hitmantb
04-01-2017, 01:50 PM
2002-2003 had the Rick Fox injury which really hurt Lakers rotation and even then, it was as close as a rimmed out Robert Horry 3. Of course the Dirk injury also helped, that series went 6 games, Dirk could have easily made a difference. It was one of the weakest championship teams ever, carried by peak Duncan.
A 60+ wins team is nothing to be ashamed of in the post-Duncan era, and it is good enough to ring on weaker years, if the top dogs lose focus or lose a rotation player or two from injury.
Tony and Manu have been with us forever and no way they get traded. Part of the reason why Spurs is regarded as model franchise and actually attracted free agents like Aldridge/Gasol is because we don't do "it is all business" kind of things like Hakeem as a Raptor, Wade as a Bull kind of non-sense. There is no realistic upgrade from these two that would allow Spurs to compete with a fully healthy Warriors team. Treating them well until they retire not only gives fans sweet memories of the Duncan era, it will also attract free agents in the long run. I can't imagine top free agents going to Miami after they saw what Riley did to Wade.
Look on the bright side, Curry and Durant are on the fragile side and when they both sign a new contract, it is very hard for Warriors to keep the current four stars together. LeBron is also aging. It will be Kwahi's turn very soon. Manu retires a Spur this off season, Tony moves to a bench role, pick up a Derrick Rose or comparable, and we have a chance to ring.
Even this season, all it takes an injury. It doesn't even have to knock out a player entirely. A Curry 2016 type of injury to take them off a few notches is enough and I believe that is what Harden and Durant will have to deal with in the post season.
A 60+ wins team is nothing to be ashamed of in the post-Duncan era, and it is good enough to ring on weaker years, if the top dogs lose focus or lose a rotation player or two from injury.
Tony and Manu have been with us forever and no way they get traded. Part of the reason why Spurs is regarded as model franchise and actually attracted free agents like Aldridge/Gasol is because we don't do "it is all business" kind of things like Hakeem as a Raptor, Wade as a Bull kind of non-sense. There is no realistic upgrade from these two that would allow Spurs to compete with a fully healthy Warriors team. Treating them well until they retire not only gives fans sweet memories of the Duncan era, it will also attract free agents in the long run. I can't imagine top free agents going to Miami after they saw what Riley did to Wade.
Look on the bright side, Curry and Durant are on the fragile side and when they both sign a new contract, it is very hard for Warriors to keep the current four stars together. LeBron is also aging. It will be Kwahi's turn very soon. Manu retires a Spur this off season, Tony moves to a bench role, pick up a Derrick Rose or comparable, and we have a chance to ring.
Even this season, all it takes an injury. It doesn't even have to knock out a player entirely. A Curry 2016 type of injury to take them off a few notches is enough and I believe that is what Harden and Durant will have to deal with in the post season.