Ranking the San Antonio Spurs’ Top 5 Players

The news of Patty Mills’ injury was a tough one to stomach. His fearless offensive attack and energy off the bench were irreplaceable last year. The 135 three-pointers made by Mills will be sorely missed. He should be back to full strength come the postseason, which is good news. In last year’s playoffs, his 44 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 7.3 points per game spurred the Spurs’ offense.

After the disappointing performance in the 2013 NBA Finals, Manu Ginobili contemplated retirement. If he did, the Spurs would’ve lost 12.3 points per game and an indispensable weapon. This season, as always, his ability to lead the team in numerous statistical categories off the bench are going to be needed. With Mills’ out, there will be a necessity for production off the bench. One-third of the “Big Three” will be called upon again.

It’s kind of funny to think that the San Antonio Spurs actually considered dropping Tony Parker for Jason Kidd in 2003. While it may have been a smart move at the time, Parker proved his importance to the franchise by running the point in four championships. Ironically enough, his first of those quests came against Kidd and the Nets in 2003. Needless to say, Parker will need at the top of his game if the Spurs are to repeat.

There is not really a way to emphasize the importance of the best power forward ever. Tim Duncan is foundation of the Spurs at the moment, even though his time is running shorter by the moment. In his 18th season, Duncan will seek to lead the only team he knows to a destiny they’ve never been able to achieve in four previous attempts. Without him, they have no chance at all.

The 2014 NBA Finals MVP may not be built for the spotlight, with his mild-mannered temperament , but Kawhi Leonard must get used to it. With the “Big Three” soon to ride off into the sunset, Leonard will be the counted on to continue the legacy. He sure has the most potential of any current player on the Spurs’ roster to do it. His growth and ability to lead will be the biggest factor in a Spurs’ repeat story.