Off-Season Blues

So, it's officially well into the NBA Off-Season of 2008. Basketball fans have either resorted to watching baseball, or have otherwise discovered that they have lives again. A champion has been decided, and most people who live outside of Boston and were born after the 60s aren't real excited about it. But, the Celtics are champions again, the league is back into Showtime, and we've got referee scandals topping the top stories. In a beer-tinted way of looking at it, I guess some might call it interesting.

As a Spurs fan, I can't help but feel a little bitter about the ending of the Spurs 2007-2008 season, but in the big picture, it wasn't as rough as years past. Losing the chance at a repeat (again) hurts, but this team is starting to show its age and that happened at the wrong time. It was a rough way to go out, but not nearly as heartbreaking as .4 or the Manu Foul. It still just goads my goat to lose to the Lakers, if you'll pardon the euphemism.

Still, with 4 titles in the past 10 years and Tim, Tony, and Manu still in playing shape, it's hard to be act real upset, but I'm sure I'll throw my tantrums occasionally.

It was still nice to see the Lakers flub over a perfectly good chance at a title. Again.

Anyways, now it's on to the Offseason Blues and the Offseason News:

The Spurs have been chasing a handful of swingmen including Corey Maggette, Josh Smith, Roger Mason, Carlos Delfino, and James Posey. They need further insurance on the wing beside Manu, as well as a fourth option for scoring, and they are obviously trying to find it one the free marget. Maggette would be the ideal fit for the situation, although his defense might be a question mark, and he is still in serious talks with several contenders including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz. Only time will tell if there is a free agent splash in San Antonio this year, but they are testing the waters more than in the past.

Talks around San Antonio media have indicated that some of the old guns from last season (i.e Robert Horry, Michael Finley, Jacque Vaughn) might be returning one last blast. These moves make fiscal sense for the Spurs in the long run, but don't do a whole lot for offseason excitement, or our title chances next season.

Spurs will also probably try to fill out the roster and infuse some youth with their draft picks: George Hill, Malik Hairston, and James Gist. Hill is the only real lock to make the roster next season; coming out of the first round and backing up Tony Parker will give him a perfect oppurtunity to see if he can shine in this league. A standout player in a smaller conference a IUPUI, he has nice length and athleticism and impressive speed, but is obviously still a very raw players. The Spurs passed up a number of quality point gaurd picks to take this guy at #26, and it will be interesting to see if the gamble pays off.

I'll do my best to get some articles up regarding the Offseason Free Agent Movement, as well as some info about the new rookies that might be wearing the silver and black next season.

Until next time,
-Scott