Post by nybombers3 on Jun 9, 2007 3:11:47 GMT -5
As the Spurs finish up the pre season (8-5) the thought of a repeat is still strong. Shaq, who decided to return rather then retire, played limited minutes in pre season. Still, he was able to average a very solid double double. The story of the pre season was Manu Ginobili who averaged 20 ppg, 7 rpg and 5 apg. The first 2 options on the Spurs are locked up (Dirk and Duncan) but the 3rd option is up for grabs between Ginobili and O'Neal. The 5th member of the starting line up, Jamal Tinsley, has stated that he's pretty content with just "being there". The Spurs are content with Tinsley doing the normal things point guards are supposed to do. At the end of the day, the Spurs offense goes as far as O'Neal, Duncan and Dirk carry them. The Spurs main weakness is the bench, especially the back court. While PJ Brown and Etan Thomas are solid role players, the Spurs are going to have to rely on the likes of Malik Hairston, Brent Barry, Uros Tripkovic and Goran Dragic to hold down the bench from the back court positions. Hairston, Tripkovic and Dragic (rookies) are happy to be getting playing time on a defending championship team and are looking to prove there worth. Last but not least, it all comes down to the man the Spurs voted as MVP. Darius Songaila. While Tim Duncan was voted the finals MVP, he happily gave the trophy to Songalia. O'Neal stated that one of the reasons he came back was because he wanted to play with Songalia. Darius was even able to improve the offenses of Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O'Neal and Manu Ginobili. Songalia is a key part of the Spurs and as long as he remains on the team, expect the Spurs to be huge players in the West.
Songalia celebrating his 2nd championship win, first with the Spurs.[/size][/center]
Prediction: 60-22, 1st in the West
Songalia celebrating his 2nd championship win, first with the Spurs.
Prediction: 60-22, 1st in the West
@ the pic