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What's Next for the Spurs?

With no repeat in the works, team weighs future

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2008 10:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – With the Spurs' dreams of repeating as NBA champs foiled again, ESPN looks to the experts to explain why they couldn't go the distance, and to see what lies ahead for San Antonio. The advancing ages of Tim Duncan and most of the bench probably contributed to the loss, and Manu Ginobili's patchy play didn't help much.

The experts agree that the current roster is good for about 2 more years of elite basketball in it before a major rebuilding effort will be necessary. Getting Kobe in 2010 isn't out of the question, but continuing to pull talent from Europe might be difficult. The team's place in history is distinguished, but the Spurs aren't in the top tier—at least not yet.

Sportswriters agree the no-call on Derek Fisher, which kept Brent Barry from being able to tie Game 4 at the last second, wasn't ultimately a major factor in the Spurs' series loss to the Lakers.
Sportswriters agree the no-call on Derek Fisher, which kept Brent Barry from being able to tie Game 4 at the last second, wasn't ultimately a major factor in the Spurs' series loss to the Lakers.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom, center, and teammates hold up the Western Conference trophy after beating the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom, center, and teammates hold up the Western Conference trophy after beating the San Antonio Spurs 100-92 in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Analysts seem to agree that if the Spurs' Manu Ginobili had been consistently playing like he once did, this series wouldn't already be over.
Analysts seem to agree that if the Spurs' Manu Ginobili had been consistently playing like he once did, this series wouldn't already be over.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan reacts in the final minutes of the Western Conference Finals. At 32, the elite big man may only have a couple more power seasons in him.
San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan reacts in the final minutes of the Western Conference Finals. At 32, the elite big man may only have a couple more power seasons in him.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
The season is over for the Spurs, who once more failed to repeat their championship. With the team's Big Three aging, it's unclear when their next shot might be.
The season is over for the Spurs, who once more failed to repeat their championship. With the team's Big Three aging, it's unclear when their next shot might be.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
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Win, lose, win, lose...
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Los Angeles Lakers • basketball • San Antonio Spurs • Tim Duncan • Tony Parker • Manu Ginobili • 2008 NBA playoffs

 
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