'03 Finals -- The Twists and Turns

[Russ]

The Spurs vs. the Nets in the '03 Finals was the coming out party for a number of prominent NBA players.

For the Spurs, it was Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen (plus Stephen Jackson).

For the Nets it was Richard Jefferson, among others.

Everyone thought that the teams would swap star players once the series was over -- Parker for Jason Kidd was the conventional wisdom.

But nothing happened.

Now it has. Not Parker for Kidd, but Bowen for Richard Jefferson.

The Spurs dodged a bullet in '03 when Kidd's wife decided that SA was too small time for her large ambition. Now a much better exchange has occurred for the Spurs, not the scorer for the passer, but the scorer for the stopper.

And this time, the Spurs get the scorer.

The '03 Finals eventually resulted in a swap of players that may save (rather than tear apart) the Spurs. Like fine wine, all in due time.

[timvp]

Jefferson no longer has to account for Manu when he's dribbling the ball

[EricB]

Theres only 2 players the last two seasons who've averaged 20 or more points and played every single game.

Kobe Bryant

Richard Jefferson.

[Russ]

Theres only 2 players the last two seasons who've averaged 20 or more points and played every single game.

Kobe Bryant

Richard Jefferson.

And Jefferson distinguishes himself even in that elite company -- he's the only 20+/every game guy whose never been indicted.

[urunobili]

Jefferson no longer has to account for Manu when he's dribbling the ball

Manu not only did that to him on the Finals a couple of times... but every other time they'd play against either the Nets or the Bucks last year... he isn't the best ball handler playing at the 1 and Manu is a known thief...