Spurs' "Other Trio"

After the most active offseason in recent memory, much of the talk in the past few months has been focused on the Spurs' new additions, free agent signings and camp hopefuls. It's normal; fans would love to know more about the new guys coming to their team.

These days much of the news about the Spurs would headline Blair, Hill, Jefferson and McDyess. Even Theo Ratliff, Keith Bogans and Malik Hairston have been on the news lately. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean I don't like it. In fact most articles on this site are about the 'new guys' and the 'Big three'.

But this time, I would like to give the spotlight on some of the least mentioned Spurs. Let me make it clear, if the Spurs are to win a title this coming season; they need a healthy Big three (have we heard or read about that a million times already?).

The newcomers like Blair, Jefferson and McDyess are great additions. They certainly boost our chances to win it all this year. But like any other championship year, we need players that know their roles and the system, players that complement stars.

In past we have players like Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Fabricio Oberto, and Steve Kerr fit into that role. This year, we have at least three players that can fit into that role. I'd like to call them, the "Other Trio."

Remember Roger Mason Jr.? In my opinion this guy remains to be the best pure shooter on the team. Last season he showed that he can really shoot. At some point last year he can even be considered as one of the league’s clutchest shooters; Hitting big shots when the game is on the line. He even earned the moniker 'Big Shot Rog' because of his late game heroics.

I know he went missing in action in last season's playoffs. But I am confident that this year will be different, with Manu coming back and Hill improving everyday; I think Roger Mason will be more comfortable with his role clearly defined. And that is to catch and shoot the ball.

What about Michael Finley? In my opinion, he remains to be one of the best clutch shooters in the league (sorry Mase!). It's because of the fact that he was able to deliver in clutch situations during the playoffs (Remember his performance in 2007 playoff series against Denver?).

Just this week he reminded everyone of what he is capable of doing. He scored 20 points, made five 3-pointers in just 17 minutes of action to lead the Spurs to a 119-102 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's just a preseason game, but it's still basketball. Finley's value to the team is not limited to being able to hit shots. His veteran smarts and savvy can help the new and young guys learn the system more quickly.

And then there's Matt Bonner, most Spurs fans (including myself) has made him a target on possible trade discussions. I think that he was an easy target for two main reasons. His inability to defend his man effectively, and his failure to make his shots when it counted most.

But last year's situation was unfair for Bonner. He's was our starting center if you guys remembered, and that limits his effectiveness. I think Bonner is more of a forward, a shooting big to be exact. More like Horry, but to lesser extent.

This season things should be different. He would definitely come off the bench, I think the Spurs will use him in game situations where they need to stretch the floor a bit more. If Bonner can focus on just shooting the basketball and don't think too much if he misses a shot, he could be helpful.

The Spurs are serious about winning the title this year, if these guys can stick to their role and do it effectively; things could be a lot easier for the Spurs. I'm not saying that the Spurs are clear favorites to win the title. All I'm saying is, they are a lot more better this year... and if every players gets into the same page? Watch out league! the Spurs are coming...

Spurs Reloaded!

The Spurs had an unsual offseason, they rolled the dice early getting Richard Jefferson in the process. Then they got lucky on draft night and snatched DeJuan Blair. They didn't stop there; they tried to steal Rasheed Wallace albeit with no success. But they moved on and added Haislip and McDyess respectively. Just when everyone think they are done with their offseason makeover, they acquired the services of Ratliff and if that's not enough just last week they shored up their backcourt with Keith Bogans for good measure. After all those moves, you would think the Spurs are building a roster of 20. But they do this for a purpose.

And the main reason is to win. Plain and simple that's been their goal in the past and that will never change. This team has valued winning more than any other team in the league. And this coming season is no exception. In 2008, they had their best shot of repeating but a lot of things happened; Manu not being 100%, the Game 1 collapse against the Lakers in the conference finals and some breaks (Fisher's Foul on Barry) that didn't went their way.

The following year they stayed put and added an important piece in Roger Mason. With a healthy 'Big 3', they know they can compete. But then again things didn't go their way; Manu was injured (again!) in the olympics. Tony hurt his ankle and even Duncan had his fair share of time off the court. That hurt the Spurs chances last year. They couldn't get in a rhytm, and don't have enough time to gel. Even the late addition of Gooden didn't help. In short when the playoffs came last season they weren't ready, not up to the task...

But it's NOT because of lack of focus or preparation; and it's definitely NOT because they don't have the will or the desire to win. They were just too wounded at the time. As Parker would say it "We don't have enough firepower to match up with them." But this coming season? It's a different story. The Spurs are definitely better. With the current lineup (yes, with Bonner), barring significant injuries; I like our chances... It could be argued that this might be the most talented Spurs roster during the Duncan era.

Most people or so focused about the RJ or Dice acquisition. Some would even say that Jefferson is not worth it (although he's overpaid) and is already past his prime, and that McDyess is just too old to produce consistenly. But let me say this, they just don't get it! The Spurs doesn't expect a title by merely adding Jefferson, McDyess or Blair. They are just pieces to the Spurs' championship puzzle...

They quickly forget that we still have Finley, Mason and Hill. And more importantly we have a great Coach in Gregg Popovich who in my opinion is the best coach in the NBA today (sorry Phil). I would say that besides the 'Big 3' being healthy, the next most important thing going for Spurs is Coach Pop. The way he handles his players amazes me, I mean the guy has great influence to the Spurs team that it nearly takes his own personality.

Now, with so much at stake the Spurs needs to trust him even more. Yes we definitely have upgraded talent wise, but how are you gonna use that talent effectively and efficiently is the next step and it's a great challenge. Let me remind you that in San Antonio expections are so high; anything less than a championship is a disappointment. In last year's playoffs they were wronged or embarassed I guess, and so they've reloaded not to impress but to tell everyone that "Hey we're not done yet, we're just getting started. Just wait and see" We should expect a thrilling and exciting season... It's about to begin let's sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride...

Spurs Camp: Plenty of options

With training camp just around the corner, the Spurs made a flurry of moves. First they signed Curtis Jerrells then gave Bogans a guarantee and now waived McClinton while adding Dwayne Jones. As it stands, the Spurs will have 14 players under guaranteed contracts (including Keith Bogans) heading into the camp. Malik Hairston and Marcus Williams are both partially guaranteed. And with a roster loaded with talent and virtually one final spot available, it could be one of the most difficult (decision wise) and interesting camp in Spurs history.

Now what position do the Spurs need to fortify? Small Forward? Point Guard?... I don't exactly know. Let's see, currently the Center position looks solid we have McDyess, Ratliff and maybe Mahinmi. But adding another big like Dwayne Jones is not out of the question 30-30 anyone? At Power Forward we have Timmy and Blair 'nuff said. Shooting Guard position looks stacked too with Ginobili, Mason, and now Bogans. Richard Jefferson should man the 3 spot when the season starts; Finley will back him up.

I'm inclined to think that the Spurs are leaning towards selecting either Williams (he can play the point) or Hairston (definitely a 3) for the final spot; the Spurs are just giving them high quality competition to prove their worth. But still, there is the possibility of James Gist sneaking in. Also, with only Parker and Hill at the point; the Spurs might just bring in another "true" Point Guard in Jerrells to add depth. It's really hard to tell. In a week or 2 we could have our answers but for now, we can only guess. Let's just hope that whoever comes out to fill the last roster spot is the piece we need as the Spurs tries to win another ring this coming season....