RIP 2017 San Antonio Spurs
Is this the end of the San Antonio Spurs run? No, not the 2016-17 version that went 61-21 the year after Tim Duncan retired, but the end of the incredibly long lasting dynasty they created? Only time will tell, but as the crowd showed love for Manu Ginobili, the second of the big three (him with Duncan and Tony Parker), it made you wonder if Kawhi Leonard alone can carry this team for another decade-plus of winning.
DRAFT PICKS: The Spurs have both of their original selections
SALARY CAP: $5,251,000
FREE AGENTS: Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills, Jonathan Simmons, Joel Anthony
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT
C: DeWayne Dedmon, Pau Gasol
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge, Davis Bertans, David Lee
SF: Kyle Anderson, Kawhi Leonard
SG: Bryn Forbes, Danny Green
PG: Dejounte Murray, Tony Parker
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS OFF-SEASON
Well, I don't really think it entirely matters if Ginobili retires or not. They will need to go and re-sign either Patty Mills or Jonathan Simmons, and that plus the draft choices will take up the salary cap space that they have. I think this core group of players has one last year they can truly contend before they have to do some shifting around, so I think this off-season will count. The Spurs have been relevant since David Robinson was drafted, and at this point you have to feel like the pressure is on to not fall away.
EARLY PREDICTION FOR 2017-18
Assuming Golden State keeps Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, and why wouldn't they, the Spurs don't have a legitimate chance even with a healthy Kawhi Leonard. I'm sorry, but it's true. LaMarcus Aldridge isn't a great power forward, and Tony Parker is not the same. Pau Gasol is ancient, and Danny Green is this generation's Bruce Bowen. The Spurs may win 60 times again, but don't expect them to make next year's West Finals a seven game series.
