Since 1999, the Spurs have been the class of the NBA. A very well coached team that is fundamentally sound that enjoys playing together. A team of unselfish players who sacrifice personal stats and recognition for team success.
This style of play has earned them four NBA titles since since 1999, (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
In this age, it is difficult for teams to acquire and keep these “unselfish” players for a long time. With all the huge contracts given to players of all different abilities, estbalishing a decade long championship core is a tough task.
But the Spurs have done that task very well, and are looking to continue into the next decade.
This offseason they acquired forward Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks. Jefferson is a young athletic player who can score from anywhere.
Jefferson is only one of two players who has averaged at least 20ppg while playing in all 82 games the past two seasons. The other is Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.
Jefferson adds tremendous youth and depth to the Spurs lineup. The Spurs will now be able to have a lineup of four elite players on the court together; Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Richard Jefferson, and Manu Ginobili.
Last year, depth and scoring was an issue for the Spurs. Manu Ginobili’s injury cost the Spurs their depth and scoring off the bench, and young players like rookie guard George Hill, and aging veterans such as Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley, played too many minutes.
The Spurs are still an elite team, and possibly the best in the Western Conference. They could easily beat the Lakers in a seven game series. Health will be their biggest obstacle, but if they stay healthy, a 5th franchise championship could be their’s next June.
Nicholas Goss