NBA Power Rankings: 2014-15 Western Conference Projections

2. San Antonio Spurs — 58-24

Hardest month:  April  (.540)

Weakest month:  November  (.460)

Back-to-backs:  21

If you know anything about the Finals coverage and praise I’ve given Gregg Popovich in the Western Conference Finals, you’re aware that I never slight them.  From where I come from, “disrespect” would be giving the Spurs lower than a No. 2 seed in the conference, and underestimating their playoff run due to their age.

As we learned from the postseason, thrashing the young guns in Portland, and a two-time defending champion in five games was enough to throw the age card out the window, at least for the time being.

Kawhi Leonard will experience the same thing LeBron did, to an extent, after he captured his first championship and Finals MVP.  When you accomplish something on such a grand stage, it’s like the monkey is off your back.  You play with more confidence, because you never have that doubt in your head anymore of “I don’t know if I’m capable.”  Leonard, as you could look at during his first few seasons and get that vibe from, knows there’s only three or four small forwards with a better skill-set next season.

But, his standout in the Finals will have him believing he’s second to none, which is exactly what you want in any position.  Staying humble isn’t an issue for the kid, and that’s proven after every interview.

For the upcoming season, not having Patty Mills to backup an injury-prone Tony Parker or Manu Ginobili is a cause of concern for their hopes at the outright homecourt advantage.  Mills underwent shoulder surgery this offseason, keeping him out for majority of the season until the playoffs arrive.

Ask Popovich about having any series as a homecourt advantage.  He’ll look at you in disgust, and say you shouldn’t be a champion if that’s all you depend on.