1. San An. They could win a title even if GREG POPOVICH was coaching them.
2. Miami. I'll just tell Shaq that the Lakers drafted Andrew Bynum to replace him and that Kobe Bryant was behind it. And that Phil Jackson said Bynum was in better shape that Shaq ever was. And that Tim Duncan has as many rings as Shaq does. And that I'm going to bench him against the Lakers, for fear of him getting hurt, unless we're leading the entire league by 10 games the day we play them - comfort margin in case he gets hurt, you know....
3. Dallas. Great offensive weapons. LOTS of great offensive weapons. LOTS of great offensive depth behind those great offensive weapons. Even Jeff Van Gundy couldn't slow this team down.
4. Detroit. Feisty attitude, talent-laden roster.
You know, despite how we complain about him at times, Pop has one of the best winning percentages of any coach in the NBA, the Spurs have also had the best winning percentage of ANY team, and the four major sports, NFL - MLB - NHL - NBA in the past seven years or so. True, Duncan has a been a big part of that, but look at the interest in the Spurs coaching and scouting staff in recent years. Guys who came to coach under and/or scout for Pop and RC have gone into the league and are making it. Getting someone from the Spurs, or getting a defensive scheme like the Spurs, is starting to become a pretty big deal league wide. Say what you want about the guy, and believe me - I have, but Pop has basically started a kind of school of thought. and when his career is all said and done, he will be looked on as one of the best coaches in NBA history. That just trips me out because of all the LUCK this guy has come across since taking over as coach for us. Hard to believe, I know, but that IS the direction his career is heading right now.
