The Yahoo! Sports NBA editor and former San Antonio Express-News beat writer says the Spurs have given themselves another chance to contend, but age and injury are the team’s two most important opponents this coming season:
Ginobili has been injured in each of the past two postseasons, and didn’t suit up for a single game during the Spurs’ loss to Dallas. The stress fracture in his right leg has since benefited from the rest, and Popovich is “cautiously optimistic” Ginobili will stay healthy in what will be a contract year for him. Even with their new additions, the Spurs are nothing but first-round fodder if Ginobili isn’t on the court.
“I’d be disingenuous if I said I didn’t worry because he does have some miles,” Popovich said. “But I don’t think it’s a Grant Hill situation or [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas or Yao Ming thing. I don’t think it’s that kind of thing, where his foot is kind of brittle.”
Popovich also is hopeful Duncan can regain the All-Star form he showed during the first half of last season before his sore knees slowed him. In past summers, Duncan would already be working out in earnest, tossing tractor tires and scrimmaging full-court. This summer, he’s been confined to the weight room, where he’s strengthened his legs and further slimmed down. Popovich said Duncan has lost 15 pounds and now weighs 240, a noticeable drop for someone who alternates between power forward and center. In comparison, the Cavaliers said LeBron James played at 270 last season.
To keep Duncan as fresh as possible for the playoffs, the Spurs want to reduce his court time in the summer and limit the pounding he absorbs in the post during the season.
“My goal,” Popovich said, “is for him to start the season out of shape.”
