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Watching last nights contest between the Cavs and Spurs, I noticed that the Spurs are in a very unique situation. Aside from playing great with the players they have on the floor - they have noone on the bench that can come in after these guys retire. Do you guys think it's about time for the Spurs to start bringing in some young talent?

Obviously, they are thinking the opposite, and yes, they do have great management which will lead them in the right direction - but each one of their players seems to be getting hurt. Duncan missed time due to the knee injury, Parker is now ailing with his foot - and Ginobili had the hand injury. Not to mention Barry just returned, who is arguably the 2nd best player off the bench.

Other than these guys - Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Barry and Finley - they have mediocre/limited talent at each position. Is it time we see the Spurs start to decline? They have lost 12 games, most of which have been uncharacteristic losses too. The team really is starting to look old, and banged up - a step too slow. I truly believe this might be their last year of the dynasty before things start slipping - unless they make a move to get some young players.

Edit - forgot the OT

I remember around this time last year, people were saying the same thing about the Spurs ie. Old, Slow, Hurt and basically that their dynasty was coming to a definite end in the near future.

I still think they can be title contenders for the next 3-4 years. It's just really hard to play over 100 games a year and retain the mental, physical focus necassary to retain an extremely high level of play.

They'll be ready by April.

Until the Champs are dethroned the trophy is theirs.

Youngblood wrote:Until the Champs are dethroned the trophy is theirs.

If the Spurs aren't the team to beat, then who is?

The Notic wrote:I remember around this time last year, people were saying the same thing about the Spurs ie. Old, Slow, Hurt and basically that their dynasty was coming to a definite end in the near future.

I still think they can be title contenders for the next 3-4 years. It's just really hard to play over 100 games a year and retain the mental, physical focus necassary to retain an extremely high level of play.

They'll be ready by April.

Very True - However, when I was watching Duncan last night - he seemed extremely frustrated. He used to be able to go into a game - lax and all - and simply take over the game by sheer physical play. But last night, it just looked like the game was getting into his head.

And yes, it is remarkable that these guys play over 100 games a season, plus during the summer - but while it's amazing, it could also be viewed as rash, given Duncans age.

Joker wrote:If the Spurs aren't the team to beat, then who is?

Thats really what I wanted to discuss, indirectly. Honestly, there is no one in the West without a weakness. We proved, along with the Cavs (which was a fluke win) that bench play, and a consistent 48 minutes of hustly can beat the Spurs, who play to break you down, and then take advantage when you're tired. Last night when LeBron sat - the Cavs went on a streak. The Spurs had some fight in them towards the end, but it was too much because James was back on the floor by then.

Boston is the team to beat in the East. Phoenix is the team to beat in the west thus far. Spurs have had players struggling a lot and it is showing by them losing numerous games including some on their home court which is a very rare sighting.

VCitay wrote:Boston is the team to beat in the East. Phoenix is the team to beat in the west thus far. Spurs have had players struggling a lot and it is showing by them losing numerous games including some on their home court which is a very rare sighting.

The Suns could be the team to beat, because they have the most complete lineup since they starting winning. Grant Hill is still a huge threat - but do they have the bench experience to take it all? The Lakers still have huge issues - Kobe isn't going to be able to carry the team for the full 8 weeks Bynum is out, so other than those 2 players, plus Odom - who else?

Another interesting stat that they brought up last night as well was that over the 5 or 6 games, they have had really long scoring droughts, ranging from 5-12 minutes in length.

Having not seen those games, it may come back to what matrixg was saying about their lack of decent talent outside of Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, Barry, and Finley.

Regardless the reasons, it is an interesting stat.

If I had to put my money on one team, I'd still pick the Spurs. But they're in for a serious dogfight this year right from the opening round straight through to the finals.

kmatrixg wrote:Thats really what I wanted to discuss, indirectly. Honestly, there is no one in the West without a weakness. We proved, along with the Cavs (which was a fluke win) that bench play, and a consistent 48 minutes of hustly can beat the Spurs, who play to break you down, and then take advantage when you're tired. Last night when LeBron sat - the Cavs went on a streak. The Spurs had some fight in them towards the end, but it was too much because James was back on the floor by then.

I hate to break it to you, but the Cavs were 2-0 against the Spurs in the regular season last season and then matched up against them in the finals. They've proved nothing more this season.

Good teams lose a few games in the regular season and don't worry too much about it. Come the playoffs they're right where they need to be. Boston is an interesting case because I get the sense that they actually ARE worrying a bit about losing the odd game just a little bit and I've never really seen that before, even from the 72-10 Bulls team.

They don't play for real until the annual rodeo road trip in Feb.

SAS is still the team to beat. They'll be ready by the time April rolls around.

I'd have the top 3 as:

SAS
DET
BOS

Until Phoenix proves me otherwise, they're #4.

The OP is right however. The Spurs are starting to get up there in age. I'm pretty confident that Buford can make the right moves to re-tool if age becomes too much of a factor.

Every year no one talks about the spurs... Then they come and win a championship. I wouldn't count them out just yet.

I wouldn't bet against the Spurs finally winning back-to-back Championships.

Spurs are 8-9 in their last 17 games. That is very noticeable, even given their regular season play in the last couple of years. Pop said last night-- as bad as the defense has been, the offense is even worse.

As to bringing in younger players, the Spurs have brought in a few, but they never get any playing time or chance to develop because the team is about winning now.

Buford was not the brains behind some of the great moves the Spurs made-- Sam Presti was and he is in Seattle now. He was the one who pushed the drafting of Parker.

ruckus wrote:Until Phoenix proves me otherwise, they're #4.

Why do the Suns have to prove they can beat the Spurs in the playoffs when the Celtics and Pistons haven't done so already? I've got no real problem with your order, but I'm always baffled when people suggest that the Suns are less of a contender because they're a longshot to beat the WC favourite when in reality the EC champion is at least as unlikely to beat them.

They are the team to beat, and don't be foolish enough to fall into there regular season trap again.

I don't see where the trap is this year - they are playing visibly worse. Duncan is showing extreme frustration on the court, they have lost 9 of 17, the 2nd team offense is completely stagnant other than Ginobili off the bench, and they have no consistent talent other than the 5 guys I mentioned earlier. I really think they have a big problem starting to rise. After this year, they may not be the same team. I don't think Duncan has another 365 days of consecutive basketball in him.