Some things never change. The Spurs are coming off their 20th consecutive year in the playoffs and 18th straight season of winning 50 games. It was 61 victories that clinched No. 2 seed in the West. Don’t forget they held a 23-point lead on the Warriors in Game 1 of the West finals before Kia MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard limped off with a sprained ankle.
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ICYMI
The Spurs were supposedly open to making changes. Tried a run at Paul George, Chris Paul and even a deal for a top 10 draft pick … Signed Rudy Gay as free agent … Convinced 40-year-old Manu Ginobili to come back for a 16th season … Re-signed Patty Mills, who will start in Tony Parker’s absence, to a new deal … Pau Gasol was signed to a new three-year contract that was more cap friendly for team…Forward Jonathan Simmons was allowed to walk as a free agent … Joffrey Lauvergne signed as a free agent as Spurs become his fourth different team in four NBA seasons
THREE POINTS
1. LaMarcus Aldridge has been solid, if unspectacular in his first two seasons in San Antonio. As Parker mends from surgery and Ginobili ages, Aldridge has to step up his focus and his offensive game to help Leonard carry the load more consistently.
2. The reliable Mills, who has provided outstanding offensive jolts off the bench, will have to hold down the fort as the starter while Parker tries to come back from quadriceps surgery, probably February at the very soonest.
3. Leonard must be able to continue to carry the Spurs at both ends of the court, probably carrying more of a burden every night than any other player in the league. He’s increased his scoring average through his first six seasons, all while guarding top opponent each game.
MAN ON THE SPOT
After starting just 18 games through his first eight NBA seasons, Mills will have to carry a much greater burden as the opening-night starter at point guard. He will be especially vulnerable on defense.
STARTING FIVE
Patty Mills | 9.5 ppg | 1.8 rpg | 3.5 apg
Top reserve must plug hole in the lineup left by the injured Tony Parker.
Danny Green | 7.3 ppg | 3.3 rpg | 1.8 apg
Defensive specialist who is a streaky and quite valuable 3-point shooter.
Pau Gasol | 12.4 ppg | 7.8 rpg | 2.3 apg
The 37-year-old veteran is still crafty in the paint with his move and mid-range shot.
Kawhi Leonard | 25.5 ppg | 5.8 rpg | 3.5 apg
Michael Jordan says he’s the best two-way player in the league. Who’s to argue?
LaMarcus Aldridge | 17.3 ppg | 7.3 rpg | 1.9 apg
Spurs need him to assert himself more at the offense to help Leonard carry load.
KEY RESERVES
Rudy Gay | 18.7 ppg | 6.3 rpg | 2.8 apg
A potential steal as wing shooter, if he accepts Spurs way and plays defense.
Dejounte Murray | 3.4 ppg | 1.1 rpg | 1.3 apg
Showed confidence, ability as a rookie and will have to step up with Parker out.
Manu Ginobili | 7.5 ppg | 2.3 rpg | 2.7 apg
The old war horse toyed with retirement again, came back for 16th season of havoc.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Everybody keeps waiting for the Spurs to fall on their faces. There were questions about why they didn’t make big changes? Why when they went 61-21 and had the Warriors on their heels before Kawhi Leonard was hurt? There’s no reason to think they won’t be in the top two in West again.
Fran Blinebury has covered the NBA since 1977. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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