Spurred?

The last time the San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs was 1996-1997. During that time, Mario Kart 64 was released for the N64 and the first Harry Potter book was written by J.K. Rowling. Then, San Antonio drafted some guy named Tim Duncan, who paired up nicely with David Robinson. The Spurs went on to win five NBA titles with Gregg Popovich as head coach and Duncan as their big man. Key players such as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili (and his bat-vanquishing ways) followed.

But now, the Spurs seem destined to miss the playoffs for the first time since 1996-1997. A loaded Western Conference coupled with aging or listless players has left San Antonio behind. It's unfortunate because San Antonio has been fun to watch for all these years. Watching Tim Duncan quietly become one of the best players in the NBA and watching Tony Parker run the floor has been a treat. But it seems like all that is going to end this season, barring a miracle.

Everything the Spurs have done have been consistent and under the radar. From Peter Holt's hires to drafting the right players, the Spurs have done everything and have not been met with much fanfare. Their playoff miss this season will be met with the same fate as San Antonio will likely miss the playoffs this season.