I can't see the Lakers losing in the Finals. Celts and Detroit have huge offensive lapses just like San Antonio, Chauncy is hurt for Detroit, and it seems like the Celts are going to the Finals. While the Celts don't have much outside their big 3, and will clearly be outcoached by the Lakers. On another note: Should the Spurs hang it up? Can they really compete with the Hornets and Lakers only to get better? By next year's playoffs, Kurt Thomas is going to be 36, Oberto is 34, Robert Horry will be 38, and Tim Duncan will be 33. Same thing with their wing men, Finley will be 36 and Barry will be 37. I don't see them getting past the Lakers, Hornets, Jazz or a healthy Rockets team. Some of the younger teams could give them trouble too. Is it time for them to make a big trade?
To add to the thread, I think it's imperative that the Spurs start their rebuilding process. I just don't see them hanging with New Orleans and Utah for much longer, and definitely not the Lakers. They're too old. I think age has caught up with them. They've got Parker and Manu to build around, along with Duncan who is still one of the best in the game. They definitely need youthful role players and players to build around for the future. Shouldn't this be in the Spurs forum?
Well the Spurs don't have a forum, , and its about Lakers vs. Spurs. Yea, next year the only way the Spurs will have a chance against the Lakers is if there are some major injuries. Kobe, Phil Jackson, Odom, Gasol, Bynum. All 1 year older and better... Spurs need to rebuild to compete.
I don't think they need to completely rebuild, though. They just need younger role player. Big Shot Bob is nothing anymore. Barry's still got some game left, Udoka is decent. There is nothing wrong with Duncan, yet. They're still a top level team in the West, I just don't think they could beat New Orleans, who now has a year of playoff experience under them, or Utah anymore. Again, minor to moderate changes should be made...nothing to drastic.
The Spurs do need to start developing a young core off the bench, but I don't think they need to make any drastic changes. If I'm the Spurs I'm kicking myself right now because they gave themselves every opportunity to win this series. In Game 1 and Game 5 the Spurs had commanding leads of 20 points and 18 points. In Game 3 the Spurs dominated the Lakers in San Antonio. They didn't get much out of Ginobili except for Game 3, and were still able to compete against a younger and arguably more talented Lakers team. They will have cap room this summer to add one or two more key pieces and they have Tiago Splitter coming over next season.
Tiago isn't coming next season Shape, he signed a two year extension with his Euro-league team. The Spurs should really be kicking themselves right now. They made a lot of bad decisions during the offseason, like trading away Luis Scola for practically nothing. Look at how well Scola played for the Rockets. He definitely could have made a difference against us in the playoffs. Also, Beno Udrih (spelling?) has been doing a fantastic job in Sacramento. He would have been a dangerous weapon off the bench, if they had decided to keep him.
I had not heard the Splitter rumors oh well scratch it, but maybe Ian Mahinmi can finally show some signs of making it in the league. I forgot about the Scola trade. He would have made a significant impact on the Spurs success this season and a viable big man capable of playing either C or PF for them. At least the Spurs didn't make any panic trades to cripple their franchise ala Phoenix and Dallas.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>According to a report in a Brazilian publication, Tiago Splitter, the power forward-center the Spurs drafted in the 2007 draft, has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Tau Ceramica, the Spanish League team for which he has played the past four seasons. The report indicated Splitter will make about eight times more than the NBA rookie scale maximum the Spurs are allowed to pay him next season, $809,300. Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said he would not comment about Splitter based on an unofficial report.</div> http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketb...ok.40511f6.html Here you go Shape. I guess it's not official yet, but yeah, I doubt Splitter will be coming over next season.
