WESTERN CONFERENCE SOUTHWEST DIVISION San Antonio Once again, the San Antonio Spurs reside at the top of the NBA after winning their fifth title as a franchise, all of which have come under current head coach Gregg Popovich, universally regarded as the top head coach in the entire Association. The Spurs’ veteran trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker again played their customary starring roles in San Antonio’s latest run to championship glory. But this time it was a relative newcomer, Kawhi Leonard, who was front and center as the newest star of the group, showing some opportune offense along with his trademark defense. And after being named 2014 NBA Finals MVP, Leonard is no longer unknown outside of San Antonio. Being the reigning champs is not a new feeling for Popovich and company, but for all they have accomplished, the Spurs have never repeated. But with most of their cast returning, they will remain a contender until they are officially unseated. OFFENSE Leonard has missed much of preseason with an eye infection and it will be interesting to see how long it takes him to get back to speed with his teammates. He remains an important member of a starting five that also features Parker, Danny Green, Duncan and strong interior presence Tiago Splitter. Ginobili, 37, is over the stress fracture in his right foot and the veteran guard is ready to again lead the Spurs’ second unit. “I’m good and ready to go,” he said at the start of training camp. “I’ve been cleared to do everything. Just gradually increasing the amount of impact.” Besides Ginobili, the Spurs again expect solid bench production from Marco Belinelli and Boris Diaw, both long-range threats, and budding Parker understudy, Cory Joseph. However, the news isn’t so good on three-point specialist Patty Mills, diagnosed with a torn right rotator cuff over the summer and after surgery, he is expected to miss between six and seven months, which would put his return sometime in February or March 2014. Joseph, Parker’s primary backup at the point who played 68 games last season, is Tony Parker (#9) and Tim Duncan (#21)
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