San Antonio Spurs 2001-02 Capsule
COACH: Gregg Popovich (sixth season, 221-139 overall)
LAST SEASON: 58-24, first in Midwest Division, lost to LA Lakers in conference finals
ARRIVALS: G Steve Smith (trade with Portland), F Bruce Bowen (free agent), F Mark Bryant (free agent), G Tony Parker (first-round pick), F Stephen Jackson (free agent), F Cherokee Parks (free agent)
DEPARTURES: G Derek Anderson, F Sean Elliott, G Avery Johnson
SLAM DUNKS: C David Robinson (14.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) is coming off the lowest scoring average in his 11-year career, but along with F Tim Duncan (22.2, 12.2) comprises one of the best frontcourts in the NBA. The new zone rules should be beneficial to them as defensively, it doesn't get much better than these two. Smith (13.6) will fill in nicely for the departed Anderson and he also adds savvy and experience in the backcourt. An underrated acquisition could be Bowen (7.6, 3.0), an outstanding 1-on-1 defender with three-point range. The core of last season's bench is intact, with Terry Porter (7.2) and Malik Rose (7.7, 5.4) who has become an solid pro. F Danny Ferry (5.6, 2.8) takes his 48 percent shooting to the reserve unit.
AIRBALLS: Will the Spurs recover from last season's humiliating sweep by the Lakers? The Spurs need to find a way to slow down Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in order to reach to next level. How will the point guard situation be without Johnson? G Antonio Daniels (9.4, 3.8 apg) began his maturation last season, but at times had trouble controlling the pace of games and making decisions.
IN THE ZONE: All of the new rules allowing zones should help the Spurs even more, especially with Duncan and Robinson. The new rules allow them to be closer to the rim than ever. If there is one team that can benefit from zone defense, it is the Spurs. Last season, the Spurs held opponents to 42 percent from the floor. With zones forcing more perimeter shooting because of Duncan and Robinson, that number could be lower this season.
OUTLOOK: As long as Duncan and Robinson are healthy, the Spurs are good for 50-55 victories. Getting past the Lakers could be too large of a task for a team that lost its most athletic
players from last season. Role players will be asked to do more and may not be able to.
