The Andrew Bynum Impact

The general thought given by ESPN analysts is that the loss of Bynum hurts the Lakers’ chances of winning a championship, but does not affect their odds of winning the West. Most analysts agree that the Spurs are the second best team in the West, but still are no match for the Lakers, even a Bynum-less Lakers. The logic is that the Lakers beat the Spurs in five games last year without Bynum. If all things were equal, great argument. However, they are not.

Last year, Manu Ginobili was hobbled by the time we faced the Lakers. It was obvious and acknowledged, so I will not waste time making that case. In last year’s playoffs, Manu Ginobili averaged 23.1 ppg in wins and 11.9 ppg in losses. You could say he was the Spurs’ barometer. When he played well, we won, and when he did not, we lost. Well, against the Lakers, Manu Ginobili was playing hurt. So, those that argue “The Lakers beat the Spurs in 5 games without Bynum, so they will have no trouble without Bynum this year,” would only be correct if Manu Ginobili is hurt during the playoffs and the Spurs had the same exact team as last year. However, this is not the case.

The Spurs vastly improved their team over the off-season. I would argue that the Spurs of ’09 would beat the Spurs of ’08 by 15 points. It’s that big of a difference. The upgrades that the Spurs have made are greatly overlooked, so I will shed some light on them.

Tim Duncan showed up this season in incredible shape. The rumor is that he knew he’d have to carry the load with Manu out due to surgery, so he worked out harder during the off-season than he ever has. He apparently used boxing training techniques and was even throwing tires to improve his physique. The payoff was obvious. Over the first 20 games, Tim Duncan single-handedly carried the Spurs and probably saved the season. How he is constantly overlooked in the MVP discussion is beyond me.

Tony Parker showed up playing the best basketball of his career. His ankle injury set him back, but he still is having a career year in points and assists; and he added the three point shot to his repertoire. No one has really addressed this, but I expect him to hit a few big threes in the playoffs when teams attempt to pack the paint. Tony Parker has made 12 of 33 three pointers this season for a respectable 36%. Previous years, he only took the three pointer if the shot clock gave him no other option. This year, if he is wide open, he is taking the shot rather than taking a dribble for a closer one.

Because of the off-season ankle surgery, Manu Ginobili was forced to take more time off than he has in his entire career. Normally, basketball does not stop for this guy. There is no off-season for Manu Ginobili. When he’s not playing for the Spurs, he is on the court representing his country, Argentina. So Manu is more rested than ever. Now that he is getting his game shape and rhythm back, his freshness is evident.

The Big Three are impressive, but the biggest improvement resides with the rest of the team. The additions of Matt Bonner, George Hill and Roger Mason cannot be overstated, although I’ll give it a shot. I consider Matt Bonner an addition even though he’s been on the squad for two years because he clearly is a different player this season. He is basically a poor man’s Robert Horry, or a rich man’s Robert Horry if you are talking about the ‘07/’08 Horry. Matt Bonner can hit the three, rebound, and is a competent defender. He is a great compliment to Tim Duncan because of Bonner’s ability to spread the floor with his shooting ability. George Hill is the Spurs most competent backup point guard in recent memory. Our recent backup point guards have included Jacque “Turnover, Wide Open Missed Shot, Airballed Layup” Vaughn, Beno “No Confidence” Udrih, Nick “Two Feet in the Grave” Van Exel, and Jason “White Guy Ups” Hart. Ouch. George “Freakishly Long Arms” Hill was the steal of the draft. He is an excellent defender, competent shooter, and fearless driver. We lose very little when he enters the game to give Tony Parker a rest. And finally, Roger Mason gives us an offensive weapon that we have previously lacked. In past seasons, Bruce Bowen was our starter. While Bruce is a superb defender, his offensive limitations were obvious. Bruce Bowen’s only offensive contribution is the wide open three pointer from the corner that he can hit with consistency. He is a miserable free throw shooter, and struggles with every shot aside from the wide-open corner three. Roger Mason, on the other hand, is an underrated defender and excellent offensive weapon. He can knock the three down from anywhere on the court, can hit his jumper off the dribble, is not afraid of driving, and is an excellent free throw shooter. In addition, he has the innate ability to knock down the big shot. Roger Mason Jr. is fearless in his clutchness. (Yes, I made up a word.) Twice this season he has hit the game winner against the best in the NBA on national television. Suffice it to say, the Spurs’ additions have vastly improved the team.

Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen, Ime Udoka, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto are all competent role players. Obviously, age has slowed them down. But all that is asked from them is 15 competitive minutes a game, which they are obviously capable of delivering.

So, whenever you hear a guy on ESPN talk about the Lakers as if they are already in the Finals, just remember that their logic is flawed. The Spurs are for real this year. And if nothing else, Lady Luck will be on our side, as it is an odd year.