NBA Preview: The San Antonio Spurs

What's not to like about the San Antonio Spurs? There is Tim Duncan in the paint, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker on the perimeter, and Big Shot Bob waiting in the wings. This team has it all. The San Antonio Spurs are one of the premier teams in the Western Conference, and the entire NBA. The Spurs have solid veterans with playoff experience, a great coach, and a nice bench. Just as important, the San Antonio Spurs have good team chemistry and play well together. San Antonio is a top contender in the Western Conference and has a good chance to make it to the NBA Finals.

Tim Duncan, who Shaquille O'Neal refers to as the Big Fundamental, is the soft-spoken leader of the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan's actions speak louder than his words, and his ability speaks volumes. The 6'11" Big Fundamental has the complete game. Duncan scored nearly 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, blocked 2 shots, and dished 3 assists per game last year. Tim Duncan could score more points, if necessary, but the Spurs are good enough that he doesn't have to. He is so versatile that he creates match up problems for most teams that the Spurs face. Duncan is also a veteran, who has led the San Antonio Spurs to three NBA Championships. Tim Duncan has been named NBA Finals MVP three times, league MVP twice, and is consistently a member of the NBA All-Defensive Team. As long as Tim Duncan is healthy, the San Antonio Spurs will be a top team in the Western Conference.

San Antonio also has a great supporting cast to surround Tim Duncan. Tony Parker has stepped up to become the leading scorer for the Spurs. Parker, the Spurs' point guard, consistently drives to the lane, getting high percentage shots and earning trips to the foul line. Tony Parker averaged 19 points per game last season, while shooting a ridiculous 55% from the field. Guards do not shoot that high of a percentage for an entire season. It is basically unheard of. Parker also dishes six assists per night. The one thing Tony Parker needs to improve on is cutting down his turnovers. Parker turned the ball over 3 times per game last season.

Manu Ginobili is another strong member of the San Antonio Spurs. Ginobili puts up good numbers, but his true impact does not show up in the box score. Ginobili is the type of guy who dives for loose balls, comes up with the big steal, and takes it to the hoop and dunks in crunch time. He will sacrifice his body for the team and do whatever it takes to win. This selfless attitude is what the San Antonio Spurs are all about.

The talent does not end there for San Antonio. They also have veterans Robert Horry, Michael Finley, Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, and Jacque Vaughn. Nick Van Exel is a free agent, but it's not clear if San Antonio will re-sign him. Gregg Popovich is the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. He has led them to three NBA Titles and won the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 2003. Popovich has an amazing record as an NBA Coach, winning 67% of all games in his career.

The San Antonio Spurs are very talented and have a history of winning it all. The team is full of veteran leaders that have one goal: to win an NBA Championship this year. The Western Conference will be won by either Phoenix or San Antonio, in my opinion. I think Phoenix may have the edge because of their high-powered offense, but the reality is that it's anybody's guess. If the Spurs can get by Phoenix, they should win another NBA Championship. It will be an interesting match up.