San Antonio Spurs: Key Events To Launch Repeat

Apr 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) dribbles in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42)~ at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Repeating is the only feat left unfulfilled by the remarkable San Antonio Spurs.  What needs to happen for them to do it?

Boris Diaw and Patty Mills return

Often what leads a team to losing their championship edge is the compulsive need to tweak the machine after a title to make it “better.”  The San Antonio Spurs have their formula and there is no reason to change it.  Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are back, keeping their core in place.  All that is left is to get back the key role players who were so pivotal for them in the Finals.  That means re-signing Boris Diaw and Patty Mills.  It won’t be a cakewalk, but the Spurs have the money to work out the deals and signs point to both players wanting to stay in San Antonio.

LeBron James returns to Miami without Carmelo Anthony

There is no question the biggest threat to the Spurs crown remains four-time MVP LeBron James and whatever team he joins.  However, in the best interests of a repeat the Spurs would be served best if he ended up as many expect by returning to the  Miami Heat.  The key will be what comes with him.  Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are question marks in that regard.  Miami is expected to land Kyle Lowery in a trade.  Along with Shabazz Napier those are two decent additions but the one San Antonio should hope to avoid is whether scoring star Carmelo Anthony decides to join James.  That might be too much even for the champs to overcome.

Kevin Love stays in Minnesota

Another major player the San Antonio Spurs much watch carefully is Kevin Love.  The All-Star forward is dying to join a competitive team and reports continue to hint at either Golden State or Chicago having decent shots to land him in a trade.  Either scenario would create another serious contender for the Spurs to deal with.  The best thing for Duncan and his comrades to hope for is that the Timberwolves proceed with caution and decide to keep Love in Minnesota for another season.

San Antonio knows they have what it takes to get one more ring before their core is likely disbanded.  What they need to focus on is their own preparation, but getting a couple breaks from the NBA won’t hurt the repeat chances.