Ok, it's time for my annual column about the Spurs "flying under the radar".
 
I actually think that catch phrase was designed specifically for the Spurs.  When I first started broadcasting for the Spurs in 2001 it used to irritate me that the Spurs would routinely be dismissed by the national media as a mere afterthought.  Now I just find it humorous.
 
Even though the Spurs are consistently among the teams with the best records in the NBA, the Spurs NEVER are the top story on SportsCenter, unless they are playing the Heat or Lakers.  I appear regularly as a guest on radio talk shows around the country, and the hosts are often shocked or surprised that the Spurs are at or near the top of the standings.  Guys, they have been there for years...just pay attention!  
 
This preseason, most of the NBA chatter centered around the Lakers putting together an all star team to challenge the Thunder for the right to play Miami in the Finals, nary a mention of the Silver and Black.  When the Lakers struggled early , fired Coach Mike Brown, hired Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson, then continued to struggle they were still the top NBA story.  I just heard a national commentator proclaim the Lakers are "back", thanks to their current three game winning streak.
 
As of this writing, the Spurs have won eight straight (and sixteen in a row at home) but they didn't make the discussion.  In fact, another national show host said LA is fine, they just have to avoid top seed Oklahoma City in the first round.  The Thunder may very well earn the top seed in the West, but there's a team in SA that is currently the number one team in the west.  That's why I laugh it off now.
 
There's really no need to get upset about the lack of national coverage.  If the Spurs keep playing well and have another deep playoff run, everyone will take notice, and the Spurs may even make the lead story on Sportscenter.  Until then, enjoy the most consistent professional sports franchise in the past 15 years.  I know I will.