2. San Antonio Spurs
It is not controversial to say that San Antonio is the most well run organization in all of sports, nor is it a stretch to say that Greg Popovich is the premier coach. Their only competition is the NFL’s Pats, and unlike them, the Spurs have zero black marks on their resume.
There’s also serious doubt as to whether New England will ever be able to win without Brady. San Antonio seems to have answered the Tim Duncan version of that question. Lost in the narrative of Golden State’s triumph last season is the “what if” of Kawhi Leonard’s ankle. Hopefully Zaza got some extra Champaign for his troubles.
Yet, with the summer in the rear view mirror, there hasn’t been this much uncertainty surrounding the roster since before Timmy walked through the door. Manu Ginobili’s days as an x-factor may be over. Pau Gasol is getting paid a lot of money, but his role against the Warriors is anyone’s guess. LaMarcus Aldridge is apparently disgruntled. Tony Parker is old and on the mend.
Outside of Kawhi Leonard, the entire roster is in flux. Such flexibility might be scary for a franchise that thrives on stability and roster continuity. Lucky for Spurs fans, RC Buford’s next major blunder will be his first, Kawhi is – unfathomably – still improving, and Pop is, well…Pop.
Path to Glory: Keep doing what you’ve been doing for the last 2 decades, continue bringing Dejounte Murray along, keep an ear open for any Aldridge trade offers, and get ready to go big game hunting next summer before you have to sign Leonard to a massive extension.