After falling to the Miami Heat in a heart-breaking seven game series loss 2013, the Spurs rebounded by dominating the Heat in five games to claim the NBA title in 2014.
More from NBA
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- NBA insider explains real reason the Grizzlies were done with Dillon Brooks
- Knicks projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
Instead of discussing the Spurs’ greatness, the basketball world immediately turned their attention to the free agency of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. With James re-joining the Cleveland Cavaliers and Anthony re-signing with the New York Knicks instead of inking with other potential contenders like the Chicago Bulls or Houston Rockets, the Spurs didn’t get much attention – all they did was bring back the group that won the title.
After dealing for Kevin Love (and before too actually), the Cavaliers became the favorite to win the title in Las Vegas.
Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders believes the Spurs should be the favorite.
"One of the most underrated stories of the summer, lost in the shuffle of LeBron James’ homecoming and Carmelo Anthony’s big decision, was the fact that San Antonio brought back all the major players that just won a championship together and shamed the two-time defending champion Miami HEAT into disbandment. Assuming those key players can remain healthy, they’re a good bet to finish atop the Western Conference and enjoy yet another deep run in the playoffs. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are apparently ageless, Tony Parker is still among the league’s most underrated players, Kawhi Leonard is on the cusp of stardom and Gregg Popovich is unequivocally the best head coach in the NBA. Who in the world bets against a setup like that?"
Brigham makes good points but at some point, the Spurs’ big three of Duncan, Ginobili and Parker are going to be too old to bring home another title. Of course, we say that every year.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
More on FanSided.com
Derrick Rose gives one million to Chicago charity
Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns making progress
Memphis Grizzlies giving out Zach Randolph ties
Chicago Bulls’ best chance for NBA title is now
New York Knicks, LA Lakers interested in Ricky Rubio?