Are the Spurs too old?

I  recently heard someone ask Stephen A Smith a question about the San Antonio Spurs that bothered me a bit.  Stephen A was his usual hostile self towards the young man.  I usually don't agree with Stephen A being abrasive towards fans but in this instance the reaction was well deserved.

The man asked Stephen A if he felt the Spurs were over rated.  I began to ask my self.  How could a team that was one defensive possession away from capturing the NBA championship on the Miami Heats home court be considered over rated?  Some teams get to the final round and get steam rolled right into a second place finish.  Remember Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets against the Lakers.  Or maybe The Spurs last title over  an over achieving Cleveland Cavalier team.  Those teams got trounced to the point where you had to question wither or not they even belonged in the championship round.

Don't get me wrong I am well aware of the fact that the defending champions reside in Miami.  But to not view San Antonio as a team to reckon with come playoff time is a big mistake.  The Spurs finished last season playing at an elite level. Good enough to be champs. Gregg  Popovich is known for resting his stars sporadically throughout the season,  although he hasn't done it as blatant as we've seen in years past.

So why would you expect something different from this rugged group of veterans?  I know there are doubts.  Manu Ginobili played horrible at moments during last years playoff run, Tim Duncan must stay healthy and the fact remains that the Spurs have never made the NBA finals in back to back seasons.  San Antonio has also been pretty bad against the NBA's elite this year.  If the Spurs have a real shot at defending their Western Conference crown they must play better against the Miami's and the OKC's of the NBA.  They may also need a favorable match up or two in a wide open conference.  Last year Golden State felt comfortable against the Spurs and at times looked like the better team during their second round match up.  That's the type of young team the Spurs must be ready for come playoff time.  Remember the upset loss to the Grizzlies after leading the league in wins a few years back.

The teams nucleus remains intact from last year.  Patrick Mills has assumed more of a role in the offense which makes up for the loss of Gary Neal.  Marco Bellinili has fit in well thus far.  The Spurs may be under the radar right now but that's just how the like it.  Last June was the first time the big three walked away from the NBA finals with a bad taste in their mouths.  Tim Duncan wants to go out with a fifth championship.  The Spurs have the drive, the belief and the team to win the NBA title come June.

So are the Spurs over rated. No!