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Who wrote this, a 5th grader? Take out the grammatical errors, I have never heard that the Spurs offered Duncan in a trade for anyone, especially Oden.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
The San Antonio Spurs: Bucked Off the Top of the West For Good
Built around a powerful, boring All-NBA and All-Defensive first team power forward, a quick, experienced, clutch point guard, a defensive stopper on the wing, a slew of veteran role players who ben der dun dat, and a curmudgeonly, cranky no-nonsense, never smiles old coach, they defined grind-it-out, boring success for a decade to the chagrin of beautiful basketball fiends.
That's not to suggest they didn't play the right way; they used the backboard, made the extra pass, crashed the boards, played tough-nosed defense, and reminded us that mind does matter in basketball. But then, they were done.
"Done? Not yet," you tell me.
"Donzo," I reply, because I'm talking about the 2001 Utah Jazz. But my answer would basically be the same if I was referring to the San Antonio Spurs today.
There's the (Big) fundamental franchise power forward in Tim Duncan (San Antonio's Karl Malone), who will turn 33 before the 2009 playoffs. Duncan's biological age is starting to catch up to him imperceptibly and obviously. He shot a career low 45% in the playoffs last season, perhaps due to burgeoning stamina issues. Still he's got the style and moxie to age well statistically. Merlin will uphold his reputation as one of the league's best for the next three years. But the fact that the Spurs may need to rest him for a few extra minutes a game during the regular season could cost them a few wins in a league where a point at either end can make all the difference.
Duncan's penetrating sidekicks, Manu Ginobili (Jeff Hornacek) and Tony Parker (John Stockton), are in their primes right now, but each also carry question marks. Ginobili, a sixth man in le only, attempted more shots than ever last season with impressive efficiency. There are concerns over his durability (he's yet to go a full season without missing a handful of games due to injury), and, fittingly, the Argentinian just had ankle surgery that could cause him to miss the beginning of the season. Parker, a playoff superstar throughout his career, lacks range on his jumper. As Duncan's presence in the middle diminishes with age, Parker may find it more difficult to find space to finish his oft-acrobatic drives.
That triumvirate, however, is not the reason to worry in San Antonio.
The one-time elite defensive stopper Bruce Bowen (Bryon Russell) is now 37, and evidence suggests that he may have lost the handcuffs he used to lock down opposing scorers the last seven years with the Spurs. Kobe Bryant averaged 29.2 points on 53.3% from the field when marked primarily by Bowen in the Western Conference Finals. He's enjoyed a long career by playing dirty, but you have to keep up with your opponent to kick and trip him up, something that's getting more difficult by the year.
Fellow role players past their prime include Robert Horry (38 when the 2009 playoffs begin and mulling retirement), Kurt Thomas (36), Michael Finley (36), Jacque Vaughn (34), Fabricio Oberto (34), and Ime Udoka (31). How they kept up with the Phoenix Suns in last year's playoffs never ceases to perplex me.
Roger Mason was signed to give the team a "young", "proven" "sharpshooter." At 28, it's debatable whether Mason should be termed young. Coming off the only season of his career when he's averaged more than four points, he can hardly be labeled proven. And a career 35% shooter before last season, there was nothing sharp about Mason before breaking out (sort of) in Gilbert Arenas' stead.
Draft pick George Hill looked good value at the 26th pick in this year's draft, but struggled with his shooting in the Summer League. I expect him to become a useful NBA player, but how often do late first round picks turn into stars? Parker was a late first rounder, and Ginobili a second rounder, though, so there may hope.
The lack of quality young support for Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker is worrisome, but more onerous may be the improving state of the West.
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers won one more game (57) than the Spurs (56) and should improve this year. The New Orleans Hornets won just as many and feature one of the NBA's youngest cores. The Houston Rockets won 55 games, and their acquisition of Ron Artest makes them a favorite for the championship this year. The Phoenix Suns (55) are fading like the Spurs, but their reassembled roster could have one last hurrah in it. And the Utah Jazz (54) are built in the mold of their predecessors.
Looking ahead, it's only a matter of time until the Portland Trailblazers assume a long-term position atop the West, possibly this season even, on the back of Greg Oden (who the Spurs were rumored to have offered Tim Duncan for in a trade before the 2007 draft). And the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers all seem likely to cause headaches before Duncan retires.
So it seems that even if the Spurs are as good as last season, they'll win a few less games in an improved West. And they're one serious injury to Duncan, Ginobili, or Parker away from having to worry about missing the playoffs this year for just the second time since the 1989-90 season. Don't bet against it.
If the 2010-11 season arrives with little retooling, good health may not be enough to get the Spurs in the postseason, let alone deep into it.
Final Verdict: 52 wins, sixth seed, first round playoff exit in May. No more conference finals until a major acquisition is made.
Who wrote this, a 5th grader? Take out the grammatical errors, I have never heard that the Spurs offered Duncan in a trade for anyone, especially Oden.
WTF?Looking ahead, it's only a matter of time until the Portland Trailblazers assume a long-term position atop the West, possibly this season even, on the back of Greg Oden (who the Spurs were rumored to have offered Tim Duncan for in a trade before the 2007 draft).
ing idiot.
I had never heard of this one. You always hate to be known as the guy who traded Duncan but I would have done it too if I was in the Spurs FO.Greg Oden (who the Spurs were rumored to have offered Tim Duncan for in a trade before the 2007 draft).
I don't think people realize how good these 3 teams have gotten. If you think Portland is talented and young, the Grizzlies are barely behind them in young raw talent.And the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Los Angeles Clippers all seem likely to cause headaches before Duncan retires.
Clippers are also much improved this year.
I don't know how they're gonna fit all these teams into 8 playoff spots, there will be some epic fighting for 7&8 seeds.
Before last year draft, Blazers beat writer has said that "I know that two Western Conference teams have offered their superstars in return for their #1 pick and they are hall-of-famers. The Blazers turned down both.".
Link : http://www.blazersedge.com/story/2007/6/8/32220/74489
Blazers fans have then speculated on who were these two teams and players.
I guess that the homer ones have decided that it was Bryant and Duncan.
IMO and if this rumor was true, Garnett has been offered. I'm not sure for the second one maybe Dirk, Nash or TMac.
Blazers get Duncan and Ginobili
Spurs get #1 pick(Oden), $5 million cash and a future second round pick.
Would have been a great deal!
I think I have you figured out. You are worse than my brother who is a Laker fan. You love the Lakers and only pretend to respect the Spurs. You say things and post articles, but there is always a hint of back-handedness to what you say. So quit posturing and be real.
No way would the Spurs FO do that. It makes no sense. Also, the Griz are not improved. They got rid of their best player. They also have no depth or skill up front. They have a lot of guards who are mediocre as of now, although it is a decent looking back court. OKC is still terrible, but their new website is very nice. The Clippers are ok and if healthy can compete. If healthy, a Kaman/Camby pairing is very nice. If Baron is healthy and motivated that is a nice pg. Al Thornton is very good, but he needs to keep improving. But none of those teams will be within reach of the playoffs unless there are multiple injuries to multiple teams.
Thanks Bruno.
I'd have to hear it from the Spurs themselves to believe it. I just don't see them putting Duncan up for anything. He's brought 4 les to this franchise and he's far from done.
It's a business, but I believe Duncan will retire a Spur. He doesn't have a no trade clause, but I'm fairly certain he's got a trade kicker. He has at least some leverage in what happens.
Fans can speculate on anything they want, I need proof.
I have read nothing but blogs and opinions. This is just a stupid rumor that kills any credibility while writing an article.
I wonder who they meant. Plus, this team is NOT going to be bounced in the 1st round. I'm guessing 4th-6th spot.
[quote=duncan228;2797557]Thanks Bruno.
I'd have to hear it from the Spurs themselves to believe it. I just don't see them putting Duncan up for anything. He's brought 4 les to this franchise and he's far from done.
/quote]
wrong.
Parker and Manu have brought 2 les while Duncan looked like a deer in headlights.
Duncan brought 1 le and Avery Johnson and Davey Robinson brought the other one.
And yes, he will not win another championship.
Hes done.
[QUOTE=ALWAYS bet on BLACK;2797566]He might not win another le, but that is only because the margin for error is so low. It takes many things to win a le. Duncan has been the only constant through all 4.
Agree and I don't buy a single millisecond that one of the player offered to Blazers was Duncan.
And do you see Pop trading Duncan while even his facial hairs are under Duncan's control ?
Me either.
And do you see Pop trading Duncan while even his facial hairs are under Duncan's control ?
Pop and Duncan make a great team. It's a special relationship.
Obviously a pro-Suns writer who must have bet against the Spurs. Now he is using his pen to attempt to make himself feel better.
[QUOTE=ALWAYS bet on BLACK;2797566]Doesn't Timmy have 3 NBA Finals MVP's??? Or is it just my imagination??? Oh, and 2 MVP's for the season. The other guys did play key roles though. However, It was Tim who made it possible for them to get that far in the first place.
Suns pic from today:
Shaq already has Amare bending over... BWAHAHA!!! just messin.Suns pic from today:
You must not watch PTI to know how right you are.
Nash looks like he could be a drummer for Greenday with that haircut... and that is NOT a compliment.
Nah, I like Duncan alot and was a Spur fan before I moved to LA. And even if I didn't like the Spurs, there's no Spur/Lakers rivalry, no reason for me to hate the Spurs at all. I've only hated 1 team...the Suns and now I kind of feel sorry for them. Starting to hate the Celtics though...looking forward to hating the Blazers too.
You have to be crazy not to trade a 30 year old Duncan for an 18 year old Oden. , in 3 years I'd trade Kobe for some young LeBron/Oden/Bynum like stud.
Backhanded? Nope, realistic, I call it like I see it. During the Laker crappy years a few years ago, I was perfectly fine saying that the Lakers sucked....because it was true.
The Grizzlies have major depth in the frontcourt, probably moreso than most NBA teams: Darko, Gasol, Haddadii, Gay, Warrick, Arthur. Gay, Warrick, Gasol, Haddadi, Arthur will be especially good.Also, the Griz are not improved. They got rid of their best player. They also have no depth or skill up front.
Every one of them is a better guard than a Spur guard other than Tony Parker: OJ Mayo, Lowry, Ross, Conley, Crittenton, Jaric, BucknerThey have a lot of guards who are mediocre as of now, although it is a decent looking back court.
The Grizz are a very deep team.
OKC is debateable.OKC is still terrible, but their new website is very nice.
Kaman, Camby, Thornton, Davis, Eric Gordon is a damn fine lineup.The Clippers are ok and if healthy can compete. If healthy, a Kaman/Camby pairing is very nice. If Baron is healthy and motivated that is a nice pg. Al Thornton is very good, but he needs to keep improving.
I think Clippers, Grizz, Warriors, Nuggets, Blazers are well within reach of the Playoffs. OKC and Minnesota, maybe not but they will be improved quite a bit.But none of those teams will be within reach of the playoffs unless there are multiple injuries to multiple teams.
Last edited by Allanon; 09-30-2008 at 04:15 AM.
This guy is just making stuff up. Fail.
that was the worst Spurs article i've ever read.
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