Tiago Splitter says the San Antonio Spurs can compete with Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder next season – NBA News
Tiago Splitter is currently in Sao Paulo Brazil, participating in the NBA 3x3 event which aims to bring basketball to countries where it is not followed and create an awareness and fan base for the game. Splitter gave an interview to the Brazilian station Radio Sport FM, and was asked about the recent acquisitions of the Los Angeles Lakers and how it affects the Western Conference and the Spurs in particular.
Like scores of other NBA players who have been asked this question, Splitter said that the Lakers were a good team on paper, but needed to do so much more before they could be labelled as the best in the Western Conference.
“We all know that the team on paper does not win the game. The Los Angeles Lakers rode a great team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who kept their key players,” said Splitter.
Splitter also added that he thought the Spurs had a good chance of being on the same level as the Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder next season, possibly defeating them as well. The Spurs were eliminated by the Thunder in 6 games in the NBA Finals last season, which many saw as a turning event in terms of dominance in the Western Conference, with the Spurs era coming to an end and aThunder era beginning.
“In my opinion, we (San Antonio Spurs) are able to meet on equal footing these teams. We know that we need to strive in training so we can be right in season. (Gregg) Popovich is assembling a roster much like last year and it helps us. Yet, we know that the Spurs are never favourites,” added Splitter.
Among other topics, Splitter talked about his head coach Gregg Popovich, and his skills of developing team work and cohesiveness in the team which allows them to play so skilfully. He also raved about the Spurs big man and franchise player for the past decade or so, Tim Duncan, praising his work ethic and the hard work he has put in over the course of his career.
“The work he (Duncan) does every day and with 30 years he has already (36), the patience he has to play, the timing, the talent he has. Of course that is not taught,” said Splitter.
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