3 Definitive signs the San Antonio Spurs aren't tanking this season

2.) Gregg Popovich Extension

If Gregg Popovich has shown anything over the years, it is his desire to compete at the highest level. It is rare for a head coach to stay with one organization for as long as he has. While age is a factor, the 74-year-old signing a five-year extension this summer indicates he intends to reach the mountaintop again. But time is of the essence. The familiar phrase "father time is undefeated" does not only apply to athletes, and Coach Pop could call it quits at any given moment.

The team started showing genuine flashes of excellence in small spurts last year. When fully healthy, the Spurs beat the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire in early March. Yes, it was only one game, but there were numerous matchups where San Antonio showed a capacity for high-caliber basketball. After offseason growth and the addition of Wemby, it is time to take the next step, which would be consistent production.