NBA JAM: SAN ANTONIO SPURS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neate looks at the Southwest Division, specifically the San Antonio Spurs.

Last season: 63-19, 1st in Western Conference, lost 4-3 to Dallas in second round
Coach: Greg Popovich
New faces: Francisco Elson, Jacque Vaughn
Funny-looking white guy: Ex-Raptor Matt Bonner (pictured, at left)
Blogs: Pounding The Rock, Spur of the Moment

This probably the last kick at the cat for this current Spurs crew, since only the Big Three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker (pictured, at right) is under contract past 2007. The Spurs have four draft choices next season, and they'll probably be looking to reload then.

Until that time, this is still a very good team with a 55-win potential, but the Spurs definitely seem to be, and sorry for the corporate-speak, "transitioning" themselves.

Their championship teams in '03 and '05 played tight D and good team basketball on the offensive end. Their lockdown defender, Bruce Bowen, is getting older. Duncan will likely have to play centre from time to time, since their other bigs, Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson, don't exactly inspire much confidence.

Tony Parker will likely have to take over more of the offence for the Spurs to contend this year. They'll be no worse than the No. 4 seed in the West, but don't be surprised if you hear talk of big changes after another early playoff exit.

Also in Southwest Division: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.