Spurs fans fear Suns, not Mavericks, in '07

[pussyface]

During the course of arguing about whether or not the Suns were real title contenders this year, I heard from a lot of Spurs fans who insist they aren't worried about the Mavericks next year, but fear that a rejuvinated Suns' squad could realistically spell doom for the mighty Spurs (picnroll and that guy with the arkansas stuff were pushing this, for instance).

I am of the opinion that the Spurs are matchup-kryptonite to the Suns, as well as simply being the better team.

As you guys know from experience, when you are the conference champs, you don't really have to think about what other Western teams think of you because they are all looking up at you anyway. None the less, I'd like to hear some honest opinions on this one.

Did losing to this year's incarnation of the Mavs get your attention, or are you pretty much looking at this as a fluke/gift from the refs and that Phoenix is the team to really keep an eye on in future years?

[CosmicCowboy]

I think Spurs, Mavs, Suns, and Kings will all be good next year. I don't see any team being the overwhelming favorite.

[ducks]

I think dirk will not be as good next year
I think he peaked this year

[dknights411]

Did losing to this year's incarnation of the Mavs get your attention, or are you pretty much looking at this as a fluke/gift from the refs and that Phoenix is the team to really keep an eye on in future years?

I can't vouch for everyone here, but I was worried about this series in January!!! So IMHO, i don't quite think it was a matter of overlooking the Mavs that was a factor as much as it was a lack of execution. In reality, we have 29 rivals to worry about (some more than others obviously) so for me, it's just a matter of taking things one game at a time. As long as the Spurs stay focused next year, we'll be fine.

[TheSanityAnnex]

One solid move this offseason for the Kings and everyone will fear them.

[Texas_Ranger]

Spurs will be the best on the west, then Mavs or Suns (because Amere comes back) and if Kings are going to play like they played in the playoffs then they can be fourth best on the west.

[strangeweather]

Did losing to this year's incarnation of the Mavs get your attention, or are you pretty much looking at this as a fluke/gift from the refs and that Phoenix is the team to really keep an eye on in future years?
I think if we play the Mavs again with basically the same roster, we'll lose. If we can address the weaknesses that were exposed, I think we can win -- but I'm not going to start engraving the trophy ahead of time.

I think the Suns worry people because no one has the slightest idea what they're capable of with a healthy roster next year. They lost one of their 2 best players as well as Kurt Thomas, and still managed to get to the WCFs and win a couple of games.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

One solid move this offseason for the Kings and everyone will fear them.
Yeah. Firing their head coach. Really Scary!!!

[TheSanityAnnex]

Yeah. Firing their head coach. Really Scary!!!Musselman will surprise a lot of people.


You do realize this will be the first time this team gets an entire training camp together?

And Artest will be in full basketball shape, he still needed to drop some of that added weight.

[ducks]

bonzi has to be resigned and still play like last year to

[J.T.]

Amare will be back but he won't be as strong a force as he was in 2005. Webber had the same injury and it took him a while to get back to his level. Though Amare is younger and in better shape so he might be able to recover quicker. Suns will be better with him no doubt but I don't think he will be the same as last season.

[TDMVPDPOY]

lame

spurs>suns no matter what

[TheSanityAnnex]

bonzi has to be resigned and still play like last year to
Not really worried about that situation. Of course I'd like him to be resigned and playing for the Kings, but he's not as vital as some may think. Worse case, he is used in a sign and trade for another valuable piece and Kevin Martin starts. Martin has a very bright future in this league and showed his talent when Bonzi was out with an injury.

[JET_31]

I think all teams have a good reason to fear a healthy suns team with amare back. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

[Kori Ellis]

One solid move this offseason for the Kings and everyone will fear them.

So do you think they'll keep Bonzi?

[Future41534]

You guys have no logic.

[TheSanityAnnex]

So do you think they'll keep Bonzi?
Hoping they do. I guess he and Musselman go way back and know eachothers families and such, so I'm thinking that will help bring him back. The Maloofs need to open those checkbooks again. They've been pretty cheap the last couple of years and now is the time to load up and make another run. Artest can only stay sane for so long.

[mabber]

I think Spurs, Mavs, Suns, and Kings will all be good next year. I don't see any team being the overwhelming favorite.

Yeah, and the Clippers should be good again as well. I'm guessing that the Mavs will be slight favorites to repeat in the west with the Spurs & Suns a close 2nd.

[BillsCarnage]

I think Spurs, Mavs, Suns, and Kings will all be good next year. I don't see any team being the overwhelming favorite.

Agreed some what. The Suns, Spurs and Mavs will still be the top three in the west. Kings and Clips a notch below. The one team that i thought would be scarey this year was Houston and next season, if healthy, they could be legit too.

Either way the West could be stacked next season with 4-5 teams capable of winning the title if the chips fall for them.

If Amare returns to form, heck i'd settle for 90%, the Suns will be mighty tough. I still think they'll be the odds on favorite to win it next season.

[picnroll]

Spicoli you pro or con keeping Miller?.

[DarrinS]

I think the Spurs looked a little old in this post-season.

Guys were tired at the end of games and made some uncharacteristic mistakes.


I don't fear the Suns any more than I fear the Mavs or the Kings.

[TheSanityAnnex]

Spicoli you pro or con keeping Miller?.Is there a word for super con?

That pansy ass excuse for a 7' footer has been on my shit list for years.



With the passing of the Princeton offense, Miller is a duck out of water. I'm hoping he'll be shipped out or at least moved over to the 4 if they pick up and shotblocking/rebounding 5.


I've been hearing Chicago has some interest in him..........

[strangeweather]

Is there a word for super con?

That pansy ass excuse for a 7' footer has been on my shit list for years.



With the passing of the Princeton offense, Miller is a duck out of water. I'm hoping he'll be shipped out or at least moved over to the 4 if they pick up and shotblocking/rebounding 5.


I've been hearing Chicago has some interest in him..........
You guys want a deal on a slightly used Slovenian? :lol

[TheSanityAnnex]

You guys want a deal on a slightly used Slovenian? :lol
Is his vertical greater than 3"?

[picnroll]

Latest rumor in the Chicago paper was that the Bulls were targeting Pryzbilla.

[strangeweather]

Hmm... that's a tough one.

[jamezyjamez]

How many more points per game can the Suns average next year? How much better numbers can Amare put up versus what Diaw did this year? Maybe it's the Nash and the system that got them back to the WCF. I'm guessing the Suns won't be markedly better, except maybe on the glass.

[ducks]

king fan said bulls also were thinking of brad miller



that maybe tryign to use leverage with nazr

[ducks]

How many more points per game can the Suns average next year? How much better numbers can Amare put up versus what Diaw did this year? Maybe it's the Nash and the system that got them back to the WCF. I'm guessing the Suns won't be markedly better, except maybe on the glass.


the coach said he has to get his players to buy into the fact they are not going to have their best year next year and they might even avage less points

I do not think they will be better
kurt thomas will make them better but no points there

[mabber]

How many more points per game can the Suns average next year? How much better numbers can Amare put up versus what Diaw did this year? Maybe it's the Nash and the system that got them back to the WCF. I'm guessing the Suns won't be markedly better, except maybe on the glass.

I think Amare would make the Suns much better in the playoffs. They would be able to play better in their halfcourt offense.

[jamezyjamez]

I think Amare would make the Suns much better in the playoffs. They would be able to play better in their halfcourt offense.

How so?

[mabber]

Amare & Diaw are both tough matchups in their halfcourt offense. That would give the Suns another guy that is good in halfcourt offense. Marion blows if he's not out in the open. Face it, the majority of that Mav/Sun series was played at a relatively slow pace (much slower than the Suns wanted to play). Amare & Nash were almost unstoppable in the pick 'n roll last season.

[picnroll]

Actullay I think Thomas might continue to play pretty well for the Suns. They have a lose style, D'Antoni tolerates screwing up a lot, and there aren't expectations to play much D. He might not be willing to to grind it out in the Spurs system though and instead fall back into his slacker ways.

Amre is definitly well suited to half court. He was tering up the Spurs half court defense in the '04 playoffs.

[SenorSpur]

During the course of arguing about whether or not the Suns were real title contenders this year, I heard from a lot of Spurs fans who insist they aren't worried about the Mavericks next year, but fear that a rejuvinated Suns' squad could realistically spell doom for the mighty Spurs (picnroll and that guy with the arkansas stuff were pushing this, for instance).

I am of the opinion that the Spurs are matchup-kryptonite to the Suns, as well as simply being the better team.

As you guys know from experience, when you are the conference champs, you don't really have to think about what other Western teams think of you because they are all looking up at you anyway. None the less, I'd like to hear some honest opinions on this one.

Did losing to this year's incarnation of the Mavs get your attention, or are you pretty much looking at this as a fluke/gift from the refs and that Phoenix is the team to really keep an eye on in future years?

Losing to the Mavs absolutely has gotten my attention. The Mavs should be considered to be the team to beat in the West - whether they bring home the title or not.

The reason being is the Mavs create as much of a matchup problem for us as we do for the Suns. Having said that, I expect the Spurs to focus on making moves and adjustments (more speed, athleticism and perimeter quickness) needed to ensure we matchup better with the Mavs.

[ChumpDumper]

Well it's obvious whom Mavfans stil fear.

[spur219]

I see the Suns being more of a threat next season that the Mavs to the Spurs. That is if a healthy Amare comes back.

[MadDog73]

With any luck, the Mavs and Suns will face each other, and we'll let them sort it out.

Spurs deserve easier match-ups after this year's debacle...

[CharlieMac]

Yeah, I really do.

[spurs_666]

Spurs fans are in a big denial, they are afraid of the Mavs in 07. The Mavs will only get better as this season is only the first full year of Avery Johnson as a coach.

[ChumpDumper]

If we were realy afraid of the Mavs, we'd be spamming their board relentlessly like four year olds.

Or like Mavfans.

You've tipped your hand, frontrunners.

[MadDog73]

Fear is a waste of time. This whole year I was afraid of the Pistons... and look what happened to them!

No one knows how good the Mavs will be next year. They'll probably be more dangerous if the lose to the Heat. Winning back-to-back Championships is very, very hard. That said, the Mavs are deep enough to do it.

Next year will be very interesting, that's for sure...

[picnroll]

Spurs fans are in a big denial, they are afraid of the Mavs in 07. The Mavs will only get better as this season is only the first full year of Avery Johnson as a coach.
Spurs were a put back away from the WCF. They'll likely lose a center that proved useless in the Spurs - Mavs series but they are looking to add a piece or two to more than make up for the difference of that putback.

Meanwhile the Mavs have about $18 million coming off the books from Christie, Armstrong and Van Horn if they let them go but they have to try to get contract extensions with Dirk and Josh Howard, try to resign Terry, resign M'Benga or let him go. Just to stand still Cuban is going to have to continue to buy the title. Last year he said he was actulally going to show some fiscal responsibilty. What if he is true to his word (though I doubt it, the guy has to have that edge to win). If he is fiscally responsible the Mavs will be standing still at best while the Spurs will likely be moving on past them.

[TDMVPDPOY]

spurs fear nobody, we were built to beat pistons

[mabber]

Spurs were a put back away from the WCF. They'll likely lose a center that proved useless in the Spurs - Mavs series but they are looking to add a piece or two to more than make up for the difference of that putback.

Meanwhile the Mavs have about $18 million coming off the books from Christie, Armstrong and Van Horn if they let them go but they have to try to get contract extensions with Dirk and Josh Howard, try to resign Terry, resign M'Benga or let him go. Just to stand still Cuban is going to have to continue to buy the title. Last year he said he was actulally going to show some fiscal responsibilty. What if he is true to his word (though I doubt it, the guy has to have that edge to win). If he is fiscally responsible the Mavs will be standing still at best while the Spurs will likely be moving on past them.

Mavs will resign Terry (and hopefully M'Benga) and add another veteran to replace Van Horn. Not sure about Armstrong as he definitely wants to play another year. They are fine standing still since their team is so young. Harris, Daniels & Howard are only going to get better. Plus, Josh Powell will continue to improve. Standing still is the way to go with this team as they have a lot of room for improvement and great team chemistry.

[GrandeDavid]

As a Spurs fan, I do not "fear" any team. Its an odd year, the championship is San Antonio's. Seriously, the rest of the league should "fear" the Spurs since you can be they'll be out for vengeance after that horrific, lethal combination of criminal officiating and uncharacteristicly repeated faltering down the stretch. The Spurs know they gave that series to Dallas and will probably be a much more focused, tougher team come next year's playoffs.

[GrandeDavid]

Oh, and let's see how good Amare is after surgery, and more important than any leaping ability or stylistic dunking, let's see if the lad has the fortitude to play even a shadow of defense. Otherwise, you just let him dunk away and defend the other guys on the floor.

[SenorSpur]

As a Spurs fan, I do not "fear" any team. Its an odd year, the championship is San Antonio's. Seriously, the rest of the league should "fear" the Spurs since you can be they'll be out for vengeance after that horrific, lethal combination of criminal officiating and uncharacteristicly repeated faltering down the stretch. The Spurs know they gave that series to Dallas and will probably be a much more focused, tougher team come next year's playoffs.

I hope the Spurs do take this series loss very personally. There's no doubt that they missed a golden opportunity to repeat as champions. I hope they make it their season-long mission to regain their lost title.

[mabber]

As a Spurs fan, I do not "fear" any team. Its an odd year, the championship is San Antonio's. Seriously, the rest of the league should "fear" the Spurs since you can be they'll be out for vengeance after that horrific, lethal combination of criminal officiating and uncharacteristicly repeated faltering down the stretch. The Spurs know they gave that series to Dallas and will probably be a much more focused, tougher team come next year's playoffs.

That's pathetic! Why can't you just go with everything else you said and not go the route that doesn't give credit to anyone else. It's a sad way to go thru life when you can't give credit elsewhere. Ginoble could have slammed Dirk to the floor and the ref didn't call a foul and the Spurs win the series and I promise you...I'd be giving the Spurs credit for winning the series. In the end all that matters is who won. Accept what happened, give credit to the winners and move on with the hopes that your team is more focused, etc. next year.

[my2sons]

can cuban resist tampering with the team in the offseason especially if they get spanked by miami, although i expect a long series like all the others have been

[Fabbs]

Popavich handed Finley in FA sweepstakes, one of if not the deepest Spurs lineup ever, West Home Court and a healthy playoff Tim Duncan and can't get it done?

No need to assume all is fine in Spursville and a comeback is guaranteed.

Look if they do comeback and title next year, great. Stop with the all is fine we don't care about the Mavs or Suns crap. IMO both those teams did far more will less in this years playoffs.

[MadDog73]

Popavich handed Finley in FA sweepstakes, one of if not the deepest Spurs lineup ever, West Home Court and a healthy playoff Tim Duncan and can't get it done?

No need to assume all is fine in Spursville and a comeback is guaranteed.

Look if they do comeback and title next year, great. Stop with the all is fine we don't care about the Mavs or Suns crap. IMO both those teams did far more will less in this years playoffs.


I didn't understand a word of that. Are you saying the Mavs and Suns did more than expected, and they won't be expected to be back next year, or they will?

[BigD1]

I think dirk will not be as good next year
I think he peaked this year
WTF? He's only 27!

[Fabbs]

I didn't understand a word of that. Are you saying the Mavs and Suns did more than expected, and they won't be expected to be back next year, or they will?

The Mavs and Suns did more with less then the Spurs this year.
All indications are they will only get better. Mavs with everyone back and Avery again. Suns with AStoudamire back, albeit he will never be the same.

[BigD1]

Spurs fans are in a big denial, they are afraid of the Mavs in 07. The Mavs will only get better as this season is only the first full year of Avery Johnson as a coach.Not only that, but if anyone seriously thinks Josh Howard won't be even better entering his 4th season or Harris entering his 3rd, they're crazy. Futhermore, KVH's contract is up. Look for Dallas to acquire a more athletic "banger type" player to help Dirk out a bit. Maybe, Al Harrington. Also, Desagana Diop is only 24 yrs old. Look for him to improve on everything entering next season. Dallas will only be more experienced but still one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
Dirk-27
Terry-27
Howard-25
Daniels-25
Diop-24
Damp-30
Harris-24
Stack-32

[MadDog73]

The Mavs and Suns did more with less then the Spurs this year.
All indications are they will only get better. Mavs with everyone back and Avery again. Suns with AStoudamire back, albeit he will never be the same.


I have to say "Bullshit" on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

[Fabbs]

I have to say "Bullshit" on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

Is this one of the personalities of Mouse the journalist wannabe?

[MadDog73]

Is this one of the personalities of Mouse the journalist wannabe?


Fuck you for even saying that. :lol

No, if I was Mouse, I'd be saying the Spurs are done and the Mavs will win the next 10 Championships in a row.

I honestly don't care if you think the Spurs are done or not. Spurs play great as the underdogs.

[Odogg]

. Dallas will only be more experienced but still one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
Dirk-27
Terry-27
Howard-25
Daniels-25
Diop-24
Damp-30
Harris-24
Stack-32

Spurs fans have such limited tunnel vision. But you know what really should scare the bajeezus out of you?

Avery Johnson - 41, Not to mention his 1st full season as a head coach.

Donnie Nelson- 40, President of Basketball Operations / Scout Dept.

Mark Cuban - 48, OWNER and WILLING TO SPEND THE $$$ TO WIN

Not only are the players getting better, but the Organization as a whole.

[angryllama]

I have to say "Bullshit" on that. The Mavs are deeper than San Antonio, and Dirk was playing incredible ball. That said, the Spurs still took them to 7, and were leading with 30 seconds to go. It's not like the Mavs swept San Antonio or anything.

If anything, Mav fans should be scared of the Spurs next year, not the other way around.

Of course the Mavs are concerned with the Spurs. They are the top two teams in the west. I expect the Spurs to challenge the Mavs next season.

After that, the Spurs should begin a decline as Duncan begins to show his age. That's when the youthful Mavs will begin to separate, and should dominate the SW division (unless Chris Paul says otherwise).

I would expect Dallas to attract a nice player with their midlevel exception this offseason.

Considering that the Mavs are in year one of a four year developmental plan of Johnson/Nelson/Cuban and are in the Finals, the future is bright for the Mavs. Dirk is entering his prime, Howard is beginning to show star potential in his 3rd season, Harris showed flashes of brilliance in his second season, Terry will be back and is still in his prime, Diop is only 23-24 and has yet to develop his post offense, Mbenga and Podkolzin are still developing, Daniels is still developing, Avery is still learning, etc. Dallas has a very bright future.

[MadDog73]

Hey, I don't mean to come off that I disrespect the Mavs. They look really good right now, and have a great shot to win their first Championship.

That said, I've seen teams that look great tank in spectacular fashion. (Um, usually my own Spurs!)

So, you'll excuse me if I take predictions of Mavs continued success with a grain of salt.

[angryllama]

Hey, I don't mean to come off that I disrespect the Mavs. They look really good right now, and have a great shot to win their first Championship.
That said, I've seen teams that look great tank in spectacular fashion. (Um, usually my own Spurs!)
So, you'll excuse me if I take predictions of Mavs continued success with a grain of salt.

The indicators are there to suggest that Dallas will, at the very least, be a competitor for the championship next season and beyond. To say that they will fail to repeat because the Spurs didnt is a little nearsighted. Repeating is TOUGH no doubt, but Dallas should be better next season.

Remember, this is the team's first full season in Avery's new system, and this is Dirk's first full season as an inside-out player. Dirk always improves his game. Always. I dont see why he wont show up better next season. He always does.

[East Coast Babe]

Of course the Mavs are concerned with the Spurs. They are the top two teams in the west. I expect the Spurs to challenge the Mavs next season.

After that, the Spurs should begin a decline as Duncan begins to show his age. That's when the youthful Mavs will begin to separate, and should dominate the SW division (unless Chris Paul says otherwise).

I wondered when someone would come up with that one. "(unless Chris Paul says otherwise)" The Hornets won something like 20 more games this year than last after they added Paul. They make another addition or two and everyone will have to watch out! That kid is good!! I think he will be a better point guard than Nash given time!

[Axl Van Dam]

:flag: I wouldn't worry about Phoenix next season. The run and gun style of basketball they adhere to will not make them advance to the finals mainly because teams are now adapting to how they play. They played two series' that went the full route that when they finally placed Dallas they were already burned out. I believe more teams next season will be able to find ways to shut their offense down. Even if Amare returns they'll have a hard time duplicating the success they had the last two years. Dallas will still be our top nemesis next season. And I believe we'll get 'em next year.

[kalikot_boy_kr]

when i look at game 7 of the mavs vs spurs, the spurs win, but the mavs just got lucky...hahhaha!

[sabar]

Fear? I don't fear any team until the next season is a good way through. It's stupid to say "X and X team looks good and will do this this and that and improve". You can do that to ANY team. Every team "looks good" on paper and has these perfect off-season moves and training to make them some dream team, but I'm not calling anything until I see it happen. Dallas could be a powerhouse next year. Or they could suffer injuries and a bad off season. Dirk may have peaked, or he may have yet to do so. Will Dallas keep rivaling New York in luxury tax spending? Will the Spurs pick someone up and make the team younger? Will Duncans foot improve?

Who knows. Everything until January-February 2007 is smack talk.

[MadDog73]

Remember, this is the team's first full season in Avery's new system, and this is Dirk's first full season as an inside-out player. Dirk always improves his game. Always. I dont see why he wont show up better next season. He always does.


How much better can he get? Seriously?

Maybe I'm just a blind Spurs homer, but the guy is already amazing.

Look, the Mavs are a great team, and they could even beat the Spurs again next year, no doubt.

But to say that without a doubt they will improve just isn't true... they could get worse. (not saying they will, just saying it's possible).

Why you ask? Because it's very, very hard to repeat a Championship. The Lakers did it, but each year it got harder and harder.

If the Mavs win this year, and next, I will be the first one to congratulate them. I mean, that would be incredible for a first year coach to win back-to-back Championships... in fact, I don't think it's ever happened before.