This Wasn't Supposed to Happen

Where We Left Off
At the end of the 2010 Spurs season, I remember having the most depressing conversation ever with a close friend about the future of the franchise.

There was nothing we could do. The Spurs were heavily over the cap. And there was no way to get under.

Then Richard Jefferson opted-out of his contract, leaving $15 million on the table. Generic 'know nothing' Spurs fan was ecstatic.

"Good, he was a waste of space anyway!"

But what those people didn't realize - he just handicapped San Antonio. They couldn't sign someone to replace him. His opting-out only took us out of the luxury tax. The Spurs were still over the cap. The only thing they could hope for is that Jefferson would sign a new contract extension at a cheaper price, allowing the Spurs to avoid the luxury tax.

He did.

With Jefferson in at 4-years and $40 million, the Spurs were sitting in prime financial position to bring over Spanish League MVP, and 2007 1st round draft pick, Tiago Splitter, who was supposed to be the answer to our frontcourt problems.

They did. (Thanks to the Mid-level exception.)

Then the Spurs resigned a 30-year old Matt Bonner to 4-years and $16 million contract. A move that I expressed my hate about over and over and over again. (I'd rather not get into it again...I don't want to be reminded that we're stuck with him for another 3-years.)

The Spurs still needed to find a backup shooting guard that could be a reliable three-point shooter and be a servicable perimeter defender. The Spurs drafted James Anderson out of Oklahoma State with the 20th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Just a guy that wouldn't make mistakes and spell Richard Jefferson/Manu Ginobili whenever he could.

And we already know about the Gary Neal story...

Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford were content on bringing this core back. The team that finished as the 7th seed in the Western Conference at 50-32...the team that completely dismantled the second seeded Dallas Mavericks in the 1st round, only to get swept by the 3rd seed Phoenix Suns. A team they constantly use as their whipping toy. But they were no longer a problem as Amar'e Stoudemire took his talents signed with the New York Knicks. The Lakers were the only thing in the way, since they were 2-time defending champs. But anything is possible when the Spurs and Lakers play...things were going alright.

Eight Letters That Saved A Season

Outside of San Antonio, Gary Neal isn't very well known.  Outside of San Antonio, the only reason you would know Gary Neal is for all the wrong reasons. (See J.R. Smith, Tyreke Evans and the handshake fail). Or maybe you only know Gary Neal because of his sexual assault charges back in college.

But regardless of the reason, one must admit the great job he's done this season. A guy that came out of Summer League, received a guaranteed contract, and only saw the floor thanks to an injury to rookie James Anderson.

His shot was more than just a game tying three-pointer to send it into overtime. His shot was more than just an opportunity to stave off elimination.