Originally Published: October 21, 2009
Expert predictions: San Antonio Spurs
Predicted Finish For San Antonio Spurs: 2009-10
| ANALYST | COMMENT | PREDICTIONS |
|---|---|---|
 |
J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picksCounting out the Spurs means counting out Duncan and Parker and Manu and Popovich ... and I can't count that high. Should be refreshed after a shorter-than-normal season plus a productive summer. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Jon Barry, ESPN | Barry's picksThey are reloaded. As long as the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are healthy, they'll be championship contenders. Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess will play big roles. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picksTheir biggest opponent is the injury bug, but if healthy, the Spurs could raise banner No. 5. Richard Jefferson was just what the doctor ordered (no pun intended), Antonio McDyess will provide much-needed aid up front, and DeJuan Blair could prove to be their latest draft-night steal. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picksThe Spurs had the most productive summer of any team. They stole Jefferson in a trade and Blair in the draft. Last year's first-round pick, George Hill, continues to improve. And Parker, Ginobili and Duncan are all finally healthy. If they can avoid injuries, they can beat the Lakers. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picksThey get written off and then come back better than ever -- the unofficial Spurs mantra. But unlike past offseasons, the Spurs reloaded with impressive youth, adding RJ and stealing DeJuan Blair in the draft. And just for good measure, they brought in the steady 'Dyess. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picksDecrepit supporting cast got needed upgrade with additions of Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and second-round steal DeJuan Blair. But there'll be no fifth ring unless Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili regain their former mojo. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Jalen Rose, ESPN | Rose's picksThey are motivated and healthy; they added quality depth with Jefferson, McDyess and Blair; and Pop has his championship-caliber core back in TD, Parker and Manu. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picksLoved the McDyess and Jefferson deals, but this second-place pick only holds up as long as Ginobili's ankle does -- and I've seen Manu roll that ankle too many times since the 2002 worlds to think it won't happen again. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picksIt all comes down to where Timmy and Manu stand healthwise in the playoffs, as always, but rest assured that if any other team in the Western Conference is in Kobe Bryant's thoughts at night, it's the reloaded Spurs. |
Southwest: 1 |
 |
David Thorpe, ESPN.com | Thorpe's picksManaging the health of this team is priority one, from the big three to rookie DeJuan Blair and his ACL-less knees. But this team is built for a long postseason run. It has needed some athletic energy off the bench for years, and George Hill will be a big factor here. |
Southeast: 1 |
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