NBA: What to Expect From The 2008-2009 San Antonio Spurs

(Four out of the five Spurs pictured above are still at the core of an aging, but experienced Spurs team.)

Tim Duncan. Manu Ginobili. Tony Parker. Bruce Bowen. Uh, Fabricio Oberto? Kurt Thomas maybe?

This looks to be the starting lineup for the San Antonio Spurs at the beginning of the 09' NBA season. But is this lineup alone with a less stacked bench than prior years ready for a run at the championship?

Starters such as Ginobili and Duncan look to carry the team as usual into the playoff stretch this year, much like the prior years when the Spurs have dominated. However, unlike the past few years, the team looks a little weak where they have always been strong...in their bench.

With uncertainties in remaining free agents Michael Finley, and Damon Stoudamire, it looks like the Spurs need to make a few moves during the offseason to be once again in line to go deep into the playoffs.

The Western Conference has shown itself to be a very tough conference, with some of the better teams being left out of the playoff picture. If the Spurs aren't careful, they could be on the outside looking in this season.

With hardly any free agents worth while left on the market, it seems as though the Spurs will have to go young, or make a move via trades to improve a team that is rapidly aging.

The Spurs for years have been left without a dominant force down low besides Tim Duncan since the "Twin Tower" dynasty ended when David Robinson retired. It may be time to usher in a new era with France center Ian Mahinmi.

Is it possible the Spurs run at playoff greatness may be coming to a close? Not if Coach Gregg Popovich has anything to say about it.

Regardless of their roster, expect the 08-09 Spurs to remain competitive with an experienced starting five.

Andre Igoudala Hits Jackpot With New Sixers Contract

Andre Iguodala has 80 million reasons to be pumping his fists.

Iguodala signed a six-year deal worth a reported $80 million Tuesday night, according to ESPN.

This deal solidifies Iguodala as the main priority in Philadelphia, with the 76ers centering their team around him. Considering the addition of Elton Brand and a young core adding to the team's depth, the 76ers may be playoff-bound this upcoming season.

Iguodala has been by far the leader for the 76ers since the trade of the other "A.I.," Allen Iverson, back years ago. He was first on the team last year in scoring (19.9 PPG), third in rebounding (5.4 RPG), and second in assists (4.8 APG).

With the addition of Brand, the development of young stars like Thaddeus Young, and Marreese Speights, and the consistency of Andre Miller, the 76ers may only need to make a few moves this year to end up in serious playoff contention.

Regardless of what the 76ers plan on doing from here on out, Iguodala seems to be the man in Philly.

He's going to need some help from others if they plan on doing any damage to an ever growing Eastern Conference; with the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers all seeming to be playoff locks even prior to the regular season tipping off.

Since he is now being paid like a big-time player, he will have the same pressure as other stars around the league. Will he be able to handle it? Only time will tell. Until then, he can relax at his vacation house, while he watches the money truck back into the front yard.

Super Bowl XLIII: Could Be A Patriotic Rodeo...

Even though preseason has yet to begin in the NFL, rumors of potential Super Bowl match ups are already swirling amidst football nation. The consensus? Don't expect the Giants to repeat.

Though last year's Super Bowl had everything a sports fan could want, from drama to hype, domination to nail biter, this year may be a little different; this year may very well be the year of the favorite.

In the AFC, speculation suggests there seems to be a notable newcomer to the ranks of the playoffs this season, with the Browns very possibly making it into the playoff picture. Other teams such as the Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Chargers and Jags seem very determined, and well set up to make a run at a championship (don't worry fans of the Bills, Texans, Titans and Ravens, or any other team for that fact, this is just speculation).

In the NFC, not as much certainty can be said for the playoffs, though teams such as Dallas New York and possibly Green Bay all being front runners for a spot. The remaining three spots look to be up for grab. With a wacky other two divisions, it's a tough call but Arizona and New Orleans may be the favorites in the two remaining divisions. The last possible team to make it in should by all means be the Minnesota Vikings. They are much improved from prior years.

However, with all that being said, my personal prediction for the upcoming year's Super Bowl is the Dallas Cowboys versus the New England Patriots, and it ought to be a good one.

Tony Romo and Tom Brady are two of the best QB's in the NFL, and their supporting casts are some of the best. With two very good defenses, and some questions to be answered on both sides, this should be a good finale to a good year, should these two teams meet.

I'd love to hear what everyone's predictions are for the upcoming year. What will be the best record? What team should we be on the lookout for? Who do you believe will play in the Super Bowl? Lets hear it!