The San Antonio Spurs: Putting The NBA on Notice!

The last decade has seen two teams rise above the rest to make their mark on NBA history. The first is the current reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. The second? 

They claimed seven Southwest division titles and four NBA Championships over the last decade. That mathematical equation can provide only one answer: The San Antonio Spurs. 

Boasting the greatest power forward to every play the game in addition to French hero Tony Parker and Argentinian icon Manu Ginobili, the San Antonio Spurs have been one of the few teams to be truly considered a 21st century dynasty. From 1999-2007 they won a championship every odd year minus 2001 and look to return to that form this season.

Anyone who hasn't realised the Spurs are back should take notice. This is your disclaimer. 

Last season the Spurs finished with the third seed in the West, winning 54 games but suffering a disappointing first round loss at the hands of the Mavericks. That playoff elimination served to show that not only are the Spurs aging, they lack the spark and edge to beat elite teams when Ginobili is on the shelf. 

Amongst a busy off season where elite teams have stacked up for next season the Spurs have been doing their own work. They have brought in pieces that will, barring injuries, enable them to contend with any team in the NBA. 

Richard 'RJ' Jefferson is the key addition, suring up the wing and giving Tony Parker an athletic option in transition whose name is not Manu Ginobili. Jefferson is a capable scorer who will thrive as a second or third option, while keeping opposing defenses from overplaying Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili or Tim Duncan. He's also a tough competitor and will buy into Popo's defensive system—essentially making the Spurs big three, a big four. 

The Spurs have also 'beasted' up their frontline, adding Antonio McDyess, Theo Ratcliff and standout rookie DeJuan Blair. McDyess will be a huge addition as he is a proven veteran who provides a solid array of offensive versatility and rebounding in the low and high post.

Championship teams are filled with veteran contributors, and McDyess will be to the Spurs what Fisher was to the Lakers, and James Posey was to the Celts in 08. 

NCAA standout and consensus First Team All-American DeJuan Blair is the real dark horse for this team. He slipped to the second round due to concerns for his knee and size, but lately undersized bigs have been making their mark in the NBA (e.g. Paul Millsap). Blair is a fierce competitor who lead Pittsburgh to the Elite Eight in his sophomore season whilst averaging 12.3 rebounds per game. 

Blair is a defensive workhorse and now has a chip on his soldier. For those who let him slip to the second round—consider the fact that he completely dominated number three pick Hasheem Thabeet when Pittsburgh played UCONN as a reminder of your mistake. In addition the Spurs added a defensive presence in Theo Ratcliff, an aging veteran who can provide Dikembe Mutombo-like minutes as a defensive anchor. 

With a healthy Manu Ginobili the Spurs could have contended for the title last year. When the big three are good to go the Spurs are nearly unbeatable, and for the doubters - Tim Duncan has more than enough left in the tank. 

With Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson, Duncan and a bench full of proven veterans and exciting youngsters it's easy to see how the Spurs are ready to recapture the title. 

If you didn't realise the Spurs are back, you should take notice: The boys are hungry, and they're here to make their mark once again.