At their peak in 2003, the San Antonio Spurs were a team that could have turned some of the all-time greats around. In 2007, the Spurs still had enough to win a champagne that ended up beating the Pistons 4-3. Since then, the Spurs have gotten progressively worse to this day, questions remain as to whether they will make it to the playoffs in full force. So what are the reasons behind the drop?
The first thing that comes to mind is age. Tim Duncan, while still among the best forwards in the league, no longer plays like the greatest of all time. Tim, in 2004, and up until his rookie year, was someone the Spurs could count on to have a clear advantage over their opponents. Since 2004, his game took a surprising turn as he utilized less of his Hakeem Olajuwonesque skills and progressed to becoming a double-team kicker and an excellent system passer. His regular progress from years past is now a highlight every two to three weeks.
Despite the decline and difference in play, Duncan remains All-Star caliber. Instead, Manu Ginobili has seen his game hit rock bottom in 2010. This comes after 2009 in which he was injured for most of the season. Ginobili’s demise undoubtedly correlates strongly with his reckless playing style and doing anything to win. In short, years of hustle and aggression have robbed one of the top two shooting guards in the NBA of the incredible game he once exhibited. Ginobili may have been dubbed an X factor for the Spurs in their playoff runs, but he was just as important as Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in putting trophies in the Spurs’ trophy case.
“Hollywood” Tony Parker had the best season of his career in 2009 and then decided not to take the summer off. Instead of kicking back and relaxing, he played basketball for his country and now runs the point with much less speed, momentum and stamina. Come the fourth quarter, Tony’s jumper is flat and he’s looking for umpires to bail him out on layups. Of course, aside from being physically worn out, Parker’s other big problem is a lingering plantar fasciitis injury.
A final contributor to the decline is Gregg “Pop” Popovich. The Hall of Fame coach is still excellent at canceling rebounds, but his overall game plan and stubbornness on substitutions have sabotaged the Spurs in some games.
