Minnesota Sports Forum

I just finished watching the Spurs championship ceremony from San Antonio. As I was watching a number of thoughts ran through my mind. I thought about what a great story and example the Spurs have been. A small market team without any special cache or storied history, the Spurs just won their 5th championship since 1999 -- the last four anchored by the core three Manu, Tim and Tony. They have great players, but no big egos. They play as a team, not a collection of individuals. And their core players have stayed together, never looking to leave for more limelight, more money or more notoriety in a bigger market or as the #1 man on another team. This team is a throwback to a bygone age in professional sports. As NBA fans and sports fans, we should all treasure the opportunity we've had to watch this special team in San Antonio.

As I watched the celebration, I also thought about what makes a great NBA team. As individual Spurs players took the mic and talked to the crowd, one refrain kept repeating itself. Each player -- Mills, Duncan, Parker and Manu -- mentioned that they were good friends and not just teammates. They talked about how much they like and respect one another and about how they spend a lot of time together off the court. They talked about how that bond off the court carries over to bind them on the court. As they were talking, I remember Kevin McHale telling a group of us about the close friendships among his Celtic teammates and how that contributed to their success. Then there's the very close friendship that formed between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

So what makes a great team? Well, talent of course. Parker, Manu and Duncan are all all-star caliber players and likely would be on any team. Credit the Spurs organization for drafting Parker with the second to last pick in the first round and Manu with the second to last pick in the second round. Credit the organization for drafting Hill, who helped them win a championship, and later trading Hill for the draft rights to Leonard. Credit them for drafting Splitter and signing Green. Of course, credit the organization for signing and holding onto Pop as the team's head coach. But beyond the collection of talent and top notch head coach, there's a chemistry, a togetherness, that has played a critical role in converting that collection of talent and coaching into five championships.

So when I think about the Timberwolves and what might happen with Kevin Love I think about the Spurs. And I think about the importance of building a team, not just assembling a collection of talent. Unfortunately, our organization has fallen woefully short in assembling talent. But I'm hoping that, in what appears to be the forthcoming post-Love era, Flip changes our old patterns. I'm hoping he makes the right decisions from a talent perspective. And I'm hoping he puts together a team like the Spurs where the players play for each other as much as they play for themselves.

I think it has to do with international players, it seems to me just looking on the outside that they want to play unselfishly and are dedicated to their organization. Like the whole spurs team, Dirk, Pek, the Gasol brothers, Yao, AK47, Nash etc.. off the top of my head I can't think of a me first international player (I know there are probably a few) I think that could be the key

kekgeek1 wrote:I think it has to do with international players, it seems to me just looking on the outside that they want to play unselfishly and are dedicated to their organization. Like the whole spurs team, Dirk, Pek, the Gasol brothers, Yao, etc.. off the top of my head I can't think of a me first international player (I know there are probably a few) I think that could be the key

Excellent point, geek.

There is so much talk about emulating the Spurs and rightly so but I think what is missed is just how special they have been. Name a team that continually gets rotation players out of nowhere every year. If they miss in the draft they move on quickly usually because they found some other guy that's better. They have a true superstar in Duncan and he is a guy that fits that culture as well. So many things have to come together to become the Spurs and the run isn't over yet.

I'm much more of a fan of building up a team than basically shelling outyour team and hoping to put together a big 3 superteam or whatever but hey sometimes that works obviously. The Spurs have done it the right way and against all odds. You gotta get lucky and get that superstar player though and that's tough to do. Like I said the Spurs have been and are fantastic. Its wonderful people are giving them the due they have deserved and continue to deserve. Just don't plan on seeing any other team doing that blueprint any time soon. I'd be happy to more than happy to be wrong though.

Also the more I think about it I think Love can be that superstar player if Dirk can do it I think Love can. Love just needs some semblance of a legit basketball organization. If Love stays here Flip I think is a good enough basketball mind to at least be average and provide that. Personally the only thing I really see holding Love back in the future from improving his over time is health. That's really hurt Melo a lot and its something people don't mention about him that much. He hasn't had more than 1 very healthy season in what like 5 years. Melo has his issues but that's been a major factor for him and its probably not gonna get better as he gets into his 30's. Love may never be a true superstar like Dirk but I won't be shocked at all if it happens.

Monster - Love won't be on this team after next season. In other words, there is no long-term horizon for Love as a Timberwolf. That's the sad but inevitable truth. And I sure hope Flip's basketball mind is much better than average if this team ever expects to be relevant.

The reason the Spurs can keep churning out great play from role players is because of Pop and because of their stars. Pop demands that they play a certain way and if they do, the reward will be sharing the ball and getting opportunities to shoot. He is a great motivator. Then the guys like Duncan, Parker and Manu support this system and are not afraid to share the ball, even in tight moments. Its good to try and emulate what they have but its too rare and may never happen again. It is really cool to have seen it happen.