The Spurs Can Teach Us All Something

“No agendas,” claimed the announcer regarding the San Antonio Spurs offensive philosophy in their 120-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. The nine-point victory did not speak to the pistol-whipping that the Spurs administered on the bewildered and beleaguered Thunder, who was outmatched, out-gunned, and outmanned.They said the Spurs were too old, too rusty. That there was No Country for Old Men. The “old haggard” Spurs taught the new cowboys in town a thing or two about shootouts: never bring a knife to a gunfight at the Alamo(dome). Never underestimate the heart of a champion. Trust the plan.True cowboys never let overcast skies deter them. Or Thunder.The San Antonio Spurs are possibly the least-heralded champion of all time. With four NBA championships and a fifth just on the other side of the range, they almost obscurely have become one of the greatest professional sports teams of all-time. They’ve done it in a blue-collar way. Going to work everyday. Listening to the boss. Keeping their mouth shut.And who are the Spurs anyway? A closer look reveals a melting-pot lot comprised of players of all races and nationalities (The Spurs have representatives from more countries than the U.N). A coach that garners tremendous respect and is serious about leadership. A group of guys that have “bought in” to the concept of TEAM. A gaggle of individuals that could care less about their own individuality. No self-regard. No agendas.The roster includes the following:Tim Duncan, 36, native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Wake Forest University.Manu Ginobli, 34, from Bahia Blanca, Argentina.Tony Parker, 30, from Bruges, Belgium.Danny Green, 24, from North Babylon, New York. University of North Carolina.Kahwi Leonard, 20, from Riverside, California. San Diego State.Gary Neal, 27, from Baltimore, Maryland. Towson University.Tiago Splitter, 27, from Blumenau, Brazil.Boris Diaw, 30, native of Cormeille-en-Parisis, FranceMatt Bonner, 32, the pride of Concord, New Hampshire. University of Florida.And why are the Spurs so good? Because they PASS. “I just looked for the open man,” said point guard Tony Parker after the game.It’s amazing what good things can happen when man looks out for man. A stark contrast to today’s society.The San Antonio Spurs are proof that success can be achieved by working together. Black and white, old and young, domestic and foreign, college-educated and not college-educated.How greater could America be with No Agendas? How much better off would we be if we just looked for the open man?I have a feeling this will be a trying summer and early fall for all of us. An election is looming. A major criminal trial is impending. Now more than ever, we have to try to work together to ensure that the challenges of race do not divide this country, break it.Isn’t it time to put down agendas?Isn’t it time to think collectively about the well-being of this nation as a whole?Isn’t it time to put a Spur into our selfish thoughts and policies?Isn’t it time to drop our guns and walk away from the political and social OK Corral?If we do not see the necessity of this, ten years from now, there will be no No Country for Old Men.There will simply be No Country.