The Wild, Wild West: A Team-By-Team Preview Of The NBA Western Conference
By Matt Packer
San Antonio Spurs (Southwest Division)
Last year’s result: Regular Season (62-20). Won NBA Championship over Miami Heat in 5 games.
Significant players added: Kyle Anderson (Rookie)
Significant players lost:
Projected starting lineup: Tony Parker, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Boris Diaw, Tim Duncan
Analysis: After putting on one of the most dominant performances in NBA Finals history, convincingly beating the Heat in five games, the San Antonio Spurs don’t have to prove anything to the world. They also don’t need to make any changes to the most balanced, cohesive roster in the league. Wisely, they re-signed Boris Diaw and Patty Mills, both huge contributors off the bench during their regular season and playoff run. Without any roster turnover, there isn’t much to report outside of San Antonio selecting UCLA product, Kyle Anderson, with the last pick of the first round. A 6’9 “point forward” will fill any presumable gaps that their second unit has. Anderson has drawn comparisons to players such as Boris Diaw and Magic Johnson, both alluding to his versatility and great passing ability.
As always, the Spurs can seem to do no wrong. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the NBA Finals MVP in two years?
Grade: B+