The National Basketball Association playoffs are fast approaching, which means it is time for me to give you your annual reminder about the team that everyone forgets to talk about: the San Antonio Spurs.
I have been writing this same column at about the same time of the season for the past 13 years. It never fails. Other teams jump to the forefront of the headlines with its sexy names and big storylines. Meanwhile, there’s always one team that manages to go about its business and emerge as a contender at the end of the day. That would be your San Antonio Spurs.
The 2011-12 season has been no different from any other season. Everyone is watching to see if the Miami Heat can find redemption and win that elusive first title with the Big Three of LeBron, D-Wade and Chris Bosh. Do the Los Angeles Lakers have one more title run in them as Kobe Bryant enters the twighlight of his career.
Are the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls ready to make a run at the championship behind the young guns; Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose.
So much has happened in this lockout-shortened season of 2012. However, take a look at the Western Conference standings and guess who has the best record. The San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are an older team with veterans Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker still leading the way after all of these years. Those four NBA titles that they won in 1999, 2003, ’05 and ‘07 are in the rear-view mirror, but the Spurs manage to re-invent themselves every year and find a way to contend.
At one time, the Spurs were a defensive dynasty. Now, they can score and shoot 3-pointers with the best of them. They average 102 points a game, which is third in the league. They are also one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the league. The end result is a 43-16 record, which is best in the West and second best in the NBA.
Parker is having a brilliant season and 18 points and nearly eight assists per game while Duncan is aging like fine wine. At 36, Big Fundamentals is still performing at a high level while coach Gregg Popovich manages his minutes wisely. Those of you who know me know how much I love me some Tim Duncan. Ginobili has gone through his annual injury crisis, but he is back in the lineup to make big plays.
The supporting cast is young and strong and battle-tested as Popovich makes liberal use of them while he rests Duncan, Parker and Ginobili. Young bull DeJuan Blair and 7-foot Brazilian import Tiago Splitter combine for 18 points and 10 rebounds a game while 6’10” Matt Bonner spaces the floor with his 3-point shooting. Veteran Boris Diaw was picked up at the trade deadline for more experience in the playoffs. You cannot forget veteran shooter Stephen Jackson, who is somewhat volatile, but can still light it up from downtown.
Rookie forward Kawhi Leonard has provided that valuable youthful energy and vigor. The 20-year old Leonard averages eight points and five rebounds. Youngsters Danny Green and Gary Neal can also shoot the 3-pointer while young point guard Paddy Mills was picked up in a late trade to become Parker’s understudy.
The mastermind of the Spurs continued excellence is Popovich, who is still the best coach in the NBA. As the roster continues to change, he still keeps the Spurs near the top of the standings with his old-school, no-nonsense approach.
Do I think the Spurs are the favorites to win the NBA title? Probably not. However, you can never count them out as championship contenders because they have a great coach, veteran stars who know how to win and some young, fresh legs to go along for the ride.
Just my annual reminder.
