Kendrick Perkins had a lot to say about the San Antonio Spurs and their status as contenders.
The San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final in heartbreaking fashion. It was a loss that few expected, given that the Spurs had the lead for most of the game.
However, this has been the most competitive basketball the Spurs have played since Victor Wembanyama’s arrival. As such, fans are wondering whether this run shows they can be title contenders.
Kendrick Perkins labels San Antonio Spurs as ‘legit’ title contenders
Former NBA champion and ESPN analyst spoke on SportsCenter about the San Antonio Spurs losing in the NBA Cup final.
Perkins believes, despite the loss, that the San Antonio Spurs have shown that they are legitimate title contenders and can cause problems for the OKC Thunder in the playoffs.
“Although they lost, they put the world on notice. On this big stage, they delivered. They didn’t deliver in great fashion because they didn’t get the win.
“But they delivered in good fashion, enough to say that the Spurs are legit title contenders. We know who Victor Wembanyama is. Now we know the rest of this roster.
“I’m sitting right here tonight and saying they’re legit title contenders.
“If they play the way that they played tonight and have been playing all season, they can definitely have a shot at winning the NBA championship right now.”
San Antonio Spurs will struggle with lack of experience
While the San Antonio Spurs undoubtedly have one of the best rosters in the NBA, it’s a little early to call them legitimate title contenders.
The biggest problem for the Spurs is their lack of experience in the NBA playoffs. Just two years ago, we saw the Oklahoma City Thunder rise, earning the first seed in the Western Conference.
However, they would end up getting eliminated in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, as they hadn’t had the playoff experience as a squad needed to win an NBA championship.
The following year, after some experience in the playoffs, the Thunder went on to win it all. And that is, in all likelihood, what is going to happen to the San Antonio Spurs.
Of course, they could upset many with their lack of experience. But to crown them as contenders without them playing a single playoff game as a squad is risky.
Read More: Dirk Nowitzki hits out at Victor Wembanyama over Chet Holmgren remarks
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