Hollinger's Spurs 2012 Preview

[InRareForm]

What did he say in his new preview post?

[JsnSA]

Basically that people forget the Spurs had the best regular season record last year but lost in the playoffs with their best player hurt and while facing a bad matchup.

Hollinger thinks the Spurs will be a contender again but he also acknowledges they should have a worse record as the big 3 get older. Flip side is that we have some youth with Leanard and Anderson while Splitter should get more time and could improve the front court play.

He also mentions how quite a few teams in the west have scoring PFs like Zach Randolph who can give us big problems if we get matched up with them in the playoffs.

Overall it was fairly positive. He had the Spurs as the 3rd best team in the west which is pretty good I think.

[chazley]

He also seems to be very high on Splitter. Had an above average PER last season as a rookie.

[Hoops Czar]

Hollinger needs to wake up. I seriously doubt he pays much attention to the Spurs so he relies heavily on last year's comments. High on Splitter, gimme a break.

[Uriel]

3. San Antonio Spurs (42-24)


"Hey, remember us? We won more games than any team in the conference last season and lost in the playoffs partly because our best player was hurt. Feel free to ignore us until mid-April like you do every season, we'll just be quietly ac ulating victories while generating as little hype as possible."

Actually, I do have some decline factored in for the Spurs. In fact, I've projected them to lose more games in a 66-game season than they did last season in 82. But they had a lot of room to fall, and the compressed nature of the Western Conference standings means they'll still be in good shape vis-à-vis their compe ors.

The Spurs were largely an offensive team last season and that shouldn't change this season. In particular, scoring 4s will give them trouble, as Zach Randolph did in the playoffs last season. That may hinder them in the playoffs again if they draw the wrong matchup. You'll note that the five teams I just reviewed all employ a power forward the Spurs will have difficulty guarding.

But for the regular season, keep two points in mind about San Antonio. First, they're getting a dollop of youth and energy from rookie Kawhi Leonard and 2010 first-rounder James Anderson, who played only 26 games last season after breaking a bone in his foot. Second, their frontcourt should be much more imposing if they actually play Tiago Splitter, who was effective in his limited minutes last season and projects as a dramatic improvement on Antonio McDyess, who is set to retire.

The compressed schedule won't do their veterans any favors, but the Spurs are deep enough to spread around the minutes, and Gregg Popovich is the best in the league at managing the season. He won't hesitate to tank a game to keep his players fresh, and he may need to on multiple occasions this season.

The only worry for San Antonio is if it starts slow and decides to correct course and play for next season. The Spurs potentially have a giant wad of cap room next summer if they exercise their amnesty rights on Richard Jefferson's contract and re-sign Tim Duncan at a lower salary, and the oft-heard Tony Parker trade rumors could come to fruition and open up additional space. I think it's unlikely they go that direction, but it warrants mentioning.

[slick'81]

if all else fails just say hey we won 61 games last year remember

[5in10]

Actually hollinger is pretty dead on when concerning spurs players.

[AFBlue]

It's an optimistic projection, but he's still realistic that the Spurs are at a significant disadvantage against larger front lines.

[The Truth #6]

Hollinger and Simmons are expecting the Spurs to do well. The fanbase, on the other hand, is preparing for another Bonner sandwich.

[024]

this is the kiss of death from hollinger. look for the spurs at the 7th or 8th seed, just enough to be out of the lottery.

[timvp]

I don't disagree too much with what Hollinger said. That record correlates to 53 wins in an 82 game season, which isn't unreasonable.

Although Hollinger seems to think JA and Kawhi will both play roles this season ... which is far from guaranteed due to the composition of the roster at the moment. It's more likely that it becomes JA or Kawhi, unfortunately.

[703 Spurz]

this is the kiss of death from hollinger. look for the spurs at the 7th or 8th seed, just enough to be out of the lottery.

Anyone worth a would play well despite what some bag ESPN cronie has to say about anything

[manufan10]

I don't disagree too much with what Hollinger said. That record correlates to 53 wins in an 82 game season, which isn't unreasonable.

Although Hollinger seems to think JA and Kawhi will both play roles this season ... which is far from guaranteed due to the composition of the roster at the moment. It's more likely that it becomes JA or Kawhi, unfortunately.

SpursTalk should all pitch in and hire a hitman to take RJ out. I'm sure Tanya Harding could use the money.She also has experience.

[DMC]

Hollinger needs to wake up. I seriously doubt he pays much attention to the Spurs so he relies heavily on last year's comments. High on Splitter, gimme a break.

Since they haven't played any real games, one wouldn't know that much about them.

He's a stats guy, but some of his takes turn out pretty accurate.

[underdawg]

Since they haven't played any real games, one wouldn't know that much about them.

He's a stats guy, but some of his takes turn out pretty accurate.

but, the Big 3 have been working out pretty hard this summer:

http://www.whosay.com/TonyParker/photos/108016

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Hollinger and Simmons are expecting the Spurs to do well. The fanbase, on the other hand, is preparing for another Bonner sandwich.

What did he say? I think he said they'd be top 4-5 in the West, but I'm wondering if I missed a blurb or something.


As for this season, I think if things go right the Spurs will get the #3 seed in the West.

But I really hope they can do something by the trade deadline.