Storyline: With a new acquisition & multiple contract extensions the Spurs are looking strong. Can they overtake the Warriors and other teams out West? Yes!
This past NBA season had many ups and downs. Golden State surged, winning the title, while the defending champion San Antonio exited in the 1st Round of the playoffs. LeBron James reunited with Cleveland. And there was much more.
Aldridge is now a Spur. (Photo courtesy, cbssports.com)
Then there’s the NBA “season” after the playoffs, namely, the off-season. This 4-month period is filled with surprises–just like the regular season. This year is no different–perhaps with even more surprises–with max contracts going around, free agent movement, and surprising trades. Some teams did better than others. There were clear winners and not-so-lucky teams (we don’t call them ‘losers’ because that would be derogatory).
One of the less than fortunate teams is the Portland Trail Blazers. Although they signed All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to a 5 yr., $120 million extension, they weren’t able to keep power forward Lamarcus Aldridge. The Blazers traded a draft pick for Mason Plumlee of the Nets. Mason Plumlee is a good player, but he’s not going to fill Aldridge’s shoes.
On the opposite end of the spectrum there’s the San Antonio Spurs. They seemed to have rejuvenated the roster. The ironic part is that they only added one new piece to the puzzle: Aldridge. The Spurs got him for 4 yrs. and $80 million. They were also able to lock up key players–Kawhi Leonard for 5 yrs., $90 million and Danny Green for 4 yrs., $90 million. Contracts for Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan are currently in the works. It doesn’t look like either is leaving San Antonio.
Courtesy: rumorsandrants.com
With a new acquisition and multiple contract extensions the Spurs are looking to make a push next season–for at least one more run before “the old guys,” Ginobli, Duncan and Parker, are out of the league.
The starting lineup is projected to look like this:
PG-Tony Parker
SG-Danny Green
SF-Kawhi Leonard
PF-Lamarcus Aldridge
C-Tim Duncan
Will the Spurs be able to contend with the Champion Warriors and other West teams with revamped rosters? With this All-Star lineup, the answer is Yes!
