The San Antonio Spurs were one of the surprise casualties in the 2014-15 NBA Playoffs, falling to the Los Angeles Clippers, 4-3, in dramatic fashion.
To recall, the Spurs' hopes of defending their title vanished when an injured Chris Paul was able to get in a last second shot and push the Clippers to the next round.
Of course the Clippers are no pushovers. Aside from a credible head coach in Glenn Doc Rivers, they also boast of a formidable cast of players. Aside from Paul, there is the slam-dunking demon named Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Redick and Jamaal Crawford.
It was a surprise win, something many barely expected. A miracle shot by Paul who practically played on one leg shows how evenly matched and how much the Clippers wanted the game. For the Spurs, the outcome was as shocking as it was to the many people who had witnessed the game.
The Spurs have a lot of reason to be disappointed of course, falling short and being blindsided by an unlikely outcome. As far as the team is concerned, there could be changes forthcoming.
The changes are not a result of the debacle but more on the fact that some of its players are expected to retire soon.
Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili could make an announcement anytime soon hence pushing the Spurs to try and come up with a new big three. Tony Parker, 32, could very well be playing a couple of years but there is no telling when the Spurs point guard could eventually call it a day in the NBA.
Kawhi Leonard will still be there and maybe even Danny Green. The thing is, these new guys will need more help and perhaps this is the reason why the team has set its sights on trying to acquire LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trailblazers.
It will be recalled that Aldridge plans to check out the free agent market and if his goal is to get an NBA ring, the Spurs are a logical choice to get one. And with guidance coming from one of the best coaches in the NBA today, Gregg Popovich, Aldridge could blossom into the star center/forward that he should be.
Aldridge will certainly be a great fit, possibly taking over from Tim Duncan. Though the task at hand is daunting, the thing is the Spurs have to hone up their frontline and Aldridge is just one of many big men they can get their hands on.
