Throughout the long and tremendous history of sports, fans everywhere have been awarded the opportunities to not only see some of the greatest athletes - including NBA legend Michael Jordan, New York Yankees star Mickey Mantle, NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, current NFL superstar Tom Brady and boxing legend Muhammad Ali - but sports enthusiasts have also seen the birth of numerous sports dynasties.
While the New York Yankees dominance from 1947-1962, the Chicago Bulls run to 6 titles from 1991-1998 and UCLA's phenomenal run to 10 championships from 1964-1975 are all legendary accomplishments, one current professional organization is etching its name in history as one of the most productive and consistent teams of all-time.
RELATED: 2012-13 All-NBA First Team Led By LeBron James, Kevin Durant; Carmelo Anthony Makes Second Team
With their sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs will once again compete for an NBA Championship, a tremendous accomplishment when you consider how consistent this team continues to be despite the fact that their corps group of players aren't getting any younger.
Awaiting the winner of the Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals series, San Antonio will prepare for their fifth NBA Finals appearance in 15 seasons, an eye-popping number many find unbelievable given the tremendous talent around the NBA.
San Antonio's dominance over the past decade and a half began with the selection of Tim Duncan in the 1997 NBA Draft. Taking the former Wake Forest standout with the No. 1 overall pick that year, the Spurs found instant success, winning 56 games during the 1997-1998 season while advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
RELATED: Tim Duncan Divorce: Spurs Star Asks Judge To Postpone Divorce Until After Playoffs
Building off the dominance Duncan provided on both ends of the floor, the Spurs won the franchise's first title at the end of the lockout shortened 1999 season, defeating the New York Knicks in 5 games. Duncan was named Finals MVP and from that moment on, San Antonio became a force to be reckoned with, not only in the Western Conference but the entire National Basketball Association.
Adding to a talented roster the next season, San Antonio selected Manu Ginobili in the second round of the Draft and then two seasons later chose Tony Parker with the 28th pick of the 2001 NBA Draft.
The addition of the two now-superstars created a corps threesome of players that would guide the Spurs to NBA Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. San Antonio took down the New Jersey Nets 4-2 in 2003, defeated the Detroit Pistons in 7 games at the end of the 2005 campaign and swept LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007.
While they haven't won a title since their win over Cleveland in 2007, the Spurs continue to be a mainstay in the NBA Playoffs and despite the rising age of Duncan, Ginobili and Parker, San Antonio consistently finds ways to win.
RELATED: Tiger, Vonn Jet Skiing: Lindsey Vonn And Tiger Woods Jet Ski With His Kids On Memorial Day Weekend
At 37-years-old, Tim Duncan continues to play at a tremendous level. Averaging over 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists this season, Duncan is still undoubtedly one of the best interior players in the game.
Manu Ginobili is also a consistent player and at the ripe age of 35, Ginobili constantly produces each and every day. With averages of over 11 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 60 regular-season games this year, Ginobili provides his teammates with a reliable scorer and defender on a game-by-game basis.
Capping off the dominant trio is 31-year-old Tony Parker. Although he battles injury from time-to-time, Parker has been lights out this postseason, averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists, helping San Antonio blow through their Western Conference opponents.
The success of San Antonio's 'Big 3' has been well-documented over the last 15 years and while the accolades are well-deserved, the organization owes a large chunk of its success to head coach Gregg Popovich.
Currently the longest tenured coach in the NBA, the 64-year-old Indiana native took over the Spurs coaching job in 1996 after serving as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors and Spurs five seasons prior to his promotion.
A 2-time NBA Coach of the Year winner, Popovich has compiled a record of 905-423 in 16 seasons as San Antonio head coach.
Add in the fact that he's won 4 NBA titles since taking over for Bob Hill 18 games into the 1996-1997 season and Popovich becomes a surefire hall of famer when he eventually decides to step away from the game.
The interesting thing about the San Antonio Spurs is that while the NBA game continues to evolve into a league that revolves around offensive dominance and teams pairing up superstars like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers have done, the Spurs have stayed the course.
Utilizing their veteran stars while receiving help from rising talents Tiago Splitter, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green has only aided San Antonio in their continued consistency as they're once again in the NBA Finals.
No matter who San Antonio meets in this year's final, expect them to compete at a high level and follow the game plan drawn up by their head coach, a method that's worked for the past 16 seasons.
WATCH San Antonio Defeat Memphis To Advance To The NBA Finals:
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
