You can't go a week without seeing some sort of list ranking the best point guards in the NBA. It's an ongoing debate in the NBA. This is due to the high number of great point guards in the league that are not only competent but they are able to be the best player on a playoff team.

Everywhere you look someone has their version of the top five. Friends debate lists and writers put out their own lighting up forums with flame wars with fans defending their guys. But often San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker isn't mentioned in a top five point guard list.

It's rather curious to me that the most accomplished point guard in the NBA under 30 isn't frequently included on anyone's list and the bulk of the top five is under 30.

A three-time champion and former NBA Finals MVP, who just a couple of years ago led the NBA in points-in-the-paint, will garner a facial expression like you just pulled some ones hair if you put him in your top five. How is this possible?

Like a lot of stars who have been playing for a decade or more they are taken for granted. People kind of let them slide to the back of their mind. We all do it with athletes of every sport, and it's seemingly been done to Tony Parker now. They see a typical stat line of 20 points and seven assists and shrug it off because it's expected. People always want to see fresh, young, exciting talent full of promise. It stokes their imagination and wonder where this athlete could end up in his career and what great things could he accomplish. Thus is the business model of sports. Older consistent players are pushed aside for younger and more exciting players on the highlight reel. This is how those lists get warped. People fall victim to the marketing pushes of ESPN and flashy colors and it affects their judgement. Even seemingly intelligent writers fall victim to it.

This wasn't always the case with Tony Parker. Tony's name used to be on any list when talking about dynamic young players with loads of potential. Tony's tear-drop was one of the most talked about shot's in the NBA. Kids tried using it in playground games and people would add in comments when talking about him like ''Did you know his dad is American but played pro ball in Europe?'' to let everyone know they knew some obscure fact about this rising star.

His coming out party was really in the 2003 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets. He showed the world how good he was matching up against Jason Kidd at his absolute apex and outplaying him in game three so clearly that at the post-game presser a reporter asked Kidd if Parker was better than him. This was All-NBA Defensive team and best point guard in the world Jason Kidd! The buzz couldn't have been louder for a young, promising player.

Tony's star has dimmed a bit in recent years. With the Spurs recent lack of playoff success and his injury plagued season last year. His nasty divorce with Eva Longoria isn't helping him garner any top point guard mentions either. A basketball player is ill equipped to handle these types of star divorces as Longoria has all the PR people and industry connections to get out in front of the story and capitalize on it. She can literally dictate the story, and has. This can make someone look like a villain and probably has made him one in some people's eyes. I'm sure this has influenced some writers opinion of Tony Parker the player whether consciously or unconsciously.

When I look around the league I only see six point guards who could run a championship team: Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, Deron Williams , Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash and Tony Parker, but not necessarily in that order.

That's the list. Everyone else is either too inexperienced or too old. Until Russell Westbrook or Derrick Rose win a playoff series or have such outstanding regular seasons, they have to be mentioned in such lofty company then they shouldn't be mentioned. Tony Parker is objectively one of the top six point guards in the league.

He is the second scoring option on the leagues best team among other accomplishments. The reasons for him to be left off any list may have more to do with intellectual laziness and spite than any real basketball analysis. Let's hope the masses come to their senses and include this potential Hall of Famer in the best point guard discussion.

Follow Jake on Twitter @upstait

• San Antonio Spurs rookie Gary Neal continues to receive accolades this time from Sports Illustrated:

The Spurs' league-best record is, as ever, a product of Tim Duncan's post play, Tony Parker's whiz-bang playmaking and Manu Ginobili's creative scoring. But San Antonio also has its best group of reserves in years, and Neal has been as valuable as any. He is easily their biggest surprise, averaging 8.5 points.

• By now everyone has heard of Spurs' guard Tony Parker splitting from his ex-wife Eva Longoria. However, Parker has stated the divorce has actually made him focus more on basketball:

In an interview with France's Le Parisien, the San Antonio Spurs player said that the sport helps him to put things in perspective and to "make sense of things".

"The most important thing is to stay strong mentally, even if these are very difficult times," he explained.

"I've taken refuge in basketball because that's what I've done best since my youth."

Parker added: "You have to know how to keep things in perspective. I am, first of all, a basketball player.

"I've done this for so very long… For me, it's been essential to be successful on the court." (source digitalspy.com)

• Should Tim Duncan be an All-Star? Well Air Alamo debates this topic. Here is an excerpt:

Tim Duncan is undoubtedly one of the 10 best NBA players of all time, and probably the greatest power forward ever. That being said, is The Big Fundamental a Western Conference All-Star this year? To answer, we’re first going to have to acknowledge that yes Timmy’s production has slipped.

• Express News' Tim Griffin talks about Matt Bonner thriving inside the three-point line. 

• Manu Ginobili speaks on all the technical fouls called on the Minnesota Timberwolves when the Spurs faced them recently:

• Duncan talks about the Spurs' recent victory against the Milwaukee Bucks:

• And finally our good buddy John Karalis over at Reds Army might have had too much time on his hands and had some fun with Duncan and the Boston Celtics:

(videos courtesy of woai.com)

The San Antonio Spurs may soon be following the Phoenix Suns with the second D-League call-up of the season, but according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, that player won't be coming from Austin.

Tulsa 66ers forward Larry Owens appears to be a player the Spurs have targeted and is rumored to be receiving a 10-day contract from the Spurs this week.

The 6-7 Owens, who worked out with the Spurs this summer, is averaging 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game for the 66ers this season. 

Rob Mahoney of Pro Basketball Talk says Owens could do some damage knocking in three-pointers from the perimeter and would fit right in in San Antonio.

"Owens should fit right at home in San Antonio, tucked away in the corner to fire away from three-point range. He’s made 37.7% of his three-point attempts during his two-year D-League career, and an impressive 46.4% mark from long range during last season’s D-League playoffs (during which Owens led the 66ers all the way to the D-League Finals). On top of that, Owens is a solid positional rebounder and a long defender, making him a suitable complement for the Spurs’ array of talented players. Owens won’t play much if at all, but he certainly fits the San Antonio mold of the role-player-in-waiting, ready to step in and contribute at the first sign of injury trouble." 

I got a chance to speak briefly with Kevin Henry, who covers Owens and the Tulsa 66ers for his blog, 66ers Nation and he seems to think it may be tough to crack the rotation in San Antonio, but Henry is not surprised at the rumor of Owens in silver & black.

"Wouldn't surprise me. He has the skills," Henry said. "(Owens has) just been waiting for his turn to get a chance. It looks like SA has a nice rotation already so it might be tough to break in."

Henry also said Owens has the ability to drive and create and serves as a leader on the court for the 66ers. 

While a signing has not been made official, we'll be sure to let you know right here on Project Spurs when it becomes confirmed.

It's day two of Toros TV and the Austin Toros (the San Antonio Spurs D-League affiliate) show you around after their win against the Dakota Wizards at the 2011 D-League Showcase in South Padre Island, Texas.

From waking up, taking in the view, breaking down game video and more be a part of life with the Toros.

On episode 234 of the Spurscast, it's another cell-cast as I'm out of town, but Jeff and I still had a chance to get together and talk about the latest San Antonio Spurs news.

After our week in review, we discussed the games against the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics games at length, which Jeff was there on the road with the Spurs representing Project Spurs. We also went over some of the things we liked and disliked about the past week's games.

To end the show, we took differing viewpoints on our topic of the week, "have the Spurs come back down to earth?"

Listen to us debate the topic and then leave your comments!

The Spurscast. The original Spurs podcast.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Editor's note: Please welcome our newest staff writer, Paul Garcia, to the Project Spurs family. He'll be bringing his unique takes along with his "Views from the Couch" column to Project Spurs weekly. He is very active during Spurs games on twitter so be sure to follow him there.

With the recent departure of Ime Udoka, there is a roster spot still available for an extra wing player (SG-SF) with the San Antonio Spurs. The reason I focus specifically on “wing” player, is because the Spurs (33-6) already had three different wing players on the roster (Bobby Simmons, Danny Green, Ime Udoka) and neither made significant contributions to reserve a permanent spot with the squad. Really, right now the only wing players are Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, George Hill, and James Anderson (when he returns from injury).

So the question is asked: Do the Spurs still need another perimeter defender?

Three Levels: The Big Boys, All Star-esque, Just Playing Basketball

Let’s go look at some numbers against some of the league's top wing players that San Antonio has played thus far!

[Metrics: mpg = minutes per game. FG = Field Goal. FG% = Field Goal Percentage. FT = Free Throws per game. TO = Turnovers per game. Rbd/ast = Rebounds/ assists per game. PPG = Points per game.]

Assessment Classifications:

Horrible D = this player scored well above their scoring average, while shooting an extremely high percentage on limited shots. They also may have involved teammates well or gotten to the free throw line at will.

Solid D = The player got near their scoring average, but took almost as many shots per point.

Excellent D = this player had many turnovers, shot an awful percentage, or was held WELL under their average scoring.

The Big Boys

--Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (24.9 ppg): One game (Spurs 1-0): 31 mpg, 8-27 FG, FG 30%, 2-2 FT, 5 TO, 21 ppg. Assessment: Excellent D.

--Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) (28.2 ppg): Two games (Spurs 2-0): 35.5 mpg, 8.5-19 FG, FG 45%, 2-3 FT, 5.5 rbd, 3.5 TO, 19.5 ppg. Assessment: Excellent D.

--Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) (23.9 ppg): One game (Spurs 2-0, DNP in second game): 42 mpg, 10-20 FG, FG 50%, 10-14 FT, two TO, 31 ppg. Assessment: Horrible D.

--Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics) (19 ppg): One game (Spurs 0-1): 35 mpg, 7-10 FG, FG 70%, 2-2 FT, 1 TO, 18 ppg. Assessment: Horrible D.

All Star-esque

--Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers) (21 pts ppg): Two games (Spurs 2-0): 37 mpg, 8-16.5 FG, FG 48%, 1.5-3.5 FT, 3.5 TO, 20.5 ppg.  Assessment: Solid D.

--Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Hornets) (16.5 ppg): One game (Spurs 1-0): 32 mpg, 2-11 FG, FG 18% , 2-2 FT, 1TO, 7 ppg. Assessment: Excellent D.

--Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers) (13.7 ppg): One game (Spurs 1-0): 19 min, 3-7 FG, FG 43%, 4-5 FT, 1 TO, 10 ppg. Assessment: Solid D.

--Ray Allen (Boston Celtics) (17.6 ppg): One game (Spurs 0-1): 39 mpg, 13-16 FG, FG 81%, 3-5 FT, 1 TO, 31 ppg. Assessment: Horrible D.

--Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers) (23.5 ppg): Two games (Spurs 2-1, Gordon had one DNP): 37 mpg, 9-17 FG, FG 53%, 3-4 FT, 6.5 ast, 3 TO, 22 ppg. Assessment: Solid D.

Just playing basketball

--Jeff Green (Oklahoma City Thunder) (15.5 ppg): Two games (Spurs 2-0): 26.5 mpg, 3-8.5 FG, FG 35%, FT 3-4, 9.5 ppg. Assessment: Excellent D.

--Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls) (17.8 ppg): One game (Spurs 1-0): 42 mpg, 6-17 FG, FG 35%, 5-5 FT, 18 ppg. Assessment: Solid D.

--Michael Beasley (Minnesota Timberwolves) (20.9 ppg): Four games (Spurs 4-0): 27.25 mpg, 5.3-12.75 FG, FG 42%, 1-1 FT, 2.5 TO, 12 ppg. Assessment: Excellent D.

Explanation Please

The results show you that the Spurs held five players to horrific games (Excellent D). They allowed four players to get their usual numbers (Solid D), and only allowed three players to really put on a show (Horrible D). So, when you add the figures; it shows defensively, a 9-3 advantage for the Spurs perimeter defense.

Let’s look a little closer to the players that will most likely be involved in the playoffs (because that’s what matters): The Spurs held three players (Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green) to awful games (Excellent D). They allowed Luol Deng to get his average numbers (Solid D) and could not stop (Horrible D) Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, or Paul Pierce. So essentially, they went 4-3 against playoff players, but finished 5-2 in their team record.

Considering Paul Pierce and Ray Allen shot 76% combined, it’s highly unlikely they will ever shoot that great a percentage against the Spurs again. Even though Carmelo had a big game, rumors are he may not finish the season with Denver. He could end up in New Jersey or New York. So by those calculations, the Spurs perimeter defense could have held all these players to a 6-1 defensive performance. What does that translate to? The Spurs 3 wing players (Ginobili, Jefferson, Hill) have been doing a great job defensively against the leagues top wing players.

Holding Down The Fort

Here’s a quick look at how the Spurs wings are holding down the perimeter defense and contributing on the offensive end:

[I measure a wing by: minutes, FG shooting, 3PT shooting, steals, Turnovers while in the game, personal fouls committed and points]

Manu Ginobili: 31.8 mpg, FG 44%, 3PT 37%, 1.87 stl, 2.5 TO, 1.8 PF, 19 ppg.

Richard Jefferson: 31.7 mpg, FG 48%, 3PT 43%, .58 stl, 1.24 TO, 1.9 PF, 13.3 ppg.

George Hill: 27.8 mpg, FG 47%, 3PT 38%, 1.09 stl, 1.42 TO, 2.3 PF, 11.4 ppg.

James Anderson (Only played in six games): 17.7 mpg, FG 42%, 3PT 50%, .33 stl, .67 TO, 1.5 PF, 7 ppg.

What’s the call?

Judging whether or not to add another wing; instead of a big man, I think, rests solely on how well James Anderson plays when he returns from his injury. He only played in six games and looked magnificent. But, how do we know that’s how consistent he’ll be in March? Jefferson, Ginobili and Hill average 30.43 minutes per game right now. With a fourth wing getting steady minutes; such as Anderson or another player; Ginobili, Hill's and Jefferson’s minutes would decrease in the long run. This would be great for RJ and Ginobili. It’d be good to have Ginobili under 27 minutes by late March, to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs. The Spurs could use another big, but we’re already at the point where Tiago Splitter is barely getting any playing time nor has DeJuan Blair been getting steady minutes either. My call, is to give Anderson a shot when he returns from the injury and see how he fits in. If he’s back to being consistent; rotate those four wing players, if not, start searching the market for available wings before the trade deadline. The Spurs are 33-6, to have a record like that and be number one in the NBA, they’re doing something right.

[All stats used as of 01-12-2011]

Follow me on twitter: @24writer

The San Antonio Spurs continue to play well enough to win ball games. This time Matt Bonner provided the needed boost from the bench and some gritty second half defensive effort.

The Spurs won over the Milwaukee Bucks 91-84 for their four straight victory and stay on top of the NBA standings with a 33-6 win-loss record.

What are the numbers that stood out in this Spurs' recent win? Let's find out!

85 - The Bucks had a huge advantage from the foul line making 17-20 (85%) free throws. The Spurs made 10-13 (76.9%) of their foul shots.

42 - The Spurs won the inside battle as they outscored the Bucks 42-36 on inside points.

39.5 - For the fourth straight game, the Spurs has held their opponents to less than 40% shooting from the field. They held the Bucks to just 32-81 (39.5%) field goal shooting while making 37-80 (46.3%) of their own shots.

39 - The Spurs' bench outscored the Bucks' reserves 39-29.

23 - Manu Ginobili had a solid all-around game scoring a game-high 23 points, while adding seven rebounds, four assists and a steal.

22 - The Spurs shared the ball better, they finished the game with 22 assists compared to just 14 from the Bucks.

17 - It was Matt Bonner's turn to shine, he led the Spurs' bench with 17 second half points. John Salmons also scored 17 points for the Bucks.

16 - Tim Duncan had 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and one assists in 33 minutes of action. 

15-14- Andrew Bogut ripped the Spurs with 15 points and 14 rebounds, although he only had two points and four rebounds after halftime.

8 - Tony Parker scored eight points and had nine assist for the Spurs. Antonio McDyess provided a solid boost from the Spurs' bench with eight points, five rebounds, two steals and one assists. Drew Gooden scored eight points, grabbed three rebounds, one block and a steal for the Bucks.

5 - The Spurs took care of the ball very well with only five turnovers for the game, the Bucks had 11 turnovers as a team.

0 - Duncan, Bonner, George Hill and DeJuan Blair did not commit a single turnover for the entire game. Richard Jefferson was held scoreless in 28 minutes of playing time going 0-5 from the field.

Rookie Watch: Neal scored 10 points and grabbed six boards in 18 minutes. Tiago Splitter did not play.

What's Next? The Spurs will host the Dallas Mavericks at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Friday.

Follow Robby Lim on Twitter @RobbyLim21

For those of you who have ever wondered what a day in the D-League is like, Carldell “Squeaky” Johnson of the Austin Toros (the San Antonio Spurs D-League affiliate) takes you behind the scenes and provides you with all the answers you’ve been looking for. In his first episode of Toros TV Squeaky shows fans what the team has been up to while in South Padre Island, Texas for the NBA D-League Showcase.

Earlier today the Toros snapped their six-game losing streak with a Texas-sized win over the Dakota Wizards, 119-97.

This Friday the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks will face off in San Antonio as this Texas rivalry continues. Though there is no definitive word if Mavericks' star Dirk Nowitzki will play due to a knee injury, this game should still be hotly contested.

Currently, the Spurs have a five-game lead over the Mavericks in the Southwest Division so the Mavericks will want to pick up a full game on the Spurs while the Spurs hope to extend their division lead.

With that being said, if you are in San Antonio and watch to catch the game at the AT&T Center, tickets prices are down 36% this week, so now is the time to buy. Click HERE to grab some great seats and be a part of the Spurs-Mavericks rivalry this Friday in San Antonio!

After tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the San Antonio Spurs will host the Dallas Mavericks this Friday who may not be with their super-star Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki is still recovering from a knee injury and will sit out tonight's contest against the Indiana Pacers:

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle wasn't talking about Dirk Nowitzki and his chances of playing tonight as the Mavs try to snap a two-game skid at the Indiana Pacers.

It is expected that Nowitzki will miss his eighth consecutive game tonight since spraining his right knee on Dec. 27. (source espn.com)

Currently, the Spurs (32-6) sit atop the Southwest Division and have a five-game lead on the second place Mavericks (26-10). Though Friday's showdown is important for Dallas to close the gap with the Spurs, I'm sure the Mavericks will not risk further injury to Nowitzki and sit him out of the game.

Stay tuned!