Duncan, Ginobili and coach Popovich all expected back next season.
After winning a fifth championship in 15 years, San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker believes that long-time team-mates Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will return next year.
With the heartbreak of last season still in their minds, it appeared as though nothing would stop a relentless San Antonio from gaining revenge against the Miami Heat this year.
From securing the best regular season record in the league with a 62-20 run, through to defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals, before eventually routing the Heat 4-1 and producing some of the finest displays of basketball in NBA Finals history.
The likes of Duncan and Ginobili could be forgiven for wanting to exit whilst on top, but their performances on the court coupled with their drive and motivation to continue winning will likely ensure that they return for another year.
The franchise appears to be in good condition moving forward with the emergence of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green amongst others over the past two years, but ultimately the task will undoubtedly be overwhelming when the experience and help from the veterans is no longer there.
As a result, next season will likely be a defining year for the Spurs roster, with many expected to prove that they have what it takes to fill the shoes left behind by those that will depart.
While a significant amount of credit should go to coach Gregg Popovich and his system basketball which seemingly gets the best out of anyone who is implemented in the line-up, he will undoubtedly lose both leadership and talent when his ageing stars call time on their careers.
Popovich himself has previously suggested that he would walk away at the same time as Duncan, and so while there has yet to be any official word from the man in question, it appears as though next season will be one to saviour for NBA fans on the whole.
With their ball movement, strength in depth, team basketball and sparks off the bench, the San Antonio Spurs are without doubt one of the most loved teams in the league and have proven over a number of years how an organisation should be run.
While the end of this era is inevitable, it will be up to those around the likes of Duncan and Ginobili to prove next season that they can leave the Spurs behind in safe hands for many years to come.
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