Are the San Antonio Spurs a Top 3 NBA franchise if they win another title ?

[Legends66NBA7]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21h7VLHgFyM/TgzJOH0nuKI/AAAAAAAAZlc/M__mnmpeKwk/s1600/San_Antonio_Spurs_Logo12.jpg

I believe everyone would have the Lakers and Celtics either 1 or 2 (depending who you ask) in terms of being a successful NBA franchise.

Some quick notes

-1822-1164 NBA (61%) regular season record.
-Only team in the NBA with a tied or better head-to-head regular season record against every active team, but the Los Angeles Lakers.
-23 50+ win seasons and 14 consecutive 50+ win seasons.
-Missed playoffs only 4 times in 37 NBA seasons.
-19 Division titles; 33 playoff series; 12 WCF Finals; 4 NBA Finals (4 apperances; pending results of their just recent 5th apperances)

Or would this mantle still be held by Chicago ? Another title and such consistency from their franchise for well over 3 decades might be enough to put them over.

What do you say ISH ?

[9erempiree]

I put them ahead of the Celtics if they win another one.

[SpecialQue]

They've been better longer than the Bulls. If they win it all this year they're clearly the better franchise.

[L.Kizzle]

Spurs are already better.

Bull have only been great for about a ten year stretch with Jordan. The success in the past few years may have helped.

The Spurs have have success goin back into the 70s/early 80s with George Gervin.

[BrickingStar]

Do you really like COD or something because I always see you sporting COD related avys lol.

[9erempiree]

Bulls were never in the discussion as a great franchise. They really did get lucky and landed MJ.

I think if Portland landed MJ than we would be talking about them.

It's not like the Bulls have been consistently winning or have a tradition of winning. They had an era with MJ and that's basically their history.

[BlackVVaves]

Not above the Celtics or Lakers, so it's really between them and Chicago for #3. I still would say Chicago is worth more to the basketball world as a franchise, just based off the contributions the franchise made to the expansion of the NBA as a global entity thanks to Mr. Jordan wearing that Bulls jersey.

Definitely Top 4 though, if not 3.

[Legends66NBA7]

Do you really like COD or something because I always see you sporting COD related avys lol.

Yes, but I will probably change it next month into something not COD related.

Anyways, your opinion on the topic at hand ?

[tikay0]

You think the Spurs will pass up the Bulls dynasty??? :roll:

[tikay0]

Bulls were never in the discussion as a great franchise. They really did get lucky and landed MJ.

I think if Portland landed MJ than we would be talking about them.

It's not like the Bulls have been consistently winning or have a tradition of winning. They had an era with MJ and that's basically their history.

And no mention of Scottie or Kukoc? You act like we only had MJ.

[9erempiree]

You think the Spurs will pass up the Bulls dynasty??? :roll:

They won't pass the Bulls' dynasty but as a franchise they are already better than the Bulls.

Let's face it, Chicago never had a winning tradition. MJ happened.

With teams like the Lakers and Celtics, they have a winning tradition with many great players. Chicago were nobodies till MJ came along.

Basically they were lucky to land MJ, any team that drafted MJ, we would be talking about them.

[9erempiree]

And no mention of Scottie or Kukoc? You act like we only had MJ.

Doesn't matter. Scottie and Toni played the same time with MJ.

It's not like the Bulls expanded their winning ways through different eras. They did their thing in the 90's and that's not enough compared to successful teams that have ruled many decades.

[TheBigVeto]

Yup.
Celtics
Bulls
Spurs

[CJ Mustard]

I put them ahead of the Celtics if they win another one.
You're on crack.

And yes, they'd have a real argument for #3.

[Legends66NBA7]

You think the Spurs will pass up the Bulls dynasty??? :roll:

I'm just discussing this one and it's not like this out of the realm of possibility.

Sure, the 6 titles in one decade and back to back 3 peats is something really special at the height of the franchises height... I can see someone claiming that what they accomplished in their time frame was greatest ever for a franchise (although I wouldn't). Also, the case of them having better title teams than the Spurs have had.

But outside of that, they've had very few dominant seasons and long playoff runs. They've been some bad times for long stretches. I do think they have the potential to be a very good team in the coming years if they add some more talent.

The Spurs have been impressively consistent for 3 straight decades now and could certainly gather many more titles even before the core of San Antonio is gone, starting with this year.

[Anaximandro1]

Spurs are TOP 3 :applause:

[tikay0]

They won't pass the Bulls' dynasty but as a franchise they are already better than the Bulls.

Let's face it, Chicago never had a winning tradition. MJ happened.

With teams like the Lakers and Celtics, they have a winning tradition with many great players. Chicago were nobodies till MJ came along.

Basically they were lucky to land MJ, any team that drafted MJ, we would be talking about them.

On the strength of the Bulls dynasty alone, we're cemented in the 3rd spot, unless by some miracle, another team can duplicate back to back 3 peats. :confusedshrug:

Who's gonna duplicate that, then surpass that?

Not to mention, our core got broken up too soon.

[tikay0]

I'm just discussing this one and it's not like this out of the realm of possibility.

Sure, the 6 titles in one decade and back to back 3 peats is something really special at the height of the franchises height... I can see someone claiming that what they accomplished in their time frame was greatest ever for a franchise (although I wouldn't). Also, the case of them having better title teams than the Spurs have had.

But outside of that, they've had very few dominant seasons and long playoff runs. They've been some bad times for long stretches. I do think they have the potential to be a very good team in the coming years if they add some more talent.

The Spurs have been impressively consistent for 3 straight decades now and could certainly gather many more titles even before the core of San Antonio is gone, starting with this year.

Yeah, but we judge their franchise by titles. We don't judge based off of winning seasons. Who does that?

No one gives a fugg about the Patriots winning seasons, and Super Bowl choke job. Or not even making it to the Super Bowl. It's about rings, and only rings.

Why are the Cowboys still regarded as one of the GOAT franchises, even though they've sucked for the past decade.

[9erempiree]

On the strength of the Bulls dynasty alone, we're cemented in the 3rd spot, unless by some miracle, another team can duplicate 2, 3 peats. :confusedshrug:

Who's gonna duplicate that, then surpass that?

Not to mention, our core got broken up too soon.

I'm not devaluing the Bulls dynasty, as I think they are one of the few dynasties that exist in the NBA but no matter how great that dynasty is, it can't carry the entire weight of the franchise.

It's not a knock on the Bulls dynasty, since we are talking about franchise here.

If we were talking about peak years in a franchise. The Bulls can very well be number 1.

This is what MJ basically left the team. His gift was his curse. He will overshadow anything significant the Bulls do, from here on out. Unless they change this and win from here on out.

[tikay0]

I'm not devaluing the Bulls dynasty, as I think they are one of the few dynasties that exist in the NBA but no matter how great that dynasty is, it can't carry the entire weight of the franchise.

It's not a knock on the Bulls dynasty, since we are talking about franchise here.

If we were talking about peak years in a franchise. The Bulls can very well be number 1.

The Spurs have no franchise or remembrance without rings. :confusedshrug:

Winning seasons don't mean shit.

[L.Kizzle]

Spurs have made the Playoffs 41 times in 46 seasons.
Bull have made it 32 times in 46 seasons.

Spurs 24 - Fifty win seasons
Bulls 15 - Fifty Win seasons (only 9 in the Jordan era)

Spurs 8 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)
Bulls 5 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)

[L.Kizzle]

On the strength of the Bulls dynasty alone, we're cemented in the 3rd spot, unless by some miracle, another team can duplicate back to back 3 peats. :confusedshrug:

Who's gonna duplicate that, then surpass that?

Not to mention, our core got broken up too soon.
Rodman 36
Jordan 34
Pippen 32

Broken up too soon, how long did you expect them to play, until they were Robert Parish's age?

[tikay0]

Spurs have made the Playoffs 41 times in 46 seasons.
Bull have made it 32 times in 46 seasons.

Spurs 24 - Fifty win seasons
Bulls 15 - Fifty Win seasons (only 9 in the Jordan era)

Spurs 8 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)
Bulls 5 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)

Hold on. Are the Atlanta Braves considered an ATG team? :confusedshrug:

What about the Buffalo Bills? :confusedshrug:

[9erempiree]

People have to remember that MJ happened. He, at one time, was bigger than the NBA. The poster girl for the NBA.

The league and Nike built MJ up to be so big that it seemed like he could have won anywhere he went.

The Bulls dynasty was great but their franchise?...not so much.

[9erempiree]

Hold on. Are the Atlanta Braves considered an ATG team? :confusedshrug:

What about the Buffalo Bills? :confusedshrug:

Depends on who you ask. I consider those teams to be a dynasties. Even without the rings.

[tikay0]

Depends on who you ask. I consider those teams to be a dynasties. Even without the rings.

LMAO. Nah son. They're not. They're considered the biggest chokers of all time/biggest let downs in sports history.

[AngelEyes]

Rodman 36
Jordan 34
Pippen 32

Broken up too soon, how long did you expect them to play, until they were Robert Parish's age?

Rodman was 37 and Jordan was 35

[L.Kizzle]

Hold on. Are the Atlanta Braves considered an ATG team? :confusedshrug:

What about the Buffalo Bills? :confusedshrug:
Miami Heat have two rings, but you're telling me their franchise is better than the Utah Jazz or Portland Trailblazers?

[tikay0]

So, if the Heat only won 1 ring, and then went onto go the Finals every year, and lose, would they be considered an ATG team, or the biggest chokers of all time?

We both know the answer.

[gengiskhan]

Rodman 37
Jordan 35
Pippen 33

Broken up too soon, how long did you expect them to play, until they were Robert Parish's age?

MJ was already 35 when playing 1998 nba finals.

[tikay0]

Rodman 36
Jordan 34
Pippen 32

Broken up too soon, how long did you expect them to play, until they were Robert Parish's age?

Ummmm.........Jordan would've still been a force, and Pippen was still a great player. They had at least 2 more title runs left in them, and at least 3-5 more ECF/ deep playoff runs in them. :confusedshrug:

[9erempiree]

So, if the Heat only won 1 ring, and then went onto go the Finals every year, and lose, would they be considered an ATG team, or the biggest chokers of all time?

We both know the answer.

I think you are getting team and franchise mixed up.

The Heat are a very good franchise. They actually received 2 championships from two different teams. 06 and last year.

[DonDadda59]

Spurs have made the Playoffs 41 times in 46 seasons.
Bull have made it 32 times in 46 seasons.

Spurs 24 - Fifty win seasons
Bulls 15 - Fifty Win seasons (only 9 in the Jordan era)

Spurs 8 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)
Bulls 5 conference Finals appearances (not counting NBA Finals)

Yeah, it's a tough call between the Spurs and the Bulls for that 3 spot. Chicago in the 90s had an ultra dominant run- 2 threepeats and setting the record for most wins in a season and coming close to that again. But the Spurs have the longevity and success spread out over decades. The Spurs in the Duncan era have the best winning % of all the 4 major team sports in the US (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) and winning #5 would really boost their case for being the #3 franchise.

I'd say the rankings are like this now:

1A/1B Lakers/Celtics
2A/2B Bulls/Spurs

[Legends66NBA7]

Yeah, but we judge their franchise by titles. We don't judge based off of winning seasons. Who does that?

No one gives a fugg about the Patriots winning seasons, and Super Bowl choke job. Or not even making it to the Super Bowl. It's about rings, and only rings.

Why are the Cowboys still regarded as one of the GOAT franchises, even though they've sucked for the past decade.

I disagree by just ranking franchises by titles.

And just because didn't win a titles doesn't mean the season should be recognized in disappointment or forgotten. And the Patriots should definitely be in contention of GOAT franchises.

Though, I can see your Dallas point. I view them in the mix (using NBA teams here) of the Celtics and Sixers.


The Spurs have no franchise or remembrance without rings. :confusedshrug:

Winning seasons don't mean shit.

This isn't true.

Karl Malone and John Stockton put the Jazz on the map, regardless of them not winning.

The Phoenix Suns have had a revolving door of success (I have seen them in some Top 10's) even though they have had only 2 Finals appearances.

The Mavericks, though they did win a title recently, would still be recognized as a Top franchise from both success and fan standpoint. It's not crazy to put them over a franchise that has more titles... like over Houston, New York, and Golden State (counting their previous teams)... and if were talking about teams that have 1 NBA title, I'm pretty sure Dallas would be over OKC (counting their work in Seattle), New York, Atlanta, Washington, and Sacramento (previous franchise teams).

[AngelEyes]

Hold on. Are the Atlanta Braves considered an ATG team? :confusedshrug:

What about the Buffalo Bills? :confusedshrug:

The difference is that the Bills never won a title, the Braves won only 1 and the Spurs have 4. The Spurs have 4 titles and an incredible record of sustained excellence.

[AintNoSunshine]

I put them ahead of the Celtics if they win another one.


LOL :applause: keep them coming and you shall soon join Mr. Jabbar:lol

[oh the horror]

Top three of course is arguable...and it is hard considering other franchises that dominated in periods of time...


But I remember San Antonio even being good during the David Robinson era...


Then they really hit the jackpot with Duncan and just have been solid.



When you really think about it they could be right there?


Unfortunately they also do not draw big name free agents. Which is unfortunate since they do have Pop (for now) and their ability to find players deep in drafts is spectacular.

[tikay0]

The difference is that the Bills never won a title, the Braves won only 1 and the Spurs have 4. The Spurs have 4 titles and an incredible record of sustained excellence.

That's my point. The Bulls have 6, but without the longevity.

So, you can say a phenomenal franchise with 2 rings, minus the longevity, compared to 0 rings with longevity.

I'll take the team with the 2 rings while being a historically great team.

The Heat team has no relevance to this argument. Yes, they have 2 rings, but they're not a historically great team whatsoever.

[Legends66NBA7]

Unfortunately they also do not draw big name free agents. Which is unfortunate since they do have Pop (for now) and their ability to find players deep in drafts is spectacular.

I don't think that would be my main concern, because I'm really just looking at it from a result standpoint. Infact, the fact they draft so well should be viewed as a plus for them.

[TheBigVeto]

I put them ahead of the Celtics if they win another one.

http://oi53.tinypic.com/34rtwyh.jpg


http://i1253.photobucket.com/albums/hh600/Rodman2124/kobeclutch.gif


U Mad Kobetards?
Kobetards are phaggits
Kobe isn't a great player, FACT

[Legends66NBA7]

Bump.

Wanted more thoughts on the matter.

[MavsSuperFan]

That's my point. The Bulls have 6, but without the longevity.

So, you can say a phenomenal franchise with 2 rings, minus the longevity, compared to 0 rings with longevity.

I'll take the team with the 2 rings while being a historically great team.

The Heat team has no relevance to this argument. Yes, they have 2 rings, but they're not a historically great team whatsoever.

The difference from 0-2 > the difference from 4-6

The bulls had one period of incredible dominance, which is enough to make them the 4th greatest franchise, but the Spurs should be above them considering the fact that they have 4 rings and more consistent success.

[grantz]

The difference from 0-2 > the difference from 4-6

The bulls had one period of incredible dominance, which is enough to make them the 4th greatest franchise, but the Spurs should be above them considering the fact that they have 4 rings and more consistent success.

Agreed, the Bulls had great success during the Jordan era, but outside that they are no-where near as consistently being an excellent team as the Spurs have been.

I'd still put the Bulls over the Spurs, but if the Spurs pull it off this year, I would put them at about even at 3.

[Nezty]

That's my point. The Bulls have 6, but without the longevity.

So, you can say a phenomenal franchise with 2 rings, minus the longevity, compared to 0 rings with longevity.

I'll take the team with the 2 rings while being a historically great team.

The Heat team has no relevance to this argument. Yes, they have 2 rings, but they're not a historically great team whatsoever.


Dude you're acting like there is a major gap between 4 rings (with the poissibilty of 5) and 6. If winning seasons don't mean shit how do you supose a team wins a ring if they have losing seasons?

[ReturnofJPR]

In terms of overall greatness, no franchise will ever be able to top the experience of the Dynasty Bulls. The Chicago Bulls franchise brought basketball and the NBA worldwide. The Chicago Bulls franchise enabled today's stars to have shoe deals and make $20 million a year. In terms of long term standing, wins, rings, etc. it is obviously the Lakers and Boston.

Chicago, even when they were winning 19 games a year with Elton Brand, they sold out. Chicago has the best fans. They always sell out and their stadium seats much more than most arenas...

[MavsSuperFan]

In terms of overall greatness, no franchise will ever be able to top the experience of the Dynasty Bulls. The Chicago Bulls franchise brought basketball and the NBA worldwide. The Chicago Bulls franchise enabled today's stars to have shoe deals and make $20 million a year. In terms of long term standing, wins, rings, etc. it is obviously the Lakers and Boston.

Chicago, even when they were winning 19 games a year with Elton Brand, they sold out. Chicago has the best fans. They always sell out and their stadium seats much more than most arenas...

Chicago is a huge city with a huge population. Its not like your green bay and need a significant percentage of your population to sell out games.

Not saying it isn't impressive, I mean look at how LA supports its teams, but its not as impressive as you're making it sound.

[NumberSix]

They're definitely better than the Bulls if they win.

The Bulls where a powerhouse for an 8 year span. Never did anything before and haven't done anything since.

[ReturnofJPR]

Chicago is a huge city with a huge population. Its not like your green bay and need a significant percentage of your population to sell out games.

Not saying it isn't impressive, I mean look at how LA supports its teams, but its not as impressive as you're making it sound.

You can paint a picture any way you want to, but facts are facts. Chicago always sells out. And to back up their big city, they have the 2nd biggest stadium in the NBA behind Detroit (22,000 capacity).

And nobody supports their team like Chicago does. Chicago has real fans, not fair-weather like you see in a lot of the warmer cities..(Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, L.A., Phoenix, etc.)

[Legends66NBA7]

Bump since I saw a similar thread.

They lead 3-1 in the series and it seems close that they will win #5, but they've not gotten 6 Finals and another 60+ win season under their belts, all 50+ win seasons (including the 99 Spurs team adjusted for pace) under the Duncan/Popvich era.

Some consider this Spurs to team to be the best ever. Top 3 NBA franchise of all-time ?

[deja vu]

I think the Spurs will share the 3rd spot with the Bulls if and when they win this year. Spurs had one less title but had a longer period of consistency/dominance.

[Rose'sACL]

Spurs will take over bulls' spot after Sunday.Spurs have had been relevant even before duncan. Unlike what ISH thinks, being in title contention every year is better than winning a few in short span of time. bulls have not been in title contention since jordan retired other than in 2011. That is 15 years of not being considered a championship contender tier team. After this title, this would be my ranking for top teams
1. Lakers
2. Celtics
3. Spurs
4. Bulls
5. Pistons
6. Heat
7. Sixers

[Legends66NBA7]

Spurs will take over bulls' spot after Sunday.Spurs have had been relevant even before duncan. Unlike what ISH thinks, being in title contention every year is better than winning a few in short span of time. bulls have not been in title contention since jordan retired other than in 2011. That is 15 years of not being considered a championship contender tier team. After this title, this would be my ranking for top teams
1. Lakers
2. Celtics
3. Spurs
4. Bulls
5. Pistons
6. Heat
7. Sixers

Nice, I got the same exact Top 7.

Order might be a little different from the bottom, but this is the correct Top 7 teams of all-time IMO.

[FPJ]

Competitive wise, this is the best offense i've seen. Some people dont realize how incredible the Spurs offense is and why Pop is indeed the GOAT.

[Lakers Legend#32]

Not until they win it back to back.

[clipps]

Bulls had one great era and sucked in every other era. Spurs were a threat every season except for a few. If the Clippers suddenly won 2 or 3 straight, people would still consider the Kings or Mavs a better overall franchise.

[Kiddlovesnets]

I think they are the 2nd best right below the Lakers, for the Celtics they've won 1 title in the past 25 years.

[deja vu]

Bulls had one great era and sucked in every other era. Spurs were a threat every season except for a few. If the Clippers suddenly won 2 or 3 straight, people would still consider the Kings or Mavs a better overall franchise.
:biggums:

[Legends66NBA7]

Championship #5 in the books now. This is an incredible run for Duncan/Popvich era.

[DaSeba5]

The answer is yes.