The San Antonio Spurs seemingly put themselves a step above most NBA title contenders this upcoming season with free-agent additions of LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. However, they still are not exactly considered the favorites for an NBA title in 2015-16.
While the present and immediate future looks bright in South Texas, and some experts are predicting them to win as many as 66 games, Sportsbook only has their odds at +400--the Cleveland Cavaliers are at no. 1.
On July 4 via Twitter, Aldridge officially announced his signing with the Spurs. He agreed to a max deal of four years for $80 million and the contract has a third-year opt-out clause.
It was a win-win for the five-time NBA champs as West opted out of his $12 million contract with the Indiana Pacers and accepted the $1.5 million veteran minimum on July 6. West is a two time former All-Star and has never been to the NBA Finals. The deepest in the playoffs he's been is the Eastern Conference Finals with the Pacers.
He received bigger offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards, but ultimately turned them down to be a part of a team with a long championship pedigree.
Regardless of the Vegas odds, these moves will significantly bolster the Spurs' front line on both offense and defense-- not to mention the rebounding, outside shooting, toughness and leadership both Aldridge and West will add.
Current players like Kawhi Leonard (five years, $90 million) and Danny Green (four years $45 million) have agreed to long term deals. Not to mention, San Antonio will have young players like Kyle Anderson and veteran guys such as Patty Mills and Borris Diaw to provide depth. Sixth-man Manu Ginobili also announced his return, which will keep the big three of Ginobili, Duncan and Parker together for at least one more season.
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