Tim Duncan looks great. He's 37 years old, but is still one of the premier big men in the league. Duncan's game is predicated on skill, not athleticism. That is why he can always be effective. Duncan can still average 15 and 10 for the next 3-4 seasons (barring major injury). As evidenced this season, Duncan can step up for huge performances in the playoffs. He'll be very effective next year.
Tony Parker was in MVP discussion up until his injury in February. Parker is still fast as hell and can use floaters, tear drops, and trick shots to score effectively in the paint. Parker will be back, and he will probably have a much-improved jumper.
Manu Ginobili wasn't as bad as advertised. Seriously. I watched every game, and Ginobili did indeed turn the ball over many times. He's 36 years old. On a side note, Ginobili's 36 years of age equates to a 40 year old playing in the NBA. Ginobili spent his early years playing pro-basketball and racking up many miles. Therefore, Ginobili's mileage is ridiculously high. Still, with that being said, Ginobili can still ball. He's always a threat from the three-point line. He can still drive in and hit tough lay-ups. Ginobili is going to be the scapegoat this series. But he doesn't deserve the blame. Although Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, and Danny Green were instrumental in this playoff run, they still cannot create offense on their own. Ginobili, Parker, and Duncan can create offense. So when Duncan and Parker are on the bench, Ginobili has all the pressure on him to create and initiate plays. Miami absolutely swarmed him. I'm confident that many players would also turn the ball over as well. Just look at James Harden last year. Same role as Ginobili. Harden was also destroyed by the Heat defense. Ginobili may retire, but if he stays, he can still be effective.
Kawhi Leonard is a young star in the making. He defended, rebounded, and scored. Leonard is a proven shut-down defender. He wreaks havoc in the passing lanes with his huge hands and long arms. His strength, size, and quickness will allow him to guard positions 1-4. He also gave Mike Miller a nice facial.
Leonard still struggles to create his own offense, but he's only 21. He will ease into the role of being the superstar in San Antonio. He'll come back with a much bigger offensive role next season.
Danny Green was shut down during the last 2 games. He looked lost. However, we still cannot forget his superhuman performances in the first 5 games. He broke Ray Allen's record for threes in the finals. Green has proven himself as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. In games 6 & 7, the Heat showed why Danny Green is a role player. He was annihilated by Wade. On offense, Green couldn't even dribble without having to pick up the ball and wrap his arms around it. Green did show some promise as a defender during the series. He'll be back and improved.
Gary Neal is a shooter. He will continue to be that trigger for the Spurs.
Tiago Splitter is pretty terrible. However, there is no way he can get worse. He'll probably get much stronger in the offseason, and should come back as an improved finisher and rebounder. Splitter is still very young, and has a lot of time to improve. Unlike others, I'm not a Splitter hater. I think he's a decent big man. However, this series highlighted his many weaknesses.
Conclusion: The Spurs always have great drafts. They will find a player who will contribute in some way for them. I think San Antonio will have a tough offseason (heartbroken Finals loss), but will bounce back. They will compete in the Western Conference next year.
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