San Antonio Spurs 2007 Draft Preview

By Warren Blatt Jun 20, 2007, 16:50 GMT

- The San Antonio Spurs captured their fourth title in nine years, as they swept LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. They finished 58-24 during the regular season, and knocked out Denver, Phoenix and Utah in the Western Conference playoffs.

All-Stars Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were once again the Spurs top players during the 2006-07 campaign and in the postseason. Duncan led the club in scoring (20.0 ppg) and rebounding (10.6 rpg) during the regular season, while Parker, who won the 2007 NBA Finals MVP, was second on the team in scoring (18.6 ppg) and was the team's top assist man at 5.5 per game.

Manu Ginobili and defensive stopper Bruce Bowen made their contributions, and both earned their third rings. Veteran forward Robert Horry picked up his seventh championship, while Parker also won his third and head coach Gregg Popovich and Duncan took home their fourth.

San Antonio's four crowns have been won by playing solid basketball on both ends of the court. The Spurs defeated New York in five games in 1999, New Jersey in six in 2003, Detroit in seven in 2005 and Cleveland in four. Duncan and Popovich knocked out Latrell Sprewell and the Knicks for their first title, defeated Jason Kidd and the Nets for No. 2, conquered Chauncey Billups and the Pistons for the third and James and the up-and-coming Cavaliers

The Spurs have three picks in this year's draft (28,33, 58). They will try and add some players who can develop for the future. This is a franchise that is looking to repeat. If they can add a veteran through free agency or a trade, it will be a successful offseason.

As for the draft, San Antonio may use its picks in a deal to help them get that veteran who can help it make a run at winning its fifth title.

Key Player(s): Brent Barry (Guard), Matt Bonner (Forward), Bruce Bowen (Forward), Tim Duncan (Forward), Francisco Elson (Center) Michael Finley (Forward/Guard), Manu Ginobili (Guard), Robert Horry (Forward), Fabricio Oberto (Center), Tony Parker (Guard), Beno Udrih (Guard).

Team Needs: Another rebounder

Draft picks: 1st round (28th overall), 2nd round (33rd overall), 2nd round (58th overall).

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