The Spurs are just two wins away from their fifth trip to the NBA Finals, but this almost wasn’t this case, as the team reportedly considered making big moves last summer that would have altered the franchise’s future. Acccording to the New York Post’s Peter Vecsey, Spurs brass was willing to part ways with stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in an effort to get younger and healthier:
Spurs management called around the league to let the right people know that every player was touchable, exempting Tim Duncan. Owner Peter Holt, team president/coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford were committed to honor Duncan’s reign of scandal-drama-free excellence (four titles) over 14 seasons until he decided not to play for pay anymore.
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, I must reemphasize, were available for the appropriate equity.
Well, then.
This is obviously striking because Parker and Ginobili are two of the biggest reasons why San Antonio, just coming off a 20-game win streak, is the favorite for many to win it all this season. But apparently the Spurs, frustrated by a hugely disappointing first-round exit last season, felt they needed to consider all options. Looking back, no Parker or Ginobili likely means no 20 straight wins, no best record in the league and no shot at the title.
Luckily, the Spurs didn’t have the onions to pull the trigger on any deals. Not so delighted are the Thunder, Heat and Celtics.
H/T I am a GM
Photo: Brendan Maloney-US PRESSWIRE
