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Go-To Guy | Weakest Link | Burning Question | Outlook

Spurs at a Glance Coach: Gregg Popovich Last Year: 58-24 (Stats) Key Additions: PG Speedy Claxton, SG Emanuel Ginobili, SG Steve Kerr Key Losses: SG Antonio Daniels, PG Terry Porter, SG Charles Smith Projected Starters PG Tony Parker SG Steve Smith SF Bruce Bowen PF Tim Duncan C David Robinson Key Subs PG Speedy Claxton SG Emanuel Ginobili SF Danny Ferry PF Malik Rose

By John Hollinger, CNNSI.com

This will be a year of transition for the San Antonio Spurs. Out with the old -- David Robinson is retiring after the season, ending what has been a fabulous career in San Antonio. And in with the new -- Frenchman Tony Parker and Argentine newcomer Emanuel Ginobili will form the NBA's first-ever all-international backcourt.

Perhaps most important, however, is the transition that the Spurs are desperately trying to avoid. Tim Duncan is a free agent after the season, and the Spurs are doing everything in their power to convince him to stay. Obviously, challenging for an NBA title would be a great inducement for Duncan, and the Spurs have taken several steps -- including wildly overpaying Malik Rose -- to field a contending team this year.

Tim Duncan, F -- The league's most monotonously efficient player, Duncan has made subtle improvements in his game every year and richly deserved last season's MVP award. He improved his passing, cut down on his turnovers and most notably boosted his free-throw shooting from 61.8 percent to 79.9. Taking the whole package, he finished fifth in scoring last year and second in rebounding. He's also one of the three best defensive players in the NBA.

What can Duncan possibly do for an encore? One thing Spurs fans might suggest is taking Shaquille O'Neal outside more in the playoffs. Duncan tried to post up Shaq last year and appeared to be playing into his hands by doing so. If the Spurs and Lakers meet again in this year's postseason, perhaps Duncan can put some of his perimeter skills to use against the big fella.

Bruce Bowen, F -- There is little doubt that Bowen is an outstanding defensive player. The question is whether it's worth it, given his total lack of contribution on offense or the boards.

Bowen made second team All-Defense last season, and even that may have shortchanged him a bit. His outstanding lateral quickness makes him virtually impossible for swingmen to penetrate against, and he has the mentality of a stopper. But he's also a stopper to the Spurs' offense. Bowen shot 39 percent from the field and 48 percent from the line last year; as a result, he allows teams to double Tim Duncan with impunity. Less known about Bowen is what a non-factor he is on the boards; his 2.5 per game average is pathetic for a small forward.

The Spurs don't have a lot of great options at the small forward spot -- the next best solution is a fading Danny Ferry. But if they're going to send off the Admiral with a championship ring, either Bowen needs to contribute more or the Spurs need to find a better starter.

How fast can the guards develop?

One of the keys to the Spurs' season is how quickly the young backcourt comes along. Point guard Parker had a very ordinary regular season, but showed flashes of becoming the next Kevin Johnson during the playoff series against the Lakers. His outstanding quickness makes him a constant threat to get to the rim, and it seems just a matter of time until he learns how to use those skills effectively.

At the off-guard, Ginobili should have Steve Smith's job by Christmas. The star player for an Argentina team that won silver at the World Championships this year, Ginobili wowed observers with his ability to get to the basket. He's not a great shooter, but he gives the team the explosive wing player it's lacked since losing Derek Anderson.

However, Parker is just 20, and Ginobili is in his first year in the league. Their learning curve will determine whether the Spurs can seriously contend for a title this year.

A tier-two contender

Fast Facts • San Antonio's opponents shot 77.7 percent on free throws last year, easily the highest mark in the league. • Tim Duncan's 25.5 points per game were more than twice as many as any other Spur, the only team in the league to have such a disparity.

If the top tier is the Lakers and Kings, then teams like the Spurs and Mavericks are waiting in the wings right below them. Certainly, the Midwest Division crown will stay in Texas, with San Antonio looking like an oh-so-slight favorite to hang on to the crown.

As far as winning a championship, that looks like a stretch. They'll need a sustained bout of playoff health from David Robinson, a quick transition from Ginobili, and some offensive kick from Bruce Bowen. All are possible but none are likely, and taking the three together produces some long odds. Even with Robinson heading off into the sunset, San Antonio has plenty to which it can look forward: Duncan is likely to re-sign, and the team will have enough salary cap room next summer to bag another superstar to pair with him.