When the Spurs traded for Richard Jefferson in June, the next day drafted DeJuan Blair, an All-American from Pittsburgh, and signed veteran forward Antonio McDyess in July, the consensus around the league was that the Spurs had done the most of any team to improve their chances of challenging the Los Angeles Lakers for NBA pre-eminence.
That was then… this is now.
“Chemistry” has become the buzzword around the league as to why the Spurs, with a “loaded” roster, are sitting in 7th place in the Western Division.
“It's been our biggest problem so far,” captain Tim Duncan said. “Just trying to get everybody on the same page, trying to get a positive vibe and positive energy in the locker room. All of that stuff lends to chemistry.”
The Spurs' lack of chemistry has been evident on the offensive end, where they are committing 13.7 turnovers per game. It is evident on defense, as they have slipped to 11th in field-goal percentage allowed (45.5 percent).
It is evident in fourth quarters, where the Spurs have often been unable to come together for the defensive stop or the score required to close out tough games.
So how do they repair the team chemistry before the Playoffs? With only 24 hours remaining before the NBA trade deadline, the Spurs should be shopping one or two of their “talented” guys with bad attitudes for a couple of “locker room” guys with great attitudes.
(Thanks Jeff McDonald)
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