2. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs’ 2015-16 regular season doesn’t get discussed much because it was overshadowed by Golden State’s 73 win team. But San Antonio won 67 games last season. That is absolutely nothing to scoff at.
However, the Spurs suffered a big loss when Tim Duncan elected to retire.
Duncan was a generational player, and initially it will probably be strange to see the Spurs take the floor without No. 21. However, San Antonio is doing their best to replace Duncan.
San Antonio went out and signed Pau Gasol away from the Chicago Bulls. This was an excellent signing for the Spurs, as Gasol brings plenty of championship experience to a team that still has championship expectations.
After briefly entertaining the Philadelphia 76ers, Manu Ginobili re-signed with the Spurs, and he’ll take a shot at winning another title.
The Spurs are a model of consistency. Gregg Popovich runs the team a certain way, meaning he may sit veterans for rest even when it’s viewed as unpopular. San Antonio has a proven track record of winning, and while the road to the NBA Finals will be tough in 2016-17, the Spurs will give it their best shot once again.
Certainly, the one team above San Antonio on this list improved, but with Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Manu Ginobili, San Antonio is poised for another great season.
Next: No. 1