The old San Antonio Spurs were injected this summer with a giant blast of youth. After picking up free agent LaMarcus Aldridge from the Portland Trail Blazers, the team also added some much needed depth in David West.
Over the course of a few months the Spurs shot up from has beens to the baddest team on the block. As of the first week of October, NBA Futures at TopBet sportsbook have the San Antonio Spurs (+200) pegged to win the 2015-16 NBA Championship. Close behind is Cleveland at +250. What is curious is that current champs the Golden State Warriors trail significantly with +600 odds to win.
How could this be you ask? Well while San Antonio was building towards redemption, the Cavaliers were building for revenge. They locked up Kevin Love and LeBron James, the two marquee names on their free agent list. With a healthy Love last season, you’d have to think Cleveland could’ve pushed a little harder for that title ring.
In any case though, while the Spurs and Cavs were keeping their core in tact, the Warriors waved goodbye to fan favorite David Lee. Now keep in mind Lee was replaced quickly by Jason Thompson – a younger and cheaper David Lee. JT could fit in nicely but the fact is, the team rocked the boat after raising the title and it will now take time to tell if the move pays off.
Regardless of where the Warriors sit to start the year in the public opinion polls though, they will still be a threat. They are returning virtually their same starters with the addition of Jason Thompson, Chris Babb, rookie Kevon Looney and former Chicago Bull standout Ben Gordon. The blue and yellow also made a big move off the court by adding two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash to their coaching staff.
Golden State will still have a great chance of defending their title. Just not when it comes to the ranks in early October.