Tony Parker on upcoming season: 'A last crack' for Spurs to win title
It's been a yearly occurrence in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs to be written out of the title picture, whether it's because Father Time is catching up to the players, or the rest of the league is simply surpassing them.
This offseason has changed that perception, though, with the franchise locking up 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to an extension, while also signing former Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge to a four-year contract. "The Big Three" of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker are all one year older, so even with the two stud additions along for the ride, San Antonio's championship window may be closing with their core intact.
Parker, who recently spoke with French 24 English, agrees with that sentiment, per the San Antonio Express-News' Dan McCarney.
“It's been an unbelievable summer for us," Parker said. "LaMarcus is going to help us a lot. I'm so happy that Manu and Timmy are back. And so we're going for a last try, a last crack at it to try to win it all.”
By the time the playoffs get underway, Duncan will be 40 years old, Ginobili 38, and Parker 34. All three veterans continue to be valuable contributors, with Duncan even earning a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team in 2015, but it's hard to imagine there not being some sort of drop-off in both production and overall health.
The addition of Aldridge will take pressure off Duncan in the frontcourt, while Leonard can shoulder more of the scoring load so Parker and Ginobili don't have to exhaust themselves.
The Spurs' road to a sixth championship is going to be grueling, especially considering the team couldn't even get out of the opening round last season.
Steve Kerr, head coach of the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors, recently said - jokingly - that Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich "has no business coaching in this league" if he can't win a title with the roster he has.
The pieces are in place for the Spurs to add another trophy to the mantle. While this may be their last real shot, writing San Antonio off has always proven to be a silly thing to do.
Next season may be no different.