The San Antonio Spurs had a busy summer resigning Matt Bonner and Richard Jefferson, drafting James Anderson and Ryan Richards and then adding Tiago Splitter and Gary Neal. However, while the Spurs' lineup has arguably improved, a lot of teams made their own player movement in the offseason and after some roster shakeups within the league, the order of power in the NBA may have changed.

Here's my take.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Orlando Magic -I know. I must be crazy to rank the Magic above the Miami Heat but hear me out. The Magic kept the core of Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis. They will not need time to develop chemistry on the court. Plus they added Quentin Richardson, Chris Duhon and rookie Daniel Orton. This team is solid and could really be the team to beat in the East.

2. Miami Heat- Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Chris Bosh plus a solid supporting cast that includes Udonis Haslem, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Carlos Arroyo, Mario Chalmers and James Jones could be scary good. They haven't proven anything yet, but with a team loaded with enormous talent they should be right up there. The team recently added 3-point specialist Eddie House. However, they will need time to develop the needed chemistry to make it work.

3. Boston Celtics - They breathe defense but many say this team is old. Still they were a win away from the NBA title last year. They added Jermaine O'Neal and rookie Avery Bradley and they might be a better team than a year ago if they can stay healthy. Losing Tony Allen will hurt their bench and perimeter defense.

Dark Horse: Chicago Bulls - One of the busiest teams this summer. The addition of Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver to a core of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng made them a well rounded team. Plus they may have the deepest bench in the league after adding Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson and Kurt Thomas to their solid roster.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Los Angeles Lakers - If it ain't broke why fix it? They are the defending champions. They still have Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and Pau Gasol and significantly improved their roster by adding Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff.

2. Dallas Mavericks -I see some raised eyebrows. I know that the Spurs ousted them in the playoffs last season but the truth is this team is loaded with a lot offensive weapons, Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler, Jason Terry and Shawn Marion can all score at any given night. Getting Tyson Chandler adds athleticism, length and defense to their front court and rookie Dominique Jones could provide additional spark off the Mavericks' bench.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - This team made the playoffs last year and gave the Lakers a run for their money. A year of experience in the postseason could make the difference and the ever improving core of young guns in Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook could be exciting to watch and tough to beat at the same time.

Dark Horse: San Antonio Spurs -Most Spurs fans feel with Tiago Splitter in tow the team is already a title contender. While there is some truth to that, like most power teams, the Spurs' offseason work is not yet done. Adding a tough perimeter defender should be a top priority and with the lack of quality free agents to fill that void, the Spurs must be creative to get a decent perimeter defender.

Take note that Malik Hairston is no longer with the team, leaving either Alonzo Gee or James Anderson as Jefferson's primary backup at the small forward position. That means perimeter help is badly needed. George Hill is capable but does lack the height to defend bigger perimeter players on other teams and quicker guards. Remember last years playoff match-up against Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash? Nash made Hill look silly.

Adding another big man could also help. I know that the team already have Tim Duncan, Splitter, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair and Bonner up front but Blair and McDyess are both undersized and Bonner is a shooting big. Getting another big body with length is in order to match-up well with teams like the Lakers and Mavericks.

With that being said, there is no doubt that this Spurs team has improved compared to last season. In my mind the team is just one or two solid roster moves away from being a serious title contender this upcoming season.

There are available free agents the Spurs could reasonably acquire considering their financial situation. Former Spur and current Washington Wizard free-agent, Fabricio Oberto, is available to add another big man for insurance.

Still who can they get with not much money to offer?

Which player(s) should the Spurs pickup to complete their roster? Fire away at the comment section and give us your feed back.

On this episode of the Spurscast, the women of Project Spurs, Spurscast En Espanol host Arianne Villanueva and staff-writer Emily Allen, take over the Spurcast to voice their thoughts on the offseason player additions for the San Antonio Spurs.

Arianne questions whether Tiago Splitter's style of play will translate into the NBA, Emily defends the resigning of Matt Bonner and much more!

The Spurscast! The first and original Spurs podcast!

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Music: "Fully Alive" by Flyleaf

Note: The ladies would like to know your thoughts on this show. Please leave your comments and if we get a positive response then the ladies will be back for future shows.

With what might turn out to be their final offseason move, the San Antonio Spurs signed former Towson star, and Italian league player, Gary Neal, to a three-year deal last week.  Neal proved to be a pleasant surprise on the Spurs' undefeated summer league team, averaging 16 points per game and shooting 50% from the three-point line. 

During Neal's current stint in Italy, he lead the league in scoring on 65% shooting from the field.  While his offensive game appears to be fairly complete, defensively he often struggles.  Here is how Draft Express evaluates this portion of his game:

San Antonio Spurs' guard, George Hill, continues to hold children's basketball camps throughout South Texas. This time stopping in Brownsville, Texas.

In an interview with brownsvilleherald.com, Hill gave his thoughts on two new Spurs, James Anderson and Tiago Splitter, what he thinks about LeBron James signing with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Hill on Splitter and Anderson:

“They are two great players,” Hill said. “James Anderson, being a rookie, is going to be in the same shoes I was. Trying to come in and learn new things, and what role he fits in. I think he can be a major impact for us right away. I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Hill on James signing with the Heat:

“I have nothing but positive things to say about LeBron,” he said. “He’s a good friend of mine. I have the upmost respect for him. That’s what he chose to do. I tip my hat off to him and I wish him the best.”

Hill on the Lakers and their recent player acquisitions:

“Everything has to go through them right now because they’re the world champions,” Hill said. “Everyone knows that. We have to come to play every game. Anything can happen in the NBA. I think everyone witnesses that.”

Hill will continue his South Texas visits in Edinburg, Texas today. This will be the last city he will visit.

However, for as much as Hill gave his thoughts on the Spurs and the NBA, what's more important are his efforts to give back to the Spurs fans of South Texas. To take time out of his offseason to conduct basketball camps for the children of South Texas is admirable. Got to give him a standing ovation.

Just goes to show you the Spurs are truly a classy organization.

San Antonio Spurs' guard, George Hill, recently held a children's basketball camp in Laredo, Texas. The camp was a success and in an interview with elmanana.com, Hill said he is ready to start the new season:

El movedor de balón confesó que ya se siente listo para regresar a la duela, también señaló que el ambiente en los vestidores es positivo y que esperan una buena temporada con el regreso de todos sus compañeros.

"Nos sentimos bien, nos estamos preparando y estamos ansiosos de comenzar la nueva temporada"

The mover of the ball and confessed that he feels ready to return to the court, also noted that the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive and expect a good season with the return of all his companions.

"We feel good, we are preparing and we are eager to begin the new season," he said.

Interesting to know, Hill actually played baseball and is a fan of New York Yankees', Derek Jeter:

"Me encanta el beisbol, lo practiqué en el colegio, admiro mucho a Derek Jeter", comentó.

"I love baseball, I practiced at school, I admire Derek Jeter," he said.

Perhaps Hill will bring back the days of duo sports players like Bo Jackson and Dion Sanders.

On second thought, maybe not. Spurs fans would rather see him resting in the offseason to help bring a fifth NBA title to the city of San Antonio.

On this episode of The 8th seed, Zach Harper of Talk Hoops, John Karalis of Reds Army, Rey Morlade of The No Look Pass, Glenn Moore of The Dug Out Sports Show and myself get together once again to discuss the latest on the NBA.

Take a listen as things get a bit feisty between Glenn Moore and this month's guest, Surya Fernandez from Hot Hot Hoops (a Miami Heat blog) when the topic of LeBron James not resigning with the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat comes up.

We also talk aboout our thoughts on the 2010 NBA Summer League, Chris Paul and his future with the New Orleans Hornets, and much more.

And by much more I mean we talk about what happened in Las Vegas when myself, Rey, John, Zach and Surya were not at UNLV covering the Summer League and out taking in the night life of Sin City. Oh and apparently Rey does not remember getting a drink spilled on him by some girl in Las Vegas.

Please excuse the audio quality as we had some technical issues during the show and as always the show is NSFW.

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This month's line up:
Jeff Garcia (Host) of Project Spurs
Glenn Moore of The Dug Out Sports Show
Rey Moralde of The No Look Pass
Zach Harper of Talk Hoops
John Karalis of Reds Army
Surya Fernandez (July guest) of Hot Hot Hoops

Music: "Wicked Garden" Stone Temple Pilots

Three seems to be a magic number in the NBA. It's even more magical if you put the word "big" in front of it.

With LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining the Miami Heat with Dwayne Wade to complete the "Holy Trinity" of big threes and rumors of Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony creating a big three in New York next season with Amar'e Stoudemire, it's as if NBA General Managers discovered some fool-proof way to win championships as long as you have not one, but three superstars.

Even the Chicago Bulls solidified a big three lite this summer with the acquisition of Carlos Boozer to go along with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

So whats the deal with all these "big three" and where did teams get the idea that a big three can deliver championships? To find the answer, look no further than the San Antonio Spurs. The team with the best "big three" of recent years.

For the past two decades, there hasn't been a better trio like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. They have consistently kept the Spurs at the top of the NBA standings and because of them, every year is a possible title year. Sorry, but not even the Boston Celtics' current three can compare to Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.

To even find a big three that compares to them we have to journey back to the decade of big hair and fast cars -- the 80's.

The 80's. A magical decade in which we traveled through time with Micheal J. Fox and lived on a prayer with Bon Jovi. The 80's is perhaps the golden age of basketball. Basketball fans witnessed the rise of Michael Jordan, the thunderous dunks of Dominique Wilkins, and the beautiful crossovers of Isiah Thomas. But 80's basketball begins and ends with two things: the Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers and each of their hall-of-fame three that set the standard for assembling three power players on one team.

Boston's big three of Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Larry Bird brought a big, tough, physical game to the court every night. Not only did McHale and Parish demand attention in the post, but both of them had tremendous passing abilities. Both were able to kick out of double teams flawlessly and find one of the greatest shooters of all time in Bird. Their inside-out game and stellar defense lead them to five finals appearances and three rings.

While the Spurs' big three consist of different positions, both teams used their defense to win championships. Parish is ranked ninth on the all-time blocks list with Duncan right behind him at eleventh. Bird, like Ginobili, was a constant threat in the passing lanes. Both have career averages of nearly two steals per game. However, unlike the Spurs' trio (all of whom were drafted by the organization) Parish was acquired in 1980 sending Boston's number one overall pick to the Golden State Warriors for Parish and the third overall pick. The Celtics drafted McHale. 

"Quick," "flashy," and "unpredictable," are three words used to describe the high octane offense of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers. Led by their big three of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and James Worthy, the Lakers made six finals appearances and won three rings. Johnson has a total of five and Jabbar with six.

Jabbar and Worthy were the perfect pieces to the puzzle that was the Lakers' offense. Worthy played fast and was one of the best offensive players on the court without the ball. On the fast break, no one could stop the speed and grace of Worthy and Magic. But when things slowed down, as they often do come playoffs, Jabbar was without a doubt one of the best low post scorers to ever lace them up. Even in his later years, his patented sky hook was unstoppable. 

Is there a better low post scorer in the game than Duncan? Pau Gasol? Bosh? Boozer? None of them can compare to Duncan and the way he uses his mind to break down his defenders. Like Jabbar at the end of his career, Duncan uses more of a cereberal game now then a physical one.

And who runs a fast break like Ginobili and Parker? Sure there are definitely some quicker players out there who can run the fast break to perfection, but Ginobili and Parker throw themselves into the basket like no other players in the game. In fact, I have an idea for a new drinking game, everytime Ginobili or Parker hits the floor from a fast break, take a shot. You'll need a to call a taxi. Trust me.

But, unlike the Spurs' three, the Lakers acquired Jabbar through a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. Only Worthy and Johnson were drafted by Los Angeles.

Of the NBA's current big threes, none can compare to what Duncan, Parker and Ginobili have accomplished in their seven seasons together. The Celtics' three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Peirce have been to two Finals, walking away with the NBA title once. Yet people still think they are the best big three in the league. Even better than Miami's.

It seems the media and the public have forgot that deep in the heart of Texas, the real big three who won three NBA titles playing together, are still at the top of their games and should not be over looked. But what's new? The Spurs are always over looked, but that's how we like it.

There is another reason why the Spurs' big three must be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time. Each member of the big three were drafted by the Spurs. Not traded for or signed during free agency. The Spurs took a chance on two players no one had ever heard of and built them into the championship players they are now. The Spurs weren't desperate and went out and grabbed two high-priced stars to team with Duncan. Instead, they scouted players and found two guys they knew could help the team.

Unlike the Heat, Bulls and Celtics, the Spurs drafted, molded and help build their three stars into all-world players. Each one of them will have their jerseys in the rafters of the AT&T Center. You think Boozer will retire his jersey with Chicago? No, not going to happen.

I understand it will take time for the big three in Miami to come together. But when Duncan, Parker and Ginobili came together for the first time in 2003, well, Spurs fans were celebrating in the streets of San Antonio as a second title came to the River City.

During this NBA off-season, some debate on which big three is better -- Boston's or Miami's?

The answer to that question isn't on the East coast. The answer to that question isn't a team that spent millions of dollars on superstar players to come and sell jerseys and season tickets.

No, the answer to that question is located in a small south Texas city where people work hard and fight for the things they desire.

So while everyone is talking about Miami, Boston and Chicago, remember it's the Spurs' big three who have tasted the promise land, not once, not twice but thrice.

While the San Antonio Spurs haven't overhauled their roster this offseason, they have made significant changes that could affect the lineup this season.

Gone are Roger Mason Jr., Keith Bogans, Ian Mahinmi, and Malik Hairston but James Anderson and Tiago Splitter are likely to make you forget they ever played for the Spurs.

Mason and Bogans were rotation players last season, with Bogans even starting a few games. Hairston just couldn't crack the rotation.

Last season, when Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich was trying to find the right mix of players to put in his starting five, News 4 WOAI's Humberto Cervera quipped "He's just throwing stuff at the wall and trying to find out what sticks."

Unfortunately for Popovich, nothing ever stuck.

This year, however, I don't forsee him having to throw stuff at walls for long. With the amount of talent on this team, there are a lot of intriguing starting combinations.

Splitter, DeJuan Blair and Antonio McDyess are all very capable of starting next to Tim Duncan in the post.

McDyess is the savvy vet, whose range unclogs the paint so Duncan can go to work. Blair is the beast, well capable of a double-double every night. His limb-tearing style of rebounding, even over taller bigs, mixes well with Duncan's shot-blocking abilities. Splitter is probably more all-around talented center and having a center over 6-9 would be very beneficial to the Spurs.

I'm not going to rush out and call them the next "twin towers," but having two shot-blockers in the post could give the Spurs their best interior defense they've had since David Robinson was around. Splitter is also very mobile and with Duncan losing a few steps over the last couple of seasons, having someone that could stay with the younger, more athletic, centers would be a nice change of pace.

So at center, I expect McDyess to start, but Splitter will eventually take over. Blair is probably best-suited to bring some energy and hustle to the second unit.

That leaves Duncan and Richard Jefferson to fill out the frontcourt.

There are also many possibilities when it comes to the backcourt. Does George Hill keep the starting point guard role he ended the season with? Do the Spurs go small with a Tony Parker-Hill backcourt combo. Does Manu Ginobili start and can Anderson break the starting five?

Pop loves Ginobili coming off the bench too much to change that. While I like the Parker-Hill option best, that leaves Garrett Temple as the backup. Anderson could very well be the dark horse to start at the two. I doubt Pop drafted him to be buried at third-string shooting guard behind Hill and Ginobili.

The Spurs could use a consistent outside shooter in the starting lineup and with Anderson, there aren't too many risks. He may be one of the more dynamic outside shooters on the roster, since he's also able to get to the rim and create his own shot.

This also gives the Spurs a very strong second unit, but there is one thing I'm overlooking. Anderson is a rookie and Pop is his coach. Spurs fans know how Pop is towards younger players.

The best and probably the safest option is the Parker-Hill backcourt. Parker will be coming into the season with a full summer off and Hill just seems to keep improving. Having a scorer, who's capable of hitting the three and playing good perimeter defense is too good an option to keep on the bench.

Popovich manages minutes wisely and I can see him bringing in Ginobili midway towards the end of the first quarter so Hill is rested enough to also play some backup minutes.

The bench wouldn't be too shabby either, with McDyess, Blair, Anderson, Ginobili, Temple, Gary Neal and possibly Alonzo Gee.

So my 2010 starting lineup: Tony Parker, George Hill, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter.

Give us your thoughts on this lineup and submit your own in the comments.

According to Datasport.com and mensanabasket.it, San Antonio Spurs' guard, Malik Hairston, has signed a two-year contract with Italian club La Mens Sana Basket:

This completes the mosaic of Montepaschi Siena next season. After announcements and McCallebb Kaukenas, training Tuscan announced the two-year agreement with Malik Hairston

La Mens Sana Basket comunica di aver raggiunto un accordo biennale con Malik Hairston, ala ventitreenne di 198 cm per 100 kg. Il giocatore statunitense, uscito dall’università di Oregon nel 2008 è stato scelto al draft Nba col numero 48 dai Phoenix Suns e trasferito ai San Antonio Spurs.

After signing guard Gary Neal, the Spurs had a log jam at the guard position with other players including Garrett Temple, George Hill, and Manu Ginobili. Hairston became the odd man out.

UPDATE

The Spurs have offcially announced Hairston has been released from his contract:

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that, per his request, the team has released Malik Hairston from his contract.

“We’ve enjoyed having Malik in our organization,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “He is a hard-worker, a talented basketball player and an outstanding young man. After Malik approached us we were happy to honor his request as it will, after he clears waivers, allow him to pursue an excellent overseas basketball opportunity.”

Reports and rumors all summer long have implied that Tony Parker's time in San Antonio might be coming to an end due to George Hill's emergence. Some have even used the word expendable.

But not Hill, according to Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News:

"I've heard that (stuff),” Hill said, “but I don't think a player like Tony Parker, a guy who has helped this team win and has championships under his belt, can ever be considered expendable."

While many in San Antonio believe Hill is ready to take the reins at point guard, after starting all playoff games and several regular season games, I think he could use more seasoning and more time with Parker might be beneficial, not to mention something Hill wants as well.

"Right now I don't pay any attention to it. ‘TP' is my teammate, and that's all I'm riding with. Hopefully, I still get to play alongside him next year in that 1-2 combo situation.”

Monroe also noted that Spurs assistant Chad Forcier has been working with Hill on developing a teardrop shot similar to Parker's. It'll be interesting to see the teardrop in action even when Parker does head to the bench next season.