San Antonio Spurs: 5 obstacles to contending in 2017-18

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs high five each other during the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the Western Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images /

Now the offseason is almost over, it is time to look at why the San Antonio Spurs may not contend for the championship in 2017-18.

Ever since Tim Duncan was drafted to the San Antonio Spurs, they seem to have been perennial contenders for the NBA championship. However, in the second year without Duncan, the Spurs’ contending days may be winding down.

For the past 20 years, Gregg Popovich has coached this team to a winning record every year, so why would 2017-18 be any different?

With the NBA evolving each and every year, the Spurs are going to be under increasing pressure to contend for the main prize. They still have a talented nucleus of players, led by one of the best players in the game today, Kawhi Leonard.

LaMarcus Aldridge has recently come out in the media admitting to the fact he is unhappy with his role in the team, exposing cracks that very rarely appear in the pristine Spurs veneer.

Despite a solid offseason where they re-signed Pau Gasol and Manu Ginobili and also acquired Rudy Gay and Joffrey Lauvergne, there are many questions. The first question is what type of player Gay will be considering he had to learn how to walk again after his Achilles injury.

Here are five major obstacles to the San Antonio Spurs contending in 2017-18.

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