The San Antonio Spurs

Before this season started no one thought the San Antonio Spurs had a chance to win the NBA Championship. Almost no one even had them in their top 5 teams to start off the year. Not above the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, or even the Chicago Bulls. To be honest many might not even of had them in their top 10 considering they finished 7th place in the Western Conference for the first time since the 1996-1997 season. The Spurs, known recently for winning 4 NBA Championships in a 9 year span that lasted from 1999-2007, were getting old. Known as a modern dynasty for their achievements many had began to write the team who had the same 3 main pieces since 2003. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili were know as the "Big 3" in San Antonio. Many were saying that while Parker was still in his prime, that the other two were beginning to age. Ginobili had been struggling with knee and ankle injuries for the last 2-3 years, and Duncan was just getting older. So naturally everyone believed this team was done and needed to start rebuilding.
The Spurs, however, believed differently because they have the best record in the NBA right now and are off to the best start they have had in their franchise history. Most analysts credit Coach Greg Popovich's decision to switch the teams style from a slow pace inside out style to a fast pace guard oriented style. While this has helped the Spurs tremendously this year, I believe the real reason they are back and off to a great start is because they are healthy. Ginobili seems back to full strength for the first time in a long time and Duncan hasn't been fatigued this year. If they can stay healthy and rested for the rest of the year another NBA Championship might be in there future. For more information about the San Antonio Spurs click here.