Congratulations to the Nets and the Spurs on fine seasons. But what comes next for both clubs, now that NBA Finals 2003 has concluded? What do the Spurs have to do to repeat as champions, and what do the Nets have to do to get back to the Finals? Here's a look at what both teams face this offseason in their efforts to build upon their 2002-03 campaigns.
The Quest for Kidd:
One of the most interesting subplots of NBA Finals 2003 focused on free-agent-to-be Jason Kidd. The Spurs are reportedly one of the teams most interested in signing Kidd this offseason. The Nets, meanwhile, would like nothing more than to keep their All-Star point guard in New Jersey.
The issue lost momentum early on in the series when incumbent Spurs point guard Tony Parker was playing at an MVP level. But after the first three games, in which Parker averaged 21.0 ppg and 5.3 apg, the 21-year-old averaged just 7.0 ppg (on 8-for-31 shooting) over the last three games of the Finals. Additionally, backup point guard Speedy Claxton was getting key minutes late in games. So the speculation is sure to start anew as to whether Parker is the long-term answer for the Spurs at the point.
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What does the future hold for Jason Kidd and Tony Parker? Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/NBAE |
The only certainty for the Nets is that they badly want the player responsible for their resurgence to stay in a Nets uniform.
"(Kidd is) a basketball player but he's a business person also," said Nets coach Byron Scott shortly after Game 6. "So he's going to explore his options, he's going to see what's best for him and his family. Hopefully, when he comes to his conclusion, it will be New Jersey."
Others to Sign:
Besides Kidd, there are other key free agents that both teams need to make decisions about this summer.
For the Spurs, Claxton, Stephen Jackson and Kevin Willis become free agents this offseason. Claxton emerged as a solid backup point guard in the Finals, averaging 8.7 ppg (on 50.0 percent shooting) in the last three games of the Finals. Jackson, while streaky, has given the Spurs a solid inside-outside option at small forward. And Willis was also effective in spot duty in the low-post this postseason.
For the Nets, Lucious Harris becomes a free agent this offseason. While he struggled in the Finals, shooting just 11-for-36 from the field, he is the Nets first guard off the bench and is a favorite of Coach Scott.
Draft Prospects:
Both the Nets and the Spurs have their first-round draft picks to help them retool for next season. The Nets have the 22nd pick in the first round, while the Spurs will pick 28th.
The Nets also have a second-round pick, No. 51. The Spurs, however, do not have a second round pick.
Spurs Aren't Getting Any Younger:
The Spurs can be happy about the farewell gift they gave 38-year-old David Robinson, sending him out a champion in his final season. But his exit introduces an immediate need, as they now have a hole in the frontcourt, especially considering that Robinson's backup, Willis, is 40 years old.
Besides Robinson, there have also been whispers that 38-year-old Steve Kerr may retire this offseason. Along with Kerr, the Spurs also have Danny Ferry (36) and Steve Smith (34) on their roster.
While all of these players are capable of contributing, chances are the Spurs will look to replace at least a couple of them in an effort to get a little younger.





