It has been three years and a handful of months since Tim Duncan hoisted a Larry O’Brien trophy. Well, it’s time some of us Spurs fans accept the fact that the only time we may see Timmy hoist that trophy again is on ESPN Classic. Despite that, the Spurs still have a lot of good things going for them heading into this season. The biggest, of course, was the long-awaited signing of Brazilian sensation Tiago Splitter. He will add a lot of depth to a much-needed Spurs front court. The Spurs were also able to steal Oklahoma State’s sharpshooter James Anderson with the 20th overall pick (the highest pick the Spurs have had since 1997).

Last season ended in absolute humiliation, as the Spurs were swept by arch-rival Phoenix in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Suns were able to exploit a hole in the Spurs defense over and over. Has Popovich filled that hole? As a Spurs fan, I sure hope so. Otherwise, we’re in for a heartbreaker of a season.

Predictions

Tim Duncan

Arguably the best player of the post-Jordan era, Timmy is now 34 years old and starting to show signs of slowing down. Though his “PER” numbers still rank him consistently in the top 10, it’s painfully obvious that he is a little slower on his feet in the post. Timmy will obviously still be the anchor to the Spurs defense, but there are at least three or four big men who can victimize the Big Fundamental.

  • 17.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg
  • 3rd All-NBA, 2nd All-Defense, NBA All-Star

Manu Ginobili

Last year Ginobili managed to play in 75 games (2nd most of his career), as he was able to avoid major injury. It was also good news for Spurs fans that Ginobili decided against participating in the World Championships this year, deciding instead to spend time with his wife and newly born twin boys.

Ginobili should contribute heavily to the Spurs’ success this year, if he can remain healthy. He, like Duncan, has slowed down a half a step or two, but still possesses the game-breaking ability that helped the Spurs to the 2003, 2005 and 2007 NBA Championships.

  • 17.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 1.5 spg

Tony Parker

Rumors swirled through the summer of Parker’s imminent trade to New York. Well, like most unfounded rumors, this one proved to be false. At least for the coming season. Parker’s contract expires after this season, and I am fairly confident that this season will indeed be Tony’s last with the silver and black.

Last season Parker regressed across the board, and was set back with some nagging injuries. Parker is only 28 years old, but his attack style of play has worn on his body. If Parker and the Spurs are to have success this season, they will need Tony to remain healthy.

  • 17.0 ppg, 6.0 apg, 1.0 spg

Role Players

Richard Jefferson, DeJuan Blair, George Hill, Tiago Splitter, Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner will all need to improve this season if the Spurs are to have a chance at reaching the NBA Finals. Last season was a huge disappointment for Richard Jefferson, as he was supposed to be the missing link to the Spurs’ success. Instead, Jefferson was very inconsistent, and a liability defensively. Hopefully Jefferson will show vast improvements under year 2 of the tutelage of Gregg Popovich.

The undersized PF DeJuan Blair dazzled doubters last year, as he dominated opposing teams in the limited minutes he was awarded. Blair shows a lot of tenacity and grit defensively. I think his black/white numbers this year will continue to prove naysayers wrong.

George Hill was arguably the most improved player in the NBA last season. He was able to successfully fill in for an injured Tony Parker, and the Spurs didn’t miss a step. Hopefully Hill continues to improve, as he more than likely will PERMANENTLY be filling in for Parker after this season.

Team Predictions

The Spurs finished 2nd in the Southwest last season, then went on to defeat the Mavericks easily in the 1st round, only to be resoundingly humiliated by the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. I think the Spurs win the Southwest Division this year, and advance all the way to the Western Conference Finals to face the Los Angeles Lakers.

  • 55-27 — Southwest Division Champions
  • Win 1st Round vs. Portland Trail Blazers
  • Win Western Conference Semifinals vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Lose Western Conference Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers