Are the Spurs really one player away? I don't think so-- I think the team will tinker with the roster where they can and they will continue to offer some hope as long as Tim plays near the level he is now.
The dilemma is do you stay loyal to Tim and do everything you can as a franchise to have him play his entire career as a Spur. Or do you trade him to get younger and more flexible. You keep him and the team is never shitty enough to have a legit chance at a number one or two pick. There is too much incentive for the elite superstars to stay put so building a title contender through free agency is highly unlikely. You trade him and you will definitely be shitty enough to contend for a top pick. A big part of the reputation and pride of this franchise is built on the loyalty between the fans- players- and organization.
Keep Duncan for as long as he is willing to play and hope for a miracle.

