Can the Spurs get the sixth title with Duncan?

Published 10/19/2015, 10:39 AM EDT

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If there is one thing that seems assured, it is the San Antonio Spurs winning at least 50 regular season games (or maintain at least a 61% winning percentage). They have been doing that throughout the Duncan and Popovich Era, and the streak has continued for 18 seasons, starting in 1997-98.

This summer looked uncertain for Spurs. Many key players were set to enter the free agent market, including the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Marco Belinelli and Danny Green. The Spurs actually had six confirmed player for the 2015/16 season at the start of the Free Agency period.

But it seems Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan aren’t done yet. The Spurs legendary Power Forward, entering his 19th year as a professional signed a two-year deal. So did Leonard (a youngster set to be a part of the new Spurs core in the future), Danny Green and Manu Ginobili.

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For the better part of the last decade, Duncan, Tony Parker and Ginobili have been the pillars for the Spurs, with the first two always starting and Ginobili providing vital contributions off the bench.  However, Duncan and Ginobili are in the closing stages of their careers and Parker has a few more years as well;Its’ time for Gregg Popovich to form a new core. But to make sure the new players are ready, they need these veterans to support them. It was a huge sigh of relief for the team when they got their veterans to stay.

Along with them, Leonard and Green (who are now starting members of their team) and Bonner have resigned. The major changes came in the form of additions . By far, the biggest addition is the signing of LaMarcus Aldridge The  former Trailblazers Power Forward has been one of the most consistent scorers in the last few seasons. They have also signed David West from Indiana Pacers as back up for that position. Boban Marjanović , a tall 7’3″ center has been signed from Europe on a multi year, multi-million dollar deal adding height and strength to the Center position for the team.

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On the looks of it, the current San Antonio Spurs line up is the right mix of young emerging players such as Green and Leonard; Those in their prime like Aldridge and the veterans of the game in West, Duncan, Parker and Ginobli. The Team will be led by arguably, one of the best coaches in NBA history.

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Their pre season form so far is 1-3, having won their 4th preseason game. While it arguably, is not a deciding factor for the regular season form, it could affect morale. 2 of their 3 defeats have been by narrow margins, so it does indicate, that the players are working to an understanding with each other rebuilding the team chemistry and the new additions fitting into the style of offence used by Pop.

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As it has been for almost every season of the NBA in the 21st century, the Spurs will be expecting to win the title, and get 50 regular season wins. They may not be the top favorite but have a solid chance thanks to an excellent team.

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