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NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s best case scenario

By John Hugar

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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DeMar DeRozan. Toronto Raptors
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors walks off the court during the first half against the Washington Wizards during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

San Antonio Spurs

There’s two ways to look at the Spurs going into this season:
A. Kawhi didn’t play last year, and they’re adding DeRozan to that team.
B. But at the same time, this feels like the end of something.

I have a hard time looking at a Spurs team adding someone as good as DeRozan, and not being fairly relevant, even if there’s understandable reasons for concern. The interesting question will be how he fits into the Spurs schemes. They’re into extra passing and 3s, and while DeRozan has gotten better from downtown, he’s always been a bit of an iso-ball guy.

A lot will depend on what LaMarcus Aldridge gives them in his 13th season, and how much of a leap Dejounte Murray makes. If everything comes together, this team should be able to approach 50 wins, and win a playoff series.