San Antonio Spurs

Mejia's Offseason Grade You wouldn't expect too much tinkering to be done with a championship team, and indeed the Spurs concentrated on keeping everything intact. Robert Horry, despite several suitors, returned for a run at a seventh ring. However, adding veterans Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel gives the Spurs more punch and quality depth. Grade: A-.   Key Players Tim Duncan: Duncan isn't the flashiest player in the league, but he gets the job done better than any player in the league. Manu Ginobili: He always seems to be in the middle of things, both offensively and defensively. He's a blast to watch.   Role Playing Michael Finley, Forward Revamped: It's no secret that he has lost a step, but in arriving at the doorstep of the defending champs, he's going to be able to go full speed without having to worry about playing starter's minutes. As a result, he'll be able to team with Brent Barry to give starters Bruce Bowen and Manu Ginobili breaks to ensure all four wings will have fresh legs down the stretch. Robert Horry, Forward Mr. Big Shot-plus: The ring is the thing for Horry, who could have left in the offseason but obviously saw no greener pasture. He helps give the Spurs a different look offensively due to his deadly outside game, but there's more to his game than his clutch shooting. He's savvy and really facilitates ball movement, and is also an underrated defender and rebounder. Nick Van Exel, Guard Proven point: He announced that he was going to retire last season, yet changed his mind when it became apparent he still had considerable juice left. He lands in the perfect spot here, immediately moving ahead of Beno Udrih in the point guard rotation in offering Gregg Popovich a veteran safety net to Tony Parker.   Burning Question Is this the best Spurs team ever? They've won three titles in six years, sporting David Robinson and Tim Duncan as a combination for two of them. However, this might just be the best Spurs squad ever assembled given the continued development of Ginobili and Parker, the superb offseason additions and the return of virtually the entire core of last year's championship squad. Of course, that's all on paper; they've got to win a title to join the debate.

A terrific pick-up for the Spurs is Michael Finley, who adds more backcourt depth. (AP)     Team Projections Projected finish: 1st, Southeast Division Projected win total: 59-64 Team MVP:Tim Duncan Leading scorer:Duncan Leading rebounder:Duncan Leading assists:Tony Parker Top defender:Bruce Bowen   Stat Rankings Stat Rank Total Pts Scored 18 96.2 Pts Against 1 88.4 Rebounds 13 42.4 FG% 10 45.3   PROJECTED STARTERS PG Tony Parker He's still learning how to manage tempo and his own emotions, but his quickness is a superior weapon. SG Manu Ginobili Topping last year would seem tough, but it must be realized that he's still developing and is brimming with confidence. SF Bruce Bowen He'll get to play less this year, which should keep his defense functioning at a high level. PF Tim Duncan The MVP favorite. C Nazr Mohammed Underrated big man gives the Spurs precisely what they need next to Timmy D. Team Depth Chart   Player Movement Movement Player Pos. Key loss Devin Brown SF Key gain Michael Finley SG Key re-signing Robert Horry SF Player Movement Chart