I think the importance of chemistry is underrated. It takes years for players to really get to know how to play with each other. TD, MG, and TP know how to play with each other and really complement each other. Those three have the main elements you need to win: Duncan brings length and a low post presence and defensive anchor, Parker brings the ability to penetrate and hit the mid-range shot, and Manu adds the creativity that teams need to avoid being predictable and the ability to both penetrate and hit outside shots. Every other player they bring in complements their strengths. So they always have someone to stretch the floor (Bonner, Kerr, Bowen, Horry), they've got someone to play physical in the paint, and they get people who can defend. Plus, there's no drama on that team. Basically that's because you have a clear pecking order with one of the greatest coaches of all time and the best PF of all time. So new guys know they can't mess around.
Cliche answer: It all starts AT the TOP Tim Duncan is the key component in it all making jobs easier. The other Texas team, they similarly have an all world consistent PF in Dirk that helps. Though there's a definite ORGANIZATIONAL approach to what the Spurs do. The Spurs actually have the "poorest" owner in the NBA, while Cuban is one of the richest. Takes keen, competent eyes to observe the correct qualities. Then implementing them into a working system where they can keep identifying those qualities. After their first title success, they maintained some good CONTINUITY. No changing uniforms and logos and any of that funny business (Rockets). No flaky coaches (Pistons Larry Brown). For instance: Tim Duncan is 36 with Tony Parker playing MVP ball. When Shaquille O'Neal was 36 and playing with MVP point guard Steve Nash (and Amare) they didnt even make the playoffs. Which indicates you can stack talents together, but how they're managed can still count. Oddly, I think the Rockets approach isnt too bad in comparison. I can see some "Pop-lite" ways with Kevin McHale, someone who can be a "general" but know when to not take things too seriously. Rockets have a certain methodology they go by, some elements thats been used by the other Texas teams. Now to get that Timmy D and Dirk....
Yeah, if it was Les that owned the Spurs, their uniforms would have pin stripes and a flying armadillo. The front office is solid. They have a big 3, not a big 2. No egos. You would NEVER see a "Toronto" game from any of them.
Ding. Ding. Ding. This is not a slight at their top-class management, but this cannot be understated. As the cliche goes, management aren't the ones on the floor playing.
Have you been paying attention to Parker? He's probably the best he's ever played. You realize he's been a finals mvp right? Can't accuse him of being soft, he's always scoring in the paint.
The Fact That They Are Not In Cursed City Houston, The fact that they have a better fan base, better arena, better coach, better players, better Owner and Last THE BEST GM IN ALL MAJOR SPORTS.
Pop is an amazing coach. Their role players are just run of the mill guys, but they work perfectly on that team. Look at how they play when the sit the big three for an entire game. Everyone steps up, they still move the ball, hustle, and defend. Even without the talent, they're not easy to beat.
rookie, stop the bold face. no. their stadium sucks. The location is horrible, it's in the middle of nowhere. You have to park there like you were going to a football game at reliant. The Toyota Center is 100x better. Much better location, easier to get to, better food options.
15 years ago on their BBS they had tanking and anti tanking debates like here. Lots of people who think they knew something said not to tank and just keep hoping on the Admiral.. of course they tanked and 15 years later they're still reaping the benefits. Moral of the story: .500 is not cool
They cloned Brian Scalabrine and gave him a 3 point shot. Just not fair for the rest of the league. /smh
I don't think it is totally a knack for finding players more than it is that pop KNOWS his system and any player that plays for him is instantly better player because of the whole organization. I'm saying the same thing about Coach Hollins. Some of the guys he brought in Spieghts for example SHOULD NOT be playing as well as they do, but because of the culture of the team, he fell right in line. The spurs have a lot of young talent on that team and a mix of veterans and they have pop. It is just a deadly combination.
The Spurs would sort of be like the Celtics, it's going to slow become Tony Parker's team (like Rondo in Boston). Once, the older players have retire, they can chase after quality free agents and continue to build the team through the draft.
Seems they always get bounced first or second round regardless of how good they were in the regular season. I think this trend continues unless they play the Clippers who I think they can take easily.
This. Morey reminds me of Buford in his ability to find diamonds in the rough and good complimentary players, Buford had a bigger advantage because he was the first real promoter of drafting foreigners, but I think Morey is capable of doing a similar job to Buford. Of course, we need a Tim Duncan type player to build around. We had two not too long ago, and it's not too infeasible to see that duo sticking around like the Spurs have because of the FO's ability to bring in solid players.
