San Antonio Spurs: Near the End of an Era

"The Admiral" David Robinson 

For the San Antonio Spurs, the long journey to greatness started in 1987 when they drafted David Robinson with the first pick. However it wouldn't be until 1989 that Robinson would join the Spurs, he had to finish his prior commitment to the Navy before finally playing in the NBA. In his rookie season, he single handedly led one of the greatest turn arounds in NBA history. He carried San Antonio to a 56-26 regular season record, their record from the year before? 21-61. From then on the Spurs became perennial playoff contenders. But Robinson always fell short, never getting past the Western Conference Finals. He even admitted to being vastly outplayed by one Hakeem Olajuwon in a Western Conference Finals match up that pitted two of the greatest big men of their generation against one another. San Antonio's succession of playoff runs would come to an abrupt end in the 96-97 season. Robinson broke his foot in a regular season match-up against the Heat. Little did he know that his injury would be the key to success in his quest for an NBA Title. 

The "Twin Towers"

In 1997, the Spurs would win the draft lottery and pick none other than Tim Duncan. Duncan was a "sure thing", meaning there was absolutely no doubt about the positive impact he would have on the team that drafted him, he was a superstar in the truest sense. A dominating force on both ends of the floor, the "Big Fundamental" helped Robinson to a couple of NBA Championship runs in 1999 and 2003. San Antonio, a perennial playoff contender every year. A model franchise for the  rest of the NBA to adhere to. Led by head coach Greg Popovich and an outstanding front office. The Spurs were able to draft diamonds in the rough by acquiring Manu Ginobili in 1999, late in the 2nd round and Tony Parker in 2001, late in the 1st round. Duncan would then continue his run of excellence and consistency with another two titles in 2005 and 2007 with Ginobili and Parker flanking him. The Spurs were arguably the team of that decade.

The Big 3

Now, in this "new era" of the NBA. Where wing players dominate the game. Where hybrid point guards that can score with the best of them rule the hardwood. "Stretch 4s" starting to replace the traditional power forward, and a league where dominant centers are endangered. The San Antonio Spurs are still a relevant fixture in the pool of contenders. How? Because Gregg Popovich is a master, a genius and one hell of a coach. He saw that times were changing and he was able to adapt and not only survive. He was able to thrive in his new high octane offense that preached ball movement and good spacing. He had abandoned his old style that used an unbreakable defense and pounding the ball into an in-his-prime Tim Duncan. He had handed the keys to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Unfortunately, This model will only get them to a certain point in the playoffs. I see their ceiling at a game 7 of a 2nd round playoff match up against either the Thunder or the new look Lakers. Two teams that are poised to decimate any Western Conference foe that stands in their way. The only team with a slight chance of besting these two would be the Spurs, but their off season decision to stand pat will prove my point, they do not have enough fire power or talent to overcome the Thunder or the Lakers. Funny thing is, the perfect team to unseat OKC and LAL would be the Knicks roster mixed with the Spurs coaching staff and management. That team would have enough to thwart both the Thunder and Lakers. Unfortunately, reality will prevent that from ever happening. 

San Antonio's Last Title Run in 2007

The San Antonio Spurs had a good run, a million playoff appearances and four championships isn't to shabby. They are the team of the decade (2000-2010, 1999*). The only way I can imagine the Spurs transforming into a force once more is if they end up drafting Nerlens Noel. But that almost certainly means that Duncan would have to fall into a very David Robinson-like destiny. Enough with the fantasies, I'm not one to wish ill will toward anyone. So instead, the Spurs will have to prepare for life after Tim Duncan. Sure they'll probably have an ancient Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker near the end of his prime, but those two aren't nearly enough, especially in today's NBA. The road will be long and treacherous, but if any franchise can climb their way back into relevance. It's the San Antonio Spurs. From top to bottom, one of the classiest and most dominant franchises in NBA and sports history. We are nearing the end of a great era, I for one am thankful to have witnessed the Spurs' run of dominance and consistency first hand.