Hooped Up

A team-by-team preview of all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2008 – 2009 season, Hooped Up style.  

San Antonio Spurs
The team that has cornered the market on winning big games will continue to do so this season.  They didn’t really add anything crazy to the 08-09 version of the Spurs but you don’t mess with excellence. They have Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Michael Finley and the Greg Popovich system and that has been enough in the past.

Is it enough now though?

Projected Starters: PG - Tony Parker / SG - Michael Finley / SF - Bruce Bowen / PF - Tim Duncan / C - Fabricio Oberto

Additions: George Hill, Malik Hairston, James Gist,Roger Mason, Salim Stoudamire, Anthony Tolliver, Desmon Farmer

Losses: Brent Barry, Robert Horry, Demarr Johnson, Damon Stoudamire

Projected Wins: 52+

Team Theme Song: Nas feat Puff Daddy – Hate Me Now
Everybody wants to be the Spurs, but nobody wants to be the Spurs. That’s hate!

Overall
Hate on these guys all you want! When it comes down to it, they are the measure of success in the league and you got to go through them in the west to make your bones. Tim Duncan is maybe the best power forward to play the game and another great year from him will be on tap. Tony Parker is an all-star point guard and when Ginobili is healthy he will provide his effective inside outside style to this squad. The rest of this cast knows it role and fills it to near perfection under Pop’s direction and know what team ball is. 

These guys are always in the championship picture and this year is no different.