I had to go on a rant about this ladies and gentlemen. After reading in a post related to the 80's era of the NBA vs. today's era of the NBA, I just had to bring this situation up. The post that put me over the edge stated that last year's Spurs were the worst champions in the NBA since the 1970's. Give me a freakin break. When we won our first title, Phil Jackson, along with everyone and their mother, labled our championship with an asterik. Because it was a strike-shortened season, I guess no team was worthy of winning the championship that year. Oh wait, if one of the other big-market teams won the title that year, nobody would mention a damn thing about an asterik season, and nobody would try to discredit their championship. But since it was the little 'ol Spurs, a team that doesn't have millions of supporters in the media, everyone basically agreed with the fact that their title was tainted because it was only a half-season. Like it or not, that title is in the books my friends, and you can take the asterik and shove it up your *** Phil Jackson. That was Rant A, now on to Rant B: "The Spurs are boring." Watching the best team in the league last year was boring to some people.....that just doesn't click with me. I'm not a NBA fan to watch "fun" basketball; I'm a fan of the NBA to watch good basketball, and it doesn't get any better than winning a championship. That's all I heard about too; "The Spurs are boring. They are unbearable to watch." If you want to watch a basketball game full of ally-oops, crossovers, dunks etc., AND 1 seems to have a good collection of videos that will "quench your thirst" for highlight-basketball. The Spurs went out and won the championship by battling it out with every team they played down to game 6 in every series even though it probably couldn't be considered pretty, but I guess the competitiveness means nothing to some people. I can understand why people say the Spurs aren't fun to watch, but I didn't hear crap about that until after they won the 2nd championship. I could seriously go on for about another 700 words on the "Spurs are the worst champions since the 1970's", but I know there is probably one or two people who actually will read through this thing. Yes it's long, but to keep it short and sweet: The Spurs get crapped on because of the marketability of this team. If it's not the "Asterik Title", or the "Worst champs since the 1970's", it's "The Spurs are boring." I feel upset with these things because I know for a fact that if some bigger market team other than LA won the title last year, there wouldn't be a damn person saying that they were the worse champs since the 1970's. If we weren't a small-market team, Phil Jackson wouldn't go out and run his mouth about an "Asterik" being next to our first title, because there would be somebody in the media to step-up and say "Phil Jackson, you are a panzee."
Personally I don't really like Popovich, he's not a bad coach, but he's not exactly great either. I believe it's his team. This team had, and has stars. Ginobili, an already awesome and versatile player with unlimited energy who will most likely become even better. One of the fastest kids in the game today, Tony Parker, plus he's improved, especially on the fact he passes a lot more like a PG should and not turning it over as much as he use to. The defensive tenacity of Bowen, one of the best in the league, probably third to Big Ben and Artest. Next Malik Rose, one of the most hardworking people in the NBA, he gets the job done, and well at that. I don't agree that he isn't doing as well as last year, injuries just lagging him a bit. Not forgetting Turgokulu, not as good as Ginobili but as a starter he does his job and contributes. That's enough for him, and people are happy with it. Speaking of them getting no respect. They do. They proved it. Best defensive team in the damn entire league. Plus big contenders in the west. They don't need it from others, they have enough for themselves and should still do so. They're still a very scary team, I mean come on....they have Duncan.
I don't know his rant about Phil Jackson saying the '99 title was an asterisk. That's because he's right. You play 50 games and you're the NBA champion? Not in my book either. You won the title last year. That was legitimate enough and if you're a champion, you have respect.
To be honest. I don't really think they are nice as everyone say's they are. I personally think that their little overated. Yeah, I know it sounds dumb. They're the defending champions and what not blah blah blah. But the reason I think that some people (even me) dont give them any respect. Is because of the style that they play. When they're on the court, they dont do anything special. They're just on the court playing basketball. Just the simple stuff. Besides they're defense there is nothing special about them that set them aside from the other teams in the NBA. Well thats I think at least. Even though I think that they're overated. I still give them respect. They deserve it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I3:</div><div class="quote_post">Even though I think that they're overated. .</div>But how are they overrated? People do NOT give them the respect they deserve and thats fine with them. Even after they repeat this year people will still be hating on them. They are on a 13 game winning streak and have just been smashing the Grizz in these first two games of the playoffs. They are going to sweep the Grizz and than they will, once again, beat the Lakers. And why do I get the feeling that the Spurs will be counted as the underdog in that series?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">and than they will, once again, beat the Lakers. And why do I get the feeling that the Spurs will be counted as the underdog in that series?</div> Why are you so quick to say they're going to beat the Lakers again? Have they owned us in recent years? Or are you just looking at the fact that they beat us last year that we're just going to roll over again? Our lineup is much better than it was last year, we have better experienced players that know how to get the job done, and a quick stat that makes me feel good, we know how to win at SBC Center when last year we couldn't even win a single game in their place. Don't underestimate the Lakers, they could do some serious damage this year. And BTW, world champions should never be looked at as underdogs. I have a lot of respect for them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">Why are you so quick to say they're going to beat the Lakers again? Have they owned us in recent years? Or are you just looking at the fact that they beat us last year that we're just going to roll over again? </div> No, I'm basing this on the fact that they are the defending champions and are as hot as ever winning 13 games in a row. They have been dominating their opponets and are playing great basketball. Their defense is a lot better than it was in last years playoffs. That is why I think the Spurs are going to beat the Lakers. And when did I say the Lakers are going to "roll over again?" <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Our lineup is much better than it was last year, we have better experienced players that know how to get the job done, and a quick stat that makes me feel good, we know how to win at SBC Center when last year we couldn't even win a single game in their place. </div> Well the Spurs are a better team than last year also. The Spurs are not inconsistent like the Lakers. The Spurs went on a winning streak and are playing their best basketball of the season at the right time. How do you know they can win in SA? Playoffs are a different story, even a biased Lakers fan should know that. JK <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Don't underestimate the Lakers, they could do some serious damage this year. </div>I'm not underestimating the Lakers at all. How is saying that the defending champions, who are playing the best basketball of the season, are going to take down the Lakers? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">And BTW, world champions should never be looked at as underdogs. I have a lot of respect for them</div>You would be suprised.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">No, I'm basing this on the fact that they are the defending champions and are as hot as ever winning 13 games in a row. They have been dominating their opponets and are playing great basketball. Their defense is a lot better than it was in last years playoffs. That is why I think the Spurs are going to beat the Lakers. And when did I say the Lakers are going to "roll over again?"</div> You quickly pointed out that the Spurs were going to beat the Lakers again, that kinda showed me you were underestimating them, and that they'd be a quick opponent to fall to the Spurs. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post"> Well the Spurs are a better team than last year also. The Spurs are not inconsistent like the Lakers. The Spurs went on a winning streak and are playing their best basketball of the season at the right time. How do you know they can win in SA? Playoffs are a different story, even a biased Lakers fan should know that. JK</div> I disagree. Yeah the Spurs have won 13 straight games, but they are not the same team as they were from a year ago. They lost too many important players from last year's championship team. I really don't want to go into the names they've lost, but you get the picture.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> I disagree. Yeah the Spurs have won 13 straight games, but they are not the same team as they were from a year ago. They lost too many important players from last year's championship team. I really don't want to go into the names they've lost, but you get the picture </div> david robinson and kerr are the only names that pop out to me...i strictly believe the spurs bench can take on/out the lakers bench....with the addition of robert horry and turk, the spurs are even stronger this year and much more confident....and with the addition of payton and malone, lakers are also more confident but there bench is really lacking, especially now that slavako is injured i think... but both of these teams will make it to the second round and it should be an exciting round...and im pretty sure both teams will REALLY turn up thier intesity in the series...but the reason i believe the spurs will bbeat the lakers again is due to the thier team play....wheras the lakers its mostly free for all ball since each of thier starters can easily score 20-30 pts per game if given the oppurtunity...so they jack up unforced shots with each player tryin to get on the stat pad wheras with the spurs, everything flows thru duncan... Bruce Bowen can stop Kobe...Tony can mathup with Gary...Duncan can definetly match up and excel over Malone...the one factor thats to the lakers advantage is Shaq....and he will be the key to the lakers victory i dont underestimate this spurs, i think they are excellent champions...yes their style of play doesnt entertain the average 14 year old kid since they dont provide corssovers and alleyoops and fancy passes every 10 seonds....its more fundamentals ppl complained last year cuz ABC got some reeeeeeeeeeeeeeally low ratings in the finals...spurs are not a marketable team....i wouldnt be surprised if the refereeing is suspectable in the lakers/spurs series, epscially the late stages of the series... anyways prediction: spurs in 7 (i believe spurs have the upper hand) srry i got off topic
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">You quickly pointed out that the Spurs were going to beat the Lakers again, that kinda showed me you were underestimating them, and that they'd be a quick opponent to fall to the Spurs.</div>I said the Spurs would win, I never said the Lakers would roll over easily. You assumed that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> I disagree. Yeah the Spurs have won 13 straight games, but they are not the same team as they were from a year ago. They lost too many important players from last year's championship team. I really don't want to go into the names they've lost, but you get the picture.</div>Why don't you want to go into it? I dare you to. I will counter every post you make. The Spurs had added some reak KEY players this year. He have become a better defensive team and have gained experience. They ARE better.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">I said the Spurs would win, I never said the Lakers would roll over easily. You assumed that.</div> You'd never go out of your way and respect the Lakers, so why would I be surprised that you'd point out the Lakers would fall? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Why don't you want to go into it? I dare you to. I will counter every post you make.</div> How about Stephen Jackson, David Robinson, Steve Kerr, Speedy Claxton, Danny Ferry, and Steve Smith?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">You'd never go out of your way and respect the Lakers, so why would I be surprised that you'd point out the Lakers would fall? </div>Because maybe I have faith that the Spurs will beat the Lakers? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> How about Stephen Jackson, David Robinson, Steve Kerr, Speedy Claxton, Danny Ferry, and Steve Smith?</div>Speedy Claxton was the biggest loss from your list, there wasn't a better back up PG in the playoffs. But the way Parker has been playing do you really need that great back up PG now? Stephen Jackson was young and turned the ball over too much. Yes he was a spark but Hideo Turk has given the Spurs so much more. He has filled that void very nicely. He has added some great perimeter defense and that is why he is a step up. David Robinson was huge for them but Rasho Nesteravich has put up almost identical numbers and has given the Spurs more than they expected. Robinson was at the end stages of his career last year and Rasho has been a great replacement. Stever Kerr, Danny Ferry, and Steve Smith were all on this team for leadership more than anything. They were counted on to come in for a few minutes a game and knock down a shot or two. I think you know who their replacement is: Robert Horry. This guy has already came in and played big minutes and hit HUGE shots against Memphis. He has become the guy they look to for leadership and to hit the big shots. And what about Manu? This guy has really matured and is one of the best six man's in the League. This guy does a lot of things for this Spurs team. Do you see my point?
Rude said It all So I'm going to address the guy who said Spurs were overrated <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But the reason I think that some people (even me) dont give them any respect. Is because of the style that they play. When they're on the court, they dont do anything special</div> So playing amazing defense is not anything speical? great guard play, quickness, three-point shooting and post play is not anything speical? Something must be to get over 57 wins and winning an NBA title last year. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Besides they're defense there is nothing special about them that set them aside from the other teams in the NBA. Well thats I think at least. Even though I think that they're overated. I still give them respect. They deserve it.</div> Defense is nothing speical? Do you even know who the Spurs are? finished tied in best overall defense in the NBA, joint with the Pistons and we all know how great that defensive team is. Fact is only Detroit come close to what the Spurs bring on D, Bruce Bowen shuts guys down for fun, he holds superstars to way under their season average FG%, Tim Duncan locks big guys down inside with his shot blocking abilty. The Spurs defense is why the title is in San Antonio and will likely stay there.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">David Robinson was huge for them but Rasho Nesteravich has put up almost identical numbers and has given the Spurs more than they expected. Robinson was at the end stages of his career last year and Rasho has been a great replacement.</div> If the Lakers and Spurs meet in the second round, which seems very likely, are you willing to tell me Rasho Nestrovic can guard Shaquille O'Neal?? The soft Rasho Nestrovic can guard the Diesel? You gotta be kidding me. Maybe I'm "biased," but let's live in reality please. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Stever Kerr, Danny Ferry, and Steve Smith were all on this team for leadership more than anything. They were counted on to come in for a few minutes a game and knock down a shot or two. I think you know who their replacement is: Robert Horry. This guy has already came in and played big minutes and hit HUGE shots against Memphis. He has become the guy they look to for leadership and to hit the big shots.</div> Robert Horry has been a decent player for them since he arrived in San Antonio, and yes he hit those big clutch threes the other night against Memphis, but the reason why he was cut from Los Angeles is that he suddenly stopped being the clutch player he was, throwing up bricks left and right. Can Horry keep hitting those threes in clutch situations? I feel he can't do that on a consistent basis. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">And what about Manu? This guy has really matured and is one of the best six man's in the League. This guy does a lot of things for this Spurs team.</div> Manu has been huge for San Antonio off the bench, and if there's one guy I fear on San Antonio besides Tim Duncan, it would be Manu. He really uses his speed and quickness to get to the basket and draw contact, very versatile player, and he has a decent jumpshot. But I'm still going with the Lakers in 7. We're too deep a team. :mrgreen:
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">If the Lakers and Spurs meet in the second round, which seems very likely, are you willing to tell me Rasho Nestrovic can guard Shaquille O'Neal?? The soft Rasho Nestrovic can guard the Diesel? You gotta be kidding me. Maybe I'm "biased," but let's live in reality please.</div>When did I say he could guard Shaq? Stop putting words into my mouth. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Robert Horry has been a decent player for them since he arrived in San Antonio, and yes he hit those big clutch threes the other night against Memphis, but the reason why he was cut from Los Angeles is that he suddenly stopped being the clutch player he was, throwing up bricks left and right. Can Horry keep hitting those threes in clutch situations? I feel he can't do that on a consistent basis.</div>Of coarse thats your feeling, you're a Lakers fan. What you don't understand is that the Spurs don't need Horry to come up clutch every night by hitting clutch threes. Whatever he brings them is a plus. He has great playoff experience and is known as a true playoff performer. He has an instinct for the ball and he knows where to be and when to be there. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Manu has been huge for San Antonio off the bench, and if there's one guy I fear on San Antonio besides Tim Duncan, it would be Manu. He really uses his speed and quickness to get to the basket and draw contact, very versatile player, and he has a decent jumpshot. But I'm still going with the Lakers in 7. We're too deep a team. :mrgreen:</div>Wait, the Lakers have a bench?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">When did I say he could guard Shaq? Stop putting words into my mouth.</div> Rasho is gonna have to guard Shaq one way or the other when these two teams meet in the second round which looks very likely by how the series is looking for both teams. So to say Rasho is an "upgrade" over David Robinson is ridiculous. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Of coarse thats your feeling, you're a Lakers fan. What you don't understand is that the Spurs don't need Horry to come up clutch every night by hitting clutch threes. Whatever he brings them is a plus. He has great playoff experience and is known as a true playoff performer. He has an instinct for the ball and he knows where to be and when to be there.</div> Yeah playoff experience, but I wonder where his performance went in 2003. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Wait, the Lakers have a bench?</div> If the Laker role players can repeat their performance in Game 2 with decent scoring and clutch baskets, then yeah this team will be very hard to beat.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Rasho is gonna have to guard Shaq one way or the other when these two teams meet in the second round which looks very likely by how the series is looking for both teams. So to say Rasho is an "upgrade" over David Robinson is ridiculous. </div> If Shaq was in the form of 2 or 3 years ago I would agree but Shaq can't even seem to get good positioning anymore. Rasho has been known as a weak defender but in S.A he has been proven to be decent in that area, but I guess playing with Duncan every player improves...Spurs play great team defense so I wouldn't hardly ever expect Rasho to guard Shaq one on one. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Yeah playoff experience, but I wonder where his performance went in 2003. </div> Being overused thats what, had Horry been limited in the regular season he would of been much better for L.A in the post season. He shot so badly in last years playoffs purely because he had no legs, no lift in his jumpshot. This year Horry has been playing very good basketball for the first two games and It will continue. Horry is the reason why the Sacramento Kings are not known as former NBA champions. Fact is this, the Lakers will need to step up their game ALOT more If they are to beat the Spurs in a 7 game series. Without homecourt It will be really tough for them to pull the series out...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting worldchamps9903:</div><div class="quote_post">When we won our first title, Phil Jackson, along with everyone and their mother, labled our championship with an asterik. Because it was a strike-shortened season, I guess no team was worthy of winning the championship that year. Oh wait, if one of the other big-market teams won the title that year, nobody would mention a damn thing about an asterik season, and nobody would try to discredit their championship. </div> You?re totally right. If the Lakers had won the lockout season championship anyone would say "their ring has an asterisk, it?s only a 50 game season". Sometimes I think that it?s better not to be favourites, the pressure is for "respected" teams.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_Fever_834:</div><div class="quote_post">Rasho is gonna have to guard Shaq one way or the other when these two teams meet in the second round which looks very likely by how the series is looking for both teams. So to say Rasho is an "upgrade" over David Robinson is ridiculous.</div>Ok, I'm going to tell you for the last time, stop putting words into my mouth. You know how annoying that is? When did I say Rasho was an "upgrade" from Robinson? I said he was a good replacement because he has turned out to be. Robinson couldn't guard shaq last year either, no one can. They will send double teams his way because they lakers cannot hit open shots. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Yeah playoff experience, but I wonder where his performance went in 2003. </div>Who cares, he was playing for the Lakers. AllNet already answered that one. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> If the Laker role players can repeat their performance in Game 2 with decent scoring and clutch baskets, then yeah this team will be very hard to beat.</div>lol...if if if...they played a decent game, don't expect that to keep up. Especially when you are playing the #7 seed. These are the Spurs we are talking about here.
I didn't read anything from here but from the title here is my answer: They don't respect them just for a simple reason. they don't have a superstar player with a cool attitude. TD is an All-Star but he doesn't talk you'll love to have a guy like him on your team , does his job not much talking you can win a championship with him. If they had a guy like Shaq , or Chris Webber..you know shoes line , clothes , songs , cool commercials ...a lot of talking funny aswell as all-stars , just some examples.
