Albert Einstein once remarked that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting different results. That may be true in the outside world, but in professional sports, the opposite is usually the case. Doing the same thing over and over again—more specifically, with the same personnel—and expecting the same results is usually considered insane.
Which brings us to the NBA’s resident geniuses, the San Antonio Spurs. Despite a significantly upgraded Western Conference, with young, aggressive teams like Utah and New Orleans joining the mix, the Spurs stood still last season, fielding pretty much the same team that won the title the year before. And they paid the price.
The NBA Guide will note that San Antonio was flattened by the Lakers 4–1 in the Western Conference finals, but the truth of the matter is that the clockwork-like Spurs were felled by Father Time. The Spurs went from “experienced,” while somehow rallying to stave off the eager New Orleans Hornets in the conference semis, to appearing downright elderly against the Lakers.
With that in mind, the Spurs did not need to be rebuilt, but they certainly needed to be refitted with newer parts. And that’s what they did, pretty much weeding out their Geezers ’R’ Us bench and going with younger players while keeping their still-potent core basically intact.
Frontcourt
After leading the Spurs to four championships, Tim Duncan has etched his name alongside some of the game’s all-time greats. But the true measure of Duncan is that the ring he treasures most dearly isn’t from 1999, the year the Spurs finally broke through and won the NBA championship.
Or 2003, when they sent David Robinson out with another title. Or ’05, when they wrestled the championship away from the Pistons. Or ’07, when the Spurs established themselves as the closest thing to a dynasty since Chicago’s phenomenal run in the 1990s.
No, the ring Duncan treasures most is his next one. So count on Duncan to lead at least one more charge towards the mountaintop before deciding it’s better to relax on the beach than to battle with the Shaquille O’Neals and Amare Stoudemires of the world.
But Duncan needs help. Immediately.
The Spurs’ decision to send Luis Scola’s rights to the Rockets backfired, one of the few personnel mistakes they have made in the last few years. The Spurs were counting on Tiago Splitter, last year’s first-round pick, to be a perfect tag-team partner for Duncan in their high-low game, but the Brazilian big man stunned everyone by signing to play four more years in Spain.
That leaves the Spurs with 33-year-old Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas (a grandfatherly 36) up front. Oberto is efficient but doesn’t have the all-around game to pick up the slack on the few nights when Duncan struggles. Thomas has the know-how and a sweet 15-foot jumper, but age and a Greco-Roman approach to defense make fouls a persistent problem.
Not so with Bruce Bowen, who is still a first-rate, on-the-ball defender, even at 37. But since the Spurs have done precious little to improve their offense, perhaps Bowen’s all-glove, no-hit approach to the game is becoming a luxury they can no longer afford. Ian Mahinmi has shown flashes, and perhaps this is the year he starts to realize his potential.
But inexperience and a garden-hose physique make one doubt that will happen for the 6'11" Frenchman. Ime Udoka appeared to struggle at times to find his niche in the offense, but the 6'5" swingman was solid in most aspects of the game.
The Spurs finally said good-bye to free agent Robert Horry and his seven championship rings, but the team is genuinely excited about the potential it sees in 6'8" Anthony Tolliver, a summer league find who can stroke three-pointers and provide athleticism on a team that needs just that.
Backcourt
Tony Parker just keeps getting better, which is a scary prospect. Parker can finish at the hoop withan impossible twisting lay-up, float through the lane and launch his deadly teardrop, pull up in the paint or, when defenders back off, simply snipe from 15 feet withhis unerring jumper.
And he’s savvy enough to mix things up, rarely tipping defenses to his rhythm. Parker has become a better passer, though he will never be confused with Chris Paul. But the Spurs don’t need CP-3—they need the cool, calming hand and heady leadership of TP-9.
The trophy they handed Manu Ginobili last year reads “Sixth Man” but make no mistake, the man is a starter. Ginobili is the Spurs’ frenetic, shape-shifting magic man, with slithery moves through the defense and a crooked-armed (but accurate) lefty jumper.
There was a time when coach Gregg Popovich would scream himself hoarse at Ginobili’s “unique” style of play, but he now understands that the 6'6" Argentine brings a needed edge and degree of unpredictability to his straight-arrow team. About the only knock on Ginobili’s game is his idea of defense—flopping, for which he is the league’s top talent.
The Spurs were still trying to convince Michael Finley to return for one last-go round, but the 6'7" swingman is looking for more money. At 35, Finley doesn’t shoot as well as he used to, but he still can get on rolls that carry the Spurs for short stretches. Brent Barry left for Houston, taking a successful pedigree—and his birth certificate that indicates his 36 years—to the Rockets.
In an effort to boost their offense, the Spurs signed free agent shooting guard Roger Mason, who is versatile enough to play the point for short stretches. The Spurs had targeted Corey Maggette, but Mason might be a better fit, both basketball-wise (he’s not a volume shooter with an eye on the minutes-played column) and financially (two years, $7.3 million).
The Spurs had everyone scratching their heads when they selected combo guard George Hill out of IUPUI. But given the team’s history of finding late-pick gems, you have to give the team the benefit of the doubt.
Final Analysis
The Spurs had their on-again, off-again affair with the NBA championship interrupted last season, and that’s precisely how they view things—interrupted. With a core of Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker, the Spurs feel they can still contend with anyone. But the contending part might be easier said than done for this year.
No, the Spurs may not be at the top of the mountain right now, but they’re not quite ready to be planted six feet under. To bury them would be insane.
Carter's Prediction
Fourth in Southwest Division
Ninth in Western Conference
Misses Playoffs
4 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
David Singh 8 months ago
I have to agree with you on some parts of your article. But this year's team does have many different faces in the line up. The one I'm kind of dissappointed in is Ian Mahimi. This guy has a great body for basketball, but his physical durability brings up concern. On the other hand though, Tim looks to be in great shape, and that is what the Spurs will need this year. The other big men apparently need more time to get in game ready shape. Keep the rhetoric flying in your articles. David
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Waleed Ershad 8 months ago
Wow...you put the Spurs out of the playoffs. Bold prediction...somehow I can see it coming true...but I can also see it backfiring! Only time will tell!
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Carter . 8 months ago
indeed time will tell... the loss of Manu Ginobili is going to hurt the Spurs...seeing that they are still working for their first win...
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Richard Callus 8 months ago
I don't think a Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan-Tony Parker team can miss the Playoffs...
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