If the younger Stoudamire can bring some of his sniper-like shooting to San Antonio and crack the roster, he would be a welcomed pickup — especially when one considers that Ginobili will be sitting out the start of the regular season (perhaps until December) following his post-Olympics ankle surgery.

Roger Mason, a proven catch-and-shoot scorer who the Spurs tried to sign last season, flies in to help from Washington. He joins Michael Finley, another catch-and-shoot specialist, who re-upped with the Spurs in August.

Gone are Brent Barry (signed with Houston as a free agent) and Robert Horry (signed at a retirement home).

The Spurs are hoping young French big man Ian Mahinmi — who made his impression on scouts at the 2004 Under-18 European Championships — is finally ready to contribute in the paint after developing his game with San Antonio's NBDL club, the Austin Toros.

Power forward Anthony Tolliver picked up a two-year contract from the club after some impressive play in the NBA's summer league. Tolliver brings with him good rebounding, sound defense and good floor intelligence — and may wind up surprising a few folks if he can earn minutes in Pop's rotation.

Parker and Tim Duncan will continue to lead the squad offensively until everyone gels and picks up the team's "corporate knowledge."

Popovich has the team where he most likes them. Every time they've won a championship, they've been positioned as the underdog. He is one of those coaches who can take the right mix of players and go further than most expect — especially if he has them firing on all cylinders by April.

"The beginning of the season is always wonderful," Popovich said. "You look forward to all the competitive situations in camp. You get to look at the young guys. You put in new ideas, things you thought about all summer. It's always a fun time of year, without a doubt."

Something better work, because these Spurs aren't getting any younger. Defensive specialist Bruce Bowen is 37, Michael Finley is 35, Fabricio Oberto is 33, Duncan's 32 and Ginobili is 31.

"I think it's going to be the last year with the same team — with the same core," said Parker, who at 26 should be entering his prime. "I think coach Pop wants to give it one more chance with that team and I think we deserve it. We won three championships in the last six years, so we'll give it one more time. After this year, we're definitely gonna have to go younger. I think for this year, I'm confident that we can do it again."

The predicted starting lineup

C — Fabricio Oberto
PF — Tim Duncan
SF — Bruce Bowen
SG — Roger Mason Jr.
PG — Tony Parker

The bench: Jacque Vaughn, Roger Mason, Kurt Thomas, Ime Udoka, Michael Finley, George Hill, Ian Mahimni, and Matt Bonner.

Fighting for a roster spot: Salim Stoudamire, Desmon Farmer, Daryl Watkins, Devin Green, Malik Hairston and Brian Morrison.

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