In less than four days since the 2015-16 season officially began late Tuesday, the Spurs have already secured the bulk of their roster.
First, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard agreed to lucrative extensions. Next, Tim Duncan confirmed that, as expected, he will return for a 19th season. Then came arguably the biggest personnel move in franchise history outside of Duncan’s return in the summer of 2000 with the landing of All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge.
On the strength of those moves alone the Spurs have been elevated by at least one Las Vegas book as virtual co-championship favorites with Cleveland — mainly, said a linesmaker involved in that decision, because the Cavaliers have an easier road through the Eastern Conference.