2) San Antonio Spurs
Two-time defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard is an magnificent defender. Last season the Spurs were an all-time great defense. The Golden State Warriors averaged 100.75 points per game in their four regular season meetings last year. The Warriors added Kevin Durant for this year. The Spurs lost one of the best defensive big men of all-time, Tim Duncan, to retirement.
Catch my drift?
The Spurs have to figure out a way to maintain a strong defense despite losing Duncan. Leonard can’t guard every player on the floor (I assume) so the rest of the lineup has to step up. Pau Gasol is not a rim protector and there are whispers that LaMarcus Aldridge might not stay in San Antonio for the whole year.
These are all reasons why they ended up number two on this list.
Gregg Popovich may be the best coach of all-time, but for the first time in a long time he doesn’t have the “Big Fundamental” on his roster. He’s going to have his work cut out for him this year.
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are aging so the youngsters will have to play big roles if there’s a shot at beating the Warriors in the playoffs. Kawhi has to have his fingerprints all over this game and prove that he can stop KD in a seven game series.
Rebounding will also be a question and if they can sure that up before April, the Spurs chances to beat Golden State increases.