30 Teams In 30 Days: San Antonio Spurs

2007-2008 In Review

Record: 56-26
Western Conference Seed: 3
Playoff Results: Lost to Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference Finals (4-1)

Summer Of 2008

Key Additions: Roger Mason (via free agency), George Hill (via draft).

Key Losses: Robert Horry (via free agency/retirement?), Brent Barry (via free agency), Damon Stoudamire (via free agency).

As usual, the Spurs pretty much stood pat this summer. After re-signing veterans Michael Finley and Kurt Thomas to short-term deals, the team replaced the services of Brent Barry and Damon Stoudamire with a pair of young scoring guards.

Firstly acquired was George Hill, whom San Antonio selected 26th overall in the 2008 NBA draft. The 6’2’’ combo guard put together a remarkable junior year at IUPUI last season, where he held averages of 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on extremely efficient shooting clips of 54.5 percent overall, 45 percent from beyond the arc, and 81.2 percent from the line.

His decision making is a bit suspect and he surely is far from a pure point guard, but with a little seasoning he could certainly become a terrific energy booster off the bench.

The other key offseason addition was brought in via free agency.

On July 11, Washington Wizards free agent two-guard Roger Mason Jr. was signed to a two-year deal worth $7.3 million. Appearing in 80 games for the Wizards last season, Mason put up 9.1 PPG while tying Boston’s Ray Allen for the league’s 34th-best three-point shooting percentage (39.8 percent)

As a starter in nine games, the 6’5’’ guard elevated his game to new heights, averaging over 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists on a 43.1 percent three-point shooting clip. The versatility that Mason brings to the table is similar to that of former Spur Brent Barry, but his athleticism is an added bonus.

To fill out the roster, a plethora of youngsters are battling for jobs. The favorites appear to be guard Desmon Farmer and center Anthony Tolliver, but Malik Hairston may have a chance as well.

Depth Chart

C: Kurt Thomas / Fabricio Oberto / Ian Mahinmi / Anthony Tolliver
PF: Tim Duncan / Matt Bonner
SF: Bruce Bowen / Ime Udoka
SG: Michael Finley / Manu Ginobili / Roger Mason / Desmon Farmer
PG: Tony Parker / George Hill / Jacque Vaughn

Biggest Strength

Experience & Chemistry: The base of this team has been in place for years, with centerpiece Tim Duncan and mastermind Gregg Popovich gearing up for their 12th and 13th respective seasons with the Spurs. Add a touch of seventh and eighth year Spurs Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, you’ve got a core group with the most experience with one another in the entire league to go along with a proven track record.

Only the Detroit Pistons’ foursome of Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace have been together long enough to be mentioned in the same world.

This is a club that has raised four championship banners within the past decade, and a first-class organization that has only missed the playoffs five times throughout its 41 year existence. That’s no joke.

Biggest Weakness

Age: Of the 15 players listed in the depth chart above, the average age on this team is 29.5 years old. When you discount the likes of Farmer, Mahinmi, and Tolliver—who are likely to struggle to find consistent minutes—that average age becomes 31.

San Antonio remains the oldest team in the league, and while their experience and basketball know-how will continue to serve them well, you wonder whether or not this team still has what it takes come May and beyond.

X-Factor

Legs: Piggy-backing off of the above statement regarding this team’s age, it is mightily important that “Pop” manages the wind of this team in order for them to have their legs come postseason time. When you’re in a situation like San Antonio, with eight players falling in the 30+ age bracket, you’ve got to milk your aging contributors as much as possible.

“Pop” has done a mighty fine job of this throughout the past few years, which is why every member of San Antonio’s “big three” has played 34 minutes per game or less throughout the past four regular seasons. However, there comes a time where savoring the flavor is no longer enough. At some point, the flavor is gone.

Will the flavor disappear in 2009?

What to Expect In 2008-2009

Rightfully so, San Antonio is questioned and doubted on an annual basis at this stage of their legacy. Regardless, they always prove the naysayers wrong and they remain on the short list of legitimate title contenders each year. Until this team is officially knocked off in the first or second round, it’s impossible for me to say that 2009 will be any different.

The Spurs are old and achy, but they’re also wiser than the competition. San Antonio is a big time threat until proven otherwise.

Predicted Standings
52-30
3rd in Southwest Division
5th in Western Conference

Coming Soon: Toronto Raptors