Spurs: If the Spurs Win it All

[SnakeBoy]

Tim and Manu will play two more years. Then Pop, Tim, Tony, and Manu will ride off into the sunset together...and the dark days will descend upon us.

[ohmwrecker]

So, Tony won't play anymore when Tim, Pop and Manu retire?

[FkLA]

-Duncan's play has declined compared to the last 2 seasons, and his defensive limitations are becoming more and more apparent. Granted, Splitter has stepped up big time in that department, but its still a concern, and realistically speaking will only get worse.

-Manu still has flashes, but they were fewer and farther between than recent memory. His outside shot isn't reliable at all, and I'm not sure I expect that to improve.

-Parker is already post-peak. In the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons, he was MVParker. He has picked up in the playoffs though, so maybe he really was coasting. Still, he will be 32 going on 33, I'm expecting another small drop-off realistically speaking

-If we manage to not up the OKC series, that will be 2 consecutive years of getting all the way to the finals (on top of where we already are, 3 straight years of getting to the conference finals). It's just a ton of miles. The Heat imo have shown signs of fatigue from their long trips, and that will likely catch up with the Spurs

-If we win a ring this year, the hunger that drove them this year probably won't be quite as strong. If we screw it up again, it would be a massive blow. Two straight years of great play, consistent effort, and turning back the clock for extended runs only to fall short will certainly be a psychological blow. Even as a fan, there will be a sense of exhaustion and borderline hopelessness, let alone for the players who actually go through the grueling seasons.

It's not like I'd be rooting against them, they'd still be one of the best teams out west, I just think the toll will be too much at that point.

Like I said, the offseason will be critical. The cap is expected to be at about 63 million next season, and at the start of the offseason, we'd have a cap figure of 53, with Diaw/Mills being free agents, as well as Baynes (restricted). I love the group of guys we have, but I think we might need another boost to get us there again. Maybe Bertans comes over and has an instant impact, who knows.

There is no reason why they wouldnt have a very good chance to win it all next year. Age was supposed to catch up with the Spurs for the past five years tbh.

[spurraider21]

There is no reason why they wouldnt have a very good chance to win it all next year. Age was supposed to catch up with the Spurs for the past five years tbh.

True, but Duncan lost weight and turned back the clock a bit. It's not like he can lose 20 pounds again and buy two more years . Even with his new form he looks slow again. Manu is visibly slower. If Kawhi makes a big leap and we make some strong acquisitions, maybe they have another run. Perhaps pau

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

It would be strange for Parker to keep playing without Duncan and Gino, but I have to think he stays and helps Kawhi usher in the new age. He's still very spry, and can play until 37.

[poop]

Do Duncan and Ginobili retire, or stick around another year to defend it? Honestly I can't see any reason why they couldn't potentially get another one next year. Duncan is still a top 5 big man in the playoffs. Parker is still at the top of his game. Solid roll players. As a mav fan I've always rooted against them over the years but as an entire era of guys I grew up watching wind down their careers, I feel kind of sad to see it end. I'll be rooting for those guys for the rest of these playoffs. Saw this the other day and I thought it summed that team up well.

Nice sig

[Venti Quattro]

Spurs are basically playing 'til the wheels fall off; Manu and Tim are on borrowed time. Might as well maximize it while they can still function as basketball players. I don't think they start taking the pedal off just because they win the le this year. Why stop when they can go for a b2b next year? The NBA landscape will not change next year because of the new CBA and because other teams are too stupid.

[m>s]

Spurs are basically playing 'til the wheels fall off; Manu and Tim are on borrowed time. Might as well maximize it while they can still function as basketball players. I don't think they start taking the pedal off just because they win the le this year. Why stop when they can go for a b2b next year? The NBA landscape will not change next year because of the new CBA and because other teams are too stupid.

pretty much this, i don't see any reason why they couldn't contend again at least one more year. the teams being this evened out around the league with no real powerhouse to watch out for plays to their advantage. it's pretty much anyone's to win..miami looks beatable this year for the first time since the big 3.

[m>s]

Nice sig

thanks comrade, as soon as i set it as that one i found this and can't decide if i want to change it

[Splits]

Spurs are basically playing 'til the wheels fall off; Manu and Tim are on borrowed time. Might as well maximize it while they can still function as basketball players. I don't think they start taking the pedal off just because they win the le this year. Why stop when they can go for a b2b next year? The NBA landscape will not change next year because of the new CBA and because other teams are too stupid.

Solid take. Exactly how I see it.

[Splits]

True, but Duncan lost weight and turned back the clock a bit. It's not like he can lose 20 pounds again and buy two more years . Even with his new form he looks slow again. Manu is visibly slower. If Kawhi makes a big leap and we make some strong acquisitions, maybe they have another run. Perhaps pau

This is the "half-empty" viewpoint. The "half-full" side says that Tim is managing the transition of the franchise like he has managed his career. Through each postseason he becomes less and less the focal point while grooming the rising stars to carry on his tradition of control and dominance. He's a mentor who sees the trajectory of what he has built, and wants it to survive beyond his time on the court. Kawhi and Splitter are absorbing his knowledge, and will keep the Spurs compe ive beyond his playing years.

To be honest, while TD has been an integral part this postseason he is not what I would consider "irreplaceable". He's grooming his replacements.

[spurs10]

" 'Til the wheels fall off."
Let's get this one first!!

[Franklin]

pretty much this, i don't see any reason why they couldn't contend again at least one more year. the teams being this evened out around the league with no real powerhouse to watch out for plays to their advantage. it's pretty much anyone's to win..miami looks beatable this year for the first time since the big 3.

1st time since the big 3? How about 2011 then? If we had done our job better last year (if we hadn't choked that bad) the Super Friends would've been another one-and-done deal just like your Dirk and Mavs. The cHeat never looked that formidable imho, and I bet after getting defeated this year they'll fall apart even faster than the Celtics did.

[TDMVPDPOY]

defending a ring doesnt really matter to them atm

just milking the system and enjoying it before they hang it all up for life of a rich commoner...

remember spurs been playin with house money since RJ/bonner was on this team