San Antonio Spurs, Old Reliable

(Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan)

In most season previews there was a common theme.  Finals predictions, up and coming teams, rookie of the year and the "Big 3".  Lakers were the favorite to win it all again, the Oklahoma Thunder and Kevin Durant were the new kids on the block, John Wall and Blake Griffin for rookie of the year and the Miami Heat along with the Boston Celtics "Big 3" debate continues.  These are definitely things to discuss in what is likely to be the most entertaining NBA season in years.  However, all this has the media over looking a team the encompasses all of the above.

Much like the Lakers, the Spurs have a veteran player in Tim Duncan who earned rookie of the year honors, while remaining on the same team he was drafted to in 1997, winning 4 championships in the process.  No one would consider the Spurs an up and coming team, but based on recent years performances, they have improved their play with some changes to their roster.  As far as "Big 3s" go, you would be hard pressed to find one with more chemistry than Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan, all playing side by side since 2003.

So I ask myself this question.  Why is it that a championship team, with arguably 3 of the best players in the NBA, a Hall of Fame coach in Greg Popovich and a history of winning, never get mentioned as title contenders?  Now I would hate to get into the "reputation rant", blaming the media, marketing and a little fan ignorance as to why the Spurs get no respect, even though the above mentioned does play a part.  Between 2003 and 2007, the Detroit Pistons won 1 and San Antonio Spurs won 4 NBA titles.  The casual fan considered this to be "the boring basketball era", lacking the high flying highlights with too much focus on defense.  The hard working yet humble attitudes of both teams were in no way what some would consider marketable, nor were there any household names to follow.  Things have changed since then, and the sports fan in general has become more aware and has a better understanding of their preferred sport.

As of today, this 2010-2011 San Antonio Spurs team has the best record in the NBA at 12-1.  1st place in the Western Conference, Soutwest Division leaders and have won 11 straight games.  It would make no sense to say the San Antonio Spurs have surprised the teams they have played against.  I do suspect though that some teams may have underestimated them, blinded by the hype of other teams or perhaps believing that with age, the Spurs best years are behind them.  If that is the case, those who are to face the Spurs next should remind themselves who they are facing.  Between Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan, they share 31 All NBA selections, 16 All-Star appearances and 7 All-Star game and finals MVP awards.

I have never hidden the fact that I am an advocate of the direction the NBA is headed, with focus on young athletic players with game speeds at their highest since I can remember.  However, I in no way am opposed to the "grind it out" style of basketball that teams like the Spurs can provide.  It is a proven way to win, and those that would underestimate proven talent and success to focus on hope and hype, are in for a big surprise, and likely a loss.