Are the Spurs the most unique NBA Finalist in modern league history, tbh?..

- During these playoffs, they have 7 players with a PER above the average(15)..the only other NBA Finalist in modern history to match this feat is the 1999-2000 Indiana Pacers

- The Spurs don't have a single player averaging 33 minutes per game or more during the playoffs, which is the first time for a Finalist in modern NBA history

- They are only the 2nd team(early 80s Sixers-Andrew Toney) in modern history to make the NBA Finals despite their #1 usage player having a net-negative +/- in the playoffs

- Their leading scorer is averaging 17 PPG, which is the lowest top scorer for a finalist in modern NBA history(thanks ducky)

It's very easy to make the argument that the 2014 Spurs are the most unique, balanced and team-oriented squad in NBA Finals history, tbh..it would be truly amazing if they win the NBA Finals, and something that has never been done before..

spurs also are trying to win in the finals without a player averaging 20 points a game last time 1961 boston

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Originally Posted by ducks

spurs also are trying to win in the finals without a player averaging 20 points a game last time 1961 boston

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Good catch, tbh, crazy..

Question: If the Spurs were to pull off the win (or even if they didn't, maybe), would it establish a precedent for a more team-oriented style of play (incl. the media's selling of the game), or would it be just seen as an anomaly?

At least the 2013 team had two Top 10 players in Parker & Duncan. You could make the case that this year's team didn't have a Top 15 player in the league this season tbh.

Their only All Star and All NBA Teamer was Parker, who many would agree was only selected because of the team's success.

It'll be forgotten if the Spurs don't ring but it's just a crazy, crazy accomplishment and a testament to the team ball the Spurs play. I don't think any team will be able to replicate what they've done for a long ass time....

A title would also validate Pop as the greatest coach of all-time, too, tbh..

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Originally Posted by CitizenDwayne

Question: If the Spurs were to pull off the win (or even if they didn't, maybe), would it establish a precedent for a more team-oriented style of play (incl. the media's selling of the game), or would it be just seen as an anomaly?

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It would be seen as an anomaly because it would be an anomaly. There are no teams that are even close to as well balanced as this Spurs team. And not many players in the league are willing to have their minutes cut during the regular season so that the bench might be useful in June. Carlisle IMO is the only other coach with the balls and reputation to ask star players to play 28mpg and not have them laugh in his face or just mope and sign elsewhere.

The Spurs have build a Rube Goldberg machine of a roster, but that doesn't mean the rest of the league will stop overpaying for chainsaws. And I don't even blame them, really. Everything has aligned perfectly this year, but we've seen in past years (2011, 2012) how star power can just outshine role players in big moments.

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Originally Posted by CitizenDwayne

Question: If the Spurs were to pull off the win (or even if they didn't, maybe), would it establish a precedent for a more team-oriented style of play (incl. the media's selling of the game), or would it be just seen as an anomaly?

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No because franchises are bought or built to make money and fans can talk about championships all they want, few are willing to give up superstar face time and monkeyball to get there. Any team who legitimately tried to do what SA has done would probably go bankrupt. You cannot stand pat every off season (minus the obligatory random name acquisition) and continue to hold on to core players who have received national and even international accolades for their play. It's not going to happen. Players want to get paid, they aren't going to take less so some billionaire can make more, and the wins are nice but the earning years are about making money, not playing extra games. "Hey, you guys want to work a few extra months this year and if we are the best, you'll get this ring and a small percentage of your salary... but you can brag about it... oh and take a huge pay cut so we can hire someone who hopefully replaces you one day".

No.

Also most international players?

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Originally Posted by Mugen

At least the 2013 team had two Top 10 players in Parker & Duncan. You could make the case that this year's team didn't have a Top 15 player in the league this season tbh.

Their only All Star and All NBA Teamer was Parker, who many would agree was only selected because of the team's success.

It'll be forgotten if the Spurs don't ring but it's just a crazy, crazy accomplishment and a testament to the team ball the Spurs play. I don't think any team will be able to replicate what they've done for a long ass time....

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I've said it back in March (IIRC), this is probably one of the best Spurs *teams*, top to bottom, in the Duncan era.

Would be amazing to cap it off with a ring, so they can earn their rightful place in NBA and franchise history, tbh.

Whenever selfless team ball is brought up I usually think about Detroit in 2004.

I'm surprised they had a 20 point scorer ten years ago.

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Originally Posted by spurs1990

Whenever selfless team ball is brought up I usually think about Detroit in 2004.

I'm surprised they had a 20 point scorer ten years ago.

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RIP could still drop 20 off the gimmicky curl offense LB ran, but their offensive sets were awful. Those Pistons were all about defense... games were in the 80's, low 90's all the time.

This Spurs team isn't anywhere near as good defensively, but the offense is a beauty when it's working full tilt.

Please provide a definition of "modern history" - I assume you mean 1980 to current.

Anyway, yes, but the 2004 Pistons also come to mind.

spurs are deep and talent drops off quick after the top 3-4 heat players but the spurs are 7-9 great players deep runing a system everyone is a part of.

The 2004 Pistons were not deep, though..

They didn't have a superstar player(like these Spurs), but they had 2 players that played 40 MPG during their playoff run, and only 1 semi-reliable bench player..they also had a 20-point scorer and a top 10 all-time defender in his prime..

They were certainly unique, but not nearly as balanced and team-oriented as the 2014 Spurs..

Which is why if they somehow win the 'ship, other than td getting his 5th, it would be just extra special

This is definitely the most unique team I can remember and the most diverse and deep Spurs team. Pop and the big 3 deserve a ton of credit of setting the tone and coaching up players as they go. Obviously if the big 3 were in their prime, Spurs couldn't afford this deep of a team, but that's what makes it so special.

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Originally Posted by ElNono

I've said it back in March (IIRC), this is probably one of the best Spurs *teams*, top to bottom, in the Duncan era.

Would be amazing to cap it off with a ring, so they can earn their rightful place in NBA and franchise history, tbh.

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Amen brother! I have a wonderful life that includes being a fan of this wonderful team. It's hard to quantify or define why they mean so much to me and my wife, but a lot of it has to do the grace in which they carry themselves. Their fans get it, the lack of grandstanding, gloating, and posturing. 'It's easy to be a fan of this team.' To cap this off with a "ring' would be absolutely magnificent. I'll be there tonight screaming my ass off! So it's almost a guaranteed win....
:flag:

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Originally Posted by HI-FI

This is definitely the most unique team I can remember and the most diverse and deep Spurs team. Pop and the big 3 deserve a ton of credit of setting the tone and coaching up players as they go. Obviously if the big 3 were in their prime, Spurs couldn't afford this deep of a team, but that's what makes it so special.

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Very true! Interesting perspective....

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Originally Posted by spurs10

Amen brother! I have a wonderful life that includes being a fan of this wonderful team. It's hard to quantify or define why they mean so much to me and my wife, but a lot of it has to do the grace in which they carry themselves. Their fans get it, the lack of grandstanding, gloating, and posturing. 'It's easy to be a fan of this team.' To cap this off with a "ring' would be absolutely magnificent. I'll be there tonight screaming my ass off! So it's almost a guaranteed win....
:flag:

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:tu

It kinda sucks having to watch it with your wife right? I hate watching games with my girl. It's an uneasy feeling tbh

You can tell this team is unique when we are banking on Boris Diaw to cause mismatch problems for the Miami Heat :lol

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Originally Posted by HI-FI

Obviously if the big 3 were in their prime, Spurs couldn't afford this deep of a team, but that's what makes it so special.

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didn't see it from that angle before, solid take.

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Originally Posted by Arcadian

Please provide a definition of "modern history" - I assume you mean 1980 to current.

Anyway, yes, but the 2004 Pistons also come to mind.

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When I hear "modern" as it relates to basketball, I typically think post-merger. So 1977-present.

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Originally Posted by ducks

spurs also are trying to win in the finals without a player averaging 20 points a game last time 1961 boston

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Wasn't that done by the 04 pistons?

Duncan and Ginobili were horrible tonight, Parker was mediocre, yet the Spurs just won an NBA Finals game by double-digits:lol..

Win or loss in the Finals, enjoy this, because this is easily the most unique team in NBA history, tbh..this shit has never been done before..

Wade and James combined for 44 points. Green and Leonard combined for the same. If Lock n Lock can match points with the Heat's top-two scorers, Miami has no chance.

The roster is ridiculous, tbh, this could be the most versatile team of all-time..

These Spurs are capable of playing any style of basketball, whether it's grind ball vs. teams like Memphis, run&gun, or just straight-up execution basketball against a team like Miami..

It's funny how far the NBA has come, and these Spurs are the best example of the new NBA..just 10ish years ago, everybody was in love and admired Sacramento for their ball movement and passing, because they stood out in a sea of ISO-ball..they don't even compare to these Spurs, tbh..

The Spurs are a team with the same ball-movement and shooting, but mixed it with elite defensive players to allow them to play any type of basketball that is required..

The Spurs' strength lies in the fact that they have four players who elite defenders in multiple categories but who can also score in bunches. Beyond that, three of them (not Duncan) don't have the burden of creating offense for everyone else or even putting up a lot of points in every game. The Medium Three is pretty much like the Pacers "young core" (George, Stephenson and Hibbert) but without the burden of having to carry the load on offense. They can have games like tonight where they score 50 and the Spurs dominate, or they can score only 20 and the Spurs still win because they have three stars who can take over.

We'll probably never see anything like this again, since you won't find three players who each sacrifice money to not only stay together, but also to let the team bring in enough support to keep them relevant into their twilight. The Heat's Big Three make twice as much as the Spurs' Big Three.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

The roster is ridiculous, tbh, this could be the most versatile team of all-time..

These Spurs are capable of playing any style of basketball, whether it's grind ball vs. teams like Memphis, run&gun, or just straight-up execution basketball against a team like Miami.

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It really is astounding.

Robert Horry called the 2005 Spurs team an "amoeba" because of their adaptability, but this group would win a series against that group in 6 games. Incredible.

I don't think any Finalist has been as balanced between a group of 10 key players as this Spurs team is.

That said, this is possible mostly because the league is weak.

I can't help thinking the 2005 Spurs and Pistons would eat both of these Finals teams' lunches 10 times out of 10.

My god, 2003 Tim Duncan would average 37 and 20.

The Splitter-Diaw duo is such a huge help, too..

If you need to defend a big frontcourt or can get away with playing both Splitter/Duncan, Splitter makes a big difference defending the Aldridges and Dirks of the NBA..

If you need to space it out for teams like OKC and Miami, you can sub in one of the most versatile players in the NBA(Diaw)..

It's also essential that all 3 Spurs rotation bigs are great passers, too..most NBA teams have 1 good passing big man, at best..

2003 Tim would get that Quad Double, maybe multiple times in this series

This Spurs team would destroy the 2003 Spurs:lol..

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

The roster is ridiculous, tbh, this could be the most versatile team of all-time..

These Spurs are capable of playing any style of basketball, whether it's grind ball vs. teams like Memphis, run&gun, or just straight-up execution basketball against a team like Miami..

It's funny how far the NBA has come, and these Spurs are the best example of the new NBA..just 10ish years ago, everybody was in love and admired Sacramento for their ball movement and passing, because they stood out in a sea of ISO-ball..they don't even compare to these Spurs, tbh..

The Spurs are a team with the same ball-movement and shooting, but mixed it with elite defensive players to allow them to play any type of basketball that is required..

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Yeah, I really think these two teams are the best teams of the last 15 years. Miami plays very similar to the Spurs but just lacks the depth but has a top 5 all-time player, so it balances it out. Spurs have the depth but lack the transcendent superstar. But even with each team's respective flaws, they're the two most balanced and versatile teams in the post-Jordan era.

People will still pimp the '01 Lakers or even the '99 Spurs, but those team's size would get spread the fuck out by either of these teams. Shaq would probably dominate on an individual level, but he'd be targeted defensively, left on island as the Lakers defense gets spread out. Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry, and even Kirbs lack the length and footspeed to effectively stop either offense. And Phil never went deep into his bench, which would be a huge liability here.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

This Spurs team would destroy the 2003 Spurs:lol..

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This.

This Spurs team would allow Tim to average 27 and 12 and still run them out of the gym 4 games out of 6. That team had a Parker that hadn't found his shot or his leadership, a rookie Manu that hadn't found his fearlessness, D-Rob on his last legs, Danny Ferry on his last legs, Kevin Willis on his last legs, Steve Kerr on his last legs, Steve Smith on his last legs, a precocious and streaky shooter in S-Jax, and a perpetually overmatched Malik Rose.

Holy shit. Now that I think about it, no way the '03 Spurs last more than 5 games against the current iteration.

The 2003 Spurs were taken to 6 games by a terrible Nets team:lol..

As Steve Kerr has said many times, that team didn't have a system, they just dumped it into Duncan on every play..as we saw in the OKC series, isolation basketball doesn't work anymore, the NBA has changed..

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Originally Posted by midnightpulp

Yeah, I really think these two teams are the best teams of the last 15 years. Miami plays very similar to the Spurs but just lacks the depth but has a top 5 all-time player, so it balances it out. Spurs have the depth but lack the transcendent superstar. But even with each team's respective flaws, they're the two most balanced and versatile teams in the post-Jordan era.

People will still pimp the '01 Lakers or even the '99 Spurs, but those team's size would get spread the fuck out by either of these teams. Shaq would probably dominate on an individual level, but he'd be targeted defensively, left on island as the Lakers defense gets spread out. Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Robert Horry, and even Kirbs lack the length and footspeed to effectively stop either offense. And Phil never went deep into his bench, which would be a huge liability here.

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The 2002 Sacramento Kings were an inferior version of this Spurs team, and their style of play managed to give the Lakers a ton of problems..they pass the ball the same way the Spurs do, but they only had 1 great shooter, and they only had 1 notable perimeter defender(Doug Christie, past his athletic prime)..

Doesn't mean anything unless the Spurs win the title. If they do, they will definitely be the most unique team to ever win it all in modern times. Pop probably wasn't the first to create a championship caliber team without a discernible superstar but he might be the first one in the modern era to win a championship without a superstar carrying the team. A win would be a validation of team first basketball and forever legitimize Pop's "system." This would prove the doubters wrong (including me) who believed a championship team needs star players in their prime. The 2004 Pistons are the closest, but even that team had four all star caliber players. Pop basically pieced together players from the bargain bin with all stars past their prime.

Of course we are getting ahead of ourselves. The Heat have been down 2-1 before in the playoffs and they know how to bounce back strong. Too early for a victory lap.

this swiss army knife team will always be one of my favorite versions of the spurs. i'm partial to the 07 version as well for some reason: big 3, plus stacked role players fin, horry, bowen, barry, and oberto.

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Originally Posted by Malik Hairston

The 2003 Spurs were taken to 6 games by a terrible Nets team:lol..

As Steve Kerr has said many times, that team didn't have a system, they just dumped it into Duncan on every play..as we saw in the OKC series, isolation basketball doesn't work anymore, the NBA has changed..

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In 2003 who would have thought Pop would someday create an incredibly well balanced and fluid offensive system, that would play the most beautiful basketball the NBA has seen in X years? Can't think of a coach who has changed/improved/adapted so much during his career.

Maybe the best team I've ever seen, tbh..

How do you stop a team that has so many weapons and 2-way players?..