Despite the fact that the San Antonio Spurs came up short against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, it doesn’t mean the team expects anything less than a championship next year. While there is sure to be plenty of competition in the Western Conference, the Spurs are equipped to make another run at the title.
Despite an aging team, anything less than another birth in the NBA Finals will be a disappointment for head coach Gregg Popovich and his squad. We know what Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili bring to the table. However, the Spurs have more than that. It is important to take a closer look at the younger talent on the team to get a better idea of whether or not they have what it takes to come out on top in 2013-14.
Who are these players? Well, three names come to mind:
• Kawhi Leonard
• Marco Belinelli
• Tiago Splitter
Based on last year’s performance, we know what Leonard in Splitter bring to the club. The X-factor is Belinelli. He is new to the team, but many are expecting him to be the missing link. With Gary Neal gone, Belinelli will be counted on to provide minutes in the backcourt. As a career 39 percent shooter from the three point line, this may be just what the Spurs need. Combine Belinelli with the sharpshooting of Danny Green and teams will have to guard the line, thus opening up the inside for the likes of Tim Duncan.
If the San Antonio Spurs are able to compete at the same level as last year, they have a solid chance of a deep playoff run and an NBA title. Expectations are as high as ever before in San Antonio. Will the Spurs be able to live up to them? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: every member of the team is working hard towards this goal.
