San Antonio Spurs 1989 Preseason Presser

[Eazy P]

Good morning, everyone. I appreciate you all for being here today. There’s an energy in San Antonio right now that I haven’t felt in a while. You can feel it when you walk down the street. You can certainly feel it when you walk into this gym.

Before we discuss the 1989-90 campaign, I think it’s important to take a moment and look back, honestly and humbly at where we just came from. Last year was a historic ride. To win 62 games in this league is a monumental achievement that speaks to the character of the men in that locker room. But as we all know, those 62 wins didn't provide a cushion for the sting of the Finals. Watching the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate on their floor after Game 6... that is an image that has been burned into the backs of our eyelids all summer. We were two wins away from the pinnacle. We’ve had three months to sit with that "almost" and I can tell you, almost isn't going to be enough this time around.

We realized that while we were elite, we needed to be undeniable. That’s why we were so aggressive this summer.

Trading for Magic Johnson is a move that changes the gravity of this franchise. You’re talking about a man who defines winning. His ability to orchestrate an offense and his championship pedigree are exactly what we need to get over that final hump.

We also made it a point of emphasis to bring Tom back. His scoring punch and his familiarity with our system are invaluable. He was a cornerstone of our success last year, and we are a better team with him in a Spurs jersey.

Signing Darryl Dawkins gives us a dimension of physical intimidation we felt we lacked in the closing moments of the Finals. He’s a veteran who knows his role, and his strength in the paint is going to open up lanes for our shooters.

Our returning core remains the heartbeat of this organization. When you have a backcourt anchored by the toughness of Isiah Thomas and the reliability of Sam Vincent, coupled with the pure shooting of Chris Mullin, you’re always in the game. We’re expecting massive leaps from Danny Manning and Dan West this year, and Rodney McCray continues to be the glue that holds our defensive schemes together.

Now, I want to address the reports regarding Michael Jordan. Michael has had what some might call an off-camp due to some personal issues he’s been navigating away from the court. In this organization, we treat our players like family, and that means giving them the grace and space to handle their private lives.

However, I want to be very direct with the fans and the media: Michael is still the MVP. He is the greatest competitor I have ever seen. Even on the days when he hasn't been physically at the facility, his heart is with this team. We have seen him in private sessions, and the explosion, the mid-range game, and that defensive tenacity are all still there. We have zero doubts that when the lights come up on opening night, he will be the Michael Jordan the world expects to see.

We aren't here to promise another 60-win season. The regular season is a grind, and we respect every opponent in this league. But our internal compass is pointed at one destination. We have the MVP, we have arguably the greatest point guard to ever play, and we have a supporting cast that is deep, hungry, and battle-tested.

Our goal is not just to return to the NBA Finals it is to hopefully win it. Anything less would be a disappointment for everyone in this room and the fans in these stands.

We’ve checked our egos at the door. We’ve put in the work. Now, it’s time to go out and finish the story we started last year.

As always if there are any questions I will answer to the best of my ability.

[JNR]

GWR: All of the attention is focused on your two MJs, of course, but I wanted to give you an opportunity to talk about Mark West a little more. In a league dominated by the center position, West is going to have to hold his own to give this team a chance to win it all. What do you like about your center, and what do you think he needs to focus on this year?

[Eazy P]

GWR: All of the attention is focused on your two MJs, of course, but I wanted to give you an opportunity to talk about Mark West a little more. In a league dominated by the center position, West is going to have to hold his own to give this team a chance to win it all. What do you like about your center, and what do you think he needs to focus on this year?

I think West has been able to hold his own. Last season he had to shoulder the load and did well. We brought in some help Dawkins. We do not want West to burn himself out by trying to do to much. We want him to focus on blocking shots, rebounding and being a enforcer in when opposing players come into the paint. We hope he builds from last season. Plus we might experiment more with playing Manning and/or Chambers at the 5.

[BigDaddyd8720]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

While you traded for Magic this offseason, is there any concern about his clutchness in this league? I mean, he's been MVP almost every season of this league's existence but only won one championship. Does that worry you at all that maybe he actually isn't the missing piece to move this team in the dynasty realm?