmakers at the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino make Miami 2-to-1 favorites to win the NBA championship in June, though it's not going to be as easy as a stroll down Biscayne Boulevard. Nobody has won back-to-back-to-back titles since the Lakers in 2000-02 and nobody has been to four consecutive NBA Finals since the Boston Celtics in 1984-87.

"There's a reason these teams don't do it," TNT analyst Steve Kerr said. "Emotionally, it's just exhausting to keep doing it year after year, particularly when you have to deal with everything Miami has to deal with on a daily basis, just the constant critiquing and scrutiny on the team, and then you factor in the injuries with Wade and Bosh and their health. I don't think Miami will get out of the East this year."

Kerr is picking the Bulls to unseat the Heat. Here's a look at the top three threats to Miami from each conference:

Western Conference

1. San Antonio. The Spurs' biggest challenge may be forgetting the final 28.2 seconds of regulation from their Game 6 collapse in the Finals in Miami. There's also the ticktock of their aging core, though Tim Duncan is coming off his finest season in years and Kawhi Leonard, only 22, has supplanted Manu Ginobili as the team's third-best player.

Coach Gregg Popovich also manages the fatigue factor better than anyone, even if it means writing a six-figure check payable to "The NBA" for sending his stars home early from a trip.

"At some time Duncan is not going to be able to do what he's incredibly done, particularly the last year," said Jeff Van Gundy, an analyst for ABC and ESPN. "But I'll wait to see it go downhill before I predict it's going downhill."

2. Oklahoma City. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may be the first 20-somethings to experience empty nest syndrome.

A year ago, their team unloaded budding superstar James Harden in a budget-conscious move. This summer it failed to retain his replacement, Kevin Martin, because of similar financial constraints, giving the promising but unproven Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb a shot.

We'd hate to hear about the five-year plan. Fortunately, Durant and Westbrook are enough to beat most teams.

3. Clippers. The new coach, Doc Rivers, is among the best in the league. The new cast of sharpshooters should make the offense even more dynamic. But the old concerns about the development of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan just won't go away.

"Obviously, they're at much different levels in their play," Kerr said of the big men, "but the further improvement of each one is critical. Griffin took a step forward last year and I think he has to take another step this year offensively. They need to be able to go to him in a tight game where there's no easy baskets and he needs to be that guy. He's not quite there yet.

"Jordan needs to anchor the defense and be more consistent."

Eastern Conference

1. Indiana. Rather than take offense at the notion that they needed more offense, the Pacers did something about it. They signed a more capable backup point guard in C.J. Watson, a proven scorer in Luis Scola and a prolific three-point shooter in Chris Copeland.

The biggest boost to a Pacers offense that averaged 94.7 points per game last season — 23rd in the league — isn't a newcomer. The return of Danny Granger from a knee injury that kept him out for all but five games last season should give Indiana scoring punch at every position.

Plus there's Paul George, the league's reigning most improved player who is on the verge of helping the Pacers break through to the Finals.

2. Chicago. Derrick Rose has been sidelined for so long now that his return invites the skepticism of a Sasquatch sighting; you'll believe it when you see it.

The hope is that an able-bodied Rose and still-improving mainstays Luol Deng and Joakim Noah give Coach Tom Thibodeau some traction after last season's stuck-in-the-mud feel.

"I just feel like it's all sort of teed up for Chicago with Rose coming back, guys like Noah and [Taj] Gibson entering their prime," Kerr said. "I think Chicago will have something special this year."

3. Brooklyn. The starting lineup of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce has accounted for 35 All-Star game appearances.

Van Gundy dismissed concerns about the zero games the Nets have played together under rookie Coach Jason Kidd.

"When Garnett and Ray Allen came to the Celtics that first year," Van Gundy said, "they won it and they had never played together. I think people make too much of people not playing together. Smart players playing together, it doesn't take any time or very little time."

And the NBA champion is…

San Antonio.

The Pacers finally zoom past the Heat in the playoffs before being totaled by the more savvy Spurs. Ginobili and Leonard make their free throws in the final minute this time and Duncan gets to call every digit on one hand a ring finger.

Three-peat is forgotten. Just as it should be.

[email protected]

[xtremesteven33]

If only.

[Skull-1]

We are doomed. But this is correct:

"1. San Antonio. The Spurs' biggest challenge may be forgetting the final 28.2 seconds of regulation from their Game 6 collapse in the Finals in Miami. There's also the ticktock of their aging core, though Tim Duncan is coming off his finest season in years and Kawhi Leonard, only 22, has supplanted Manu Ginobili as the team's third-best player."

[ace3g]

We are doomed. But this is correct:

"1. San Antonio. The Spurs' biggest challenge may be forgetting the final 28.2 seconds of regulation from their Game 6 collapse in the Finals in Miami. There's also the ticktock of their aging core, though Tim Duncan is coming off his finest season in years and Kawhi Leonard, only 22, has supplanted Manu Ginobili as the team's third-best player."

Who cares!!!

[Skull-1]

Who cares!!!


You want a list?

Also, you forgot your ? . :stirpot:

[PlayNando]

We are doomed. But this is correct:

"1. San Antonio. The Spurs' biggest challenge may be forgetting the final 28.2 seconds of regulation from their Game 6 collapse in the Finals in Miami. There's also the ticktock of their aging core, though Tim Duncan is coming off his finest season in years and Kawhi Leonard, only 22, has supplanted Manu Ginobili as the team's third-best player."
You are pathetic.

[Skull-1]

You are pathetic.


Troll queen is back, I see.

I find it funny that non-fans of the Spurs can see it but the homers can't. That's definitely pathetic.

[xmas1997]

Wow, great find, Russ.




And the NBA Champion is...

San Antonio.

The Pacers finally zoom past the Heat in the playoffs before being totaled by the more savvy Spurs. Ginobili and Leonard make their free throws in the final minute this time and Duncan gets to call every digit on one hand a ring finger.

Three-peat is forgotten. Just as it should be.

This is what he meant to say if he were being honest.

[PlayNando]

Troll queen is back, I see.

I find it funny that non-fans of the Spurs can see it but the homers can't. That's definitely pathetic.
You are just a racist hater. You hate everyone that comes from south of your Texan border. Mike Levin would be proud of your extreme racism.

[Kidd K]

I don't think we will win this year. I was one of the biggest supporters of the Spurs being huge contenders for winning the championship before EACH of the last three seasons, including calling them being a major threat coming off the 50 win season when everyone was jumping ship.

However, now things are different. Duncan just had a miracle year. . .it's probably not going to happen again. Why? He was jacked up for that season, he wanted to win another title. He got there and the rest of the team blew it. He's probably spent half the summer in depression and will be less up for yet another long trudge back to the postseason, along with another grueling, emotionally exhausting run only to have his fate be in other people's hands again.

Then we have Parker. . .will he be healthy?

Then there's Ginobili, who has drastically declined to the point where I consider him to be a slightly more skilled Gary Neal. And by that I mean hey sometimes he has a really good game, once every ten games or so. And sandwiched around that are 4-5 shitty games and 4-5 average ones.

We do have Diaw still, but will he stop eating like a hippopotamus?

How much will Leonard impove this time? His improvement first has to negate Ginobili's rapid decline before it can start adding anything to the team.

We don't even have a backup PG that most teams in the league would even have on their roster.

Splitter is a ghost in the playoffs.

etc.


We're gonna be worse this year than last year. Only way we win this year is if the Heat get knocked out first or someone significant on that team isn't healthy like Wade or Bosh.

[xmas1997]

I hate it when the "supposed"experts start picking the Spurs, because that is usually when they don't win it all.

[adonis827]

LA times jinxing the spurs?

[Skull-1]

I don't think we will win this year. I was one of the biggest supporters of the Spurs being huge contenders for winning the championship before EACH of the last three seasons, including calling them being a major threat coming off the 50 win season when everyone was jumping ship.

However, now things are different. Duncan just had a miracle year. . .it's probably not going to happen again. Why? He was jacked up for that season, he wanted to win another title. He got there and the rest of the team blew it. He's probably spent half the summer in depression and will be less up for yet another long trudge back to the postseason, along with another grueling, emotionally exhausting run only to have his fate be in other people's hands again.

Then we have Parker. . .will he be healthy?

Then there's Ginobili, who has drastically declined to the point where I consider him to be a slightly more skilled Gary Neal. And by that I mean hey sometimes he has a really good game, once every ten games or so. And sandwiched around that are 4-5 shitty games and 4-5 average ones.

We do have Diaw still, but will he stop eating like a hippopotamus?

How much will Leonard impove this time? His improvement first has to negate Ginobili's rapid decline before it can start adding anything to the team.

We don't even have a backup PG that most teams in the league would even have on their roster.

Splitter is a ghost in the playoffs.

etc.


We're gonna be worse this year than last year. Only way we win this year is if the Heat get knocked out first or someone significant on that team isn't healthy like Wade or Bosh.


You are absolutely right on. Tim is a pro but a guy can only take so much... Last year was a perfect storm. Everything went our way until the final 26 seconds of Game Six...

Perhaps Belli will surprise us and Manu won't be such a negative with reduced playing time as a result...

[exstatic]

I don't think we will win this year. I was one of the biggest supporters of the Spurs being huge contenders for winning the championship before EACH of the last three seasons, including calling them being a major threat coming off the 50 win season when everyone was jumping ship.

However, now things are different. Duncan just had a miracle year. . .it's probably not going to happen again. Why? He was jacked up for that season, he wanted to win another title. He got there and the rest of the team blew it. He's probably spent half the summer in depression and will be less up for yet another long trudge back to the postseason, along with another grueling, emotionally exhausting run only to have his fate be in other people's hands again.

Then we have Parker. . .will he be healthy?

Then there's Ginobili, who has drastically declined to the point where I consider him to be a slightly more skilled Gary Neal. And by that I mean hey sometimes he has a really good game, once every ten games or so. And sandwiched around that are 4-5 shitty games and 4-5 average ones.

We do have Diaw still, but will he stop eating like a hippopotamus?

How much will Leonard impove this time? His improvement first has to negate Ginobili's rapid decline before it can start adding anything to the team.

We don't even have a backup PG that most teams in the league would even have on their roster.

Splitter is a ghost in the playoffs.

etc.


We're gonna be worse this year than last year. Only way we win this year is if the Heat get knocked out first or someone significant on that team isn't healthy like Wade or Bosh.

We're going to be BETTER than last year, and we're coming home with the hardware, but continue to hide under your bed.

[exstatic]

LA times jinxing the spurs?

LA Times spitting the truth, with the Lakers not in the mix.

[Skull-1]

We're going to be BETTER than last year, and we're coming home with the hardware, but continue to hide under your bed.


We will take that bet.

[Russ]

We're going to be BETTER than last year, and we're coming home with the hardware, but continue to hide under your bed.

Duncan is getting better each year.

Parker is in his prime.

Leonard is 22 (and may not be on the decline just yet).

Can Ginobili possibly be worse than June '13?

The up-and-coming Spurs are poised.

:toast

[heyheymymy]

Read the "Duncan's summer workout" thread. Dude is shadowboxing and has been training all summer. He is pissed and could easily have a similarly spectacular season what with all the workouts and focus this offseason. Green, Leonard, Diaw, Cojo, Baynes and Splitter could all step up to varying degrees. Plus we upgraded the two weakest spots on the roster with Belli coming in for Neal and Pend switching out Blair's weakened efforts.

Manu skipped National team play for ARG and has been working out in South America with a Spurs trainer for the last month.

This is a team that had all but stolen a title from the nike-fed super group last June, it was the Spurs' to lose. And now they upgraded the weakest spots on the roster, fringe roleplayers had another year to acclimate with the system and should make even more impact, and the core is still capable with only Ginobili really looking to revamp how he contributes.

We were #2 last season, and all the parts are coming back. Some might even be stronger. No reason we can't finish #1 this season. Especially if Beasley starts passing the dabs round the Heat locker room.

But I agree, like Van Gundy says, the wheels will eventually have to come off, but until they do, Spurs look pretty strong and capable.

[look_at_g_shred]

Read the "Duncan's summer workout" thread. Dude is shadowboxing and has been training all summer. He is pissed and could easily have a similarly spectacular season what with all the workouts and focus this offseason. Green, Leonard, Diaw, Cojo, Baynes and Splitter could all step up to varying degrees. Plus we upgraded the two weakest spots on the roster with Belli coming in for Neal and Pend switching out Blair's weakened efforts.

Manu skipped National team play for ARG and has been working out in South America with a Spurs trainer for the last month.

This is a team that had all but stolen a title from the nike-fed super group last June, it was the Spurs' to lose. And now they upgraded the weakest spots on the roster, fringe roleplayers had another year to acclimate with the system and should make even more impact, and the core is still capable with only Ginobili really looking to revamp how he contributes.

We were #2 last season, and all the parts are coming back. Some might even be stronger. No reason we can't finish #1 this season. Especially if Beasley starts passing the dabs round the Heat locker room.

But I agree, like Van Gundy says, the wheels will eventually have to come off, but until they do, Spurs look pretty strong and capable.
Great post man!

[ace3g]

1) It comes down to health, we enter playoffs healthy and we have as good a chance as anyone.

2) Duncan's new playing weight should keep father time away for another year.

3) Kawhi's development.

4) Very underrated and won't be talked about much by media but like Bruno noticed during the prep games for Eurobasket, Diaw is playing with extra aggressiveness and it looks like he wants to translate that to the NBA season as well.

5) First full year with Splitter in starting line up.

6) Change in bench rotation.

7) Finally have a true back up PG to start the season in CJ.

[Libri]

Major jinx attempt by the LA newspaper, tbh.

[PlayNando]

LA Times = THE TRUTH..............

[PlayNando]

Nando's continued development should be a huge boost for the Spurs next year. That should push them over the top to a Finals Trophy.

If Pop would have let Nando play in the Finals this year, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. The Spurs would be CHAMPS.

[xellos88330]

I still think that the Spurs have a great shot at winning it all. The system still works well enough to come within 28 seconds of the trophy. Not giving up on it now.

[Budkin]

Please let it happen.

[Holden_Caulfield]

everyone pretty much doesnt want a 3peat :lol

[spurs10]

1) It comes down to health, we enter playoffs healthy and we have as good a chance as anyone.

2) Duncan's new playing weight should keep father time away for another year.

3) Kawhi's development.

4) Very underrated and won't be talked about much by media but like Bruno (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2449) noticed during the prep games for Eurobasket, Diaw is playing with extra aggressiveness and it looks like he wants to translate that to the NBA season as well.

5) First full year with Splitter in starting line up.

6) Change in bench rotation.

7) Finally have a true back up PG to start the season in CJ.:toast Yes health has to be kind to us, but I think we have much to look forward to this season.

[spurs10]

Please let it happen. Will you change your heartbreaking avatar if we do??!! :lol

[weeks]

i think last year lit a fire under a lot of the players. i think they realized it really is right there for them to grasp if they just take it.

[timtonymanu]

It's very possible that the Spurs could win. I feel confident about them going into the season. They know what they lost in the Finals.I actually see them improving from last year. Of course, they got to stay healthy first. I wouldn't call the Heat the favorites just yet even though LeBron is a great talent.

[Skull-1]

Major jinx attempt by the LA newspaper, tbh.

[KaiRMD1]

It is ours ol' sport

[Chillen]

Spurs have no reason at all to not be motivated, they were mere seconds away from winning an NBA title in game 6 vs Miami and let it slip away in the closing moments. If they can stay healthy and having more experience with them and some fire lit in them from last seasons disappointment they are in a good position to win it all so it's very possible, got to play harder than they did in 2013 to pull it off though. No team in the NBA will roll over and die for you, you have to play hard and go take it from them, Miami didn't give up vs the Spurs in the Finals. Spurs have to learn from the way they lost the Finals and comeback with huge motivation to win the championship.

[Kidd K]

You are absolutely right on. Tim is a pro but a guy can only take so much... Last year was a perfect storm. Everything went our way until the final 26 seconds of Game Six...

Perhaps Belli will surprise us and Manu won't be such a negative with reduced playing time as a result...

Thanks. And yeah I agree, we were VERY fortunate last year. Before the season I listed out a list of stuff we needed to happen to win a title, and we got over 80% of it. We neded Tim to be better, he was WAY better (so much better that it helped try to negate Ginobili's decline), we neded Kawhi to be better and he got a lot better. We needed Tony to get back to his peak form and he did. We needed Splitter to improve and he did (those he disappeared in the Finals), we needed Manu to get back to form (not did he not do that he got a lot worse, this is my biggest fear going forward; that he will get even worse and Pop will continue to give him too much responsibility that he can't handle anymore), and we needed Green to step up and he stepped up huge.

Non-Spur related things, we needed OKC to pick up and injury or somehow decline, and not only did they stupidly trade Harden to get a lot more beatable but even Westbrook went down. So our biggest roadblock was gone. Almost everything last year went great and according to most optomistic expectation except for Ginobili.

We will not have all the dice bounce our way again, so yes we will be worse this year. It's almost a foregone conclusion since last year went so well and the only way to be better would be to win the title.


We're going to be BETTER than last year, and we're coming home with the hardware, but continue to hide under your bed.

I hope we are and will be watching the whole season again, but yeah I don't see how I'm "hiding under my bed" by giving a realistic take on how we won't be as good be this year. More like you can continue burying your head in the sand. Two of our best players are old and one of the two is in rapid decline.

[exstatic]

Thanks. And yeah I agree, we were VERY fortunate last year. Before the season I listed out a list of stuff we needed to happen to win a title, and we got over 80% of it. We neded Tim to be better, he was WAY better (so much better that it helped try to negate Ginobili's decline), we neded Kawhi to be better and he got a lot better. We needed Tony to get back to his peak form and he did. We needed Splitter to improve and he did (those he disappeared in the Finals), we needed Manu to get back to form (not did he not do that he got a lot worse, this is my biggest fear going forward; that he will get even worse and Pop will continue to give him too much responsibility that he can't handle anymore), and we needed Green to step up and he stepped up huge.

Non-Spur related things, we needed OKC to pick up and injury or somehow decline, and not only did they stupidly trade Harden to get a lot more beatable but even Westbrook went down. So our biggest roadblock was gone. Almost everything last year went great and according to most optomistic expectation except for Ginobili.

We will not have all the dice bounce our way again, so yes we will be worse this year. It's almost a foregone conclusion since last year went so well and the only way to be better would be to win the title.



I hope we are and will be watching the whole season again, but yeah I don't see how I'm "hiding under my bed" by giving a realistic take on how we won't be as good be this year. More like you can continue burying your head in the sand. Two of our best players are old and one of the two is in rapid decline.

Manu's further decline will be more than offset by our budding 22 YO future All Star.

None of the things that happened last year has to come undone, but you seem to believe that ALL of them will. OKC has gotten even worse. In the past 12 months or so, they've gone from Harden, to Martin, to Jeremy Lamb at the SG position. They have a lot more to worry about there than we do, even with Manu's decline. The funniest thing I read this summer was that Durant REALLY, REALLY wanted Belineli, but they were too capped/taxed out to make him an offer. He would certainly start for them, but is bench depth for us. That should tell you all you need to know about their talent decline.

[xmas1997]

Naturally I want the Spurs to win it all, I do every year.
But as long as the Heat do not 3peat and neither the Mavs, Lakers, nor Nets win it, I'm ok with whoever takes it.

[Macca76]

Read the "Duncan's summer workout" thread. Dude is shadowboxing and has been training all summer. He is pissed and could easily have a similarly spectacular season what with all the workouts and focus this offseason. Green, Leonard, Diaw, Cojo, Baynes and Splitter could all step up to varying degrees. Plus we upgraded the two weakest spots on the roster with Belli coming in for Neal and Pend switching out Blair's weakened efforts.

Manu skipped National team play for ARG and has been working out in South America with a Spurs trainer for the last month.

This is a team that had all but stolen a title from the nike-fed super group last June, it was the Spurs' to lose. And now they upgraded the weakest spots on the roster, fringe roleplayers had another year to acclimate with the system and should make even more impact, and the core is still capable with only Ginobili really looking to revamp how he contributes.

We were #2 last season, and all the parts are coming back. Some might even be stronger. No reason we can't finish #1 this season. Especially if Beasley starts passing the dabs round the Heat locker room.

But I agree, like Van Gundy says, the wheels will eventually have to come off, but until they do, Spurs look pretty strong and capable.


Couldn't agree more and great post indeed !

One of my concerns is TP health / fatigue following a long season and a Euro Tournament. I do hope Pop will rest him a lot at the beginning of the season and through the season and we are lucky that Pop isn't Thibodeau (for that item) so I hope it's gonna be ok.

As Bruno and ace3g just pointed out, an aggressive Boris Diaw (two dunks in Euro tournament :lol and one from a alley hoop :lol:lol) could do wonders and change things a bit in the game .

So all in all I'm pretty optimistic (but I often am :lol)

[Captivus]

Clippers...?

[rmt]

This isn't about the Spurs winning. It's LA hoping and wishing that Lebron doesn't 3-peat. Sentiment is echoed at the beginning and end of the story. Don't take anything regarding the Spurs outta that article.

[Sportcamper]

It is a good NBA article…But BEN BOLCH … :lol

[Skull-1]

Thanks. And yeah I agree, we were VERY fortunate last year. Before the season I listed out a list of stuff we needed to happen to win a title, and we got over 80% of it. We neded Tim to be better, he was WAY better (so much better that it helped try to negate Ginobili's decline), we neded Kawhi to be better and he got a lot better. We needed Tony to get back to his peak form and he did. We needed Splitter to improve and he did (those he disappeared in the Finals), we needed Manu to get back to form (not did he not do that he got a lot worse, this is my biggest fear going forward; that he will get even worse and Pop will continue to give him too much responsibility that he can't handle anymore), and we needed Green to step up and he stepped up huge.

Non-Spur related things, we needed OKC to pick up and injury or somehow decline, and not only did they stupidly trade Harden to get a lot more beatable but even Westbrook went down. So our biggest roadblock was gone. Almost everything last year went great and according to most optomistic expectation except for Ginobili.

We will not have all the dice bounce our way again, so yes we will be worse this year. It's almost a foregone conclusion since last year went so well and the only way to be better would be to win the title.



I hope we are and will be watching the whole season again, but yeah I don't see how I'm "hiding under my bed" by giving a realistic take on how we won't be as good be this year. More like you can continue burying your head in the sand. Two of our best players are old and one of the two is in rapid decline.


Dead on, bro. You missed that Parker is once again foolishly playing in the off season. This will be at our expense. He is primed to breakdown...

[sammy]

Read the "Duncan's summer workout" thread. Dude is shadowboxing and has been training all summer. He is pissed and could easily have a similarly spectacular season what with all the workouts and focus this offseason. Green, Leonard, Diaw, Cojo, Baynes and Splitter could all step up to varying degrees. Plus we upgraded the two weakest spots on the roster with Belli coming in for Neal and Pend switching out Blair's weakened efforts.

Manu skipped National team play for ARG and has been working out in South America with a Spurs trainer for the last month.

This is a team that had all but stolen a title from the nike-fed super group last June, it was the Spurs' to lose. And now they upgraded the weakest spots on the roster, fringe roleplayers had another year to acclimate with the system and should make even more impact, and the core is still capable with only Ginobili really looking to revamp how he contributes.

We were #2 last season, and all the parts are coming back. Some might even be stronger. No reason we can't finish #1 this season. Especially if Beasley starts passing the dabs round the Heat locker room.

But I agree, like Van Gundy says, the wheels will eventually have to come off, but until they do, Spurs look pretty strong and capable.

So true! :toast

[Sean Cagney]

Naturally I want the Spurs to win it all, I do every year.
But as long as the Heat do not 3peat and neither the Mavs, Lakers, nor Nets win it, I'm ok with whoever takes it.

I agree, but I want the SPURS damnit! ONE MORE.

[look_at_g_shred]

:lobt2:
I agree, but I want the SPURS damnit! ONE MORE.

[Budkin]

Will you change your heartbreaking avatar if we do??!! :lol

Oh I'm changing that as soon as the season starts. :lol

[exstatic]

Clippers...?

Show ponies.

[james evans]

Read the "Duncan's summer workout" thread. Dude is shadowboxing and has been training all summer. He is pissed and could easily have a similarly spectacular season what with all the workouts and focus this offseason. Green, Leonard, Diaw, Cojo, Baynes and Splitter could all step up to varying degrees. Plus we upgraded the two weakest spots on the roster with Belli coming in for Neal and Pend switching out Blair's weakened efforts.

Manu skipped National team play for ARG and has been working out in South America with a Spurs trainer for the last month.

This is a team that had all but stolen a title from the nike-fed super group last June, it was the Spurs' to lose. And now they upgraded the weakest spots on the roster, fringe roleplayers had another year to acclimate with the system and should make even more impact, and the core is still capable with only Ginobili really looking to revamp how he contributes.

We were #2 last season, and all the parts are coming back. Some might even be stronger. No reason we can't finish #1 this season. Especially if Beasley starts passing the dabs round the Heat locker room.

But I agree, like Van Gundy says, the wheels will eventually have to come off, but until they do, Spurs look pretty strong and capable.
won't mean shit when he's going off in games and popovich decides to sit him down because he's playing too well but continues to leave ginobli on the floor turning the ball over and forcing bad shots. i don't care if' he's fighting bulls in spain. none of that means shit as long as popovich continues to make shitty decisions during games

[Kidd K]

Manu's further decline will be more than offset by our budding 22 YO future All Star.

None of the things that happened last year has to come undone, but you seem to believe that ALL of them will. OKC has gotten even worse. In the past 12 months or so, they've gone from Harden, to Martin, to Jeremy Lamb at the SG position. They have a lot more to worry about there than we do, even with Manu's decline. The funniest thing I read this summer was that Durant REALLY, REALLY wanted Belineli, but they were too capped/taxed out to make him an offer. He would certainly start for them, but is bench depth for us. That should tell you all you need to know about their talent decline.

I do not think all of them will (did not say they all will), I was saying I think some will as it's almost inevitable; however, because that only makes sense as they were all a STEP UP from the past THREE seasons.

This is what's known as an anomally, or in sports terms, a miracle season where almost everything goes just right.

You have to be crazy to expect the following things to all happen again:

Duncan to again have his best season in 5 years at 37 (and this is my favorite player, zero bias against Duncan)

Ginobili to somehow get a lot better

The Thunder to be missing one of their best two players again.


^ Those are key things I don't expect to happen again. The other stuff is more likely to repeat or to happen, but all of them at once AND these three things? Yeah, that's what isn't happening. Can I roll a die 8 times and get a 6 every time? I can, but how likely is it?


As for Belinelli, since he isn't that good, it's probable that Durant was just trying to prop him up so he'd feel wanted and go there. It's ridiculous you'd even insinuate that OKC had declined extensitvely. Their declined started when Harden was traded and also stopped when Harden was traded until Westbrook hurt his knee. Don't forget they finished top 2 even without Harden anyway. OKC is not a declining team in any way outside of Westbrook's knee status.

As for OKC declining at SG. . .really? Hmm, I seem to recall some other team in the west declining heavily at SG over the past couple seasons too. . .who could that be? That team seems incredibly familiar almost as if I watch all their games every season, but I can't quite place it for some reason.

[exstatic]

I do not think all of them will (did not say they all will), I was saying I think some will as it's almost inevitable; however, because that only makes sense as they were all a STEP UP from the past THREE seasons.

This is what's known as an anomally, or in sports terms, a miracle season where almost everything goes just right.

You have to be crazy to expect the following things to all happen again:

Duncan to again have his best season in 5 years at 37 (and this is my favorite player, zero bias against Duncan)

Ginobili to somehow get a lot better

The Thunder to be missing one of their best two players again.


^ Those are key things I don't expect to happen again. The other stuff is more likely to repeat or to happen, but all of them at once AND these three things? Yeah, that's what isn't happening. Can I roll a die 8 times and get a 6 every time? I can, but how likely is it?


As for Belinelli, since he isn't that good, it's probable that Durant was just trying to prop him up so he'd feel wanted and go there. It's ridiculous you'd even insinuate that OKC had declined extensitvely. Their declined started when Harden was traded and also stopped when Harden was traded until Westbrook hurt his knee. Don't forget they finished top 2 even without Harden anyway. OKC is not a declining team in any way outside of Westbrook's knee status.

As for OKC declining at SG. . .really? Hmm, I seem to recall some other team in the west declining heavily at SG over the past couple seasons too. . .who could that be? That team seems incredibly familiar almost as if I watch all their games every season, but I can't quite place it for some reason.

We were beating OKC, even with a healthy Westbrook. Unless they somehow get Harden back, their days of Finals are done.

Our SG position is better and deeper than theirs, even if Manu doesn't come back to where he was even two seasons ago.

Us: Green, Manu, Beli

OKC: Lamb, Thabo, Andre Roberson

I'm also loving all of the Manu hate. What you people are saying about him is EXACTLY what people were saying about Duncan 12 months ago.

[Skull-1]

won't mean shit when he's going off in games and popovich decides to sit him down because he's playing too well but continues to leave ginobli on the floor turning the ball over and forcing bad shots. i don't care if' he's fighting bulls in spain. none of that means shit as long as popovich continues to make shitty decisions during games


Oh don't worry about it. Cd021 assures us that Manu's turnovers "didn't really hurt us".

[Skull-1]

We were beating OKC, even with a healthy Westbrook. Unless they somehow get Harden back, their days of Finals are done.

Our SG position is better and deeper than theirs, even if Manu doesn't come back to where he was even two seasons ago.

Us: Green, Manu, Beli

OKC: Lamb, Thabo, Andre Roberson

I'm also loving all of the Manu hate. What you people are saying about him is EXACTLY what people were saying about Duncan 12 months ago.


Ginobili is no Duncan.

[james evans]

Ginobili is no Duncan.
at this point in his career, he's not even pete meyers

[Skull-1]

at this point in his career, he's not even pete meyers

Hi-yoooooooo! You are correct, sir! :rollin

[Kidd K]

We were beating OKC, even with a healthy Westbrook. Unless they somehow get Harden back, their days of Finals are done.

Our SG position is better and deeper than theirs, even if Manu doesn't come back to where he was even two seasons ago.

Us: Green, Manu, Beli

OKC: Lamb, Thabo, Andre Roberson

I'm also loving all of the Manu hate. What you people are saying about him is EXACTLY what people were saying about Duncan 12 months ago.

I think we would have beaten OKC last year anyway too, but it isn't like it was going to be easy. That team is not "done", they're just not as good without Harden. I have no idea why you're no-selling the league like everyone else is a piece of shit and the Spurs are god's gift. Our team is good and will contend; but it isn't a guaranteed Finals team.

"you people"? Yeah, spare me that bullshit. I was pretty much the only Spurfan who was still confident in the team after 2010 when everyone else was jumping ship. I even looked at this site back then and saw FUCKLOADS of bandwagoning clowns jumping off the bandwagon talking about they're done and how Duncan needs to retire and "Popabitch" needs to be replaced. Meanwhile I was predicting they'd finish top 2-3 on insidehoops while everyone else was writing them off as "barely making the playoffs, 7th seed at best".

I also never said Duncan was done either at any point, I've always had confidence in him and liked what we've gotten. Don't try to attribute what other people have said to me when I haven't. Comparing Duncan and Ginobili is apples to oranges anyway. Duncan never seemed to totally lose it. Ginobili meanwhile is nothing like he was 2 years ago.

[heyheymymy]

won't mean shit when he's going off in games and popovich decides to sit him down because he's playing too well but continues to leave ginobli on the floor turning the ball over and forcing bad shots. i don't care if' he's fighting bulls in spain. none of that means shit as long as popovich continues to make shitty decisions during games

If you're talking about game 6, allow me to suggest something. You're down by 3 and decide to put a lineup in that can defend the 3 point line. Does it always work? Clearly not, but that's how strategies play out. What are you going to do when you put a rebounding lineup in (with Duncan on the floor) instead and there is no rebound to get? You know, because you didn't put a lineup in to defend the 3 and the shot went in? Then Duncan is standing there on the court, just like you wanted all along, and the result is the same.

We just got a terribly unfortunate turn of events, we defended the 3, they missed, but yeah, they got the rebound and tried again. Would you rather have everyone under the basket watching the best player on the planet take a wide open three instead? How does that make Coach Pop look any wiser?

[xmas1997]

If you're talking about game 6, allow me to suggest something. You're down by 3 and decide to put a lineup in that can defend the 3 point line. Does it always work? Clearly not, but that's how strategies play out. What are you going to do when you put a rebounding lineup in (with Duncan on the floor) instead and there is no rebound to get? You know, because you didn't put a lineup in to defend the 3 and the shot went in? Then Duncan is standing there on the court, just like you wanted all along, and the result is the same.

We just got a terribly unfortunate turn of events, we defended the 3, they missed, but yeah, they got the rebound and tried again. Would you rather have everyone under the basket watching the best player on the planet take a wide open three instead? How does that make Coach Pop look any wiser?

This is another very sensible realistic post. Thank you.

[spurs10]

Oh I'm changing that as soon as the season starts. :lolThank you Budkin, a little too close to home! :lol

[Skull-1]

Thank you Budkin, a little too close to home! :lol +1 PAINFUL

[xmas1997]

Oh don't worry about it. Cd021 assures us that Manu's turnovers "didn't really hurt us".

I honestly I do not think cd021 was trying to offend anyone. More like he was showing that there is always two sides to every issue and used stats to do it with. There is another poster on here who has shown that it wasn't really Manus' fault so much as it was the Heats #1 ranked team trapping defense that rose up at the end, coupled with a few other factors.
I'll try to find it and edit it in here if I can.

[Skull-1]

I honestly I do not think cd021 was trying to offend anyone. More like he was showing that there is always two sides to every issue and used stats to do it with. There is another poster on here who has shown that it wasn't really Manus' fault so much as it was the Heats #1 ranked team trapping defense that rose up at the end, coupled with a few other factors.
I'll try to find it and edit it in here if I can.
I am not offended by him. I just think he has lost his friggin' mind to say that.

[xmas1997]

No offense meant, but that is what you get for thinking!
You might try something you're better equipped for.
Like maybe humor.
No offense meant.

[look_at_g_shred]

What do they know? They still think Dwight leaving is the worst thing to happen since Colorado in 04'. Let me know when the Miami herald picks SA to win it all in 2014.

[james evans]

If you're talking about game 6, allow me to suggest something. You're down by 3 and decide to put a lineup in that can defend the 3 point line. Does it always work? Clearly not, but that's how strategies play out. What are you going to do when you put a rebounding lineup in (with Duncan on the floor) instead and there is no rebound to get? You know, because you didn't put a lineup in to defend the 3 and the shot went in? Then Duncan is standing there on the court, just like you wanted all along, and the result is the same.

We just got a terribly unfortunate turn of events, we defended the 3, they missed, but yeah, they got the rebound and tried again. Would you rather have everyone under the basket watching the best player on the planet take a wide open three instead? How does that make Coach Pop look any wiser?
i wasn't even talking about 1 play, i'm talking about the WHOLE 4th quarter!! you're resting players in the 4th quarter of a closeout finals game? who does that? as for defending the 3, u put all of your players on the perimeter. noone is to be in the paint but 1 person if u chose that option. if a player drives to the basket, fuk it, let him score. u put 4 guys on the perimiter and AT NO POINT LEAVE A GUY LIKE RAY ALLEN FOR ANYTHING. that's how u defend a 3. miami has no timeouts. if they hit the layup, we get the ball, they foul. even if we miss 1, they got to drive the court and hit a shot. simple bball really. if u know a team needs a 3, u make them drive, u don't pack the paint. defend the 3 point line, guard the best 3 point shooters even if they don't have the ball. look at the end of the mercury/sparks game when the sparks were down 1 and they defended parker on the inbound forcing her to throw up an off balanced shot as soon as she touched the ball. that's how u defend at the end of games. if i were duncan i would have retired after that finals game. either retired or asked for a trade to anywhere. popovich just makes the dumbest mistakes and he's been doing it for years. this year was just full of them. one of the biggest mistakes he made was speeding the game up not keeping duncan as the first option and trying to beat teams with offense instead of defense. getting rid of jackson and signing tmac(not to even play him). benching blair. game 6 is nothing compared to what he's done over the past few years..

[T Park]

If they stay healthy they'll have the best record again. They've improved the bench with Ayers and Bellinelli. Joseph should be better along with continued improvements of Leonard.

[Leetonidas]

Not sure if they'll end up with the best RS record in the west but they will probably need it for the playoffs. The west is too deep this year and teams that were in the playoffs last year (Clippers, Rockets, Warriors) all got major/semi-major upgrades. I feel like Memphis made a solid move too but I can't remember for who. The Nuggets got worse, but Westbrook will be back and OKC has some decent young talent on the bench. The Pelicans are also another sleeper, they won't contend for a high seed but they could sneak in. Add in the T-Wolves who could make noise and the Mavs who are an unknown, and the west is going to be a dogfight this year. Even the east improved dramatically with Indiana getting Scola, Brooklyn getting Garnett/Pierce/Terry/Kirilenko, Rose returning, and Miami getting deeper with Oden and Beasley (who, if they live up to even 25%-50% of their potential could make an already stacked team almost unbeatable). The Spurs can definitely win it all and I feel they will be slightly improved next season but the success of 2014, as always, hinges on the health and continuing NBA First-Team play of Tim Duncan. TP can't regress either, and Kawhi needs to take the next step.

Damn I can't wait for the season to start. Less than a month :hungry:

[BatManu20]

Unless the Pacers or Nets somehow make it to the Finals, which is highly unlikely, Spurs ain't winning sheeit.

[Budkin]

:worthy: LA Times