by James Finneral
It is hard to expect anything, but greatness from a team with as much success as the San Antonio Spurs have had in the past decade. This past year's NBA Champions just seem to be one of the top teams each and every year. The Spurs program has developed so many prospects and formed a team with amazing chemistry that finds ways to win.
Although the players have been great, a large amount of the credit for the Spurs success has the be given to their head coach, Greg Popovich. Aside from his kind attitude towards the media and his glowing personality, Popovich has proven to be more than just a decent coach. All of his players seem to enjoy him and he has developed many prospects from over seas such as Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tiago Splitter. If the Spurs do not live up to expectations this year it will be because of the players not Popovich.
Of course no one can forget about the roster of players that gave this franchise a championship last year and in 2007. The Spur's Big 3 for years included Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. All those guys, especially Duncan and Ginobili are climbing up in the age department and do not have too many years left in the league. This year Manu Ginobili was notably worse and sometimes did not even start, but luckily someone new stepped up. Kawhi Leonard arose from the shadows and really improved his game averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds in the regular season and being a huge asset for the team in the championship series against the Heat. Leonard can not only score and provide incredible dunks, but he is also great on the defensive end and is up for any challenge. Leonard is one of the younger guys on the team and the Spurs should try and keep him around as long as possible.
Many people think the Spurs will take it all again and they certainly have the pieces to do so, but there are so many teams with as much if not more talent that are younger and more athletic. The Spurs will win a handful of big games during the regular season, but do not be surprised to see some signs of weakness against younger teams. The Spurs will take their division, but will not make it out of the Western Conference as a whole.
Potential Starting Lineup:
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Danny Green
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Tiago Splitter
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