Two Games In: A Teamwide Assessment Of The Spurs

Tim Duncan. Tony Parker. Manu Ginobili. Bruce Bowen. Fabricio Oberto.

Those are five names that you can trust—at least, if you've been observing the Spurs for a few years now.

Let's just look at the first three. We're talking about a superstar and two All-Stars, guys you can depend on to put up 20 points any given night. In Duncan, you've got an aging but still-amazing power forward who you could still mention as a top-five player in this league.

Tony Parker is a nearly-unguardable, penetrating point guard whose outside game has only grown as time has gone on.

What about Manu Ginobili? We're only talking about a guy who helped defeat the United States in the 2004 Olympics, is an international all-star, and has been one of the most respected shooting guards with his ability to penetrate, score, and finish a game in the fourth quarter.

Beyond them, you have Bruce Bowen, who is also aging but a still-dependable defender, and Fabricio Oberto, a player who isn't flashy but can be depended on to defend, rebound, and compliment Duncan in the post. This starting unit has won together and is hoping to make a push for yet another championship.

So what's going on beyond these five guys? Well, there's Matt Bonner, also known as the "Red Rocket." With Oberto sitting due to heart complications, the pressure is on Bonner, who has been with the Spurs for a few years, to step up and finally show he was worth investing in.

Then there's Michael Finley, who once was a thorn in the Spurs' side from farther up Interstate 35. He's been with the Spurs for a few years now, and efficiently makes three-pointers for the black-and-silver. Not to mention, Finley became a starter for the Spurs, which let Gregg Popovich move Ginobili to a backup-guard slot in order to bring more offense off the bench. Finley also fits the category of Spurs who are aging but still can contribute.

Behind Tony Parker is Jacque Vaughn, who's in the same group as Finley—aging, but still performing. At age 33, Vaughn isn't the fastest point guard, the best shooter, or a guy who can really get to the rim. But he brings veteran experience and decent ball-handling skills, although not much else.

Behind Bruce Bowen is Ime Udoka, a decent defender who can be counted on to hit the three-pointer now and then. Finally, the other big man who has been active so far is Kurt Thomas, the man Phoenix hoped would stop Tim Duncan two years ago. Again, at age 36, Thomas is an aging player with veteran experience who can contribute.

We know enough of what the starting unit will bring, because they've been consistent in doing so. As far as the current season goes, Duncan and Parker have been relentless in trying to keep their team alive, pouring in points in the hope of producing wins.

The second unit should concern Spurs fans. Right off the bat, Finley is still contributing points, scoring about eight per game and providing a few assists as well. Typically thought of as a bench player, him starting is really more about letting Ginobili bring scoring capability off the bench. Still, for his salary and his reputation as a second-rate player, Finley's doing his job.

The rest of this unit needs attention.

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