An opposing team's scout sizes up the Spurs, Sports Illustrated
...I always wonder how much longer
Ginobili can play at this level because he's 30 this year, and he plays so hard and sacrifices his body. But Dan Majerle played like that and he lasted a long time. Ginobili's heart won't let him stop, so now I'm guessing he'll be at it for a long time to come. No matter how hard he gets banged up or hurt, he'll figure out how to take advantage of somebody somehow ...
Ginobili is a better decision-maker than he used to be, but overall his game has stayed at the high level they need from him. The thing that separates Ginobili from others is his lack of ego. He doesn't care if he starts or comes off the bench. He knows he's going to be in there for the key moments, and he does everything -- he plays defense, he passes it great and he does too many other good things to mention. I can't think of anyone else in the league today who compares to Ginobili. He's a truly special player ...
Center
Fabricio Oberto was phenomenally effective in the playoffs. They keep it very simple for bigs who play opposite Duncan, and after a year in their system, he learned exactly what they want him to do. He also shot the ball well out on the perimeter. He may be the best of all the Spurs at this: Whenever Duncan has the ball in the post, Oberto sits in the opposite block and when defender makes a little step up to help on Duncan, then Oberto steps under the basket and seals the defender. Oberto is really, really good at that, so when Duncan is in the post and you're guarding Oberto, you cannot afford to turn your head ...
...I couldn't believe they traded the rights to
Luis Scola to Houston, where he's going to be the Rockets' power forward. I've heard it was entirely a money decision for San Antonio, but he's so much better than Oberto. The Spurs have done a tremendous job over the years of putting together their team, but this one I'm not sure about. It's hard to find big guys who are skilled like Scola is, and I think he would have helped take pressure off Duncan and reduce his minutes ...
