Tim Duncan Calls It Quits On Hall of Fame Career

Tim Duncan exited the league just as many would have expected -- quietly and with little bravado. There was no season-long farewell with tributes at every arena and no article in the Players' Tribune to say goodbye. It was a quiet announcement with a big impact for the league. The greatest power forward in the history of the game is calling it quits, and it ends one of the greatest eras for a franchise the NBA has ever known.

Duncan has a laundry list of accolades, but perhaps none is more impressive than this: his Spurs' teams won five NBA titles in his 19 seasons and NEVER missed the playoffs. Duncan never knew what it was like to have an offseason start early and his first championship (1999) and last (2014) came 15 years apart.

His 15 All-NBA honors are tied for the most all-time and the 40-year-old became the first player in league history to start and win a title in three different decades. Duncan is one of two players in NBA history, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks in his career and holds the record for All-Defensive Team selections with 15. The Big Fundamental is a two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP and was named the 1998 Rookie of the Year. From start to finish, his career was something special.

And still, while his numbers are impressive and his awards list is long, there have been many others who have achieved those kinds of things. What made Duncan special is the way he went about it. Known for being quiet on the court, Duncan was purely business and earned the respect of many of his peers. Twitter was full of congratulatory tweets from fellow players today and many players in the league today cannot remember the NBA without Tim Duncan.

Duncan's career is great in its own right, but his legend only grew when paired with Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Gregg Popovich. The three players and coach won four titles together and the players own the NBA record for most wins by a trio in both the regular season (575) and postseason (126). Duncan and Popovich have the most wins by a player-coach duo in NBA history with 1,001. The quartet has provided a blueprint for success, but it's difficult to duplicate what they have achieved. The wins and titles are one thing, but the unity they have had is something truly special.

The NBA will go on without Duncan, but it certainly won't be the same. The big man was a winner from start to finish and led the Spurs to one of the most dominant runs in professional sports history. The Spurs can still be great next season and further into the future, and if they are it will still be because of the example Duncan has set for younger players for years.

19 years, five titles, two MVPs and 26,496 points later, Duncan's time has come. For a guy who has always let his play do the talking, perhaps I've said too much. He's earned the respect of everyone and there may never be another like him. So all that is left to say is t
hank you, Tim Duncan. Thank you for the memories.

With Potential Duncan, Ginobili Departure, San Antonio Will Take on a Whole New Look

It wasn't the ending that Spurs, or NBA fans for that matter, had in mind for San Antonio. The team that won 67 games in the regular season was said to be a shoe-in for the Western Conference Finals and the team that could take down the Golden State Warriors. Yet the Oklahoma City Thunder accepted the underdog label, as well as a Game 1 embarrassment, and ended the series in six games. It was an entertaining series to say the least, but the young athleticism and support of seldom-mentioned role players propelled the Thunder into the next round where Golden State awaits.

Duncan and Ginobili have lots to smile about after another successful season

While the Thunder/Warriors series has NBA fans licking their chops, the uncertainty of San Antonio's "Big 3" lingers in the minds of fans everywhere as Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili take the time to make a decision about whether or not to retire. It's a decision much less subtle than that of fellow All-Star Kobe Bryant, whose season turned into one big farewell this year, and deservedly so. The great thing about Duncan, Ginobili, and really the Spurs organization as a whole is that they don't attract, or even want that kind of attention. This is not to say that Kobe's farewell tour was in selfish or bad taste. That's not it at all. But Duncan and Ginobili have displayed nothing but class in both victory and defeat and they embody what the Spurs' organization is all about. For that reason, San Antonio and the NBA will take a significant hit should they decided to hang it up for good.

With Duncan being 40 years old, and Ginobili not far behind at 38, it would have made sense for both of them to retire two years ago when they won the title. Could there have been a more perfect ending for two players who have done so much for the game of basketball? To see the greatest power forward of all-time and the player who paved the way for future Argentinian NBA players, there's not a more fitting conclusion than that championship. But they both came back, and that shows not only their dedication to the Spurs and the game of basketball, but the impact that organization has on its players.

Teammates since 2003

In an article by ESPN's Michael C. Wright following last night's game, Ginobili responded to a question regarding his potential retirement by saying "It could have happened two years ago. I really appreciate everybody: the team, front office, coaches, everything. So it makes it different." It's nearly impossible to find a professional organization where the athletes and the front office coincide so well. Being a Bulls fan, that's a foreign concept, but it goes to show just how in-tune the Spurs are from top to bottom and it shows the precedent set by Duncan and Ginobili over these last 20 years. You just don't find humble, classy players that manage to stay together like these two and Tony Parker have. It doesn't happen and it most likely won't happen ever again. Players are too concerned about money and have too much ego to be concerned with pay cuts or lessening their role the way Duncan and Ginobili have.


There's no telling what the final decision will be. Maybe it depends on whether or not San Antonio can attract a big free agent like Kevin Durant or Mike Conley, both of whom have been named people of interest for the Spurs. Maybe it depends on the Spurs' outlook heading into another year in the ever-competitive Western Conference. Or maybe, and perhaps most simply, it depends on whether or not Duncan and Ginobili believe they can still play at a high level. It would appear that both still have a little left in the tank, as Duncan posted 19 points last night and Ginobili averaged 21 minutes for the series. They're still capable, but the Spurs are not a team that plays just to play. They are perennial contenders, and the wear and tear of playing 85+ games (once playoffs are factored in) is not exactly friendly to the body of veterans at their ages.

So is this the end? Only time will tell. Should Duncan and Ginobili decide to retire, fans can be sure that it will be done quietly and humbly, the same way they have done everything throughout their careers. No flare, no desire to make headlines. The NBA will miss Duncan and Ginobili whenever they do ride off into the sunset, but when they do, they should be appreciated. They have shed positive light on the league and have shown professionalism every step of the way. They are two players that everyone can learn from, athlete or not. They've done things the right way. The Spurs have done things the right way. It's sad to think that this could be the final time we saw these two All-Stars in uniform, but they have given us more than enough memories from their illustrious careers.

Westbrook's Play Lacks Praise it Deserves

Last night was another reminder that Russell Westbrook is a top five player in the NBA and that, when he is under control, he is a finisher that is virtually impossible to stop. Westbrook's driving and-1 layup sealed a pivotal Game 5 win for the Oklahoma City Thunder in San Antonio, and gives OKC a chance to clinch the series on its home court.

Westbrook is a lightning rod for opinions. From his pregame outfits to his unabashed recklessness on the court, he seems to drum up an opinion in everybody. You're not neutral about Russell Westbrook - you either like him or you don't. Whatever your position on the man, the truth is this: his play demands more praise than it gets. His final stat line last night of 35 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists was MVP-esque and before anyone brings up his eight turnovers let me remind you that Steph Curry was 0-for-10 from three to start Game 5 in Portland. It's hard to play a perfect game.

Westbrook has been questioned as a finisher and rightfully so. The Thunder were notorious for blowing fourth quarter leads during the regular season. NewsOK's Darnell Mayberry did a little digging on the claim that the Thunder were choke artists and came up with this: "In his 11 of the Thunder's 13 losses in games where it led after three quarters, Kevin Durant has averaged 6.4 points, 0.4 assists and 1.4 turnovers on 42.1/30/84.2 percent shooting splits (field goal/3-point/free throw). Westbrook has averaged 5.5 points, 2.2 assists and 1.3 turnovers on 29.1/16.1/80.7 shooting splits.
Westbrook has gone without a fourth-quarter field goal four times over that span. Durant has had at least three fourth-quarter turnovers three times in that span."

For a team that relies so heavily on two superstars, those numbers simply have to be better. And for Westbrook, he has improved. The ill-advised late-game shots have gone away and he's hitting his free throws late in games. His 8-for-8 performance at the line last night was crucial and he committed only two turnovers in the second half.

Still, despite his routine stuffing of the stat sheet, there are those who say he is not a star. Mark Cuban said he was not a superstar during OKC's first round series against Dallas. Westbrook responded by averaging 26 points, 7.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists over the five games.

The MVP votes were recently announced and once again, Westbrook failed to get the credit he deserved. Curry was certainly the league's MVP this season, but Westbrook (and everyone else in the league) failed to get a single vote. The lack of votes comes after averaging 23.5 points (8th in the league), 7.8 rebounds (1st among PG, SG, SF), 10.4 assists (2nd in the league) and 2.04 steals (5th in the league).

His rebound average is higher than LeBron James, Kristaps Porzingis, Zach Randolph and Al Horford. His points per game is ahead of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, while his assist totals trump every point guard in the league not named Rajon Rondo.

Certainly Westbrook deserved at least a few votes, did he not? But it's always the negative that people focus on with Westbrook. Routinely, fans say the Thunder have no chance to win a title until they let Westbrook go. After watching last night's game and looking over the numbers, you tell me what team could lose that kind of production and be better for it. The answer is none.

Westbrook is a superstar player in the NBA. His play, though not perfect, has shown that time and again. It's about time people start respecting him like one.

Bulls, Pacers, and Suns Headline 2014 Awards Finalists

The regular season is quickly drawing to a close as sixteen teams continue to battle for playoff position. The year has been full of drama both good and bad and the anticipation for the postseason is mounting each and every day. And while the postseason will take about two and a half months by itself, these past six months have given us a hint of the players that are most deserving of the individual honors presented each year. Here's a look at the finalists for this year's MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved, 6th Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

MVP

Kevin Durant: At this point in the season, how could you go against KD? He's posted numbers that are rivaled only by some of the best to ever play the game and is currently on a streak of scoring 25 points in a game for 38 straight games. The person he's chasing in order to break the record? Michael Jordan's mark of 40 straight games. Not exactly bad company to be in. On top of Durant's ridiculous and consistent output, his efforts have helped him average 32.2 points per game while grabbing 7.5 rebounds per game and dishing out 5.7 assists per game. Not to mention Durant is shooting 51% from the field, 41% from three point range, and 87% from the charity stripe. Even without Russell Westbrook being on the floor this season, Durant managed to keep the Thunder atop the Western Conference standings and has proved to be the best player in the league this year.

LeBron James: There won't be a season that goes by that LeBron James won't be in the top three in the MVP race. This year is no different. James is attempting to capture his fifth MVP award in the past six seasons (with Chicago's Derrick Rose stealing the crown in 2011) and has once again put up the same ridiculous numbers he always has. With 26.7 points per game, 6.9 boards per game, and 6.6 assists per game, LeBron once again has the Heat holding on to the number one seed in the East. While Durant has occupied the spotlight for much of the season, it's no secret that LeBron James has had his eye-opening performances as well. Who could forget his 61-point performance this past month? ESPN certainly couldn't, it managed to be a topic of conversation on Sportscenter for a solid week. Nonetheless, it was an impressive performance and arguably one of the best individual performances of the season. LeBron will fall short of the MVP award this season, but it took a historic season from Durant to dethrone the King.

Blake Griffin: Wait...what? Blake Griffin is a legitimate MVP candidate? Believe it. This season Griffin has gone from just a freak athlete to a freak athlete with an all-around game. The alley-oops and put-back dunks will always be what people see in the highlights, but Griffin's improvements in his jump shot and ball handling have not received the attention they deserve. The Los Angeles Clippers' power forward is pouring in 24 points per game and snagging just under 10 rebounds as well and while the individual stats are nice, Griffin has helped this team become a legitimate contender in the West, not just a highlight reel for Sportscenter. He won't win the MVP award, but Blake Griffin has definitely established himself as one of the most dominant all-around players in the league.

Joakim Noah: The Chicago Bulls season seemed all but lost to those outside of the Bulls' fan base after starting point guard and former MVP Derrick Rose went down with yet another knee injury. Throw that in with the Luol Deng trade and the Bulls were seemingly done for the year. However, no one could have predicted that Joakim Noah would emerge as a deserving MVP candidate. While the addition of DJ Augustin and the overall play of the rest of the team is something nothing short of admirable, Joakim Noah has been the driving force behind a well-balanced attack for the Bulls. He has earned the title as the most dynamic center in the game and is the best passing big man the league has to offer. Noah is currently averaging 12.5 points per game while reeling in 11.1 rebounds per game. He is tied with Kevin Durant for second place in terms of most triple-doubles this season with three though he has flirted with that achievement numerous times. If the award was truly based off of how valuable a player is to his team, Noah would have to be the recipient if not barely falling short behind Durant. Yet with the award being based off statistics, Noah's MVP campaign will not be complete this season.

Defensive Player of the Year:

Joakim Noah: The fact that Noah is top four for two awards is a testament to his improvement this season. He is the anchor of a stifling Bulls defense that is currently second in the league for fewest points against on average with only allowing 91.9 points a game. Might I add the Indiana Pacers are first with 91.8 points against per game, merely .1 of a point difference. With that in mind, Noah has averaged 1.5 blocks per game and has taken on the best in the league on the defensive side of the ball. Not many 6'11 centers can be isolated against LeBron James on the three point line and get a stop not once, but twice as Noah did just a few weeks ago when the Heat visited the United Center. When all is said and done and the dust has settled, Joakim Noah has earned this year's Defensive Player of the Year award.

Roy Hibbert: The 7'2 center for the Indiana Pacers has improved every year he  has been in the league and has certainly played a major role in the Pacers' success up to this point. Even though he may be a better rim protector than Joakim Noah, Hibbert's defensive presence is not as effective. Hibbert does average 2.3 blocks per game but his defensive rebound average is only 4.2 per game as opposed to Joakim Noah's 6 a game. Again, Hibbert may have the advantage when playing defense in the paint because of his bigger frame, but Joakim Noah is more versatile and has the statistics to prove it. By no means is Hibbert not deserving of the award, but this year the trophy will not belong to him.

Paul George: It's telling that the Pacers have two players that have made the final four candidates. This year we have seen Paul George emerge as one of the best two-way players in the league, if not the best. George has the task of essentially guarding the opposing team's best player night in and night out and has already shown us that he can hang with the league's elite. He has been as big a part of the Pacers' league-leading 91.8 points against per game as Hibbert has and he even averages more defensive rebounds per game than the Indiana big man (5.2). The 23 year-old is also playing with active hands as he is averaging nearly 2 steals per game. There is no doubt that George has evolved into an elite defender and it is definitely justifiable that he will end the season as a contender for the honor.

Andre Iguodala: The Golden State forward has flown under the radar in this year's race simply because his team has not received the attention of the once-dominant Pacers or the ailing Chicago Bulls. Nonetheless, Andre Iguodala has been a force on the defensive side of the ball. Much like George he is averaging more defensive rebounds per game than the 7'2 center Hibbert with 4.6 per game and is right on George's heels in the steals column with 1.7 per game. Iguodala has been a major acquisition to the Warriors' defense and has helped keep opponents to 99 points per game on average which is currently 8th of the league's 30 teams. There's no doubt Iguodala is one of the better defenders the league has to offer, but "Andre Iguodala" and "Defensive Player of the Year" won't be synonymous at the conclusion of this season.

Rookie of the Year

Michael Carter-Williams: The former Syracuse guard stormed into the league posing a triple-double threat on nearly a nightly basis to begin the season. That was also when the Sixers still seemed to be  a playoff team. Now, Carter-Williams has come down to earth and his team has gone even lower than that. And while the Rookie of the Year is an individual award, the success of the team has to factor into the equation, and that is exactly what will keep MCW from walking away with the award. He has put up great numbers for his rookie campaign averaging 16.5 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, and 2 steals while being the center piece of what will hopefully be a better Sixers team in the future. It's sad to see Carter-Williams play such great basketball for such a downtrodden team, which is why it is sad to see the lack of success in Philadelphia be the determining factor in Carter-Williams missing out on this award.

Victor Oladipo: Orlando is not much better than Philadelphia which may make the team's success not as much of a factor as I perceive it to be. However, Oladipo has come in and produced in every way right from the start averaging 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Not bad for an undersized rookie shooting guard. It is incredibly tough to choose between Carter-Williams and Oladipo but I believe Oladipo will walk away with the Rookie of the Year honors because he has put on a better all-around performance. This has ultimately led to more success for his team, even if that means his team has won 21 games as opposed to Philadelphia's 16.

Tim Hardaway: It's unfair that Hardaway's rookie campaign has been lost among the underachieving season of the New York Knicks. Between Carmelo Anthony's upcoming free agency, Mike Woodson's job security (or lack there of), Phil Jackson's hiring, and JR Smith's antics, it's easy for a rookie like Hardaway to get lost in all of that. But don't be fooled, even though the Knicks have suffered this season, they have a bright spot in the former Michigan guard. Hardaway has managed to average 10 points a game and just under one assist off the bench. Not bad numbers for a rookie, all things considered. Not to mention Carter-Williams and Oladipo have had the luxury of being consistent starters. Hardaway doesn't have the numbers to trump the two aforementioned players, but his ceiling is high.

Trey Burke: The fact that Trey Burke missed a large chunk of the season and is still a top four candidate speaks to how weak this draft class was. Nonetheless, Burke has still managed to put together a nice rookie campaign which has included a game-winning three in the month of March. Sound familiar Michigan fans? Burke is currently averaging 12.5 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting a respectable 89% from the free throw line. The sad thing is that Burke's absence for the first few months of the season will ultimately keep him from winning Rookie of the Year. But one can only imagine what he will be like when he sees a full season of action next year. The Jazz are a young bunch, but with Burke at the helm they might just be alright down the road.

Most Improved
Markieff Morris: The former Kansas star has had a breakout season this year and has helped put the Phoenix Suns in position to contend for a playoff spot. Morris headlines a young Phoenix squad and has enjoyed personal success averaging nearly 14 points and 6 rebounds a game while shooting 49% from the field. His points per game average has increased by nearly six points and his rebounding average is up one more rebound from the previous year. Think one rebound isn't that big of a deal? Ask the San Antonio Spurs how it would have felt to grab one more rebound in the last seconds of game six of last year's NBA Finals. Morris really has been a pleasant surprise for the Suns organization and if the improvement continues, he may just be a very, very valuable asset to Phoenix in the future.

Gerald Green: Much like Blake Griffin, Green used to be known solely for his highlight reel dunks. And while the constant replaying of the dunks these two players put down is perfectly justifiable, Green, like Griffin, has shown that he has more in his arsenal than just an explosive vertical. Green seemed to only take up roster space during his days in Boston, Houston, Minnesota, Dallas, New Jersey, and Indiana. The fact that he is 28 and has played on seven teams in what is now a seven year career shows that his production was never quite there. Yet here we are in April and Green is on a Suns team that is flirting with a playoff berth. He is averaging 15.5 points per game which more than doubles his average from the previous season (7.0 points per game in Indiana). Not only has his scoring average gone up but so has his rebounding (2.4 in Indiana to 3.2 in Phoenix) and his free throw percentage (80% in Indiana to 85% in Phoenix). Morris and Green both have the Suns looking at a bright future, but neither Phoenix player will be in possession of the Most Improved Player award this season.

Lance Stephenson: It's hard to turn away the guy who is leading the league in triple-doubles. Throughout the Pacers' season it has shown that when Lance Stephenson is on his game, so are the Pacers. He has worked his way into a starting role and has shown hints of maturity, though they are few and far between. However, Stephenson's 14 points, 4.6 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game is nothing short of impressive. Every one of his averages, with the exception of blocks and steals, has gone up since the previous season and even though he is not often talked about by the media because of the attention Paul George and Roy Hibbert attract, it's no secret that Stephenson is a major contributor to the success in Indy this season. Sadly, Stephenson will fall just short of this year's Most Improved.

DeMarcus Cousins: Things are looking up in Sacramento and "Boogie" Cousins is in the middle of it. The one-and-done from Kentucky has worked his way into the discussion of being a top 5 center in the league and has become a force on both sides of the ball. He now averages 22.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game and has increased his average in literally every column this season. Despite a questionable attitude, Cousins may just be the best up-and-coming big man in the NBA. Averaging a double-double by a considerable margin is deserving of praise and that is part of the reason Cousins will win this year's Most Improved Player award.

6th Man of the Year
Markieff Morris: If you weren't a believer in the evolution of Morris' game, perhaps the fact that he is a final candidate for two awards will sway you. The Suns are the current eight seed in a jam-packed and deep Western Conference and their bench is a big reason why they are in that situation. Again, the Suns are young, but Morris' growth has powered Phoenix because his production does not leave any holes between his role off the bench and that of a starting power forward. He is a consistent and attention-drawing threat on both sides of the ball and has logged meaningful minutes for head coach Jeff Hornacek this year. The Suns have been impressive many a time this season and Morris has had himself a solid year, but much like the Most Improved honors, the former Kansas Jayhawk will miss out on receiving this honor.

Jamal Crawford: It took a season or two, but the Clippers now look like a legitimate contender in the West. And while Lob City is now coming into it's own, Jamal Crawford has been consistent for much, if not all of his career. This season is no different as Crawford has provided his usual spark off the bench as he is averaging 18.6 points per game. His ability to come off the bench and prove to be a game-changer has the Clippers looking at a three seed for the playoffs. Not to mention the fact that his scoring average has increased by two points per game. There is no doubt that Jamal Crawford's scoring is a valuable asset to Doc River's bench, but sadly the numbers speak to only the offensive side of the ball which will cost Crawford the 6th Man award.

Manu Ginobili:Is there a more consistent role player in the league? The Spurs have been fortunate to have a player like Manu Ginobili for the past twelve seasons as he has averaged double figures in points per game every season except his rookie season in which he averaged 7.6. Ginobili has also increased his scoring from 11.8 points per game last year to 12.3 this season. However, there has been a slight regression in his rebounding and assists which could hurt him when the votes are tallied up. Nonetheless, Ginobili is still getting the job done at the age of 36 and will surely play a monumental part in the Spurs quest to return to the Finals. With that in mind, Ginobili will have to produce without the 6th Man award in his possession.

Taj Gibson: The Chicago Bulls' sixth man has been a big contributor to their unlikely regular season success. Logging more fourth quarter minutes than the starter Carlos Boozer more often than not, Gibson's production and defense has warranted other teams' attention and the media's recognition. Averaging 13.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, the former USC Trojan is more than deserving of this year's 6th Man of the Year honors. He has improved or maintained last season's averages in every category, namely his scoring (8.0 points per game last season) and his free throw percentage (68% last season to 74% this season). Amidst the posterizing dunks and rim-protecting blocks is an evolved Taj Gibson that will bring home the hardware when the 6th Man of the Year is announced.

Coach of the Year
Steve Clifford: The Charlotte Bobcats used to be the laughing stock of the NBA and while they aren't exactly a powerhouse, they are noticeably better than years past. First-year NBA coach Steve Clifford took the job in Charlotte and has the Bobcats in position to be the seven seed in the playoffs while being just two games under .500. At 36-38, Clifford is looking like he will coach the Bobcats to their best season in the team's history and has already won 15 more games than last year and 29 more than in 2012. The Bobcats are young and still have experience to gain, but with the way Clifford has run the team up to this point, they just may become a consistent playoff team in the near future. Sadly, a sub-.500 team just doesn't warrant Coach of the Year honors.

Jeff Hornacek: Also a first-year NBA Coach, Jeff Hornacek has his Phoenix Suns looking at a playoff berth and has plenty of young talent to play the spoiler for a higher seed. Just one year after the Suns finished 25-57, Hornacek has turned the organization around and has accumulated a much improved record of 44-30 at press time. The Suns are currently tied with Memphis for the seven seed but looking ahead, the Suns are in a great spot to build in the future with Hornacek in charge. He has done a great job of making an immediate impact and enjoying more success than the past few seasons, but much like his players Gerald Green and Markieff Morris, Hornacek will not be awarded the honor he has been nominated for.

Tom Thibodeau: The Chicago Bulls have been a tough team since Thibs got there and instilled a passion to play defense. Yet who in the NBA has dealt with more season-changing injuries than Thibodeau? No one. The Bulls have been without their superstar Derrick Rose the past two seasons and have still managed to be a top four team in the East while being at least ten games over .500. Not to mention Thibs also lost Luol Deng in a trade earlier this season that caused for even more of a roster shake-up. But here we are in April and the Bulls are tied for the three seed in the East. Thibs has kept the Bulls focused and hungry in the midst of plenty of injuries. Few coaches in the league can do what Tom Thibodeau can do but when it's all said and done, Thibs will have to wait to claim his second Coach of the Year award.

Gregg Popovich: A mastermind in his own right, Gregg Popovich once again has the Spurs not only playing well, but playing better than anyone in the league. Nearing a 20-game win streak, the Spurs are poised to make another run to the Finals with a perfectly balanced roster. Aside from the personnel, however, is the way that Pop manages his team. During this win streak, Kawhi Leonard leads the team in minutes played per game at just over 30. 30 minutes per game is the highest? That means a guy who is on the bench for about a quarter and a half is leading the team in logged minutes? Don't question it, just enjoy it. Popovich knows how to run a team and even with the aging Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili he has once again helped his future Hall of Famers defy Father Time on their way to the best record in the NBA. Unless another team comes up big, there's no stopping this Spurs team from returning to the Finals. Gregg Popovich is without a doubt this year's Coach of the Year. 

The Starters Awards are scheduled for Monday April 7th at 6 PM Eastern Time on NBA TV.