One more parade?
When the San Antonio Spurs got off to a 2-5 start and were hobbled with some key injuries, it was open game for the skeptics. One nitwit even suggested that if things didn’t improve that the Spurs faced the real prospect of missing the postseason for the first time since the 1996-97 season.
Sadly, the person who wrote that forgettable sentence was yours truly in an article for HoopsHype.com during the second week of November.
Fast forward to the post NBA all-star break portion of the season and the Spurs are in their accustomed position of challenging for an NBA title.
Two points should be made of the situation.
One, you shouldn’t believe everything you read. And second, it’s both unwise and premature to begin doubting the capability of San Antonio.
In fairness to the skeptics (i.e. me) Manu Ginobili still hadn’t played early in the season while recovering from ankle surgery. Adding to the Spurs woes, Tony Parker had just suffered a sprained ankle on Nov. 7 in a 99-83 loss to Miami that dropped their record to 1-4.
So the Spurs faced the prospect of competing without two of the Big Three, while the third member of that trio, Tim Duncan was forced to play extended minutes early in the season.
Of course doom didn’t appear on the Spurs’ doorstep. Ginobili’s return provided the expected major spark. In his first 38 games back, the Spurs were 29-9.
Parker missed nine games and the Spurs still managed to go 7-2 in those contests.
Duncan, who was averaging nearly 40 minutes per game early in the season, now has his season average to a manageable 35.3 per game. Look for that total to drop over the final 31 games of the season.
Nobody does a better job of getting his team ready for the postseason than coach Gregg Popovich.
So what happened?
The Spurs have received better than expected production from Roger Mason, who is averaging 11.9 points per game and shooting 44.9 percent from beyond the arc. Plus, as the Phoenix Suns will attest to, Mason has shown a penchant for hitting one big shot after another.
Duncan has in his own quiet way continued to be a 20 and 10 machine. When Parker and Ginobili were both out of the lineup, he carried the team.
Both before and after his injury, Parker has been a dominant point guard and a deserving all-star selection and Ginobili remains as one of the top clutch performers in the NBA.
It has all added up to earning the Spurs the second best record in the Western Conference at the all-star break (35-16).
The Spurs have answered the question of being an NBA title contender. The bigger question is can they win with the team intact or do they have to make a move by the trade deadline?
Good question.
The Spurs can no doubt contend, but contending and winning it all are two different things.
It would appear as if the Spurs would have to add an extra piece if they have designs of winning their fifth NBA title since 1999.
Of course the Spurs have been among the teams rumored to have interest in New Jersey’s Vince Carter. And there is no doubt that adding Carter would move the Spurs right into Laker territory.
However, from this vantage point, it would be a surprise if the Spurs would be able to pull this off.
The Nets would seem to want a potential starter and a possible huge expiring contract and the Spurs don’t seem like a fit here.
Of course there could be other additions that are less expensive that could help the Spurs. For instance Sacramento’s John Salmons has been mentioned as being available and somebody like that who plays good defense and is quietly averaging 18.3 points per game, would be a welcome addition.
Of course, Salmons is scoring a lot of points on a bad Kings team, but the fact remains that he would provide the Spurs with the type of depth they need.
One problem is that the Spurs don’t have a lot to offer other teams. Dangling a player like Bruce Bowen isn’t going to bring a hefty return.
If San Antonio could add a piece, then the Spurs would be awfully dangerous. As it is now, they still will be a difficult team in the playoffs.
Still, one would have to worry about the Spurs depth unless players such as Michael Finley and Kurt Thomas suddenly find the fountain of youth.
And Duncan has carried such a big load this year, that one has to wonder if a player who turns 33 in April will wear down at all when the postseason rolls along.
Keep in mind that there are other teams that would like to have the Spurs so-called problems. With three players who are as dangerous as any trio in the Western Conference, the Spurs have the capability to beat anybody.
Whether changes are made or not, one sure bet is that nobody will relish facing the Spurs in the postseason.
Mandrake Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
Sorry, but I get the sense that you don’t really follow the Spurs very closely. Your article doesn’t once mention their rookie George Hill, who filled in during Parker’s absence during that 7-2 run, including a game against Chicago where he outplayed Derrick Rose by a good margin, or Matt Bonner, whose 3 pt% is even better than Mason’s, and is tied for #1 in the entire league. Your lack of in-depth knowledge about the team is probably the true culprit in that ill-advised november prediction, too.
SPURS IN THE NEWS Feb 16th - SpursReport.com Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Marc Narducci NBA Blogs - By Marc Narducci When the San Antonio Spurs got off to a 2-5 start and were hobbled [...]
Lupe Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
I think if they play the Lakers once again, they can take the series 3 out of 10 times. Last year Ginobili was injured in the N’Orleans series, and he arguably is more vital than Parker. He’s spreads the floor with his shooting, one of the few guys on the team that can create turnovers(been either 1 or 2 in steals for the Spurs since his arrival), and he can create his own shot/do it for others.
Another thing they have going for them is that this is their best guard rotation ever. Two All-star guards in their prime plus Roger, Michael, and Hill off the bench. The Stephen Jackson, Steve Smith, Speedy, Parker and Ginobili was good, but I think this one is better.
As good as the guard depth has been, the frontline has been the opposite. Duncan’s greatness allows for such a weak showing, but Matt Bonner shouldn’t have to be your Robin to your Batman!!! I exploded in rage when they traded Luis Scola away summers ago.
Overall, if the big three be healthy, if Bynum stays injured, and if the older reserves should happen to meet Ponce De Leon, and get the instructions to the fountain of youth. They have a good chance to make it to the finals….sadly, that’s a lot of ifs.
Lupe Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Oops, meant Ginobili off the bench, but he gets starter minutes in the playoffs. Sorry for the mistake.
One more parade? - SpursReport.com Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
[...] One more parade? February 16, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
yhello Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
yes they are contenders once more. at least now like every team in the west besides the clippers, kings, thunder, timberwolves, warriors and grizzlies… problem is this is an odd year so it probably won’t happen to the spurs. if only detroit would release ’sheed ah well it’s gonna happen next season and you know it.
Casey Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Great Article!! Go Spurs Go. Maybe the NBA can set the Spurs up with a deal like Jerry West did for the Lakers. Spurs should go for Kaman. I think they could get him with Hill and Mahimi.
Spurs Fan Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
If there is any justice in the world, the Spurs will trade a bag of potatoes to the Hornets and get Chandler. Like the Lakers did last year for Pau.
Fredd Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Dream Tim said it … ” no carter ” ( in substance ) …
.. I still think the spurs need a wing/young/ athletic player and to trade finley …
I like their chances if they could bring this kind of player without trade all their bench … the team work .. works for the spurs, please to waste it just to get Carter …
Go Spurs!
Fredd Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
not ” to .. waste it just for carter ” ..
BUT
” DON’T waste it …… “
Treyvon Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 9:17 pm
The spurs need Salmons, or a similar type wing player, and an athletic big that can play next to TIm…Matt Bonner starting at the 5 isn’t going to cut it vs the Lakers in the playoffs when they have to go up against Gasol and Bynum.
Simmy Sosa Said,
February 16, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
I would not worry about Tim Duncan wearing down. He has taken such good care of his body through the offseason and come back even stronger than previous years. Duncan’s game is so efficient he could play until he’s 40 if he wanted to. The Spurs are good at the guard position but need to add a Wallace/Miller/Chandler to address their need inside.
myself Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 12:12 am
how the hell would adding vince carter “put them in laker territory”? he would probably make them worse
David Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 8:49 am
Yhello,
The “odd” years are good for the Spurs. They won championships in
1999, 2003, 2005, 2007….this is 2009.
c money Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
i must agree with myself. What could VC bring to the spurs that they don’t already have? Work ethic?
Spurs Fan Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
Let me begin by saying the trade for VC sounds like they are giving up way, WAY too much to add a slasher score. Giving up Hill and Mason to me is not an option because together than add depth to the backcourt that the Spurs havent had in a while. However, I do believe to make any kind of impact move in the upcoming days, they will need to part with one of them. I believe what the Spurs need, as Duncan said over the weekend, is an athletic big that can rebound and block shots. The perfect fit for them would be Chandler. I have read many reports that OKC is close to a deal for the 7-footer, but I would advise the Spurs to get in on this deal and try to convince them to make it a 3-team deal with the Spurs landing Chandler. Here is what I have come up with what in my “crazy Spurs fan mind” sounds like it appeals to each team.
The deal would be. OKC gives up Wilcox, and they would get back Hairston and Mahinmi from the Spurs. NO would gives up Chandler, and would get Wilcox from OKC, and Horry, Mason, and Oberto from the Spurs. The Spurs would give up Horry, Oberto, Hairston, Mason, and Mahinmi, and get Chandler from NO.
Why each team would do it. OKC benefits by getting something for Wilcox’s expiring deal. They get a free look at Hairston whos contract expires after this year, and they get Mahinmi who is a athletic big at a much cheaper pirce than Chandler and he can develop with the teams other young players. Also, by not including Smith in the deal, they can use his expiring contract to make another deal.
NO obviously get out from under Chandlers long-term deal, and they get an NBA starter in Mason that has shown he can play both guard positions. This would help take some pressure off of Daniels in the back up point role and give him the ability to play along with Mason and play for a scoring role at SG. They would get to expiring deals in Horry(sign-and-trade) and Wilcox, which is what they are looking for in dealing Chandler.
SA gets the big man they so desperately need. While they would be losing alot of parts, they only one of any substance is Mason. They would be really selling off their future, but the immediate returns out way the long-term losses. With their roster being mostly older players, they need to win now. But just imagine their end of game line up of Parker, Ginobli, Duncan, Chandler, and then depending on the opponent, they can rotate the 3 spot between Bowen, Finley, and Bonner.
Ryan Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
Spurs Fan,
First of all, I don’t think Horry would come out of retirement to play in New Orleans, who would no longer be a contender with out Chandler. Secondly, the NBA does not allow you to just sign people for a year and then trade them, this goes against the CBA. Third, Hairston and Mahimi? No way does OKC take back these guys, Hairston barely gets on the floor and Mahimi has yet to play any significant minutes. Why would they take them when they can get Chandler, a bona-fide starter who gives them quality and veteran leadership on a team that is really really young. There is no way the Spurs could have gotten Chandler (the deal with OKC already went through according to ESPN) because the Spurs have nothing significant to offer New Orleans in the way of the expiring contracts they want.
Beaner Said,
February 17, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
Marc Gasol is hardly a “bag of chips”. An expiring contract of 10 million after the first half of the season is of serious value. Ask any NBA GM.
Don’t be bitter.
Ninob Said,
February 18, 2009 @ 5:53 am
As long as Bynum is not completely healthy during the playoffs then the spurs have a better than even chance of getting to the finals. A healthy big 3 will beat Kobe and Gasol if Bynum is not all there. Spurs over LA in 7 then the we all know that the Spurs never lose in the finals.
Jefferson Said,
February 18, 2009 @ 8:37 am
I think they are still contenders this year especially with mason around, but I hopes they still have barry around with mason, both spot up shooters and clutch shooters. I hope they don’t pursue to get carter, it will only destroy everything. If they need a player before deadline, I like a role player. I have heard the rumors of salmons and for me salmons is good depending on the players they will give. I am also impressed with bonner’s performance haha, back to the topic. Why can they still be considered as contenders because they have one of the greatest big three in the league right now, they have experienced even their coach especially on the post season. They also have good back up players like mason, thomas, bonner and even rookie hill another one would be great for them. JUS DON’T GET CARTER!!!PLSSS!! GOOD LUCK FOR THE SPURS!! I KNOW THEY CAN DO IT! LET’S GO SPURS!! LET’S GO SPURS!! SAY IT LOUDER NOW!!! HAHA
Spurs Fan Said,
February 18, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Alright, let me try and defend myself a little
I believe a few days ago I read on this website in the rumors section that Horry would consider playing again this season if the price was right. Sign and trades like this are possible, just last year the Mavs signed Van Horn for the trade with Kidd to get the salaries right. Hairston doesnt hardly play because he plays for the Spurs, I know this means little to most people, but he was an D-league all-star and averaging over 20 points a game. Mahinmi hasnt done anything in the league I agree, but tell me what Marc Gasol did before this year in Memphis? I realize I compared him to a sack of potatoes earlier, but at the time he was just like Mahinmi is now but could eventually be much better. It would not be that out landish because they are giving up Wilcox for an unproven player, not Pau Gasol.
I believe this trade to be a big risk for OKC because I feel Chandler is in his prime now. I know that sounds crazy because he is only 26 or 7 but remember he came right out of high school. Can we all agree that while they are a far better team now than they were 24 hours ago, they are still 2 or 3 or 4 years away from really contending for a championship? That puts Chandler as a 10 to 12 year vet when their other players mature and understand how to win. Tell me how many players are just as explosive that late in their careers as they were in their younger days. Chandler gets by because his is faster, can jump higher, and quicker than other centers in the league. I can think of another player like that recently. Ben Wallace. Remember how great he was in Detroit? Around his 6-8 years of his career he maxed out in production, and steadily declined every year after that. For those of you that say, “Well he was older in those years of his career” look at T-Mac. He is not even 30 yet, and he is breaking down before our eyes. It is not how old you are, its how many NBA miles you have on your body. Chandler is having trouble staying healthly as it is, and has never played a full season in this league.
The deal I proposed would have been better for OKC because Mihinmi would conceivably be coming into the prime of his career along with the rest of their young players. Not to mention, Chandler could walk in a year and a half and have nothing to show for their two expiring deals. Because I have been told they have serious value, ask any NBA GM.
All teams involved would have been better off, but it means very little now because the deal has already happened. Now, I can only say talk to Sacramento and see about getting Sheldon Williams. I think everyone on their roster is available, and he is a young, smart big man than can block shots. Please RCB, stay away from VC.
Mateo Said,
February 19, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
Ive been a Spurs fan since I can remember. But I propose this deal, since the Chandler deal was voided by OKC. Spurs send Mahinmi and Vaughn to OKC and Mason and Oberto to NO. OKC sends Wilcox and Joe Smith to NO. NO sends Chandler and Brown to SA and Stojakovic to OKC. Everyone gets something they need, and NO not only gets under the tax by getting rid of Chandler, but gets rid of Stojakovic contract to OKC and OKC can use someone with experience and scoring on a young team. SA gets an athletic big man and an old fan favorite (and home-grown) Devin Brown back. NO gets a couple big men back to replace Chandler and a versatile guard in Mason. Plus it fits within the CBA and salary cap. Recap heres what each team would end up with:
SA: Chandler and Devin Brown
NO: Wilcox, Oberto, Mason, and Joe Smith
OKC: Mahinmi, Jacque Vaughn, Stojakovic
What do y’all think??
Sebastian Said,
February 20, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Spurs need ANDRES CHAPU NOCIONI
GO SPURS GO
GO ARGENTINA
Octo Said,
February 20, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Only a fool would underestimate the Spurs.
But I like the Lakers, they are a very balanced team with good coaching.