I don't think Duncan will leave the Spurs. His team has too much cap room, an attractive city, a new arena.... If anything, I would look for the Spurs to sign the Kandi-man so that Duncan can continue to slum at power forward. Of course, Kandi also likes Miami; but which team will be better?
Point being that Spurs don't have any INTEGRAL players (besides Robinson) over 30 years of age. Starting lineup next year, if no FA's are signed looks like this: Parker (21), Ginobilli (26), S. Jackson (25), Duncan (27), and Either Malik Rose (30) or Louis Scola (22) (drafted in 2nd this year by Spurs - PF playing in Europe averaging 20 + 10 this year, played in the WC's with M. Ginobilli) Most likely, obviously, will be some differences to this scenario in that that lineup would leave the Spurs 11-13 mil. under the cap. Do the math; this team has really watched itself and has planned for Duncan's contract coming up. They will get by next summer free; Duncan won't take his opt-out. The follwing summer, however, B. Reeves contract finally comes off the books in New Orleans (15 million of cap space available - if you can believe that); Grizzlies will then sign Duncan in the summer of '94 and will role out the following starting lineup: (you didn't think the Logo went East for the weather, did you?) James (yes - that James) - ROY Giricek - or Battier - Runner up ROY Gasol - ROY Gooden - ROY Duncan - ROY, MVP (Gulp) Plus they get to trade J. Will for something to come off the bench or compliment this juggernaut! It is VERY possible this could happen; anybody wonder just HOW the Grizz are 0-12 if not by design? Isn't Hubie Brown the kind of no-nonsense fundamentals coach you would want for a 18 year old 6' 9" point guard? (Gulp - Gulp) Forget the Spurs & Mavs - there is some serious threat coming from the bottom of this division.
