3. San Antonio Spurs
X-Factor: LaMarcus Aldridge
We’ve all heard the story, but it’s important to rehash it for all the Spurs fans out there. It’s Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals last season. The Warriors were 8-0 heading into the game, but were down 20 points in the third quarter. Kawhi Leonard falls upon Zaza Pachulia’s stray foot and injures his ankle, ending his postseason. Golden State would not only come back to win the game but also a sweep of the series.
The Warriors won the title, going 16-1 in the postseason. But Kawhi’s injury begs the question, could the Spurs have given Golden State a challenge? And more importantly, can they give them one this season?
Tony Parker is entering his age 35 season, his 17th as San Antonio’s starting PG. His PPG has fallen in four consecutive seasons, but he’s still a serviceable point guard who’s perfect for Popovich’s system. Danny Green is in heading into his 8th season on the Spurs. Green is another serviceable player, but more of a defensive specialist.
Let’s not fool ourselves however, this team will be a top Western Conference club because of Kawhi Leonard. At only 26-years old, Kawhi is coming off his best season yet, and hasn’t seemed to reach his ceiling.
LaMarcus Aldridge had his lowest scoring output in a season since his rookie year. The 33-year old definitely slipped in production, most notably in the postseason. Twice Aldridge failed to reach the 10-point mark in the Golden State series. With his name floated in trade rumors this offseason, hopefully he’s determined to make things right this year and give Golden State a run for their money.
That leaves the veteran center Pau Gasol in the paint. Gasol, similar to Aldridge, experienced the worst scoring numbers of his entire career. Known for his paint protection, it didn’t necessarily hurt the Spurs as much as Aldridge’s struggles.
The Spurs bench consists of Patty Mills, Dejounte Murray, Bryn Forbes, Manu Ginobili, Kyle Anderson, Rudy Gay, and Joffrey Lauvergne.
As the rest of the roster ages, more and more will be needed from Kawhi to keep this team contending in the Western Conference. The addition of Rudy Gay makes sense, and will most likely crack the starting lineup at some point in San Antonio. So even as this roster prepares a transition to younger players, never count an expeirenced, Popopvich-coached team from playoff success.
Final Record: 50-32