How do the Warriors and Spurs match up now?

The San Antonio Spurs have made significant moves in free agency, so will they be the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors next season?

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The Spurs have been perennial NBA championship contenders for well over a decade, and that winning culture will ensure that they continue to be involved in title talk for years to come.

Not only are coach Gregg Popovich, veterans Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili all returning for another championship run, but they’ve also added some more stars to their already talented cast.

LaMarcus Aldridge was arguably the biggest free agent on the market this summer, and his decision to join the Spurs undoubtedly had an impact on the landscape in the Western Conference and the league as a whole. Further, David West has now sacrificed significant money to join up with the gang in San Antonio, and that roster certainly looks intimidating for any of their rivals next season.

The likes of the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder will come again next year, and they have all built impressive rosters to make a deep run in the playoffs.

However, San Antonio are going to be the biggest test for Golden State next season as Steve Kerr and Co look to defend their crown.

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; The Golden State Warriors celebrate after winning game six of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Warriors won 105-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors proved this past season that they were indeed the best team in the league, and there is no reason to suggest that they won’t be equally as dangerous when they look to repeat in the new campaign. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will continue to form the core of this squad, and as proven throughout last year, they have the pieces around them to legitimately ensure that they remain competitive.

However, the Spurs have made some game-changing moves, and pairing Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Duncan with Aldridge in the starting five along with Ginobili, West, Patty Mills and Boris Diaw off the bench, they have the advantage.

There is of course the argument that we won’t know for sure if it is a stroke of genius until we see them play, and there is a possibility that it will take time for Aldridge and West to settle into that group and become part of the team and adjust to their style. Nevertheless, the pair have been around long enough and are professional enough to do what is necessary, as ultimately they have joined up with Popovich to a win a championship and feel that it is the best place for them to realise that dream.

Much can change from now until the playoffs next season, as an injury blow here or there can alter a team’s plan in a split second. However, it would come as no surprise if the Warriors and Spurs set the pace, and a clash in the Western Conference finals would be a real treat.

Golden State would arguably have the edge as this group is coming back as champions and have found the perfect balance. However, just as the Cleveland Cavaliers proved last season, give a talented team enough time to figure things out over the regular season, and they will be a threat when it’s playoff time.

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