San Antonio Spurs (09-10) Team Outlook.
The Spurs were the best improved team during the offseason and will again look to compete as one of the western conference’s top contender’s . They added youth (Jefferson, Haislip, Blair) to their front line and return Parker and Ginobili in the back court, making them a very dangerous team come playoff time and a legitimate threat to challenge the Lakers for top honors out west. They replaced a aging team of Bowen,Thomas,Oberto and Vaughn with Jefferson, Blair, Mahinmi and Hill as they will look to become a much quicker striking offensive team and with that younger athleticism will be capable. Coach Popovich will again lead the team and expect strong defense and hustle on the offensive end while developing the younger players as core pieces off the bench and if injuries are kind to the Spurs they will no doubt reach and exceed expectations. Questions will also arise if Jefferson fails to fit into the offense as expected, also Ginobili is coming back from injury and will be out of shape and will have to rebound quickly if the spurs are going to be a true force. The Spurs are banking on a bunch of unknown pieces at the back up forward and Center spots and the hope is one or two of them can emerge into a key contributor not only for this season but for years to come.
Starting Lineup:
PG – Tony Parker – Tony took control of the team last season with Ginobili injured for the better part of the season, he posted career highs in points per game (22.0) and assists per game (6.9) and led the spurs to third place in the west. He has come into his own as a scorer and constantly keeps the offense flowing and should thrive this season with the addition of Jefferson on the wings along with Mason on the perimeter ready to spot up off the dish. He is a very good defender and will look to anchor the defense and lead the spurs to their third title this decade.
SG – Roger Mason – A breakout performer last season as he posted career high in Games(81), points per game (11.8) minutes per game (30.4) and three point percentage (42%) all while starting for most of the season (71 games) for the injured Manu Ginobili. Mason is a solid defender and looks more to make a impact with his three point shooting, he will look for a similar role this season as he is bound to get plenty of looks with double teams to Jefferson and Duncan sure to come.
SF – Richard Jefferson – Jefferson is by far the summer’s biggest acquisition (traded from the Bucks for Bowen,Thomas and Oberto) as it allows Jefferson to become one of the leagues 2nd or 3rd best options also allowing the spurs to get much younger in the process while competing for a championship. Jefferson possesses fantastic athleticism and is a superb defender, he also shoots the ball very well on the perimeter (39% last season). Jefferson will look to bring hustle and an array of dunks allowing the team to play up tempo if needed to compete with faster paced teams out west.
PF – Antonio Mcdyess – Mcdyess nearly averaged a double double last season with Detroit (9.6 points per game, 9.8 Rebounds per game on 51% shooting) and signed as a free agent in the off season. Mcdyess will provide veteran leadership and supply strong toughness on the boards and allow open lanes for Parker to create for himself and others.
C – Tim Duncan – At age 33 is still one of the league’s most dominant players (19 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 1.7 blocks per game last season) and will look to be a force inside and on defense again this season.
Bench:
G – Manu Ginobili – Manu was injured for much of last season and will look to bounce back this season and will come off the bench at SG to add more of a scoring punch to the offense for the second unit. He will have to stay healthy this season as the spurs rely on his hustle, toughness and scoring around the basket as a center piece to the offense. Manu will likely battle Jason Terry (Mavs) for Sixth Man of the Year honors.
G – George Hill – Last season’s first round draft pick who with the injury to Tony Parker ended up filling in decently at PG, enough to hold the job for remainder of the season. He Possesses a 6’9 wing span and is a fantastic defensive player, he can shoot from the outside very well and also is a very good re bounder for his size.
G – Malik Hairston – A 2nd year player who did not play much last season but one who possesses good athleticism and is a decent wing scorer off the bench. Malik will look to make the final roster again and prove his consistency revamped as a backup at SG and SF.
F – Michael Finley – A outstanding competitor who gives his all on offense and defense. Finley has accepted a diminished role as Ginobili’s backup but fits in perfectly as a outside shooter (41% last season from three). Finley will again play a backup role, this time backing up Jefferson at SF and will be counted on for instant offense off of the bench.
F – Dejuan Blair – A hard working rookie who slipped out of the first round due to knee concerns , but was regarded as the biggest steal of the draft by many. Blair’s a tremendous rebounder and will look to earn playing time off the bench with his rebounding skill and hustle and if McDyess falters may become capable of stepping in as a starter, he will battle Haislip for back up minutes at PF.
F – Marcus Haislip – Marcus returns to the league (first round pick 13th overall in 2002) after two seasons overseas to work on his post game. Marcus is a very good athlete who likes to use that to build his inside position on offense, but he must do a better job this time around on his rebounding and scoring down low in order to earn major minutes off the bench. Marcus will battle Blair and McDyess for minutes at the PF position.
F – Matt Bonner – Bonner was a part time starter last season who finished with career highs in Points per game (8.2) and 3pt percentage (44%) in 67 games started. Bonner is a excellent outside shooter who likes to play outside rather than post up. Bonner will provide offense off the bench this season as Duncan’s backup at C and can also fill in at PF when needed.
F – Ian Mahinmi – Ian is very sound in scoring the ball in the post and possesses a strong work ethic on defense with blocks and hustle plays but only played limited minutes last season to ease his development and to improve his foul problems. Ian will look to have a fierce battle with Bonner and Ratliff for the right to the backup C position and may have the best overall game to win it.
C – Theo Ratliff – Ratliff is at the tail end of his career but is still capable of rebounding and boxing out with the best in the league, also an outstanding shot blocker will look to be a tough force on the defensive end in limited minutes off the bench.
(FA) Jack McClinton – McClinton is a SG although at 6’1 will have to learn the game of PG and may end up making the roster due to his outstanding ability to score and hustle.
Projected Finish: 60 - 22 2nd place in western conference
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