5 Bold Predictions for the San Antonio Spurs During 2014-15 Season

If I had told in 2011—after the San Antonio Spurs fell to the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA playoffs—that the same team would go on to win another championship and appear in two more Finals in the next three years, you likely would have laughed in my face.

You probably would have also chuckled at the notion that the team's aging core would still be among the league's most elite.

And, of course, it would have come as a shock if I had told you that George Hill would soon be flipped for a rookie named Kawhi Leonard who would go on to make history as one of the youngest Finals MVPs ever.

The Spurs have never been about meeting expectations. But year after year, they prove themselves to the NBA world.

With another opportunity to do so right around the corner, it's time to set some lofty goals for the defending champions.

Cory Joseph Breaks Out

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Patty Mills' missing a significant portion of the 2014-15 is anything but good news for the Spurs. Last year, he emerged as one of the team's most dynamic bench sparks, and though his role in the rotation was in question entering the season, he solidified himself as a reliable asset and valuable piece.

However, while the bad news may hurt San Antonio, it leaves the door open for Cory Joseph to prove his value as Mills' natural replacement off the bench.

Before Mills made the leap, Joseph handled the backup point guard duties. Though he didn't take advantage of any opportunities the way the way that Mills did, the Texas product succeeded as a do-it-all floor leader. He could pass, slash, shoot and—better than any other point guard on the roster—defend the perimeter.

Along with a strong skill set, the fourth-year player is also in a system that will facilitate his growth as a formidable reserve. As noted by Bleacher Report's David Kenyon, the Spurs offense played a large role in Mills' rise, and given the two guards' similarities, a similar narrative should play out.

"

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has adapted his schemes to match his team's collective strengths; he only needs to tweak it for Joseph.

San Antonio should not skip a beat because the efficiency of the backup point guards was so similar, both offensively and defensively. 

After all, Pop captains a plug-and-play operation, inserting the next man up and getting results. Besides, the show must go on, and the franchise will undoubtedly survive an unfortunate injury to a significant piece.

"

It has been a thing of custom for a Spurs guard to exceed expectations. Former rotation player Gary Neal went undrafted before finding his groove in San Antonio. Danny Green was an afterthought, and Mills' story from rags—er, towels—to riches is one for the storybooks.

Now, Joseph has a golden opportunity to follow in their footsteps. 

Boris Diaw Is Named the Everyday Starter

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Though this might rank low on the "bold scale," it is true that Boris Diaw came off the bench in 55 of his 79 regular-season appearances and in 20 of his 23 postseason contests.

While his seamless fit into the San Antonio offense has been visible since he was first added in 2011, the presence of Tiago Splitter as an emerging inside threat—among other factors—has kept Diaw riding the pine during the opening tip for much of his tenure with the Spurs.

That said, there's reason to believe that the French big man may find a steady role in the first unit from the get-go this season.

For starters, there's the lingering idea that Diaw ended the season as San Antonio's starter, finishing the Finals as Tim Duncan's complement in the frontcourt. 

However, that alone hardly suggests a role change. 

What gives the prediction legitimacy, though, is the sense that it makes both for Diaw and Splitter.

Diaw's offensive and defensive versatility makes him a natural counter to any stretch-4 lineups that San Antonio may oppose, while his ability to spread the floor could be crucial as the Spurs look to give Kawhi Leonard a greater role on offense.

For Splitter, the fit behind Duncan is natural, given Splitter's presence as the only other near-7-foot rotation player—that is, until Aron Baynes takes a big step forward, which (apologies for the prediction inside a prediction) may very well be on the radar.

With Splitter set to take the reins from Duncan after his retirement, it's important that he learns to play without him and serve as a substitute, rather than a starting complement, for the man whom he will soon replace in full.

Manu Ginobili Wins Sixth Man of the Year

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

OK, this one is on the bolder side.

Had I written this a few years ago, it would have been extremely possible, if not probable. But Manu Ginobili is now 37 and has clearly lost a step from his days in the spotlight.

Nonetheless, I wouldn't bet against the fan favorite to recapture the coveted Sixth Man of the Year award, especially given the circumstances.

Last season, a noticeable improvement over his horrendous 2013-14 campaign earned him mention in the award's discussion. However, he wasn't even the Spurs' only candidate, as Diaw was deserving of discussion. Mills too was one of the league's better bench players.

Though the trio collectively formed one of the best second teams in the Association, they also prevented one another from making a maximum impact off the bench—especially Mills and Ginobili whose roles were very similar.

This year, Manu will have the second-unit spotlight to himself should Diaw make the jump into the starting lineup. With his ability to surprise critics—myself included—on any given night, Ginobili has the chops to compete for the award.

Last year, his successful campaign turned plenty of heads, including Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin, who named Ginobili as his pick:

"

When Manu Ginobili enters the game the Spurs offense instantly improves by 7.9 points per 100 possessions (and their defense improves by one per 100). The Spurs outscore opponents by 14 points per game when he plays and they don’t have the best record in the NBA without him. He’s got my vote.

"

With a greater opportunity to shine, Ginobili's 2014-15 season may very well top his comeback performance in 2013-14.

Kawhi Leonard Is Named an All-Star

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Every year, it seems, NBA circles grow increasingly more excited about Kawhi Leonard's future in the league.

And rightfully so. The fourth-year pro ascended from draft-day steal to Finals MVP in a matter of three seasons while playing a supporting role to the team's veteran stars.

However, even as he has already claimed the postseason's most coveted individual award, there's plenty of room for Leonard to continue his growth.

Naturally, as the team looks to give him more opportunities on offense, his stats will begin to give better insight into his true value. His playing time—last year it didn't exceed 30 minutes per night—should also rise gradually.

And with all the tools to accompany his two-way talent, the budding star will rightfully take the next step into superstardom next year.

Though the West is already overflowing with talent, Leonard needs only to build upon his remarkable campaign in last year's Finals to earn a spot among the league's most elite. 

Tim Duncan Leads San Antonio to Its Sixth Title

Noah Graham/Getty Images

At this point, making this prediction should be as bold as it gets.

Duncan is 38 years old, turning 39 this season. Around him, a handful of the roster's other stars are also way past their primes.

But the same thing could have been said last year—a year when Duncan averaged about 15 points and 10 rebounds in limited playing time. Or the year before, when he notched 17 points and 10 boards. In both seasons, San Antonio reached the NBA Finals.

There's a good chance that Duncan calls it quits after this season, and if this campaign proves to be a bookend to his illustrious career, he's going to make it count.

Though he may not be as dominant as he was in previous years, Duncan is still one of the best at his position. 

With unrelenting motivation to go out with a bang, the aging veteran will once again prove critics wrong.

And he'll take his entire team with him.