The Spurs look like the Hakeem Rockets at the end of their run

[T Park]

The Rockets are clearly an old team in decline also.

[remingtonbo2001]

Guys, I am not trolling here, I just wanted a legitimate conversation.

DD

I gave you one. You apparently missed it. It was on page 2.

End of conversation.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

Great teams have bad stretches, too, guys.

There's one thing don't understand: If a bad team wins four games in a row agaisnt teams that they shouldn't have beat, they're STILL a bad team, but with a lot of luck. On the other hand, if a good team loses against four teams they should have beat, it's time blow the team up.

[DaDakota]

What are you talking about?!?

Spliter will be coming over next season. Same with Mahnimi. Tiago is 23. Ian is 21. Both play the post position. Bonner is reletively young. Tim isn't acient by any means. Oberto is getting up there. Thomas would be nice as a good veteran. That should shore up the front court.

Yes, the backcourt is in need of a youth injection. It would be nice if Marcus Williams continues his progress, but I won't hold my breath.
That being said, either Barry or Finley will be back next season. I'd imagine Vaughn will return too. That leaves about 3 spots which need to be filled. We have enough wiggle room to sign a decent contributor, then a couple of fillers, maybe prospects.

Personally, I'd be more concerned if I were Houston. Unfortunately for the Rockets, they have had a history of injuries.

Sorry I missed this excellent retort.

No doubt the Rockets have been injured, especially Yao and Tmac.

DO you really think Splitter is going to be that good? I have season tickets to the Toros and see Mahini a lot, not all that impressed honestly.

I just look at the Spurs bench and it used to be stocked with quality players in their primes, now it looks like a geriatric factory.

Stoudamire, Finley, Barry, Thomas, Horry....

So many old guys.....

DD

[DazedAndConfused]

Like I said before as long as the big 3 are playing out there the Spurs will never miss the playoffs. They will always be a good team. But there is a difference between being a good team and a legitimate contender.

As another Spurs fan pointed out, it becomes harder and harder to replace the role players as the years go by. This is the problem with the Spurs this year, the role players aren't stepping up. And now that you have young teams like LAL, POR, UTA, and HOU on the rise it's going to be even tougher for the Spurs to make more le runs with what they have. The WC is downright disgusting in terms of talent.

[ChumpDumper]

Sorry I missed this excellent retort.

No doubt the Rockets have been injured, especially Yao and Tmac.

Yao is always injured and TMac is 30% worse!

Decline!

DO you really think Splitter is going to be that good?

Yes.

I have season tickets to the Toros and see Mahini a lot, not all that impressed honestly.

I would not expect you to be -- it doesn't fit your agenda.

I just look at the Spurs bench and it used to be stocked with quality players in their primes, now it looks like a geriatric factory.

Stoudamire, Finley, Barry, Thomas, Horry....

So many old guys.....

DD

Well, at least you are trying to change the subject after lying about Duncan's rebounds.

It's the same bench as last season -- they weren't in their primes then either.

[DazedAndConfused]

Yao is always injured and TMac is 30% worse!

Decline!

Yes.I would not expect you to be -- it doesn't fit your agenda.

Well, at least you are trying to change the subject after lying about Duncan's rebounds.

Are you a Republican by any chance? Because you sure argue like one, taking the nuances of someone's post and focusing all your attention there instead of on the main gist of the post.

[ChumpDumper]

I'm still on a Spurs board!

[ChumpDumper]

Are you a Republican by any chance? Because you sure argue like one, taking the nuances of someone's post and focusing all your attention there instead of on the main gist of the post.

Why are you here?

[DazedAndConfused]

I voted for George Bush....twice

[E20]

I'm gonna hand it to CD, his posts would ign make me mad. Good thing he's on my side and I never with him.

[DazedAndConfused]

I think CD is hilarious even though he seems to hate my guts.

[ChumpDumper]

Are you a Republican by any chance? Because you sure argue like one, taking the nuances of someone's post and focusing all your attention there instead of on the main gist of the post.

False premise.

You guys are incapable of nuance.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

Like I said before as long as the big 3 are playing out there the Spurs will never miss the playoffs. They will always be a good team. But there is a difference between being a good team and a legitimate contender.

As another Spurs fan pointed out, it becomes harder and harder to replace the role players as the years go by. This is the problem with the Spurs this year, the role players aren't stepping up. And now that you have young teams like LAL, POR, UTA, and HOU on the rise it's going to be even tougher for the Spurs to make more le runs with what they have. The WC is downright disgusting in terms of talent.

I extremely confident in the Spurs, no matter how difficult it is in the West.

Know why?

We have The best player in the league and The best coach/general manager in the league.

[DazedAndConfused]

^^That's nice.

[T Park]

Usually helps.

[timmy21_4rings]

he's a different animal when the Playoffs start.

nothing is guaranteed. Everyone thought Spurs will be okay after Rodeo trip. Look what is happening.

The only animal that is different from last year is west which is way better than last year. The margin of error is very less.

[T Park]

nothing is guaranteed. Everyone thought Spurs will be okay after Rodeo trip. Look what is happening.

The only animal that is different from last year is west which is way better than last year. The margin of error is very less.

Yeah Tim Duncan won't pick up his level play in the playoffs.

BTW, rodeo roady then on they won 11 in a row.

Just cause you lose a few after that doesn't mean you haven't improved.

[duncan228]

nothing is guaranteed.

I guarantee you, barring injury, Duncan will rise in the Playoffs.
He always has, he always will.
Set your clock by it.

[vander]

are people even watching the Spurs? TP and Manu aren't attacking the basket as much, or playing nearly as aggressive as they can, and will come playoff time. when we have to win, those guys will be getting to the bucket AND 1!!! right now they are just playing within the offense, taking the easy shots, biding their time...

[manufor3]

I still see the Spurs as the front runner, most experience, and Manu, Parker and Duncan, I am just saying from the outside it looks like age is creeping up on them.

Duncan no longer requires a double team each game, and that is a big sign.

DD

ya they may be 2-teaming manu or tp...

[Capt Bringdown]

The OP's comparison is not perfect, but he does have a point. I recall from those last Hakeem/Rocket years there was a lot of same noise from the fans. Always hoping the next game, season milestone, player returning from injury, etc, would be the switch that would return the team to championship form. When this didn't pan out, everyone put their hopes in players magically turning the switch on in the playoffs.

[DaDakota]

The OP's comparison is not perfect, but he does have a point. I recall from those last Hakeem/Rocket years there was a lot of same noise from the fans. Always hoping the next game, season milestone, player returning from injury, etc, would be the switch that would return the team to championship form. When this didn't pan out, everyone put their hopes in players magically turning the switch on in the playoffs.

Thank you !

I could be wrong, but the Spurs do not look the same this year...Bowen in particular just doesn't dominate defensively anymore and he has been a major key to the Spurs success.

DD