San Antonio Spurs’ 2011-2012 Season Preview

Coach: Gregg Popovich (Entering 16^th season as Spurs’ head coach: 797-383 record)

2010-2011 in Review

Record: 61-21

Division Finish: 1^st in Southwest Division

Conference Finish: 1^st in Western Conference

Playoffs: Lost 1^st Round 4-2 to Memphis Grizzlies

Offseason

NBA Draft: Kawhi Leonard (R1 P15 from IND), Corey Joseph (R1 P29), Davis Bertrans (R2 P12 from IND), Adam Hanga (R2 P29)

Roster Additions: T.J. Ford (FA), Frank Hassel (Undrafted FA), Cory Joseph (Draft), Kawhi Leonard (Draft), Luke Zellar (FA)

Roster Losses: Da’Sean Butler (Waivers), George Hill (Draft Day Trade W/IND), Antonio McDyess (Retired), Steve Novak (Waivers), Chris Quinn (Unrestricted FA)

Questions and Answers

Will this be Duncan’s last season in the league?

A: As everyone knows, Duncan has been the center piece for the San Antonio Spurs since his arrival in 1997.  He has won four championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, two NBA MVPs and numerous other awards throughout his career, but don’t expect him to retire after this season unless he wins another championship in June.

How will the team adjust to the lockout-shortened season?

A: Whatever the circumstances, Coach Popovich will have his players prepared for the season.  With a healthy Big Three and shortened season, the squad should be in position to put up another successful season as a top-5 NBA squad.

How will the draft day moves improve the team?

A: The Spurs’ draft day moves solidified the Spurs’ point guard situation with Cory Joseph, and helped the aging Duncan down low with the acquisition for Kawhi Leonard.  It’s tough to lose a player like George Hill, but the team will be in good standing for opening night after their offseason acquisitions.

Is the window still open for another championship run?

A: The window is certainly open and there’s no question about it.  The team is still led by the Big Three and acquired some young talent in the draft (Cory Joseph and Kawhi Leonard). The shortened 66 game season (similar to 1999) certainly helps the aging team, who held the league’s second best regular season record last season.  Expect the team to once again be a true contender for the NBA Championship, even with their window closing.  Both the Lakers and Mavericks lost key pieces from their championship teams, so the Western Conference is expected to be weaker this season.  The Spurs, on the other hand, return many of their key pieces from last season, and have remained a consistent contender over the past decade.  Sidekicks Matt Bonner, Gary Neal, and Richard Jefferson will be pivotal pieces for the Spurs if they remain focused on a 5^th Championship in the Tim Duncan-Gregg Popovich era.