Jumpman, why do you think the Spurs aren\'t on the same level as Boston and Orlando already? I really want to know.
I keep hearing this on NBA forums and the only reasoning I heard was in reference to their exit in the first round this year. It seems like everyone forgot Ginobili was out, and I don\'t need to explain how critical that is.
No I said I do think they are on par with Bos/Orl. I probably should add the Nuggets to that list. Houston/Portland the next level down.
Problem is the West drastically favours who ever lands the 1st. Unless you\'re the Lakers, not an easy road to the Conf finals, and even then you\'ll have to play Hous/Portland in the 2nd round. Denver vs SA in the 2nd round sounds like its inevitable now. Lakers barely squeaked by them. They match up well with the Spurs too. Solid big rotation, tough wing players (Melo emerged this playoffs), and a leader in Chauncey. Same thing in the East though. Win 1st seed and take a seat in the Conf Finals.
RJ helps SA acquire another legit talent, but he becomes the 4th option on that team. Can he handle that roll? Assuming his defense improves by say 10-15%, he still remains as an upgrade over Michael Finley. They lack talent at the big positions. Matt Bonner? LOL. If they use their MLE to snag Rasheed or Marcin Gortat, then I can see SA as a more serious contender. Duncan\'s and Manu\'s health dictates their success regardless. 33 (turning 34) and 32 next year. I love Parker and consider him in the 10-15th range of best overall players in the NBA right now, but he carried the team toward the end of the season and they couldn\'t beat Dallas with him as the main option.