The Spurs became an institution because of Tim Duncan, but they remained one because of resource management. This is one area—among several—in which they have the rest of the league outclassed. San Antonio gets more out of every player than could possibly be expected. Would-be benchwarmers become meaningful members of a rotation. Second-round picks stick around and develop. Specialists play to their strengths and disguise their weaknesses. Stars stretch and cover as is necessary to make the team whole, ensuring that every other player can adhere comfortably to the systems in place.
With Duncan’s retirement, this was to be the year that pushed that knack beyond its reasonable limits.