Ranking San Antonio Spurs from Most to Least Prepared for Start of Season

After a very disappointing display in last year's playoffs, the Spurs will look to bounce back this year.

Clearly the team had a solid formula for the regular season and I fully expect Popovich to stick to his guns.

I can't imagine the Spurs looking to mix it up too much to start the season, though they may still add a player or two.

Either way come training camp, the team will have to be ready to go.

Here are the Spurs' rankings from most to least prepared players for the start of season.

Gary Neal

Few players should be more excited to start the new season than Gary Neal.

After years of bouncing around Europe, Neal has finally found a home in San Antonio.

While technically coming off his rookie season, at 27, Neal is certainly in the midst of his prime and will look to take advantage of that.

Neal will have a much larger role this season and he will be more than ready.

DeJuan Blair

After spending a month in Russia playing for BC Krasnye Krylya Samara, I expect DeJuan to be more than ready to go for his third year with the Spurs.

This may very well be the year when Blair takes on a larger role as he already has the starting spot.

At only 22, Blair should be able to adjust to the condensed schedule and be productive.

Tony Parker

This summer Parker made sure to stay fresh despite the lockout by playing for ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Even though he was only paid about $2,000 dollars a month, I’m sure Parker didn’t mind as he owns a stake in the team.

While it seems like more of a business venture than a way to improve his game, I’m sure Parker got more than enough of a challenge as he joined NBA players Hilton Armstrong and Ronny Turiaf.

In one game this summer, Parker dropped 34 points over Valencia. Hopefully Parker will be in great shape coming into training camp and ready to go.

Manu Ginobli

Much like Tony Parker, Ginobli took advantage of the Lockout by heading home.

Ginbobli, along with fellow Argentines Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni, Carlos Delfino, and Fabricio Oberto led the national team to the FIBA Americas Championship.

Playing with such high quality teammates will keep Ginobli sharp as he heads into another grinding NBA season.

Tiago Splitter

As one of the younger players on the Spurs it is crucial that Splitter starts the season ready to play.

Fortunately Splitter has been warming up for the new season by playing for Valencia BC.

Despite not getting in too many games, Splitter should be more prepared than most to get off to a fast start early this season.

Kawhi Leonard

Many people are expecting big things for Mr. Leonard and I would be surprised if he disappointed.

The Spurs are fantastic at recognizing talent and should help Leonard develop into a great player.

I’m not sure whether Leonard will be able to contribute right away, but he should be more than ready to get going at the start of the season.

Corey Joseph

Corey Joseph is a young prospect that may spend a lot of his first year on the bench, however, that doesn’t mean he won’t be ready to go.

I expect that Joseph is itching to prove himself on a team that will need players to step up if they want to continue competing for the title.

Danny Green

Despite playing very little last year for the Spurs, he did make it on their playoff roster and looks to rejoin the team this season.

He spent his summer playing for KK Union Olimpja, where he was certainly able to work on his game.

Spurs fans should be happy to hear that he went for 23 points on 5 of 7 from three against Asseco Prokom.

He may still need another year or two, but if his number is called he should be ready to produce.

Da'Sean Butler

After suffering a knee injury last year, Butler will be excited to get his first minutes in the NBA.

He spent about two weeks in Latvia, however, he didn’t really have enough time to get familiar with the team and get on the court for extended minutes as he only played one game.

Despite not getting many minutes, it is a good sign for Spurs fans that Butler is clearly healthy and ready to play.

Matt Bonner

At 31, Matt Bonner is going to have his work cut out for him this season.

I expect him to fill in for more minutes when guys like McDyess and Duncan run out of steam.

While he isn’t exactly a youngster any more, his game doesn’t require him to expend that much energy thus giving him an advantage coming into this shortened training camp.

James Anderson

Due to an injury last year, Anderson didn’t really get a chance to show what he can do.

On an aging Spurs team, there will be plenty of time to go around as Popovich tries to save his older players for playoff time.

Tim Duncan

All eyes will be on Tim Duncan as he enters his contract year.

Whether or not this will be his last season in the NBA has yet to be determined, though I have a feeling he’ll hang on for a bit longer. At 35, Duncan will have to be careful with this intense schedule.

Popovich will likely limit Duncan’s minutes early in the season so he doesn’t get too fatigued.

However despite being another year older, you still have to have faith that Duncan will have something left in the tank.

I don’t know how big of an impact Duncan will be able to have, but to count him out will be foolish. He might not be totally ready to go, but for a guy like Duncan it’s not how you start, but how you finish.

Antonio McDyess

McDyess falls in the same category as Jefferson in terms of staying quiet this summer.

For the 37-year-old veteran, it’ll be tough getting ready for what is set to be a grueling regular-season schedule.

If the early schedule is particularly packed, don’t be surprised to see McDyess sit out a few games to stay healthy.